Overview
Few sights on earth live up to the hype quite like Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, "the smoke that thunders", this UNESCO World Heritage Site sends spray hundreds of metres into the sky and is easily visited from the Zimbabwean town of the same name. For UK travellers, it's a genuine bucket-list trip: a mix of natural spectacle, white-knuckle adventure activities and classic African safari, all reachable via Victoria Falls Airport (VFA), a modern gateway built to handle long-haul connections.
Best time to fly to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls can be visited year-round, but the experience changes with the seasons. The dry season, roughly May to October, brings clear skies, cooler mornings and excellent wildlife viewing as animals gather near the Zambezi River. Water levels at the falls are highest from March to May, when the spray is most dramatic but can obscure the view; by September and October the flow eases, revealing more of the rock face and opening up activities like Devil's Pool. The rainy season, November to March, is quieter and greener, with lower fares and fewer crowds, though afternoon downpours are common. Use the price charts on this page to see how fares shift across the year and match your dates to the experience you're after.
Airlines and routes
There are no direct flights to Victoria Falls from the UK, so journeys involve one connection. The most reliable option is flying non-stop from London to Johannesburg with British Airways or Virgin Atlantic, then connecting onward to Victoria Falls with Airlink or South African Airways, a hop of around two hours. Ethiopian Airlines offers an alternative via its Addis Ababa hub, connecting from London Heathrow, while Emirates and Qatar Airways route travellers via Dubai or Doha with a connection in the region. Total journey time from the UK is typically 13 to 17 hours including the layover, depending on route and connection times. The When to book chart above shows how these routings compare on price throughout the year.
Things to do in Victoria Falls
Once you land, there's no shortage of ways to fill your itinerary:
- Victoria Falls itself: Walk the rainforest trails on the Zimbabwean side for the most dramatic, close-up views and near-constant spray.
- White-water rafting: Tackle the rapids of the Zambezi River below the falls, rated among the best white-water runs in the world.
- Bungee jumping and bridge activities: Leap from the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, suspended between Zimbabwe and Zambia.
- Sunset cruise on the Zambezi: Relax on the water while watching elephants and hippos along the riverbanks as the sun goes down.
- Flight of Angels helicopter tour: Take to the air for a bird's-eye view of the falls and surrounding gorges.
At Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
Victoria Falls Airport sits around 18km (11 miles) from Victoria Falls town centre, roughly a 20 to 25 minute drive. The terminal, expanded to handle wide-body long-haul aircraft, has straightforward immigration and visa-on-arrival facilities. From arrivals, most travellers take a pre-booked transfer or hotel shuttle straight to their accommodation; metered taxis are also available at the airport rank, and several lodges include transfers as part of their package.
Top tips for finding cheap flights to Victoria Falls
- Book ahead: Fares for this long-haul route tend to be best when booked three to six months before travel, particularly for the July to October peak season.
- Fly midweek: Tuesday and Wednesday departures are often cheaper than weekend flights on the London–Johannesburg sector.
- Stay flexible on dates: Shifting your trip by even a few days either side of school holidays can unlock noticeably lower fares — check the price charts above for the cheapest days to fly.
- Compare connection options: Routing via Johannesburg, Addis Ababa or Dubai can produce very different prices for the same dates, so it pays to compare more than one airline.
Travel essentials
UK passport holders need a visa for Zimbabwe, available on arrival at Victoria Falls Airport; a single-entry visa or the KAZA UniVisa, which also covers day trips into Zambia and Botswana, can both be purchased on landing. The local currency situation is unusual: US dollars are the most widely accepted currency for tourism, so it's worth carrying some USD cash alongside a card. Malaria risk is present, especially in the wetter months, so speak to a travel clinic about antimalarial medication before you go, and check whether a yellow fever certificate is needed based on your travel history.
