How to Visit Victoria Falls in Comfort and Class: The Ultimate Luxury Escape

A Listly List - In the world of travel and exploration, there are a number of places that many would want to visit and have on their bucket lists. Victoria Falls is such a place in Africa. The falls are one of the planet’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders and are a must-visit for anyone in the region. Though known to the world as Victoria Falls, the locals refer to this mammoth of a location as “The Smoke That Thunders,” or Mosi-oa-Tunya. Cascading almost 100 metres into the gorge below, Victoria Falls has a width of almost 2 kilometres, which is massive. Whether you’re sipping sundowners on the Zambezi or spotting rhinos in a private reserve, a luxury journey to Victoria Falls is deeply rewarding.

**When to Visit for the Best Experience**

Choosing the best time to visit Victoria Falls totally depends on what kind of experience you are looking for. Between February and May, the falls are at their fullest following the rainy season, offering the most dramatic flow, though mist can obscure views at times. From June to August, the weather is cooler and drier, which is perfect for photography and wildlife viewing, particularly in nearby parks and reserves. Later in the year, from September to November, water levels drop, revealing interesting geological details of the gorge and allowing unique activities such as swimming in Devil’s Pool (on the Zambian side).

**Arriving in Style**

If you are planning to go through the Zimbabwean side of the falls, it is well connected via the Victoria Falls Airport. This airport sees many regional flights from all over Johannesburg, Cape Town, Windhoek, as well as Nairobi. On arrival, transfers to luxury lodges and resorts are typically seamless, with private drivers or lodge vehicles offering a warm welcome. For those looking to start their journey in elegance, this stretch of the Zambezi River offers beautiful scenery and effortless access to both natural and cultural highlights.

**Where to Stay: Comfort Beyond Compare**

Accommodation on the Zimbabwean side of the falls ranges from heritage properties to ultra-private retreats. Among the most highly regarded is Anantara Stanley & Livingstone Victoria Falls, a luxurious boutique lodge set within the exclusive Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve. Luxury hotels in Zimbabwe have evolved in recent years to meet the expectations of discerning global travellers. The most important thing before setting foot in any hotel is to do your research and satisfy yourself with the quality that is to be expected.

**Fine Dining in the Wild**

Culinary experiences in Victoria Falls are designed to complement the grandeur of the setting. Many lodges' seasonal menus highlight local produce, game meats, and international techniques. For those venturing into town, the dining scene is surprisingly sophisticated as well. Those staying in high-end lodges may also indulge in private in-suite dining or sunset river feasts arranged by their hosts. Many of the hotels, especially around the Victoria Falls area, now incorporate locally sourced, sustainable ingredients into their menus, aligning gourmet indulgence with environmental mindfulness.

**What to Do: Exclusive Experiences Around the Falls**

While the falls themselves are the obvious focal point, the surrounding region offers a wealth of premium activities designed for comfort, thrill, and discovery.

**Helicopter flights** above the falls are a favourite among luxury travellers. They offer a bird's-eye view of the Zambezi’s immense power. Known as the “Flight of Angels,” this short but exhilarating journey reveals the true scale of the gorge and the rainforest mist that envelopes it.

**River cruises** at sunset on the Zambezi offer a more peaceful perspective. Luxury boats equipped with open decks, canapés, and top-shelf drinks glide past pods of hippos, crocodiles, and bathing elephants. Some boats operate under solar power, adding a sustainable element to an already unforgettable experience.

**Adrenaline seekers** aren’t left out, either. Ziplining, white-water rafting, and bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge are all available, though many luxury guests prefer to view these pursuits from a safe (and dry) distance. - Website at https://www.anantara.com/en/stanley-and-livingstone-victoria-falls/rooms/garden-view-suite