Victoria Falls, nature in all its grandeur!

Victoria Falls offers a breathtaking scenery everywhere you look!

The curtain of falling water is the largest in the world. Together with spectacular gorges and islands in the core zone, create an amazing scenery that will amaze every traveler.
Victoria Falls is a World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world.

Called by the locals Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “smoke that thunders” it really deserves its name. The “thunders” of the falls can be heard from 25 miles / 40 km. The mist and the column of spray are rising up and are visible from Bulawayo road in Zimbabwe at a distance of 31 miles / 50 km, also from Lusaka road, Zambia at a distance of 18 miles / 30 km.

The waterfalls was named after Queen Victoria of Great Britain by David Livingstone. The Scottish missionary and explorer of Africa was preaching Christianity in Africa in 1855. Fascinated by the beauty of the falls, wrote “On sights as beautiful as this, angels in their flight must have gazed”.

The 1700 m wide Victoria Falls are made up of five different falls, one in Zambia and four in Zimbabwe:

In Zambia:

The Eastern Cataract. Its height is 331 ft / 101 m. Can also be viewed from the Zimbabwean side at Danger point.

In Zimbabwe:

• Devil’s Cataract. Named like this due to the sacrificial ceremonies performed by the local tribes in the area and appreciated by missionaries as devilish. Its heights 230 ft / 70 m.
• Main Falls. The largest of all five and definitely the greatest. Its height is 305 ft / 93 m.
• Horseshoe Falls. Usually dry up between October and November. Its height is 311 ft / 95 m.
• Rainbow Falls in Zimbabwe. The highest one. Its height is 354 ft / 108 m. Rainbows can be seen here, on a clear day and also on a full moon lit night.

Devil’s Cataract

Main Falls

Horseshoe Falls

Rainbow Falls

Points of interest

Definitely, both sides of Victoria Falls are beautiful and equally worth seeing.
Besides, now it is easy with a single visa that covers Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana to Chobe National Park.

Victoria Falls Bridge
Walk on the 650 ft / 128 m long bridge to cross between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Meanwhile, enjoy the amazing view of the river that runs into the falls. Moreover, you’ll be at 420 ft / 128 m above the Zambezi River.

On the Zimbabwe side you’ll enjoy:

• First of all, Victoria Falls Town, a town built up entirely around its tourism industry. Has a world-class adventure-tourism scene and wildlife safaris.
• Than, the iconic viewpoints, including the Main Falls.
• Furthermore, the hotels are located very close to the falls.
• Equally important, here the water are flowing all year round.
• Also, can see the Devil’s Cataract, the lowest of the five Falls. It is separated from the rest of the Falls by Boaruka Island.

On the Zambia side you’ll enjoy:

• At first, Livingstone town, a base for travelers from all over the world.
• Second, you’ll be really close to rushing water.
• Equally important, can visit Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
• Likewise Livingstone island.
• And, of course, Devil’s Pool. The ultimate infinity pool. Feel the Zambezi river flowing past you and enjoy the totally exhilarating panoramic views across the Main Falls. Usually open between mid August and mid January.
• Or Angel’s Pool, the alternative option for Devil’s Pool. Usually accessible between mid-August to the end of January.
• For instance, the Lookout tree that offers panoramic views across the Main Falls
• Also, The Knife-Edge Bridge for the finest view of the Main Falls, Boiling Pot, Eastern Cataract
• And,certainly the Boiling Pot, a very deep pool with enormous, slow swirl and heavy boiling turbulence.

Batoka Gorge, accessible from both Zimbabwe and Zambia

You can get to see it throughout the year, by road or air. At Batoka Gorge in the drier months elephant are often found crossing the river. Also there are hippos and crocodiles found in large numbers.

Things to do

It is possible to do all kind of fascinating wild activities here!

• For example to see animals like giraffes, zebras, antelopes, visit the National Park Mosi-oa-Tunya.
• Or maybe Bungee-Jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge. Definitely you’ll get an utterly blissful feeling that will probably change your life.
• Perhaps try White water rafting. A wild roller-coaster ride along a route carved by Zambezi river. You can do this on Batoka Gorge.
• Or Kayaking. Paddle the rapids to experience the incredible power of the Zambezi.
• Once, choose a Flight over Victoria Falls from Maramba Aerodrome in Livingstone, a great way to admire the amazing scenery.
• Then, maybe High wiring, Gorge swinging, rap jumping. Soar across the deep gorge after diving off the edge of the cliff.
• Eventually swim below the Victoria Falls in the rock pools with water cascading down. Definitely is an unforgettable experience! Also, the view from there is amazing!
• Also, can try abseiling to the rock face, while the rope is let out as you make your way down.
• Or, hydrospeeding (or surfing) the Zambezi river in the Batoka Gorge

Over the year

There are completely different experiences of the Falls region during different times of the year:

Dry Season Between September and January:

• On the crest it can be seen more numerous islets.
• The First Gorge becomes dry and its bottom can be seen.
• The lowest volume of water is from September to November and the view of the Falls very clear.
• Definitely the best time for white-water rafting
• Also, the best time for swimming in Devil’s Pool
• Can view the impressive cliffs that form the Falls wall

Rainy Season – February to May, with peak flood season March and April

• Nearly all viewpoints are a misty mess.
• It is impossible to see the foot of the falls and most of its face.
• Expect the most spectacular views of the Falls.
• The aerial view at this time is spectacular.
• The power of the Falls can be experienced in all its glory especially during March and April

June to October best safari season
July and August, a very popular time to visit. Also, the best time to combine a good safari with the great views.

• January brings thunderstorms and torrential downpours. Definitely is a humid and hot month. Moreover, the river flow increase and waterfalls become more powerful.
• February it’s a month with plenty of rain. Therefore, river level rises up significantly
• March during this month the rainy season is getting closer to its end. Furthermore, the falls are gushing furiously due to the river’s high level. Moreover are hot days and warm nights.
• April has Victoria Falls flow at its maximum potency. Also, the rainy season it ends now.
• May. This month the river is flowing strongly. Also, it’s the beginning of autumn.
• June brings a lower drops in river level. Chilly at night and dry.
• July is mid-winter. Nights can be chilly but days are warm to hot. No rain, since is height of dry season.
• August means shifting seasons. Also has cool nights and warm days. Due to the low river level, Eastern Cataract can become exposed.
• September is a excellent time for white water rafting. The low river levels are exposing the rapids. Increasing temperatures.
• October has the highest temperatures of all months. Eastern Cataract is usually dry during this month.
• November is when the rainy season starts. Victoria Falls has the lowest flow.
• December get the rainy season towards its peak. Only little rivulets running over the edge.

Location

Victoria Falls is in southern Africa on the Zambezi River, The waterfalls are shared by two countries: Zimbabwe (to the south) and Zambia (to the north).

From the town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe you can walk to Victoria Falls.

The town of Livingstone, Zambia is at nine kilometers from Victoria Falls.

How to get there

By Air:

In Zimbabwe:

• Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) has daily flights from Johannesburg (JNB) and other destinations from Zimbabwe.
• Harare International Airport (HRE), flights via Johannesburg

The flights from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls only depart in the morning

In Zambia:

• Livingstone International Airport (LVI) has daily flights from Johannesburg (JNB), also to Nairobi (via Harare) and other destinations in Zambia. As well there is a regular flight from Lusaka.
• Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) is at 14 km from Lusaka.

By Train:

In Zimbabwe – from Victoria Falls railway station use the the train from Bulawayo. When departing Victoria Falls you will see a lot of wildlife in this fantastic scenery.
In Zambia – from Livingstone railway station use the train from Kitwe via Lusaka, or the one which connects with Mulobezi

By Car:

In Zimbabwe from Bulawayo is the most direct way to Victoria Falls and the roads within Zimbabwe are relatively good.

In Zambia from Lusaka to Livingstone are roads that are among the country’s best. Just remember that roads lead into Livingstone from Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

By Bus:

In Zimbabwe, from Victoria Falls are buses to Harare via Bulawayo

In Zambia: there are buses from Lusaka, from Windhoek, Namibia.

By ferry:

from Botswana to Kazungula, from there you’ll have to take a taxi to Livingstone

Useful information