Walking Through Mosi-oa-Tunya: The Zambian Experience of Victoria Falls
Walking the Victoria Falls. Nothing quite prepares you for the roar and spray of Victoria Falls. Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders”—this natural wonder is an awe-inspiring spectacle, especially from Victoria Falls National Park on the Zambian side. While Zimbabwe may offer broader panoramic views, Zambia delivers a raw, up-close experience. Here, you don’t just see the falls—you feel them. You walk through a rainforest soaked in mist, stand on Knife-Edge Bridge, and watch the mighty Zambezi plunge into the Batoka Gorge beneath your feet.
The experience is immersive, wild, and yes—you will get absolutely soaked. Bring a poncho, wear quick-drying clothes, and protect your camera gear!
Best Time to Visit: Wet vs Dry Season
The falls change dramatically with the seasons, and your experience will vary depending on when you visit.
From February to May, the Zambezi River is in full flood. This is the wet season, and the falls are at their most powerful. Mist rises in giant plumes, the sound is deafening, and the rainforest trail becomes a tropical downpour. The Knife-Edge Bridge—one of the highlights of the Zambian side—is like walking through a car wash. It’s exhilarating but be warned: views may be limited due to the sheer volume of spray.
Between June and August, the water starts to drop slightly, making for clearer views while still maintaining dramatic flow. This is an ideal time for photography and walking, as you can enjoy the rainforest without being completely drenched.
By October and November, Zambia’s side of the falls becomes a very different place. This is the dry season, when the Zambezi shrinks and much of the Zambian cascade disappears. In some years, you’ll see nothing but rock face—making it a good time to walk the base of the gorge or visit nearby Devil’s Pool, but not ideal for witnessing the full power of the falls.
Getting to the Falls from Livingstone
The Zambian side of Victoria Falls lies just 10 kilometres south of Livingstone, Zambia’s main tourism town. If you’re staying in Livingstone, reaching the falls is quick and easy. Most lodges and guesthouses offer shuttles or taxis, and the drive takes about 15–20 minutes. You can also hire a bicycle or walk, although the midday heat and wildlife presence along the route make driving the more sensible option.
Entry to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (the official name of the Zambian side of the falls) is well marked and straightforward. Foreigners pay an entrance fee in US dollars (around $20), and the ticket allows you to explore all of the walking paths, viewpoints, and rainforest trails.
What It’s Like on the Trail
Once inside the park, prepare for a sensory overload. You begin in dry woodland but quickly enter the spray zone, where ferns, moss, and dripping trees line the paths. There are several viewpoints, each with their own name and angle of the gorge. The most dramatic—and wettest—is the Knife-Edge Bridge, a narrow walkway suspended above the gorge with the main falls crashing beside you. In full flood, visibility can be almost zero, and it feels like standing inside a thunderstorm.
You can also walk down to the Boiling Pot, a whirlpool at the base of the falls where the river churns before heading into Batoka Gorge. It’s a steep path and can be slippery, but worth it if water levels are safe.
Expect to see rainbows arching across the canyon, baboons prowling the paths (hold on to your lunch), and the rainforest alive with birds and butterflies.
Other Activities Nearby
If you want more adventure, the Zambian side of the falls has no shortage of options. In the dry season (usually late August to early January), you can swim in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool right on the lip of the falls. Accessible via Livingstone Island, this daring dip is one of Zambia’s most thrilling experiences.
There’s also white-water rafting below the falls, considered among the best in the world. Rafting season is typically from August to December, when river levels are lower and the rapids are at their most technical.
You can also take microlight or helicopter flights for a bird’s-eye view of the falls and Zambezi River. The microlight in particular is a bucket-list favourite, offering an open-air flight over one of the most incredible natural scenes on the planet.
What to See in Livingstone Town
Livingstone is more than just a stopover—it’s a charming and surprisingly cultural town. Once the capital of Northern Rhodesia, it retains a colonial feel with wide streets, old buildings, and plenty of shade trees.
The Livingstone Museum is a highlight. It’s the oldest and largest museum in Zambia and contains fascinating exhibits on the country’s history, ethnography, and natural heritage. There’s a special section dedicated to Dr David Livingstone, the Scottish missionary and explorer who brought the falls to European attention in the 1850s.
For a relaxed afternoon, stroll through Maramba Market, where you can shop for textiles, fruit, and crafts, or visit Mukuni Village, a nearby traditional settlement that offers cultural tours. Many lodges also offer sundowner cruises on the Upper Zambezi, where hippos grunt from the reeds and elephants sometimes appear on the banks.
A Few Practical Tips
Bring waterproof gear if visiting during the wet season. A poncho, dry bag, and a waterproof case for your phone or camera are essential if you want to get the full Knife-Edge Bridge experience.
Pack US dollars for park fees and activities, as most are priced in USD. While many tour operators take card, some small stalls and taxis don’t. It’s also useful to carry your passport or ID when travelling between Livingstone and the falls, especially if you’re near the border zone with Zimbabwe.
A Walk Like No Other
Walking Victoria Falls from the Zambian side isn’t just a sightseeing trip—it’s a full-body encounter with one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles. You hear it, feel it, taste the spray, and leave with your clothes stuck to your skin and your heart pounding with awe. It’s a walk that makes you feel alive.
Whether you’re in Zambia for safari, adventure sports, or culture, don’t miss the chance to stand in the mist and marvel at Mosi-oa-Tunya. It’s thunderous. It’s wild. And it’s unforgettable.