Victoria Falls from Helicopter and Land

Victoria Falls is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is located between Zambia and Zimbabwe. I visited the falls in January which is Summer time during low water season. The Zambia side was predominately dry but the Zimbabwe side was spewing with water.

Victoria Falls National Park, Zimbabwe

The African name for Victoria Falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya which translates to the smoke that thunders. The people named the falls this because the spray from the falls can be so dense that it looks like smoke from a distance.

Bird's eye view of Victoria Falls

We first saw the massive waterfall from a helicopter which flew in a figure 8 pattern. It was about a 12-13 minute flight and it was spectacular. I would recommend seeing the falls from the helicopter to anyone if it is in their budget.

Selfie from helicopter

We then did a walking tour through the Victoria Falls National Park. It was a 2-hour stroll along a paved path with beautiful views of the waterfall from different viewpoints. Depending on the time of year you could need a rain poncho because of the heavy mist. Before visiting the park be aware that there is a $30 entrance fee per person.

Getting There

We departed from Sabi Sands, South Africa and took a 40 minute bush plane to Nelspruit International Airport. From Nelspruit with flew into Livingston, Zambia. We had a driver pick us up at Livingston and take us across the border into Zimbabwe to our hotel. When visiting Victoria Falls, you can either stay in Zimbabwe in the town of Victoria Falls or in Zambia in the city of Livingston.

We stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and would recommend it for its breath-taking views, service and ideal location; however, the rooms needed to be updated. If staying on the Zimbabwe side I suggest flying into the Victoria Falls Airport if possible to avoid crossing the border.

View from the poolside deck of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Border Crossings and Visas

Crossing the border is slightly difficult and can take up to an hour during high commute times. You first have to exit a country by getting a departure stamp, travel through a small strip of “no-man’s land,” and then enter a country and get an arrival stamp. Make sure that the immigration officer gives you a clear stamp so there are no doubts later on.

Immigration line at border

Flying into Livingston or Victoria Falls airport and being a U.S.A citizen, you will need to purchase a $50 visa that will give you access to Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. You pay the fee at customs when you arrive to the airport, but you must have U.S. dollars. The customs agents would not accept any other currency and using a credit was very difficult.

High Water and Low Water Seasons High Water:

• Between February and July

• Peak season between March and April

• The mist is very heavy and looks almost like plumes of smoke from the distance

• At highest water it is too dangerous to go to Devils Pool and do white-water rafting

Low Water

• Runs between August and January and is at its lowest between November and early December.

• Less spray and can see the falls fully

• Can be very hot in the day and dramatic thunder and lightning storms in the evening

• The Zambia side could be completely dry