If visiting the majestic Victoria Falls isn’t already on your bucket-list, you need to put it there at once! While debate continues to rage whether the views are better from the Zimbabwean side or Zambian side of the border, either way you won’t be disappointed.
The Victoria Falls, which straddles both Zimbabwe and Zambia, is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It also happens to be an African destination that combines brilliantly with so many others in Southern Africa that you were likely already considering, namely Cape Town, Kruger or even Botswana.
The Falls, as we affectionately call the region, offers so much more than just the, albeit incredible, opportunity to see (and feel and hear) this marvel up close, but is a destination that is host to so much more.
It caters to adventure seekers, by way of adrenaline-packed activities like swimming in Devil’s Pool on the edge of the falls, bungee jumping, zip-lining and microlighting. And equally so appealing to those seeking a calmer experience of the region such as sunset cruises, walking tours, gorge edge lunches and elephant interactions.
The mighty Zambezi River, the lifeblood for many, divides the two countries and ultimately cascades down the mile-wide chasm into the winding gorges below. Pushing up spray to a height of well over 400 metres (1,300 ft) and crashing the 108m straight down, at a rate of 1,088,000 litres a second, forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world. Upstream, several award-winning lodges are perched on its banks, with warm smiles awaiting your arrival. Add to this a number of larger hotels and boutique guest houses, and one has a great selection of ideal bases from which to explore the area.
Victoria Falls: Africa’s Adventure Capital
Clocking in at twice the height of Niagara Falls, the Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s greatest and most-visited attractions. Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’, Vic Falls is often the end-point of a Southern African safari.
The area is known as Africa’s Adventure Capital because there is so much to see and do. In addition to touring the Falls, you can also see them from the air on a helicopter or microlight trip. Hit the water in a canoe, raft or cruising boat; meet habituated elephants; leap off the historic bridge; and swim in the mischievously named Devil’s Pool. There’s also plenty of shopping and history, as well as lazy days in the sunshine after a bumper safari.
Marvel at the World’s Most Colossal Waterfall Victoria Falls from Helicopter.
Not only is Victoria Falls one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is also an official World Heritage Site. Defined as the world’s biggest waterfall when measured by the sheer volume of falling water, Mosi-oa-Tunya has thrilled people for centuries. You will experience it almost exactly as ancient tribes did since there is very little building or development around the Falls. This unspoilt beauty is what makes the experience so special: you easily imagine what it was like for those explorers seeing it for the first time.
The largest uninterrupted sheet of falling water in the world.
Victoria Falls sits on the border ofZimbabwe and Zambia.
On the Zimbabwe side, paths in lush rainforest reveal extensive views of the Main Falls.
In Zambia the Knife-Edge Bridge takes you close to the cascading water and a steep footpath leads to the Boiling Pot – a huge whirlpool at the base of the Falls.
Both sides are well worth a visit and it’s relatively easy to travel between the two.
Get Your Pulse Racing with Adventure Activities
Victoria Falls holiday activities
As if being dazzled by millions of litres of water surging past you every second down a deep gorge isn’t enough, Victoria Falls offers plenty of other ways to get your adrenalin pumping. A sure-fire one is to take a guided microlight flip over the Falls, flying through the rainbow created by the spray. Back on the ground, water babies can join a white-water rafting crew for some of the best rapids anywhere in the world!
Helicopter flips and microlight flights over the Falls.
Seasonal white-water rafting: at least 18 rapids, some hitting Grade 5.
Bridge swinging, bungee humping and zip-lining.
Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River.
Seasonal swimming in Devil’s Pool, right on the edge of the Falls.
Take one last safari with a day-trip to Chobe or Hwange National Parks.
Zimbabwe Or Zambia? Great news for travellers there is so much to choose and plenty to do for every traveller on both sides.
When you need to relax, Victoria Falls has plenty to offer, both in Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwean side and in Livingstone on the Zambian side. It’s a truly multi-generational destination: those interested in animals can head off to see habituated elephants (please read this important information about ethical animal encounters). History and culture buffs will have a lot to learn and foodies can try traditional African meals – you can even learn to drum and dance the traditional way!
Romantics
Take high tea at the hotel where a young Queen Elizabeth II stayed or enjoy a lavish dinner on a steam train.
One can also be spoilt to a spectacular view of elephants and hippos on a sunset cruise.
Families can spoil themselves by shopping in markets for souvenirs and presents.
Head to Vulture Culture at feeding time to learn more about raptors and finish it of by Walking under the old bridge to hear its amazing story.
One can also get a beautiful shot of a lunar rainbow at full moon when the spray is high enough.
Accommodation at Victoria Falls includes everything from family-friendly resorts to gracious hotels where white-gloved waiters serve G&Ts on the manicured lawn; from romantic riverside cottages to luxurious chalets. After a safari in tented camps, you might want to check into an upscale hotel with air conditioning, room service and a swimming pool. Or continue your immersion in the bush by going upstream to a laidback river lodge on the Zambezi.
Staying in town will allow you easy access to many activities and attractions.Some hotels offer free shuttle services.
We can seamlessly connect all your pick-ups and drop-offs.Staying upstream is quieter and more exclusive – ideal for honeymooners.
Victoria Falls is positioned at the heart of the Southern African safari experience and combines easily with incredible wildlife destinations. There are daily flights from South Africa’s international airports to Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia and Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zim. A road transfer from VFA to Vic Falls Town will take you about 20 minutes.