Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe & Zambia
Victoria Falls, known by locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, is one of the “7 Natural Wonders of the World” and a World Heritage Site.
The Victoria Falls marks the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, where the mighty Zambezi River gathers its strength and tumbles off a fissured basalt plateau into a series of dramatic gorges 100 meters below. Though not the tallest waterfall on land (this title is held by Angel Falls in Venezuela), at an impressive width of 1,708m, the Victoria Falls creates the single largest continuous falling curtain of water on the planet.
At the peak of the rainy season, around 500 million cubic meters of water thunder down the cliff face per minute, sending up clouds of rainbow spray. This is truly a magnificent wonder that every traveler should visit once in a lifetime. Victoria Falls were first seen by Western eyes in 1851 when British explorer David Livingstone came upon them and named them after his queen.
Reflecting on the experience of seeing falls for the first time, he wrote, “Scenes so lovely must be gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
In Which Country Is The Victoria Falls Located?
The Victoria Falls are located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. The waterfall straddles Zimbabwe to the west and Zambia to the east, and can easily be accessed from either country via Livingstone in Zambia or Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe.
Both cities have international airports, serviced by several flights a day from various major destinations. Victoria Falls also combines seamlessly with many other African safari hot spots as a convenient add-on.
It is a short road transfer from Chobe in Botswana and Hwange in Zimbabwe, and a short flight from Botswana’s Okavango Delta or Kruger in South Africa.
Is Victoria Falls The Biggest waterfall in The World
Yes, the Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in the world. The falls have a combined width of 5,604 feet (1,708 metres) and a height of 354 feet (108 metres).
Venezuela’s Angel Falls is higher but not wider than the Victoria Falls. It is 1.5 times wider than and doubles the height of Niagara Falls, with, unlike Niagara, scenic national parks on either side.
When Scottish explorer and missionary, Doctor David Livingstone, first laid eyes on the falls in 1855, little did he know that it would be confirmed as the largest waterfall on Earth, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Is It Better To See Victoria Falls From Zimbabwe or Zambia
This depends totally on your safari wishes.
Both Zimbabwe and Zambia have superb views of the Victoria Falls.
However, it is your choice of activities and accommodation preferences that might influence your vacation decision.
If you want to experience the best of both worlds, you can easily get across the border via the Victoria Falls Bridge. All you will need is a multiple-entry visa and your passport.
The visa can be bought at the border control. This means that if you are staying on the Zimbabwe side and want to view the falls from the Zambia side, you can do so comfortably on a day excursion – and vice versa.
Top Things To Do At Victoria Falls
- Nature Guided Walk
One to go right at the top of your activity list is taking a guided walking tour of Vic Falls.
Under the expert care of a local guide, you will get close to the incredible nature on offer in the falls. The walk is best conducted in the morning to showcase this wonder of nature in the best light, with sparkling rainbows, clouds of thick spray, and the thundering power of the water. Touring the fall is an all-encompassing sensory extravaganza.
- Zambezi River sunset cruise
This is a lovely and relaxing way to savour the awe-inspiring beauty of the longest east-flowing river in Africa. Expect to see elephants crossing the river, a tremendous number of birds (African fish eagles, terns, pelicans, herons, and more), buffalo, Monkeys, water monitors, and huge Nile crocodiles.
Marvel at Africa’s blazing sunset and be replete with good food, fine drink, and excellent company.
- White water rafting on the Zambezi River
Known as one of the best one-day rafting trips in the world, white water rafting on the Zambezi River below the Victoria Falls is an adrenaline rush not to be missed.
During low-water months, rafting is best from August to September.
During high water months, rafting usually runs from January to July, but the river will be closed if the levels are too high and dangerous.
Though some stretches are classed as Grade 5, there are long stretches of calm waters, and you will always be with an experienced guide.
- Bungee jumping
Victoria Falls is known as the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’ and is overflowing with electrifying activities for thrill-seekers.
The bungee jump off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge is one of the highest jumps in the world. Jump through the mist and into 2 different countries from one spot!
- Visit Livingstone’s Island And Swim In the Devil’s Pool
Livingstone Island is the point at which Dr. David Livingstone first gazed at the beauty and magnitude of Mosi-oa-Tunya.
Follow in David’s footsteps to the island in the company of experienced guides and take a dip in the most extreme plunge pool in the world!
It is important to note that this adventure is only offered during the low-water season from August to January and can only be accessed from the Zambian side of Victoria Falls
- Canoeing And Kayaking On the River Zambezi
Another way to explore the beautiful Zambezi River at Victoria Falls, at a rather more leisurely pace, is by kayak or canoe.
Taking a canoe trip through some of the calmer stretches and gentle rapids upstream of the falls allows you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the surroundings at a graceful, gliding pace.
No doubt that this is one of the best things to do in the Zambia Side of the Victoria Falls, especially for those who wish to see this incredible waterfall from the river.
- Spot the Big 5 on A game Drive
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia, Zambezi National Park in Zimbabwe, and Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve in Zimbabwe all offer excellent opportunities to encounter the African Big 5 animals, along with a variety of other species.
Board an open 4×4 safari vehicle and see if you can spot one of the region’s rare black rhinos.
- Walk Under The Historical Railway Bridge
Board a luxury steam train at Victoria Falls station and embark on a journey through time.
You will have a stop on the Victoria Falls Bridge just in time to watch the sunset in one of the most magical spots in Africa.
After that, you’ll sit down to enjoy a delicious dinner as the train chuffs its way through local villages and into the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.