Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls are absolutely stunning natural wonder located in Zimbabwe. This iconic waterfall spans about 1700 meters wide and 108 meters tall. It’s truly a sight to behold, showcasing nature’s incredible power and beauty. Victoria Falls, also known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” by the Indigenous people, has been known to local Indigenous people for centuries. The Kololo tribe, who lived in the area in the 1800s, called it “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which translates to “The Smoke That Thunders,” highlighting the tremendous spray and noise produced by the falls. Later, the British explorer David Livingstone introduced Victoria Falls to the Western world when he encountered the falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria of England.
Located in the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is the border between Zimbabwe to the north and Zambia to the south. The falls were formed due to the uplifting and cracking of the Earth’s crust in the region, creating the necessary geological conditions for the Zambezi River to carve its path. Over millions of years, the consistent water flow and the river’s force have driven the erosion process. As a result, the waterfall has migrated upstream, leaving behind a series of gorges and the iconic horseshoe-shaped falls we see today. This unique natural wonder is known for its dramatic drop and has a rich history involving geological forces and early European adventurers’ exploration.
The guided tour to the falls takes approximately 2 hours along a well-maintained path. To fully experience Victoria Falls, plan to stay for a minimum of 2-3 nights to enjoy other activities.
Features & Wildlife Species
AREA ACTIVITIES
- Victoria Falls Guided Tour
- Victoria Falls Helicopter rides
- Microlight flights over Victoria falls
- Sunset cruises along the Zambezi River
- White water rafting
- Devil’s Pool & Swimming
- High wire activities like ziplining, bungee jumping and Gorge Swing
- Special Dining including The Boma Restaurant, Lookout Café & Dusty Road Experience
- Kayaking
WHEN TO VISIT
The best time to see the most significant falls is between February and June when the world’s largest sheet of falling water flows at its greatest volume. Wear open shoes and a raincoat during this time, as you will get soaked from the fall spray. You can also visit the fall from July to September, however the water levels drop progressively as the months pass until the lowest levels are reached during December and January.
WHEN TO SEE
- The Victoria Falls
- Gorge
- Devil’s & Angel’s pools
- Zambazi national park with a great number of (varied) wildlife
- Fine restaurant like Lookout Café
- Elephant’s walk shopping and Artist’s village
HOW TO GET THERE
- By Flight: Getting to Victoria Falls is relatively easy, as there are many direct flights from major international cities to Victoria International Airport. The airport is approximately 20 kilometres and takes about 20 minutes.