As the mighty Zambezi River crashes over a basalt rock ledge and drops 108 metres (354 feet) down into a powerful whirlpool, it forms the largest sheet of falling water on the planet: the Victoria Falls. The Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls is the world’s greatest sheet of falling water and significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphological features and active land formation processes with outstanding beauty attributed to the falls i.e. the spray, mist and rainbows.
Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (which, aptly, means the ‘Smoke that Thunders’), the falling water's impressive roar can sometimes be heard from 40 kilometres (25 miles) away. Sprays from this giant waterfall can be seen from a distance of 30 km from the Lusaka road, Zambia and 50 km from Bulawayo road, Zimbabwe. And on a wind-free day during high-water season, which runs from about February to July depending on the rain, a dazzling cloud of mist can float high above the Falls.
Victoria Falls is undoubtedly one of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. There are many reasons why visiting Victoria Falls is a great idea! For starters, the waterfalls are absolutely stunning and awe-inspiring to behold. Additionally, Victoria Falls is located in a beautiful and exotic location, making for an unforgettable trip.
This transboundary property extends over 6860 ha and comprises 3779 ha of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia), 2340 ha of Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe), 741 ha of the riverine strip of Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe). The boundary includes areas of the Zambezi River upstream of the waterfall both in Zimbabwe and in Zambia.
Since 1998, trips to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia have been planned for thousands of travellers from across the globe. Whether you’re looking for a lodge beside the Zambezi River amidst trees in Zimbabwe or a grand hotel where white-gloved waiters serve G&Ts on manicured lawns, Vic Falls caters to every style and budget. But knowing when to go and what to expect is important for planning your trip.
Read also: Unveiling Lake Victoria
Victoria Falls is part of the mighty Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Zambezi River delineates the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe, however the river itself exists in a state of “no man’s land.”
The good news is, no matter which side you stay on, you can easily cross the border to explore the other or to undertake activities like white-water rafting, gorge swinging, bungee jumping, visiting Livingstone Island or having dinner on an old-fashioned train. With a combined width of 1 708 metres (5 604 feet) and height of 108 metres (354 feet), it is the largest waterfall on Earth.
To traverse the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, it is necessary to present your passport to the immigration officials. Notify them of your intention to remain for one day or an extended duration. A double-entry visa is necessary for a day trip.
Safari's high or peak season is from about June to October - a good time to combine a safari with a visit to Victoria Falls. The ‘sweet spot' for a good safari and great views is generally about July and August, which is also a very popular time to visit. Bear in mind that the later you visit, the drier the waterfall will be.
As about three quarters of Victoria Falls lie in Zimbabwe, the country has the lion's share of vantage points. The Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls offers the iconic view of the Main Falls, with water flowing most of the year at varying degrees of strength. Want to get really close to the cascades of water? Then head to the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. During the low-water season, head down the footpath that leads to the Boiling Pot: a massive whirlpool at the base of the waterfall.
Read also: Best Time for Victoria Falls
Like almost everything else in Africa, the spectacle at the Falls is entirely dependent on rainfall. When you choose to travel will have a massive impact on your experience of the waterfall. Rain may vary from year to year.
Expert tip: October is the hottest month of the year in Vic Falls (around 34°C / 93°F), and one of the very best months for safari. The animals don't stray far from the little remaining water, but the Falls' water levels are at their very lowest and the Zambian side will the completely dry.
Between February and July, the mighty Zambezi River is in full flood and the waterfall is at its most thunderous - usually peaking between March and April. Dazzling clouds of mist can float 400 metres (1 312 feet) above the Falls! As the early summer rains arrive in about November, so the current gains momentum and the water surges.
Low-water season runs from about September or October to about January when levels drop over the dry winter. Excellent visibility of Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe and Zambia sides - lower water levels mean less spray and mist.
‘Day pass visas' are fairly easily arranged: if activities have been booked, the driver-guide taking you to the activity will deal with all the arrangements at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Full day-trips to Chobe, Botswana's elephant kingdom, are available from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. You will have to go through border control, so don't forget your passport. Once again, all the arrangements can be made.
Read also: Mauritius Dreamy Escape
The Zambezi River is fed by water that flows down from wetlands in northern Zambia on the border with the Angolan Highlands. As the early summer rains arrive in about November, so the current gains momentum and the water surges. High-water levels mean the current is too fast for water-based activities like swimming in Devil's Pool or rafting.
The Falls' lunar rainbows or ‘moonbows' are rare atmospheric phenomena that occur when the bright glow of a perfect full moon reflects and refracts off the mist created by the waterfall. As you might expect from its name, Rainbow Falls are known for the stunning rainbows that form in the mist created by the falling water. These rainbows are best seen early in the morning or late in the afternoon when the sun is at just the right angle, or on a full moon when they create otherworldly ‘moonbows’!
Devil's Pool is probably the most extreme infinity pool in the world. This natural rock pool sits at the very edge of Victoria Falls, only accessible when water levels are at their lowest, from about August to December. Given that a slippery rock barrier and your guide are the only things stopping you from going over the Falls, taking a dip here can turn into quite an adrenalin-filled experience. A visit to see the Falls on either side of the border may only take an afternoon, there's so many other things to do on both sides of the border. Visiting the Victoria Falls is only the start of the adventure!
You'll have to reserve a spot on a boat that leaves for Livingstone Island from the Royal Livingstone Hotel in Zambia. It's a short boat ride to the island - the location where David Livingstone first set eyes on the sublime waterfall and famously articulated his encounter as, ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels on their flight'. Travel to an island right on the lip of the chasm where David Livingstone first gazed at the beauty and magnitude of Mosi-oa-Tunya.
Expert tip: There is nothing infallible about sitting on the edge of one of the world's highest waterfalls, so please listen to your expert guides who understand the water levels and currents.
If you're looking to stay within easy walking distance of the waterfall, then Zim is a good option. If you're looking to stay a little further away from the hustle and bustle, then head for the Victoria Falls Zambia side. Whichever side you choose (why not both?), it's virtually impossible not to have fun in Vic Falls.
Hwange, Zimbabwe's biggest national park, is about 104km (65mi) from Vic Falls and famous for its vast numbers of buffalo and elephant herds. Full day-trips to Chobe, Botswana's elephant kingdom, are available from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia.
Known as the ‘Flight of Angels', this thrilling flip over the waterfall is a definite bucket-list activity. Desire something a little more exhilarating than a helicopter?
Scenic Helicopter Flight over Victoria Falls: Zimbabwe Safari VLOG
Dress up and head out to the steam train that takes fine dining to a new level. The ‘Grand old Lady of the Falls', The Victoria Falls Hotel, is renowned for this activity. One of the best ways to spend a Tuesday or Friday night in this town is to have dinner on board the Bushtracks Express, a restored steam train from the 1920s that operates along a section of the “Cape to Cairo” railway.
Head to Stanley's Terrace for the famous afternoon teas and scrumptious snacks served daily. A delightful setting with superb views of Victoria Falls Bridge, enjoyed by the British royal family during their visit in 1947. Go for tea: High tea at the luxurious Victoria Falls Hotel has been a tradition for than a century, attended by royalty and famous faces alike.
Get a taste of local life and a chance to shop at colourful markets in this bustling tourist centre. There's a good reason why Vic Falls is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa'.
Known as the wildest white-water in the world, a rafting adventure on the Zambezi River is an adrenaline rush not to be missed. During low-water season, rafting is best between August and September. Rafting during high-water season usually runs from January to July, but the river will be closed if the levels are too high and dangerous. One of the most popular activities to do in Victoria Falls is to go white water rafting. White water rafting is one of the most exhilarating activities to do in Victoria Falls, and gives a totally different perspective.
Imagine a giant swing, 120m (393ft) above the water. Another epic experience, this is one of the most famous places in the world to do a bungee jump. The fall is a 111m drop, and you plummet straight down to the Zambezi River. The location of the bungee jump is on the Victoria Falls Bridge between both border crossings.
Vultures having lunch at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Raptors like vultures are among the most important birds in Africa - by eating carrion, they prevent the spread of the devastating anthrax disease.
Absolutely! There are daily flights from South Africa's international airports to Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia and Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe. A road transfer from VFA to Vic Falls Town will take you about 20 minutes. Livingstone Airport (Zambia): Although there is a frequent flight from Lusaka, the most convenient route to fly into Livingstone is from Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport.
In Zambia the town of Livingstone: is situated nine kilometers from Victoria Falls, and unlike in the town proper, accommodation on the Zambian side is situated along the Zambezi River. While most lodges provide free shuttle buses to and from the falls, a handful are located within walking distance. The town of Victoria Falls: can be easily navigated on foot. Many hotels offer convenient shuttle service to nearby attractions, including the falls, and the majority of rooms are either in the town itself or in close proximity. You may easily walk to Victoria Falls from a number of hotels due to their handy locations.
The indigenous tribes harbored a profound terror of the falls, and few ventured to approach them near. Among the native guards escorting David Livingstone, only two shown the courage to accompany him close the falls. This apprehension led to the waterfalls being largely unexamined by the indigenous tribes.
To experience the intriguing aspects of Victoria Falls, it is essential to engage a reliable tour operator with comprehensive knowledge of the area; Visit Victoria Falls offers customized itineraries designed to accommodate individual interests and tastes.
Your adventure starts at the magnificent Victoria Falls, one of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders in the world. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” this massive sheet of falling water is a sight to behold. Here, you can witness the Zambezi River plunging over a cliff, creating a mist that can be seen from miles away.
Nestled on the banks of the Zambezi River, this lodge offers stunning views and a tranquil environment. It’s a place where luxury meets nature, offering elegantly designed chalets that blend seamlessly with the environment. Each morning, you can wake up to the serene sounds of the river and the chirping of exotic birds, creating a perfect harmony with nature.
During your stay at the Chikunto Safari Lodge, you will be immersed in the heart of the African wilderness. The lodge is strategically located to maximize wildlife encounters, offering game drives led by experienced guides who share their knowledge of the bush and its inhabitants.
Apart from game drives, walking safaris are a highlight in South Luangwa. These safaris offer an intimate encounter with the African bush, allowing you to track animals on foot, learn about the smaller creatures and plants, and understand the ecosystem in its entirety.
The Zambezi River, upstream from the falls, experiences a rainy season from late November to early April, and a dry season the rest of the year. The river's annual flood season is February to May with a peak in April.
Different times of the year provide completely different experiences of the Falls. Peak flood season is around March and April when the full power of the Falls can be experienced in all its glory. Due to the masses of spray rising from the fallen water, the full width of the Falls cannot be seen on foot (and raincoats or umbrellas may be necessary). The aerial view (from microlights, helicopters or planes) at this time is spectacular, with clouds of spray rising high into the sky.
As the flood abates, the actual view of the Falls gets better and better through the year until about September. From October, as the dry season reaches its peak, parts of the Falls dry up. At its lowest, around November and December, it becomes little rivulets running over the edge and in some places, no water falls at all. The delight of visiting the Falls in this season is the view of the impressive cliffs that form the basalt wall, and the magnitude of the abyss can be fully appreciated. There are trips by raft to the base of the Falls in low season called ‘the float of angels’.
In 1851, Dr David Livingstone first heard of the great waterfall but it was only in 1855 that he set out to visit it. He spent the night on Kalai Island upstream of the Falls, having come down river by foot, and the next morning set off in a small canoe to approach the thundering ‘smoke’. He landed on the biggest island on the lip of the Falls - now called Livingstone Island - and from there obtained his first view of the Falls.
The Falls can be approached from the town of Livingstone by travelling south on Mosi-oa-Tunya Road for about 11km / 6.8mi . Just before the border, there is a turning to the right that leads to a parking area. Walks all around the Falls are accessible from this point. If approaching from Zimbabwe, cross the border at the town of Victoria Falls and watch for the left turning just after the Zambian customs post.
If action, adventure and a surge of adrenalin are your thing, then why not experience it all while visiting the adventure capital of Southern Africa?
One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls on the Zambia and Zimbabwe border was somewhere I had wanted to visit for years. Seeing the falls with my own eyes exceeded every expectation I had. It was absolutely one of the most magnificent sights I have ever seen.
The local people of the Zambezi Valley, known as the Tonga people, had lived around the Falls for centuries. They could the falls the Mosi Oa Tunya, which translates as ‘the smoke that thunders’. Victoria Falls are not the tallest waterfalls in the world, nor are they the widest. But they do hold the record for the largest single sheet waterfall in the world.
I would highly advise flying into the airport on the side of the Victoria Falls you plan on staying in. Travelling from one side to the other from an airport means needing three taxis: one from airport to the border, one across the bridge, and one from the other border to your accommodation. The easiest and main way to get to the Victoria Falls is by plane, either to Livingstone airport in Zambia (code: LVI), or to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe (code: VFA). It’s useful to know that Livingstone airport is also known as Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport.
From Livingstone airport to the town centre or most hotels/lodges, a taxi is the main form of transport and takes only 10-15 minutes. The days in mid-November were hot and steamy, and we did experience some wet days as well as some sunny days. For us, this ended up being the perfect time to go. It’s worth noting that the drought, especially in Zambia has been quite severe in recent years meaning that the falls in general are less full than previously.
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe require nearly all foreign nationalities to have a visa to enter. There is the option of a single entry visa to either country (approx USD $30-50 depending on nationality), but you can also get the KAZA visa (also known as a UniVisa). This enables the holder to freely travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe, as well do a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana through the Kazungula border. It is valid for 30 days and allows unlimited border crossings. I highly recommend getting this.
The very first thing to do when planning a trip is to decide which side of Victoria Falls to visit. As the falls straddle both Zimbabwe and Zambia, most visitors can head to both the sides (visa dependent), but you will need to choose one side to call your base. Zimbabwe is home to the Victoria Falls National Park, which was more organised and structured than on the Zambia side. It had a proper welcome centre, souvenir shop and lots of signage and information on the falls.
Fortunately, it is really simple to travel between Zambia and Zimbabwe if you have the KAZA visa. The easiest way is to walk from one side to the other, including enjoying the bridge crossing on foot as the views are spectacular. On both sides, the walk from each entry to the respective national parks to the actual passport-stamping border crossing is around 10 minutes or so. Then you need another 15 minutes to walk the length of the bridge.
If you visit when this is open, it’s a must-do activity. An activity like no other, you can swim to the edge of the falls AND look over the edge. Don’t panic - the ledge is pretty wide, and the natural pool you swim in is away from the current. After a thorough safety briefing, you jump in a speed boat to Livingstone Island. We sped past hippos and crocodiles all resting in and around the water. It was just amazing.
Popular articles:
tags: #Zambia
