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Victoria Falls
Zambia
Visit Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of the world. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "The Smoke That Thunders," the falls create a spectacle of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur. The sheer volume of water cascading down the 108-meter drop across a width of about 1.7 kilometers makes it the largest curtain of falling water globally. The mist from the falls can be seen from miles away, and during the peak flow, it rises to a height of over 400 meters and can be visible from up to 50 kilometers away.
Visiting Victoria Falls offers a plethora of activities suited to every type of traveler. For the adventurous, there is bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge, which offers a thrilling plunge towards the Zambezi. White-water rafting below the falls is another exhilarating experience, with some of the best rapids in the world. For a more serene experience, sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi are a must, offering stunning views of the river and wildlife, with the possibility of spotting hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds. Additionally, the rainforest around the falls is a fantastic place for a guided walking tour, where the flora and fauna of this unique ecosystem can be explored in detail.
The town of Victoria Falls has developed into a bustling tourist hub with various accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to cozy guest lodges, catering to all preferences and budgets. Local markets offer a variety of artisan crafts, perfect for souvenirs and gifts. Dining options also abound, with restaurants serving both local and international cuisine, often accompanied by traditional music and dance performances, providing a taste of the local culture.
Moreover, the best time to visit Victoria Falls largely depends on what you want to experience. The volume of water varies throughout the year with the rainy season, peaking from February to May when the falls are at their most spectacular. However, the dry season from August to January offers clearer skies and better opportunities for activities such as game viewing and river sports. Regardless of when you visit, Victoria Falls remains an unforgettable destination, combining the beauty of nature with the thrill of adventure and the warmth of Zimbabwean hospitality.
Victoria Falls Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
64°F
75°F
10
February
64°F
77°F
11
March
64°F
82°F
11
April
59°F
79°F
11
May
57°F
77°F
4
June
50°F
73°F
4
July
50°F
73°F
1
August
57°F
86°F
4
September
57°F
86°F
4
October
64°F
86°F
10
November
64°F
75°F
10
December
64°F
77°F
10
Need to Know Before You Go To Victoria Falls
Nickname:
Mosi-oa-Tunya
Primary Language:
English
Time Zone:
Africa/Harare
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type D and Type G
Annual Visitors:
1 million people
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
May, June, July
Quietest Travel Months:
February, January, December
Find your Next Adventure in Victoria Falls
Explore Victoria Falls
Iconic Landmarks
Victoria Falls Waterfall
The waterfall itself is the main attraction, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "The Smoke That Thunders." This spectacular natural wonder is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and offers breathtaking views from various points along the cliff opposite the waterfall.
Victoria Falls Bridge
This historic bridge spans the Zambezi River just below the falls and connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. It offers an incredible viewpoint for the falls and the gorges below. It is also popular for bungee jumping and other adventure activities.
Victoria Falls National Park
This park provides access to numerous viewpoints of the falls and the surrounding rainforest, rich in flora and fauna. Walking trails allow visitors to explore the area and experience the natural beauty up close.
Devil’s Pool
Located on the Zambian side but accessible from Zimbabwe through guided tours, this natural pool sits on the edge of the falls and offers a unique, thrilling swimming experience during certain times of the year when water levels are safe.
Lookout Cafe
Offering perhaps one of the best views of the gorge and the bridges near Victoria Falls, this cafe is a great spot to relax and take in the scenery. It's known for its good food and panoramic views.
The Big Tree
An ancient baobab tree that is over 1,000 years old, located near the falls. It's a popular spot for photos and a symbol of the enduring natural heritage of the area.
Cultural Experiences
Visit to a Local Village
Experience the traditional lifestyle by visiting a local village near Victoria Falls. This allows you to interact with the indigenous people, learn about their way of life, customs, and traditions. The Mpisi Village is one such place where you can see traditional huts, meet the village elders, and learn about the local crafts and cooking methods.
Boma – Dinner & Drum Show
The Boma – Dinner & Drum Show is a must-do cultural dining experience. It offers a feast of local cuisine followed by an interactive African drumming experience. This is a great way to enjoy Zimbabwean dishes, participate in a drum show, and even try your hand at playing the drums.
Traditional Dancing and Music Performances
Witness the vibrant traditional dances and music of Zimbabwe. Many lodges and hotels in Victoria Falls offer evening entertainment where local groups perform dances such as the muchongoyo, which is known for its energetic and intricate footwork, and storytelling through music.
Craft Markets
Visit the local craft markets to see the beautiful handiwork of Zimbabwean artisans. The Elephant’s Walk Shopping and Artist Village is a popular spot where you can buy authentic souvenirs such as stone sculptures, wooden carvings, and beadwork, all of which reflect the rich cultural heritage of the region.
Guided Tours of the Rainforest
While not purely a cultural experience, guided tours of the Victoria Falls Rainforest offer insights into the local flora and fauna as well as the history and legends associated with the Falls. Local guides often share stories and legends of the Zambezi River and the falls that have been passed down through generations.
Cultural & Historical Lectures
Some local hotels and lodges offer lectures on the history and culture of the Victoria Falls area.
Outdoor Adventures
Bungee Jumping
One of the most exhilarating activities at Victoria Falls is bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge. This jump is from a height of 111 meters and offers a unique view of the falls and the gorge below.
White Water Rafting
The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls is known for some of the best white water rafting in the world. The river has class IV and V rapids, providing an adrenaline-pumping experience for adventure seekers.
Devil’s Pool
During the dry season, usually from September to December, you can swim in Devil’s Pool, a natural pool at the very edge of the falls located on the Zambian side. It’s a thrilling experience to swim so close to where the water cascades down a drop of over 100 meters.
Helicopter Tours
For a bird's eye view of the majestic falls, you can take a helicopter tour. Known as the “Flight of Angels,” this tour offers breathtaking views of the falls and the surrounding area, providing a unique perspective on this massive natural wonder.
Zambezi Sunset Cruise
Enjoy a peaceful boat cruise along the Zambezi River at sunset. This relaxing experience offers stunning views of the river and wildlife sightings, including hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds.
Canopy Tour
Experience the beauty of the Zambezi gorges from above on a canopy tour. This adventure includes a series of zip lines and bridge walks through the riverine forest, offering both thrilling experiences and scenic views.
Off the Beaten Path
Visit the Zambezi National Park
While most tourists flock to the falls, the nearby Zambezi National Park offers a serene and less crowded experience. You can enjoy game drives or walking safaris to see a variety of wildlife including elephants, lions, buffalo, and numerous bird species. The park provides a more intimate encounter with nature, away from the crowds of the main falls area.
Canoeing on the Upper Zambezi
For a peaceful and scenic experience, take a canoe trip on the Upper Zambezi River. This activity allows you to glide past hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of birds in a quiet and unobtrusive manner. It’s a great way to see the river's ecosystem up close, with experienced guides leading the way.
Explore the Siduli Hide
For wildlife enthusiasts, spending time in the Siduli Hide at the edge of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge waterhole can be thrilling. This hideout is designed to look like a termite mound, allowing visitors to observe wildlife from a very close range without being noticed. It’s perfect for photography and offers a unique vantage point for viewing elephants, giraffes, and other animals as they come to drink.
Cultural Village Tour
Visit a local village to learn about the traditional lifestyle and culture of the Ndebele and Tonga people.
Batoka Gorge Hike
For the adventurous, a hike through the Batoka Gorge offers breathtaking views and a challenging trek. The gorge lies just below the falls and provides a different perspective of the Zambezi River as it carves its way through the rocky landscape. This is a less frequented path, offering solitude and connection with nature.
Night Game Drive
Experience the African bush in a completely different light by taking a night game drive. This activity allows you to see nocturnal animals that are not active during the day. Equipped with spotlights, these drives can reveal the elusive leopard, hyenas, and perhaps even a lion hunt.
Victoria Falls Fun Facts
Victoria Falls, located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is one of the most famous waterfalls in the world. Here are the top 10 fun facts about Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe:
- Local Name
Victoria Falls is known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" in the Tonga language, which means "The Smoke That Thunders." This name derives from the immense spray and thundering noise created by the water cascading down the cliffs.
- Discovery by David Livingstone
The falls were introduced to the Western world by Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone in 1855. He named them after Queen Victoria of Britain.
- World Heritage Site
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its spectacular natural beauty and geological importance.
- Size and Scale
Victoria Falls is approximately 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It is roughly twice the height of North America's Niagara Falls.
- Rainforest
Despite being in a savannah region, the constant spray from the falls supports a small but lush rainforest on the cliff opposite the waterfall, which is home to unique plant and animal life.
- Devil’s Pool
During the dry season, a natural pool known as the Devil's Pool forms near the edge of the falls on the Zambian side, allowing daring swimmers to get close to the edge without falling over.
- Moonbow
A lunar rainbow or "moonbow" can be seen on full moon nights due to the light reflecting off the spray of the falls. This is a rare natural phenomenon and a spectacular sight.
- Adventure Capital
Victoria Falls is known as the "Adventure Capital of Africa," offering activities like bungee jumping, white-water rafting, zip-lining, and helicopter rides over the falls.
- Economic Importance
The falls are a critical source of tourism revenue for Zimbabwe and Zambia, attracting tourists from all over the world.
- Hydroelectric Power
The Zambezi River and Victoria Falls are utilized for hydroelectric power, which benefits both Zimbabwe and Zambia by providing a significant portion of their electricity needs.
Featured Picture Gallery
Victoria Falls is One of the World's Largest Waterfalls
The Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls is Between March and August
Victoria Falls is Located Between Zambia and Zimbabwe
Admire the View of the Zambezi River
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