Victoria Falls With Kids: Zimbabwe or Zambia Side?

We visited Victoria Falls with kids in March 2024, when our son was seven, and spent four nights on the Zimbabwe side. If you only have time for one side and you are travelling with children, our answer is Zimbabwe. You see more of the falls, the main trail was easy for a seven-year-old, and the town had more than enough to keep us busy. The Zambian side has the famous edge-of-the-falls swims, but those are for children aged 12 and over, and only when the water is low.

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Victoria Falls sits on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and the first question almost everyone asks is which side to visit. This is our first-hand family version: what we did, what our son loved, what we skipped because of his age, and what it all cost.

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Our Victoria Falls Trip at a Glance

When	March 2024 (high water)
Our son’s age	7
Side	Zimbabwe only
Where we stayed	Tabokana House, Victoria Falls town
How long	4 nights
Getting there	Flight from Windhoek to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)
Accommodation cost	$700 for 4 nights, breakfast included
What we did	Rainforest walk, helicopter flight, Zambezi dinner cruise, Boma dinner, Lookout Café, Simunye show, Chobe day trip

Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe or Zambia Side?

We only saw the falls from Zimbabwe, so the Zambian column below is general information from official and operator sources rather than our own experience. Fees were checked in October 2026.

	Zimbabwe side	Zambia side
The view	About two-thirds of the falls, including the Main Falls, which flow all year	Closer views of the Eastern Cataract and the Knife Edge Bridge, but a smaller share of the falls
The walk	One rainforest trail with around 16 viewpoints	Shorter trails, the Knife Edge Bridge and a path down to the Boiling Pot
Entry fee (international)	US$58 per adult. Children 6 to 12 pay half, under 6 free	US$20 per adult. Reduced rates for children, under 6 free
Nearest town	Victoria Falls town, right next to the park	Livingstone, around 10 km from the falls
Airport	Victoria Falls Airport (VFA)	Livingstone, Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International (LVI)
Best months	Good all year. Very wet from about February to July	Best at high water. Can run almost dry in October and November
Only on this side	Gorge swing, flying fox and zip line from the Zimbabwean gorge edge	Livingstone Island, Devil’s Pool and Angel’s Pool (low water, age limits apply)

For us, the best side of Victoria Falls with a seven-year-old was Zimbabwe. The town is small and close to the park, there is a big choice of family activities, and the view does not depend on the season the way it does in Zambia. If your children are 12 or older and you are visiting between roughly mid-August and mid-January, the Zambian side becomes much more tempting because of Devil’s Pool.

You can also do both. The two towns are linked by the Victoria Falls Bridge border crossing, and the KAZA UniVisa (more on that below) covers both countries.

Seeing Victoria Falls With Kids: The Rainforest Walk

We walked the rainforest trail in Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side. In March the falls were very full, and the spray was enormous. Our driver dropped us at the entrance, and we walked the trail on our own. You don’t need a guide: the path was very easy to follow.

We got very wet. We had brought ponchos, but in the end only our son wore one. It was hot, so getting soaked actually felt nice, and it was a lot of fun. Our son loved it.

The trail itself was very easy for a seven-year-old, and we didn’t find it slippery. That said, at many viewpoints there is little between you and the gorge, so keep younger children close, especially when the spray makes it hard to see where the edge is.

What to wear and bring

• A light poncho for each child, like this kids’ rain poncho. Adults may decide, like us, that getting wet is half the fun, or choose one of the adults’ ponchos.
• A dry bag for phones, cameras and passports. At high water, the spray soaks everything.
• Quick-drying clothes and sandals or shoes you don’t mind getting wet
• Sun protection for the drier sections of the trail

Our family travel gear guide covers the rest of what we pack.

Things to Do in Victoria Falls With Kids

We booked a multi-day tour with a private driver, who took us to everything. Here is what we did, followed by what we skipped.

Zambezi River dinner cruise

One evening our dinner was on a cruise on the Zambezi, above the falls, and our son loved it. We saw animals along the river, including hippos, and the staff were really lovely.

The food was incredible and beautifully presented, and our picky eater devoured his dinner. After dinner there was a small show with traditional songs. It costs $110 per adult and $55 per child, so $275 for the three of us, with drinks included.

Book a Zambezi River dinner cruise

Helicopter flight over the falls

There are two main options: a short flight of about 12 to 15 minutes (the Flight of Angels) and an extended one of about 25 to 30 minutes. We chose the extended flight, and honestly there was no need.

You see the best part, the falls themselves, in the first five to ten minutes. The longer flight adds a loop over the national park to look for wildlife, but you are too high up to see the animals well. By the end, we were all starting to feel a bit motion sick. If we did it again, we would book the short flight and save the money.

Our son was a bit scared at first, but once we were in the air he loved it, and told us it was the best day of his life. As the flight went on, though, he started to feel motion sick too, which is another reason to keep it short with kids.

The extended flight costs $365 per person, $1,095 for the three of us. The short flight is $180 per person, or $540 for three. There is no minimum age on the scenic flights we looked at, but children aged 3 and over usually pay the full adult price.

Book the short Flight of Angels helicopter flight

The Boma dinner and drum show

The Boma was a really amazing experience. Everything, from the greeting at the gate to the performances and the drum show, was incredibly well done.

Our son loved all of it. When we arrived, we were each given a cloth to wrap ourselves in, and he had his face painted as a warrior. He loved the performances, and then the part where everyone got up to dance, and when he got to play the drums himself in the interactive drum show.

The food was amazing. There were several food stations, so there was a lot to choose from, and our son, who is a picky eater, found lots of things he enjoyed. I took the mopane worm challenge (which I do not recommend, the worms taste really bad!) It costs $60 per adult and $30 per child, so $150 for the three of us.

Book the Boma dinner and drum show

Lookout Café

The Lookout Café sits on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, looking straight at the Victoria Falls Bridge. We found the food just okay, but the views made it worth going. Our son enjoyed both the view and the food.

Simunye show

If you’re looking for something cultural to do in the evening, Simunye: The Spirit of Africa is a theatrical production that brings Zimbabwean storytelling to life through traditional music, drumming, dance and impressive puppetry. The story follows Bomani, who is cast out from his tribe, and his elephant companion, Ndlovu, as they search for a place to call home. Along the way, it explores themes of belonging, community and the relationship between people and wildlife. It’s suitable for families, so children can enjoy a different side of Zimbabwean culture beyond the usual sightseeing activities. We all really enjoyed the show (our son included).

After the show we got to say hi to the performers and take photos with them, which he really enjoyed too. Tickets cost $88 per adult and $58 per child, so $234 for the three of us.

Book tickets for Simunye

What we skipped because of his age

Victoria Falls is known as an adrenaline destination, but most of the extreme activities were never an option with a seven-year-old. This is general information, checked with operators in October 2026. Age rules vary by operator and can change, so confirm when you book.

Activity	Side	Minimum age	Season
Devil’s Pool swim	Zambia	12 to swim (8 to visit Livingstone Island)	Roughly mid-August to mid-January
Angel’s Pool	Zambia	Same Livingstone Island rules	Low water only
White water rafting	Both	15	Low water. Usually closed from around February
Bungee jump	Bridge	14 is commonly quoted	All year
Gorge swing	Zimbabwe	Wild Horizons lists 6, with younger children possibly required to swing tandem. Other operators quote 14	All year

In March, Devil’s Pool and rafting would have been closed anyway because of the high water. If you have older children and want to swim at the edge of the falls, plan a visit between August and January and book Livingstone Island ahead, because places are limited.

A Day Trip to Chobe in Botswana

One of the best things about staying in Victoria Falls is how close it is to Chobe National Park in Botswana. We did a Chobe day trip from Victoria Falls, with a game drive and a boat trip on the river.

We have written about the day, including what it cost, crossing the border and getting spectacularly stuck in the reeds next to a crocodile, in our post on safari with kids.

When to Visit Victoria Falls With Kids: High Water vs Low Water

The falls change completely through the year. We went at high water. The low water notes are general information.

• High water (roughly February to July): the falls are at their most powerful and you will get soaked, as we did in March. At the peak, around April, the spray can hide parts of the view. Rafting, Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island are closed.
• Low water (roughly August to January): clearer views of the rock face and the gorge, less spray, and the edge-of-the-falls activities open. October and November are the lowest and hottest months, and the Zambian side can run almost dry. The Zimbabwe side keeps flowing all year.

For families with younger children, high water is spectacular and getting drenched is part of the fun. For families with teenagers who want Devil’s Pool and rafting, aim for low water and consider spending time on the Zambian side.

Where We Stayed in Victoria Falls

We stayed four nights at Tabokana House in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. It cost $700 in total for the three of us, including breakfast.

It was a good hotel, with a great breakfast, very friendly staff and a pool. The only downside was the location. It isn’t in town or within walking distance of the centre, so we relied on our driver during the day and took a taxi a couple of times to go into town and back. A taxi into town costs about $5 each way.

Getting to Victoria Falls and Getting Around

We were spending two months in Namibia with our son, using Windhoek as our base, so we flew from Windhoek to Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe. The return flights cost about $600 per person.

VFA is about 20 km from Victoria Falls town. On the Zambian side, Livingstone’s airport (LVI) is a short drive from Livingstone. The two towns are connected by the Victoria Falls Bridge border post, so it is common to fly into one side and stay on the other.

On the ground, our multi-day tour included a private driver who took us to every activity, which was very easy with a child. For anything else we used taxis. If you want mobile data for messaging drivers and booking activities, we compare the options in our guide to the best eSIMs for international travel.

Visas and Paperwork: the KAZA UniVisa

We had the KAZA UniVisa, which costs US$50 and covers multiple entries into Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days. It is available at major entry points, including the Victoria Falls border posts and the Kazungula border.

It also lets you make a day trip into Botswana through Kazungula and come back into Zimbabwe or Zambia. This visa does not cover an overnight stay in Botswana, so if you plan to sleep there you need whatever entry your nationality requires for Botswana, and a way back into Zimbabwe or Zambia.

If you are crossing into Botswana with children, bring their birth certificates. Our safari with kids post explains why, and what happened at the border for us.

Eating Out in Victoria Falls With a Picky Eater

Victoria Falls is a little pricier than some other African cities, such as Windhoek. In the touristy places in town, expect to pay around $15 per dish. We spent about $360 on food for the three of us over four days.

• The Boma: amazing food and huge choice, and our picky eater was happy
• Zambezi dinner cruise: incredible, beautifully presented food, and our picky eater devoured his dinner
• Baines Restaurant: amazing, in a beautiful riverfront setting
• The Three Monkeys: really good
• Lookout Café: the food was okay for us, but the views are worth it, and our son enjoyed both

Staying Safe and Healthy

Victoria Falls town felt very safe, and we never felt unsafe in any way. We didn’t walk around much in the evenings, simply because we took a taxi back to our hotel after dinner.

Victoria Falls is in a malaria area. We didn’t take antimalarials, and none of us got sick, but that was our own decision rather than a recommendation. Check the CDC’s Zimbabwe travel health page and talk to a doctor or travel clinic about your children well before you go, and use insect repellent from dusk.

What Our Victoria Falls Trip Cost

All prices are in US dollars for the three of us. The hotel, Chobe trip and flights are what we paid in 2024. The activity prices are current prices for the same experiences, so you can budget with them today. The total doesn’t include park entry or taxis.

Item	Cost
Return flights from Windhoek (about $600 per person)	About $1,800
Tabokana House, 4 nights with breakfast	$700
Extended helicopter flight ($365 per person)	$1,095
Chobe day trip, including lunch	$470
Zambezi dinner cruise, drinks included	$275
Simunye show	$234
Boma dinner and drum show	$150
Other food, about $15 per dish	About $360
KAZA UniVisa ($50 per person)	$150
Total	About $5,230

Park entry has gone up since our visit. In 2026 the Zimbabwe side costs US$58 per international adult and half that for children aged 6 to 12, so a family of two adults and one child that age pays US$145 just to walk the rainforest trail.

What We’d Do Differently

Book the short helicopter flight. The extended flight cost us $555 more for the three of us, the extra wildlife section wasn’t worth it from that height, and we were starting to feel motion sick by the end.

Stay closer to town. Our hotel was good, but being out of town meant relying on a driver or taxis for everything.

Overall, we were very happy with the Zimbabwe side and had plenty to do. If you are planning more of Africa with kids, we have also written about Namibia, Zanzibar and Mauritius. If you are planning a longer trip, our tips on long-term travel with kids might help you pace it.

Victoria Falls With Kids: Frequently Asked Questions

Which side of Victoria Falls is better for kids?

For most families, the Zimbabwe side. It has about two-thirds of the falls, the water flows there all year, the main trail is easy, and the town is right next to the park. The Zambian side is worth adding if your children are 12 or over and you are visiting at low water for Devil’s Pool.

How much does it cost to visit Victoria Falls with kids?

In 2026, entry to the Zimbabwe side costs US$58 per international adult, half price for children aged 6 to 12, and is free under 6. The Zambian side costs US$20 per international adult, with reduced rates for children. Each ticket is for a single entry.

How old do you have to be to swim in Devil’s Pool?

Twelve. Children from 8 can visit Livingstone Island but cannot swim. Devil’s Pool is only open at low water, usually from around mid-August to mid-January.

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls with kids?

It depends on what you want. From roughly February to July the falls are at their fullest and you will get soaked, which our seven-year-old loved in March. From roughly August to January the views are clearer and the age-restricted water activities open.

Can children go on the helicopter flight over Victoria Falls?

Yes. The scenic flights we looked at have no minimum age, but children aged 3 and over usually pay the full adult price. We would choose the short 12 to 15 minute flight with kids.

Do you need a visa for both sides of Victoria Falls?

Many nationalities do. The KAZA UniVisa costs US$50 and covers Zimbabwe and Zambia for up to 30 days, plus day trips into Botswana through Kazungula. Check the rules for your own passport before you travel.

Will we get wet at Victoria Falls?

At high water, very. We were soaked in March. Bring ponchos for the kids and a dry bag for phones and passports. At low water you will stay much drier.