Victoria Falls

Introduction

The largest sheet of falling water – The Victoria Falls – is formed as the mighty Zambezi River crashes over the basalt rock ledge and then drops 108 meters to form a very powerful whirlpool. Known traditionally as the Mosi – oa – Tunya, the roar of the falling waters can be heard up to a distance of 40 kilometers away from the falls. During the high water season, which usually lasts from February to July depending upon the rain, an amazing misty cloud is formed and floats above the Falls. This is the most unique scene that a guest can watch in their entire lives.

OVERVIEW

Location: Uganda

Nearest airport: Victoria Falls airport (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone airport (Zambia)

How to reach: by flight or by road

Famous for: Victoria Falls, Devils Pool, Livingstone Island

Months open: All year

Best time to Visit: April to September

WHAT TO SEE

Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island, See the view from Boiling Point, Swim under the falls

See a lunar rainbow, Explore by microlight, Launch cruise on the Zambezi river, Walk the Knife Edge Bridge

Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Fine dining on the Royal Livingstone Express

White water rafting, George Swing, Bungee jumping

Details

One of the most beautiful waterfalls of the world and also one of the greatest attractions for guests in Africa, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River. The river which is also the fourth largest river in Africa, known for Zambezi River rafting is a defining border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls is the only one in the world that has a length of more than a kilometer and a height of more than 100 meters. It is also considered the largest fall in the world. The roar of the falling water can be heard at a distance of 40 kilometers while the water spray from the large mass of dropping water may rise to a height of 400 meters and can be seen from as far as 50 kilometers.

A Scottish missionary and famous explorer of Africa, David Livingstone named this waterfall after Queen Victoria. Livingstone was the first European to cross Africa from south to north and he discovered this waterfall in 1855 while preaching Christianity in Africa. The fall was not very famous until 1905 when a railway to Bulawayo was built. Since then, the popularity of the fall increased exponentially and by the year 1990, 300,000 people were visiting the falls each year. Victoria Falls is also included in the list of World Heritage sites.

The water level of the falls varies throughout the year and reaches its peak in April, which is at the end of the rainy season. An average of 500,000,000 litres of water flows around this time and in October and early November, the water level drops at its lowest point.

Interestingly, in the dry seasons, the water level of the Zambezi River drops significantly making it possible for one to walk through parts of the fall but for the rest of the year, the Victoria Falls is a roaring lion.

The Victoria Falls country is neither Zambia nor Zimbabwe but it lies in both the countries. Even though the falls lie on both sides, which are Zambia and Zimbabwe, guests can easily cross the borders to explore the falls fully.

Some key highlights of these borders are as follows:

Zimbabwe Side

Iconic view of the Main Falls

Water flowing all year round

Most hotels are within walking distance of the Falls

Explore Victoria Falls Town and its markets for iconic soapstone sculptures

A classic ‘guest town’ with restaurants, bars, and backpackers

Zambia Side

Exceptionally close-up waterfall viewing

Swim in the Devil’s Pool during the low-water season

Visit Livingstone Island when water levels permit

Romantic riverside lodges and historic hotels with traditional high tea in the afternoon

Go game viewing in Mosi – oa – Tunya National Park

Devil’s Pool: The Devil’s Pool, Victoria Falls isone of the most extreme infinity pools in the world. This natural rock pool is situated at the edge of Victoria Falls and is only accessible when the water levels are low. The rock barrier is slippery and without a guide, things can get a bit extreme out here. This ensures to fill the tour with adrenaline.

Livingstone Island: The place where Livingstone stood while he discovered the Victoria Falls is now known as the Livingstone Island. Guests can take a boat to reach up to the island in the daytime.

Walk the Knife Edge Bridge: The Knife Edge Bridge is one of the best viewpoints to look at the Eastern cataract of the Victoria Falls. A large amount of water splashing and Crocs can be spotted in the water at the entrance to the Falls. Great chances of sighting a rainbow from this bridge.

See the view from Boiling Point: One can walk down the steps to the Boiling Point to see the falls from below. Bungee jumpers can also be spotted from this place. Later guests can hike up again.

Swim under the Falls: Guests can enjoy the fall from below by walking down to the Batola Gorge and then they can rent an inflatable raft to swim right under the rock pools of Mighty Victoria Falls.

See a Lunar Rainbow: The rainbow which is visible from the Knife Edge Bridge can be seen in the evening as a moonbow. This is possible when the moon is bright enough for its light to reflect on the water drops. This site is available for a few days only.

Explore by Microlight: A splendid view can be seen from the sky under the Microlight experience offered by the Batola Sky. The ride can go on for 15 or 30 minutes and include many amusing views.

Launch Cruise on the Zambezi River: A brilliant way to relax and savor the beautiful and Mighty River. A large number of birds, yawning Hippos, vervet monkeys, baboons, water monitors, Ellies, and massive crocodiles will be a common sight around here.

Helicopter ride over Victoria Falls: To look at the real potential of the mighty fall, one has to see it from the air. The massive size and grandeur of the Falls become more apparent from above. Crocodiles and Hippos will also be visible in the Zambezi River from up there. Circle over the Victoria Falls and then return to Maramba Aerodrome.

Fine dining on the Royal Livingstone Express: Guests can enjoy the exquisite experience of fine dining on the old style Royal Livingstone Express trains. The ride lasts for about 4 hours and passes through the Mosi – oa – Tunya Park.

Mosi – oa – Tunya National Park: One of the most visited national parks around, this National reserve houses a large variety of natural beauty including a variety of wildlife.

White water rafting: Another activity for the adrenaline pumped guests is theZambezi River white water raftingcan be done on the 23 rapids when the river is low or the 13 rapids when the river is high.

Gorge Swing: The gorge swing is an activity for the adrenaline pumped guests. A free fall of 70 meters in the Batoka Gorge with a harness attached to the back is sure to make a thrilling experience.

Bungee Jumping: For adventurous guests, Bungee jumping is one activity that tops the list. Bungee jumping at the Victoria Falls involves throwing the body off the bridge straddling Zimbabwe and Zambia Border, diving headfirst into the canyon, and then bouncing back up. This activity is not for people with fragile hearts.

Where to stay

Being one of the mightiest falls of the world and spreading across the border of two countries, the location has invited a large number of establishments for guests. On the Zimbabwe side, the best places to stay are the Stanley & Libini Boutique Hotel and the Old Drift Lodge while on the Zambia side the Sanctuary Dissi & Chuma along with the Thorntree River Lodge are the best options for guest stay.