Any tour to Africa will leave you speechless, in awe of the breathtaking beauty and wildlife that surrounds you. But there is only one place that will leave you soaked, deafened by the gushing water, and in silent wonderment at Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls is an experience that will touch your soul. If there is one thing we can promise, it is that you will carry every part of this experience with you forever.
Ready to tick off your bucket list and take a trip to one of the world’s seven natural wonders? Trying to decide between Zambia or Zimbabwe, or between Bungee jumping or the sunset cruise? Our guide will help you plan the most unforgettable and most exciting tour of Victoria Falls!
Where is Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls lies in Southern Africa, marking the border between two picturesque countries: Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River – which translates into the “Great River” in the Tonga dialect – serves as the border between these two countries. The Zambezi is the fourth largest river in Africa and flows through six countries on its journey to the Indian Ocean. It is at Victoria Falls that the Zambezi is considered to be at the middle of its course.
On the Zambian side, the closest town is Livingstone. The town is named after David Livingstone, the famous Scottish explorer who was the first European to witness the falls in 1855. On the Zimbabwean side, the gateway town is named Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls is considered the largest curtain of falling water on Earth! It is neither the highest waterfall nor the widest waterfall in the world, at times being compared to Iguazu and Niagara. It is 1.7 kilometers (1.1 miles) wide, and 108 meters (354 feet) in height – roughly twice the height of Niagara Falls! Over 500 million liters of water descends over the edge every minute, during the peak season. You can see the misty spray from more than 40 kilometers away. It also creates a constant rainforest-like ecosystem around the falls.
Victoria’s Personalities: Best Season To Visit
After the summer rains, between February and June, the Zambezi River is at its fullest. This is the perfect time for you to see Victoria Falls in its cascading glory! It is the spectacle of the season, seeing the thundering falls at their peak! The misty spray is intense, and so is the deafening roar of the gushing water. Bear in mind that with the heavy mist, the view of the full rock face can be obscured.
For crystal clear views, the drier seasons – from August to January – are perfect for you. It is also the best time to access Devil’s Pool. The falls are less “thundering” as the water levels drop. Parts of the falls on the Zambian side dry up completely, revealing a bare rock wall.
It also depends on what you want to do
For thundering falls: Visit Victoria Falls between March and May.
For the best of both worlds: Visit Victoria Falls between June and August for pleasant weather, good visibility, and an impressive view of the falls.
For an adrenaline rush: Visit Victoria Falls between September and December for a chance to plunge into Devil’s Pool and go white-water rafting.
Which Side: Zambia or Zimbabwe?
Both are so tempting, with spectacular views and exciting adventures!
For a more close-up experience, the Zambian side allows you to walk across the Knife-Edge Bridge and get thrillingly close to the gushing water. And you get completely soaked in the process! You will get access to Devil’s Pool – nature’s world-famous infinity pool on the edge of the falls. You can also tour Livingstone Island, which is only accessible from the Zambian side during the dry season.
The Zimbabwean side showcases a larger view of the falls, including the Main Falls. This is because the water flows all year round. No matter when you visit, the many viewing points will offer you the most fantastic panoramic shots!
The gateway town – Victoria Falls – is a must-see. Tourists know it for being a friendly town, and it is a short walk from the park entrance.
So, which side should you choose? Our answer – DO BOTH! You can easily cross the Victoria Falls Bridge on foot and experience both sides. Just make sure to have your visa ready when crossing the border.
Exciting Activities And Experiences
While the falls are the main event, the adventure does not stop there! There is something for everyone, whether you are seeking an adrenaline rush or wanting a thrilling experience. One of the most exhilarating experiences is the famous 111-meter (364ft) Bungee Jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge. You can also take a gorge swing, a thrilling 70-meter free-fall into the Zambezi River and Batoka Gorge. You can also tackle the Grade 5 rapids and go white-water rafting on the Zambezi River.
If it is the breathtaking views you are after, then a “Flight of Angels” helicopter or microlight tour is an activity for you! It is the only way to take in the ethereal aerial views and truly take in the magnificent scale of the falls.
For those wanting a daring water experience, swimming to the edge of the falls in Devil’s Pool is a once-in-a-lifetime thrill! Remember, you can access Devil’s Pool from the Zambian side, and only when the water levels are low.
If keeping your feet on the ground is more like you, then walking alongside the cobblestoned pathways and crossing over the bridges of the Mosi-oa-Tunya Park is for you. Rainbows decorate the pathway, drenching you in the beauty of gallons of water falling from the sky. A more relaxing activity, to unwind and take in the moment, is a gentle sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. With a gin and tonic in hand, immerse yourself in an African sunset. There might even be hippos and crocodiles sharing the moment with you.
Did you know?
The Tonga name for Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya (meaning The Smoke That Thunders), describes the spray (smoke) and sound of the gushing water, which thunders. One of the most enchanting experiences is visiting Victoria Falls during a full moon. The moonlight refracts through the spray, creating a rare, magical lunar rainbow, also known as a moonbow.
Victoria Falls is an all-time favorite visit, and how could it not be when it is a visceral experience indeed! Book a tour and experience the spray on your face, the thunder in your ears, and the magnificence of nature’s beauty!
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Tour Length 20 days Group Size Max 20 Starts & Ends Starts: Victoria Falls Ends: Cape Town Countries Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia, South Africa. Overview Calling all globe-trotters! This action-packed comfort safari is where your love affair with Africa begins. We’ve packed the best of Southern Africa into a bucket-list pilgrimage you’ll never forget. Think; bungee jumping with the thundering Vic Falls behind you, trekking in the world’s oldest desert, meeting traditional San people, and spotting the Big 5 across two of Africa's top national parks. All topped off by exploring the unparalleled beauty of Cape Town, the Mother City. If you’ve been dreaming of adventure, this is it.
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