Victoria Falls is shared between Zimbabwe and Zambia, yet the two sides offer completely different perspectives of one of the world’s greatest natural wonders.
Where Zimbabwe delivers sweeping panoramic views of Victoria Falls, Zambia places you closer to the river itself. The town of Livingstone sits beside the Zambezi, offering direct access to river safaris, adventure activities and dramatic viewpoints along the gorge.
This Victoria Falls Zambia itinerary explores four days in Livingstone — including white-water rafting through Batoka Gorge, swimming at the edge of the falls in Devil’s Pool and exploring the extraordinary wildlife of the Zambezi River.
For travellers exploring both countries, this journey follows naturally after spending two nights on the Zimbabwe side.
Victoria Falls, Zambia – Quick Overview
Location: Livingstone, Zambia
Nearest airport: Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport
Recommended stay: 3–4 days
Best months to visit: June – October
Key experiences: Devil’s Pool, white-water rafting, Zambezi river safari
Previous stop: Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls
Where to Stay in Livingstone
For this itinerary we stayed at two properties along the Zambezi River.
Nights One & Two
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa (Review)
Set directly on the banks of the Zambezi, this lodge provides a relaxed base for exploring Livingstone. Many of the river activities depart directly from the lodge’s jetty, making it ideal for sunset cruises and safari excursions.
Night Three
Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara (Review)
The Royal Livingstone sits inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, only minutes from the falls themselves. Zebra frequently wander the hotel grounds and the river flows just beyond the gardens, creating one of the most unique hotel environments anywhere in Africa.
Day One: Sunset on the Zambezi River
The first evening in Livingstone began with one of the classic Victoria Falls experiences: a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River.
As the afternoon heat fades, wildlife begins to appear along the riverbanks. Hippos surface quietly in the water, crocodiles rest on the sandbanks and elephants are sometimes seen crossing the river upstream.
With the sun dropping behind the river and the landscape turning gold, it’s the perfect introduction to the rhythm of the Zambezi.
Day Two: White-Water Rafting Through Batoka Gorge
-Day two begins early with one of the most exhilarating activities available at Victoria Falls – white-water rafting on the Zambezi River.
The stretch of river below the falls runs through the Batoka Gorge and is widely regarded as one of the best one-day rafting routes in the world. Depending on water levels, the full run includes around 20-25 rapids, many rated Grade IV and Grade V on the international white-water scale.
Large standing waves crash over the raft and it’s highly likely you’ll end up in the water at some point during the day — all part of the experience.
Between the rapids the river briefly calms before the next set of waves arrives.
At the end of the day there’s one final challenge: the steep hike out of the gorge, which is probably the most physically demanding part of the experience.
By the time you reach the top, the cold drink waiting afterwards feels well deserved.
For anyone visiting Victoria Falls with an adventurous streak, rafting the Zambezi is easily one of the most memorable experiences in the region.
Afternoon Safari and Walking with Rhinos
After returning from the river, the afternoon shifted from adrenaline to wildlife.
Inside Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, guided drives and walking safaris allow visitors to explore one of Zambia’s most accessible wildlife areas.
One of the highlights is tracking white rhinos on foot, accompanied by experienced guides and park rangers.
Encountering these enormous animals at close range while walking through the bush is a powerful wildlife experience and a reminder that Victoria Falls is far more than just a waterfall destination.
Day Three: Swimming in Devil’s Pool
Day three begins with one of the most famous experiences at Victoria Falls – swimming in Devil’s Pool.
Located on Livingstone Island, this natural rock pool sits right on the edge of the waterfall itself.
Access is only possible during the lower water season, when guides take small groups across the river to the island before leading you into the pool. From there you can swim out to the rock lip and look directly over the edge as the Zambezi disappears into the gorge below.
During our visit at the end of September the river levels were extremely low, but swimming out to the edge and looking down over the falls was still an incredible experience.
Afterwards, breakfast is served on Livingstone Island overlooking the river — a surprisingly relaxed end to what is otherwise a fairly adrenaline-filled morning.
It’s one of those travel moments that feels both slightly unreal and completely unforgettable.
Private Zambezi River Safari: A Wildlife Paradise
Later that day we set out on a private river safari along the Zambezi, and it quickly became one of the highlights of the entire trip.
The Zambezi here is an ornithologist’s dream. Birdlife is extraordinary, with African fish eagles soaring overhead, kingfishers darting along the riverbanks and herons standing motionless in the shallows.
Wildlife sightings are constant.
Large pods of hippos dominate many of the quieter channels, while Nile crocodiles line the sandbanks along the river’s edge. Elephants occasionally cross between islands, and the surrounding woodland is alive with birdlife.
Lunch was served on a small island in the middle of the river — surrounded by hippos and crocodiles and the vast landscape of the Zambezi.
It was one of those moments where you realise how extraordinary this ecosystem really is.
Victoria Falls Wildlife Guide
Victoria Falls is not only one of the world’s most dramatic waterfalls — it also sits within one of the most fascinating ecosystems in Southern Africa.
The Zambezi River corridor supports a remarkable concentration of wildlife. While larger game reserves like Hwange or Chobe attract most safari attention, the area around Livingstone offers surprisingly rich wildlife encounters.
From river safaris to national park walks, the variety of animals and birds makes the region a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike.
Best Zambezi Wildlife to Look For
For wildlife photographers and ornathologists, the Zambezi River is a paradise.
Birdlife is particularly impressive.
Evening at the Royal Livingstone
That evening we checked into the Royal Livingstone Hotel, one of the most iconic properties beside Victoria Falls.
The hotel sits within the national park itself, and zebra regularly wander across the lawns while the Zambezi flows just beyond the gardens.
The evening that followed was far less structured — spontaneous drinks in Livingstone town celebrating my birthday.
Sometimes the best travel moments aren’t planned at all.
Day Four: Crossing Back Across the Bridge
The final morning began with checkout and a slightly hungover walk back across Victoria Falls Bridge.
There was something strangely magical about the journey back — music drifting through the morning air, the gorge opening beneath the bridge and the Zambezi stretching out into the distance.
From there it was a short drive to Victoria Falls International Airport.
The next adventure was about to begin.
A 10-day self-drive expedition across Namibia.
That story, however, deserves its own chapter.
Other Things to Do in Livingstone
Livingstone offers many activities beyond the waterfall itself.
Horse Riding Along the Zambezi
Horseback safaris along the Zambezi riverbanks provide a peaceful way to explore the surrounding landscape.
Riding quietly through the bush allows you to approach wildlife more closely than traditional vehicle safaris.
Tiger Fishing on the Zambezi River
The Zambezi is famous among anglers for one particular species — the tiger fish.
Known for their powerful strikes and razor-sharp teeth, tiger fish are considered one of Africa’s most exciting freshwater sport fish.
Fishing trips usually depart early in the morning and explore quieter sections of the river where the current slows and fish gather.
Best Time to Visit Livingstone, Zambia
Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, but water levels and temperatures change the experience dramatically.
From February to May, the Zambezi River is in full flood following the rainy season. Water volume is immense and the spray spectacular, although visibility can sometimes be reduced.
June to August offers the best overall balance, with strong water levels, cooler temperatures and excellent safari conditions.
Between September and November, water levels drop and more of the rock face becomes visible. Devil’s Pool on the Zambia side becomes accessible, although temperatures can exceed 35°C.
There is no single perfect month to visit Victoria Falls — it depends on whether you prioritise maximum water flow, clearer viewpoints or seasonal access.
28°C
- Temperature
- Precipitation
- Rain Chance
- Wind
- Humidity
Health & Vaccination Advice for Zimbabwe
When travelling to Zambia, it is essential to review current medical guidance before departure.
For UK travellers (or any), the most up-to-date source is:
TravelHealthPro (UKHSA):
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk
https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/country/247/zambia#Vaccine_Recommendations
You can search directly for any country within the site to see current vaccination requirements, malaria risk maps and health alerts.
Medical advice can change, so always consult a GP or travel clinic at least 6–8 weeks before travel.
Common Vaccinations & Health Considerations
Below is a general overview. Individual recommendations will vary depending on personal medical history and travel style.
| Health Consideration | Typically Recommended | Notes |
|---|---|---|
|
Hepatitis A |
Yes |
Recommended for most travellers |
|
Hepatitis B |
Often |
Particularly for longer stays or medical exposure |
|
Typhoid |
Yes |
Advised due to food and water exposure risk
|
|
Tetanus |
Yes |
Ensure routine boosters are up to date |
|
Yellow Fever |
Conditional |
Required only if arriving from a Yellow Fever risk country |
|
Malaria Prevention |
Yes (seasonal)
|
Risk present, especially November–April
|
This information is provided as general guidance only. Always seek professional medical advice before travelling.
Malaria in Livingstone
Victoria Falls lies within a malaria-risk zone, particularly during and shortly after the rainy season (November to April).
Preventative measures may include:
Antimalarial medication (as prescribed)
High-strength insect repellent (DEET-based)
Long sleeves in the evening
Staying in screened or air-conditioned accommodation
Established hotels implement mosquito-control measures, but precautions remain important.
Practical Health Advice
Drink bottled or treated water
Use high-SPF sunscreen year-round
Stay well hydrated, particularly during September–November heat
Ensure comprehensive travel insurance covering safari and adventure activities
Exploring Both Sides of Victoria Falls
Experiencing both Zimbabwe and Zambia provides a far richer perspective of Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe offers the sweeping panoramic viewpoints, while Zambia delivers proximity and adventure — from Devil’s Pool to rafting and Zambezi river safaris.
Together they form one of the most extraordinary travel experiences in Southern Africa.
Continue the Journey
Before arriving in Livingstone, the journey began with two nights exploring the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe: A Curated 48-Hour Itinerary
Next, the adventure continues across Namibia on a 10-day self-drive expedition through deserts, coastlines and wildlife reserves.
Coming Soon: Namibia Self-Drive Adventure Guide
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