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Victoria Falls Zimbabwe & Zambia

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A natural spectacle that remained unseen by rest of the world until mid 19th century, the Victoria Falls go by the indigenous name – ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – which literally means “Smoke…


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Victoria falls - The largest Waterfall

Victoria Falls at the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia

A natural spectacle that remained unseen by rest of the world until mid 19th century, the Victoria Falls go by the indigenous name – ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – which literally means “Smoke that Thunders.” Feel the cool breeze off the waterfalls landing on your face and listen to the deafening sound of waters as the Zambezi River drops into the gorge below. It’s not just a tourist destination but also an integral part of the region’s economy, vital to ecology and local traditions.

Victoria Falls History

David Livingstone is considered the first European who stumbled upon the Victoria Falls in 1855 during the exploration of Zambezi River. The waterfall was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989.

Victoria Falls Activities

Take the Flight of the Angels – The large landscape of Victoria Falls can only be entirely appreciated by taking a flight. The bird’s-eye view of the Falls is simply surreal for travelers. These helicopter flights – peerless vantage points – take four rounds (two from each side) of the falls for almost 15 minutes.

Jump Off the Bridge – If you’re keen on Bungee jumping, then unforgettable memories shall be made mid-air when you surrender yourself to the oh-my-god depth of the gorge. Victoria Falls Bridge, standing 111 meters above the river, is the best place to do so.

Swim on the Edge – The Devil’s Pool is a natural rocky pool situated literally on the lips of the waterfall. Five trips, each lasting for maximum of two hours, are allowed in a day. Swimming in this pool and accessing the Livingstone Island is only possible during low water-levels.

Paddle through the Zambezi – White water rafting on the untamed Zambezi River is desired by many, but achieved by few. From half day to whole day or multi-day tours, rafting, canoeing, and kayaking are options available in the famous Batoka Gorge.

Try Elephant Safaris – Observe the intricacies of the African bush and embrace the wildlife from sitting atop an elephant’s back. Animals like leopards, lions, giraffe, zebras, and baboons inhabit the encircling Victoria Falls National Park. Many waterfowls can be spotted in the calm waters of the gorge.

Take a walk among the green canopy of adjacent rainforest and gaze at the falls from the viewpoints; or try any of the horse-riding tours, historical bridge tour, Zambezi sunset cruise, and night game drive tours. With such range of tempting pastimes, Victoria Falls is considered the adventure capital of southern Africa.

Victoria Falls Entrance Fee & Visiting Hours

  • Victoria Falls Entrance Fee ranges from US$7 to US$30 per person.
  • Victoria Falls Visiting Hours: 6am to 6pm.
  • On full moon nights, the place re-opens for special tours to witness the lunar rainbow.

Where is Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, formed by Zambezi River, is located on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Victoria Falls Map

How to Reach?

By Air – Since both Zambia and Zimbabwe share access to the falls, you can either fly into Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Zambia or Victoria Falls International Airport in Zimbabwe. Both airports have regular flights available to O. R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg.

By Train – The Livingstone Railway Station in Zambia and Victoria Falls Railway Station in Zimbabwe are the nearest ones from the Falls.

By Road – In Zambia, you can follow the T1 road from Lusaka to reach Livingstone town. When you are in Zimbabwe, you can reach Victoria Falls by following A8 national highway from Bulawayo.

Victoria Falls Restaurants

In Victoria Falls town, experience fine dining at Mama Africa, In Da Belly, Thundercloud Spur, Lola’s Tapas & Carnivore Restaurant, Palm Restaurant, and Indian Delights. Names such as Wonderbake Restaurant, Funky Munky Restaurant, Hungry Lion, and Ocean Basket Restaurant are recommended to get a taste of Zambian cuisine in Livingstone town. Besides this, there are plenty of coffee shops, bars, and fast food options available for travelers.

Victoria Falls Accommodations

For a luxurious stay near the Victoria Falls, you can choose from The Royal Livingstone Hotel, Victoria Falls Hotel, Elephants Hill Hotel, and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. For mid-range accommodations, AVANI Victoria Falls Resort, The Kingdom Hotel, and The Courtyard Hotel are good options. Livingstone Backpackers, Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge, and Shoestrings are among value-for-money accommodations.

Hotels Name Website Type Address
Royal Livingstone Hotel 5 star Mosi-oa-Tunya Road; Livingstone; Zambia [email protected]
Victoria Falls Hotel victoriafallshotel.com 5 star 1, Mallet Drive, Victoria Falls PO Box 10, Victoria Falls Zimbabwe [email protected]
Elephants Hill Hotel www.falconsafaris.com 4 star Hwange, Zimbabwe [email protected]
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge victoria-falls-safari-lodge.com 4 star 471 Squire Cummings Road, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
AVANI Victoria Falls Resort avanihotels.com/victoria-falls 3 star Mosi-oa-Tunya Road Livingstone, Zambia [email protected]
Kingdom Hotel thekingdomhotel.co.za 3 star 1 Mallett Drive, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Courtyard Hotel courtyardhotel.co.zm 3 star Corner Mosi-Oa-Tunya & Sichango [email protected]
Livingstone Backpackers Backpacker Hostel 559 Mokambo Road Livingstone Zambia, Zambia [email protected]
Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge Indoor Lodging 357 Gibson Rd, Victoria Falls Box 151, Zimbabwe [email protected]
Shoestrings shoestringsvicfalls.com Indoor Lodging West Dr, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe [email protected]

Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls

Although the Zambezi River remains voluminous throughout year, April (in the peak of flood season) is the best time to visit the Falls. Rainfall lasts from January to May and the flow of water is the lowest in October and November.

Victoria Falls Facts

  • The Victoria Falls are one of the seven natural wonders of the world.
  • The Falls form world’s largest curtain of falling water comprising five waterfalls: The Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Horseshoe Falls in Zimbabwe and the Eastern Cataract in Zambia.
  • The Victoria Falls have an elevation of 108 meters and width of 1,708 meters.
  • The colorful mist of the waterfalls rises up to a height of 400 meters, and is visible from up to 48 km.
  • There are five gorges, each different in size, through which the Zambezi River flows from the falls.
  • Zambezi is the fourth largest river in Africa.
  • Moonbows – night-time rainbows – can be seen near the Falls.

Things to Remember

  • Do not forget to pack waterproofs or spare clothes as the vapor from the falls will leave you drenched.
  • Do not walk or climb near the gorge and the edge of the waterfall during flooding season.
  • Follow necessary precautions to protect and preserve the natural habitats nearby.
  • Although located mainly in Zambia, the falls can be better viewed from the Zimbabwean side.
  • Please carry international currency in small denominations for unplanned requirements.

Nearby Attractions

Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island, Victoria Falls Bridge, Victoria Falls National Park, and Zambezi National Park.

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