Victoria Falls: Location & How to get there

Victoria Falls, one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world, is situated on the Zambezi River, right on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Considered to be the largest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls will take your breath away - but there's much more to see and do in this region.

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Where is Victoria Falls located?

Located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa, Victoria Falls is the world's biggest waterfall based on size and volume of water. While the waterfall can be found in Livingstone, Zambia, the Zambezi River serves as the several-hundred-mile long border between the two countries, and travellers will find untouched nature along its banks.

There are also several wildlife parks near the falls, which provide a stunning backdrop for sightings of incredible animals native to the area. Victoria Falls National Park, which protects the south and east bank of the Zambezi River in the falls area, is home to elephants, Cape buffalo, white rhinoceroses, and many other amazing animals. One of the most fascinating parts of this national park is the small rainforest which only grows within the spray of the falls - here, travellers can see species of plants not found anywhere else in the region.

Zambezi National Park is located upstream on the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. Here, travellers are treated to views of four of the Big Five - elephants, lions, Cape buffalo, and leopards - as well as many other species of native animals. A birdwatcher's paradise, Zambezi National Park has seen over 400 species of bird recorded within its borders.

Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is the perfect place to see some of the incredible wildlife found within Zambezi National Park. Located twelve kilometres from Victoria Falls and within the boundaries of Zambezi National Park, the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is home to the Big Five, as well as other must-see animals such as giraffes and zebras.

Closest cities and airports to Victoria Falls

The closest city to Victoria Falls is, fittingly, Victoria Falls Town. Located in Zimbabwe, travellers will likely have to travel to the second-closest city, Livingstone (located in Zambia), to view the falls from the ground or to explore the surrounding rainforest. Note that both cities have international airports, serviced by several flights a day from various major destinations.

Victoria Falls Town, Zimbabwe

From the city centre, it's a mere 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) to the bridge from which you can view the falls. Travellers looking to visit Victoria Falls National Park from the Zimbabwean side will need to travel another 5 kilometres.
Visiting Victoria Falls and exploring Victoria Falls National Park is a dream for many, and the most direct way to do it is by beginning your journey in Victoria Falls Town. If you’re planning to see more of Africa, you might want to opt for an overland tour.

Livingstone, Zambia

From Livingstone's city centre to the falls bridge, visitors will need to travel 13 kilometres (8 miles). Travellers looking to visit Victoria Falls National Park on the Zambian side will have to travel 15 kilometres (9 miles) from the city.
From Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, Livingstone's international airport, it is a mere 30-minute car ride to Victoria Falls, as well as to Victoria Falls National Park.

TourRadar recommends a safari starting in Victoria Falls.

Best way to get to Victoria Falls

The best way to get to Victoria Falls depends on what you'd like to see along the way, which countries you'd like to visit, and the experience you'd like to have. Depending on all of the above, there are many different options to consider when travelling to Victoria Falls.

From Cape Town, South Africa

Flights from Cape Town International Airport can be three to six hours long with connections, but there is an increasing number of direct flight connections to Livingstone and Victoria Falls. Note that prices fluctuate depending on the season. Travellers looking to take the journey overland should expect it to last about two days. If this seems like an appealing option to you, consider an overland tour starting in Cape Town. This way, you will be able to see the famous Kruger National Park as well as Victoria Falls.

From Nairobi, Kenya

There are multiple three-hour flights per week from Joma Kenyatta International Airport to Victoria Falls, which is convenient as the airport is a major transportation hub for international flights. While the overland journey takes five days at a minimum, travellers on a tour starting in Nairobi will be able to see some incredible animals, natural beauty, and history along the way.

From Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

From Addis Ababa, it is a four and a half hour flight to Victoria Falls. There are multiple flights a week from Addis Ababa Bole International Airport. However, travellers looking to drive from Ethiopia should settle in for a long journey - at more than 4,300 kilometres (2,672 miles), the trip will take over 8 days. If you're ready to set out on a grand adventure, check out these overland tours from Addis Ababa.

From Lusaka, Zambia

While the flight from Lusaka, Zambia is usually only about four and a half hours, this route is not recommended, as there are no direct flights from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport in Lusaka. For travellers set on making the journey from Lusaka, the 500 kilometre (310 miles) distance can be completed overland over the course of 7 to 8 hours.

From Maun, Botswana

Travellers looking to experience the beauty of Botswana before their adventure in Victoria Falls should note that there is no easy way to make the journey. There are no direct flights to Victoria Falls from Maun Airport - the journey generally takes about 17 hours. While the drive should only be about seven and a half hours, travellers should expect the rough conditions and occasional flooding to make it last at least two days in a 4WD vehicle.

From Harare, Zimbabwe

By plane, it's an easy one hour journey to Victoria Falls from Harare, Zimbabwe's Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport. Travellers interested in making the drive should expect for it to last nine to ten hours over about 700 kilometres (435 miles). There is also a public transport option between Harare and Victoria Falls which is an attractive option for budget travellers, but note that, while it is an inexpensive option, there are many stops and the journey may not be comfortable.

Location

Located in: Zambia and Zimbabwe
Coordinates: 17°55′28″S 25°51′24″E
Closest airport: Victoria Falls Airport
Closest city: Victoria Falls Town

Learn more about Victoria Falls

Most popular Victoria Falls trips

Botswana & Victoria Falls Adventure

This tour gave me a very good (first) impression of Botswana. Highlights were seeing the Elephants from up close in Chobe National Park, spending a night in the Okavango Delta and of course visiting the Victoria Falls. I believe that this was the best way for me as a solo traveller to get to see these highlights in a short amount of time while hanging out with other like-minded travellers. Read more

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The accomodation was fantastic they treat you like family and Victoria Falls was awesome and the town is very welcoming. Read more
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The trip was far better than I expected I've looked forward to this trip for years. Read more

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