Flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Most travelers flying to the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are doing so for one reason – the visit to Victoria Falls itself, the famous waterfall on the Zambezi River, one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world. The explorer David Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria, but the local tribes call it Mosi-o-Tunya, “the Smoke that Thunders” – with the spray and mist rising to over 400 meters and the noise heard from 24 miles away, visitors soon find out why!

Flying to Victoria Falls

1. Which Airports serve Johannesburg to Victoria Falls?

Johannesburg has two international airports. The largest is Johannesburg OR Tambo International (JNB), which is located about 15 miles from the city. The other is Lanseria International Airport (HLA), which is close to Johannesburg’s business hub. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) is 11 miles from the town of Victoria Falls, with shuttle services bringing travelers to the town and waterfall.

2. Which Airlines operate flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls?

There are at least two daily flights to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg. The airlines offering these are South African, British Airways and Fastjet.

3. How long is the flight?

A direct flight to Victoria Falls from Johannesburg takes 1 hour and 40 minutes. They are in the same time zone, so no adjustments are required.

4. Climate changes between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls has a hot climate all year round, reaching particularly high temperatures in September to January, when you may also see some rain. Victoria Falls is likely to be hotter than Johannesburg.

5. Culture differences and need-to-know

In 2009, the Zimbabwean Dollar was officially renounced, so the South African Rand and the US Dollar are the best currencies to use at Victoria Falls, with the entrance fee to the Victoria Falls National Park required in US Dollars.

South Africans do not require a visa to visit Zimbabwe. Those from other countries that do require a visa can obtain it on the border. If you are just making a day trip to Victoria Falls, then all tourists can enter without a prior application process.

Victoria Falls Information

After the urban sprawl and traffic of Johannesburg, a visit to Victoria Falls offers the chance to escape into the wonders of nature – and wonders of nature do not come much more spectacular than Victoria Falls! As well as a tour of Victoria Falls themselves, you may also like to take a helicopter trip over the falls, enjoying spectacular views over the surrounding area. Adventure sports such as bungee jumping and white-water rafting are popular here, or you could tour the bottom of the falls for a chance to swim in the rock pools below the cascade. For a calmer experience, you could enjoy a boat trip on the Zambezi River, with a sunset cruise being a particularly romantic experience. A tour of the National Park Mosi-oa-Tunya is also recommended, with the chance to see animals such as giraffes, zebras, and antelopes.