Victoria Falls: Zambia, Zimbabwe and the Best Views

Victoria Falls is one of those places where photographs fail. The Zambezi River drops more than a hundred metres into a narrow gorge, sending a mist plume so high that it can be seen from kilometres away. Local names call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke That Thunders, and the name is accurate.

The falls sit on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and both sides offer different experiences. The Zimbabwean side has about two-thirds of the viewpoints, including the famous Main Falls and Devil's Cataract, and is generally considered the better panoramic experience. The Zambian side is less crowded and brings you closer to the water, especially at Knife-Edge Bridge.

You can cross the border on foot at the Victoria Falls Bridge, which itself offers one of the best views. Bring your passport, a visa if required, and a raincoat: the spray is heavy, particularly in high water from February to May. By September and October, the flow drops and some sections dry up, but the gorge is still impressive.

The adventure activities are famous for a reason. White-water rafting below the falls is world-class, the bungee jump from the bridge is terrifying, and microlight flights give you an aerial view of the falls and the Zambezi. For something calmer, take a sunset cruise above the falls to watch elephants drink at the water's edge.

Base yourself in Livingstone on the Zambian side or Victoria Falls town on the Zimbabwean side. Both are small, tourist-oriented, and easy to navigate. Livingstone has a slightly more local feel; Victoria Falls town is closer to the main viewpoints.

Combine the falls with Chobe National Park in Botswana, just an hour away, for elephants by the thousand. The best time to visit is February to May for maximum flow, or June to August for comfortable weather and reliable game viewing.