Introduction
Victoria Falls sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, midway along the Zambezi River. The Kololo people of the 1800s called it Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders,” and it is a sight worth seeing for yourself. This curtain of water is the only one in the world more than a kilometre wide and over a hundred metres high, which makes it the largest sheet of falling water on Earth. It is far wider and taller than Niagara. The spray can rise to 400 metres and be seen from 50 km away, and the roar carries for up to 40 km. The mean flow is about 935 cubic metres per second.
Getting there
You can reach the falls from either the Zambian or the Zimbabwean side, though the Zimbabwean side is the more popular. Victoria Falls town has an international airport with daily flights. From almost anywhere in the world you can fly to Johannesburg or Cape Town and connect to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe. From there, an airport shuttle or taxi takes you into town, which is close enough to the falls to walk or take a short cab ride.
Where to stay
There are hotels to suit most budgets on both sides. The Zimbabwean side has a wide range across the town, while on the Zambian side, across the river, you can stay in the city of Livingstone.
What to see
National parks
Victoria Falls National Park covers about 23.4 square kilometres of dense rainforest, with palms, ferns, vines and mahogany. Across the river, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site covering about 66 square kilometres of Zambian landscape. Both parks support wildlife, most notably elephant, zebra, antelope, giraffe and buffalo.
Flight of Angels
The Flight of Angels takes in the falls, the river upstream and the islands nearby, all from the air.
Devil’s Pool
When water levels drop in the dry season, a rock lip at the top of the falls forms a natural barrier, creating a pool right at the edge. Swimming there, a hundred metres above the drop, is a real thrill for those after adventure.
Lunar rainbow
Victoria Falls is one of the few places on Earth where you can see a lunar rainbow, or moonbow. Water droplets in the air bend the moonlight to create it. The colours are faint and hard to pick out, but you can still make it out with the naked eye, and a long exposure brings it out vividly in photographs.
Things to do
Rafting
The Zambezi has long rapids, steep gradients and some big drops, and its Grade 5 white-water rafting is a draw for thrill-seekers. You can also canoe, kayak and fish on the river.
River cruise and safari
For something quieter, take a boat cruise on the river. You can sit back with a drink and watch for wildlife along the banks, which include giraffe, elephant, hippo and crocodile.
Game drive
The bush around Victoria Falls holds a good range of animals. Modified 4x4s take you out on safari for close encounters with the wildlife.
Helicopter flight
For a bird’s-eye view of the falls, take a helicopter tour. The sight of them from above is remarkable, and as the flight follows the river upstream you can often spot herds of animals below.
Bungee jumping
Thrill-seekers take a 110-metre plunge towards the Zambezi, with the falls as a backdrop. There are other adventures too: gorge swings, a flying fox, abseiling and a bridge tour.
Shopping
Victoria Falls town draws visitors all year and is a busy place. Its streets are lined with art galleries, boutiques, jewellery shops and antique stores selling paintings, local art, sculptures and woodcarvings, so you can take a piece of the place home. The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge also has a casino on site.
Eating
The town has places to eat for every budget: pocket-friendly spots like In Da Belly and The Garden of Eat’n, mid-range choices such as the Palm Restaurant and the Rainforest Café, and pricier options like The Boma.
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