Overview

Visiting the stunning spectacular scenery of Victoria Falls known as Mosi-oa Tunya, which loosely means “Thundering Smoke”, or “the smoke that thunders” provides a habitat for several unique species of plants and animals. The falls are nestled on the border between Zambia, and Zimbabwe, it is one of the latest waterfalls in the entire world, with a width of 5,604 feet. The area is significant worldwide for its exceptional geological and geomorphic features, and active land formation along with outstanding beauty attributed to the falls, the spray, mist, and rainbows.

The iridescent mist that rises from the falls can be seen almost 12 miles away, and over five hundred million cubic meters of water per hour plummet over the edge. The area is one of the most visited tourist attractions on the continent. The falls stretch along the Zambezi River. David Livingstone, a Scottish missionary identified the falls in 1855 and provided the falls with their British colonial name of Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria. There are national parks in both Zambia and Zimbabwe that draw visitors from all over the world.

The falls thunder down into the river from 354 feet, resulting in the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The falls are roughly twice the height of North America’s Niagra Falls. The course of the Zambezi River flows over a level sheet of basalt, in a shallow valley, bounded by low and distant sandstone hills. The river’s course is dotted with numerous tree-covered islands that increase in number when the river approaches the falls. Some of the wildlife that can be seen in and around the falls include hippopotamus and crocodiles.

Things to see and do

Visit the two national parks at the falls is a great place to explore. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is 25 square miles, and Victoria Falls National Park is 8.9 square miles. The Zambezi National Park extends for 25 miles west along the river. Chobe National Park is on the Botswanan side of the border and is another popular location for a day trip with a lot of diverse flora and fauna.

Visit Devil’s Pool, an extreme natural rock infinity pool that sits at teh very edge of Victoria Falls. The pool is only accessible when the water levels are at their lowest from August to December. Visitors can take a dip in the pool for an adrenaline-filled experience while looking over the magnificent falls from a rare position known as Devil’s Armchair, a seat on the rocky ledge peering down the 328-foot gorge that thunders down below.

Take a boat ride to Livingstone Island where David Livingstone first set eyes on the magnificent waterfall and famously articulated his encounter as ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels on their flight’. Take a guided walking tour of the island and soak up the breathtaking views of the falls. Partake in lunch or a high tea at the Royal Livingstone Hotel to complete your experience.

Take a day trip to Chobe, Botswana’s elephant kingdom, the largest national park in Zimbabwe famous for its vast number of buffalo and elephant herds. There are four countries well-positioned near Victoria Falls that are famous for their wildlife parks and reserves. These safari destinations allow day trips for viewing of the ‘Big Five’ (lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo). The Zambezi National Park stretches west from the falls where elephants, buffaloes, giraffes, zebras, and various antelopes can be spotted. Hwange National Park is famous for its elephants and is the largest and most popular park.

Take flight over the Falls for an incredible birds eye view of this natural wonder of the world. You can take helicopter, microlight, or plane rides over the falls to see them in their true glory, allowing you to fully consume their entirety.

Go River Rafting on “The Mighty Zambezi” and understand the sheer force of nature. This is some of the best rafting in the world, spend the day wrestling the mighty rapids and try to stay the right way up! This is not for the faint of heart as there are 19 rapids including “Devil’s Toilet Bowl” and “Oblivion” to negotiate, and at the end, you may feel like you have gone 12 rounds with a heavyweight. The rapids are at their roughest during the dry season when the water is low.

Take a two-hour cruise on the Upper Zambezi and explore the channels, islands, and savannah-lined shores of the Zambezi, which are immediately upstream of the falls. Cruisers spot crocodiles, hippos, elephants, and African fish eagles. Buffaloes, giraffes, and various antelope can be seen on the riverbank. There are many different boats and packages, including sundowner cruises where you can watch a sunset with a cocktail in hand.

The “African Queen” is a triple-deck, 70-foot catamaran, and the smaller “African Princess” resembles classic riverboats of a bygone era. Sip a cocktail on board as the sunset tints the Zambezi pink, and you feel a nostalgic connection to the early tourists who arrived here in 1904.

The Livingstone Museum is the largest museum in Zambia and features an exhibition of letters, photos, and artifacts relating to David Livingstone. Livingstone discovered Victoria Falls on his six-year journey down the 1,553-mile-long Zambezi River.

Go Bungee Jumping on the Victoria Falls Bridge from 364 feet up! The steel landmark arches high above the frothing Zambezi and crosses the international border. There is another option to take the bridge tour or the 984-foot zip line. There is also a bridge swing, consisting of an upright 262-foot freefall followed by an arc alongside the falls.

Visit the falls when there is a full moon and when the water is at its highest. The lunar rainbow is unique to Victoria Falls and forms as light refracts due to the ever-present water particles from the spray of the falls in the air.

Shopping

There are an array of curio shops, arts and crafts, galleries, and little boutiques found in Victoria Falls. There are bustling markets such as Maramba Market,which offers a great atmosphere and stalls selling woodwork, masks, and handcrafted sculptures. Elephant’s Walk is a small shopping center located close to the outdoor curio market selling wood carvings, stone sculptures, and good art from very talented artists. The Landela Centre boasts several boutiques, curio shops, and cafes. The Phumula Centre on Park Way is a shopping center with a well-stocked supermarket located behind the booking office. There are some quaint clothing boutiques found here also. Sawanga is the first shopping mall found on the way into Victoria Falls town there are many different stores in the mall as well as restaurants and entertainment.

Dining

There are many luxury restaurants and African buffets located in Victoria Falls with opportunities for famous afternoon teas with delightful views of Victoria Falls. Many of the restaurants and dining opportunities can be found at the hotels and lodges in town with options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Visitors can also venture outside of their accommodation including cafes, restaurants, buffets, and dinner and a show. The restaurants dotted around town offer a variety of different foods, some are truly world-class and have wonderful atmospheres. There are some beautiful bespoke dining experiences under the stars, these exclusive dinners are private and very popular.

Nightlife

Victoria Falls offers a surprisingly vibrant nightlife, once the sun sets the town comes alive with music, dance, and entertainment. There are live bands and DJ sets offered at some of the best bars and clubs the town has to offer. There is pulsating energy in this iconic destination, sip cocktails at sunset, and dance under the stars, there is a wide array of captivating activities and experiences to choose from. There are various outdoor events organized by locals that make the nightlife experience in Victoria Falls unique and memorable. There are various bars, nightclubs, and luxurious lounges to choose from in Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls nightlife represents the cultural diversity of this town fuzing African, European, and other international cultures. Visitors can savor the nightlife’s diverse culinary options ranging from traditional Zimbabwean dishes to international cuisine from Europe, Asia, and the rest of the African continent.