Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park protects Zambia's side of Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The park's name translates to 'The Smoke That Thunders' in the Kololo language, a reference to the immense spray column that rises from the falls and can be seen from over 30 kilometers away. At 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters tall, Victoria Falls is the largest sheet of falling water on Earth. While the park is small at just 66 square kilometers, it packs an extraordinary amount into that space. Beyond the falls themselves, the park contains a small but rewarding game area where reintroduced white rhinos can be tracked on foot, an experience unique to this part of Zambia. The Knife Edge Bridge offers a dramatic viewpoint where you stand surrounded by the falls' spray with the main cataract thundering in front of you and the Boiling Pot churning far below. Livingstone, the gateway town named after the explorer who first brought the falls to European attention in 1855, sits just minutes from the park entrance and serves as Southern Africa's adventure capital. Bungee jumping, white water rafting, helicopter flights, and the famous Devil's Pool (a natural infinity pool on the lip of the falls) make this one of Africa's most action-packed destinations.
Last updated: February 2026
Wildlife in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Big Five Status
lion
Not present
leopard
Not present
elephant
Good
buffalo
Good
rhino
Good
Wildlife Highlights
White Rhinoceros
Reintroduced to the park and one of the few places in Zambia where rhinos can be seen. Guided walking with rhinos is a popular activity.
Elephant
Elephants frequently move through the park and are sometimes seen near the falls area, particularly during the dry season.
Giraffe
A small population of giraffes inhabits the game area, offering easy viewing on short game drives.
Zebra
Plains zebra are common in the game area and easy to spot.
200+ bird species including Trumpeter hornbill, African finfoot, Rock pratincole, Half-collared kingfisher, Schalow's turaco.
Best Time to Visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
The best time depends on your priority. For the most dramatic waterfall views, visit from February to May when the Zambezi is at peak flow. For adventure activities like Devil's Pool and better visibility of the rock face, visit from September to December when water levels are lower. The park is open year-round.
peak_water Season
February, March, April, MayWarm to hot, late rains or drying. Humidity high.
Moderate
Moderate to high
Falls at maximum flow. Spray can obscure views but the power is extraordinary. Lunar rainbows visible during full moon.
dry_season Season
June, July, August, September, OctoberDry, cool to very hot. June/July cool, Sep/Oct very hot.
High (peak tourist season)
High
Falls flow decreasing. Rock face visible on Zambian side. Devil's Pool open (Sep-Dec). Game viewing best.
early_rains Season
November, December, JanuaryHot, afternoon thunderstorms beginning.
Lower
Moderate
Water levels rising. Devil's Pool may still be open early November. Green and lush.
Getting to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
By Air
RecommendedBy Road
Entry Gates
Falls Gate
Main entrance for Victoria Falls viewing.
Game Park Gate
Entrance to the game viewing area with rhinos and other wildlife.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park Entry Fees (2026)
| Category | Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| Adult (Non-resident) | $20/day |
| Child (Non-resident) | $10/day |
- • $20 per person for falls viewing (non-residents)
- • $10 per child for falls viewing
- • Game area fees: $20 per person
- • Rhino walking: included in game area entry or as a separate guided activity
- • KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows you to visit both the Zambian and Zimbabwe sides
Activities in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
Included Activities
Victoria Falls viewing
Walk along the cliff-edge path with multiple viewpoints of the falls, including the Knife Edge Bridge. The spray creates a permanent rainforest along the gorge rim. Raincoats and waterproof camera bags recommended during high water.
Optional Extras
Devil's Pool
$80-$120Swim in a natural rock pool right on the lip of Victoria Falls, peering over the 108-meter drop. Available only when water levels are low enough (typically September to December). Accessed by boat and a short swim across the top of the falls.
Walking with Rhinos
$60-$100Track reintroduced white rhinos on foot in the park's game area with an armed ranger. A unique opportunity to see rhinos in Zambia.
Bungee jumping
$150-$175Jump 111 meters from the Victoria Falls Bridge spanning the gorge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. One of the world's most scenic bungee locations.
White water rafting
$120-$180Grade 5 rapids in the Batoka Gorge below the falls. One of the world's top white water rafting experiences. Full-day and half-day options.
Helicopter flight (Flight of Angels)
$150-$300Scenic helicopter flight over Victoria Falls for aerial views of the full width of the falls, the gorge, and the Zambezi River.
Microlight flight
$160-$250Open-cockpit microlight flight over the falls. More intimate and exhilarating than a helicopter.
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi
$50-$80A relaxing cruise on the Upper Zambezi above the falls, with drinks and snacks, watching the sunset over the river with hippos and elephants on the banks.
Zip-lining
$60-$100Zip across the Batoka Gorge on a cable, with views of the falls and the bridge.
Where to Stay
Accommodation is based in Livingstone rather than inside the park. Options range from luxury lodges along the Zambezi to budget hostels in town. The falls are easily accessible from all Livingstone accommodations.
luxury
$300-$1200/person/nightIncludes: River-front location, meals, some activities, falls transfers
Examples: royal-livingstone-hotel, tongabezi-lodge, sanctuary-sussi-and-chuma
mid range
$80-$300/person/nightIncludes: Comfortable rooms, breakfast, pool, falls shuttle
Examples: avani-victoria-falls-resort, david-livingstone-safari-lodge
budget
$15-$80/person/nightIncludes: Dorm beds or basic rooms, communal kitchen, activity booking desk
Examples: jollyboys-backpackers, fawlty-towers-livingstone
Practical Tips
- 1Bring a waterproof bag or case for your camera during high water season (February to June)
- 2Wear shoes with good grip; the spray-soaked paths near the falls can be very slippery
- 3A rain poncho or waterproof jacket is essential from February to May; you will get soaked
- 4The Zambian side gives you a closer, more immersive experience; the Zimbabwe side offers wider panoramic views
- 5Budget one full day for the falls and another for adventure activities
- 6The KAZA UniVisa ($50) lets you visit both sides of the falls freely
- 7Devil's Pool is seasonal (roughly September to December); confirm availability before planning around it
- 8Book adventure activities through your hotel or a reputable operator in Livingstone
Frequently Asked Questions
Which side of Victoria Falls is better, Zambia or Zimbabwe?
Both sides offer distinct experiences. The Zimbabwe side provides broader panoramic views of the full width of the falls from multiple viewpoints. The Zambian side offers a closer, more immersive experience, with the Knife Edge Bridge putting you right in the spray. Most visitors recommend seeing both sides. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows easy crossing between the two countries.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
It depends on your priority. For the most powerful views with maximum water flow, visit February to May. For adventure activities like Devil's Pool and clearer views of the rock face, visit September to December. June to August offers a good balance of water and visibility with pleasant temperatures.
What is Devil's Pool and when can you visit it?
Devil's Pool is a natural rock pool on the very lip of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. You can swim in it and look over the 108-meter drop. It is only accessible when water levels are low enough, typically from September to December. You reach it by boat and then swim across the top of the falls with a guide. It is closed during high water months for safety.
Can I do a day trip from the Zimbabwe side to the Zambian side?
Yes. The KAZA UniVisa ($50) allows multiple crossings between Zambia and Zimbabwe for 30 days. The border crossing at Victoria Falls Bridge takes 15 to 30 minutes. Many visitors base themselves on one side and do day trips to the other.
Is Victoria Falls worth visiting during low water season?
Absolutely. Low water (September to December) reveals the dramatic basalt rock face and allows access to Devil's Pool. You can also see lunar rainbows during full moons. While less thunderous, the falls are still spectacular and many visitors prefer the clearer views during this period.
Official Resources
Sources
- Victoria Falls is 1,708m wide and 108m tall, UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989: UNESCO World Heritage Centre
- Park size of 66 sq km, established 1972: Department of National Parks and Wildlife, Zambia