There is no waterfall that compares to Victoria Falls and for this reason, several people travel from all over the world to share part in this wonder.
Mosi-oa-Tunya
– The Smoke that Thunders is he indigenous name for the water fall because the Zambezi River flows off a towering 100m cliff hitting the gorge below with a thunderous sound.
The spectacular water falls were named after the reigning Queen of England in 1855 by Dr David Livingstone upon his royal duty. You may see the name Victoria doesn’t describe the waterfalls as much as the local name does although the water falls remain majestic as royalty.
Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River form the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and it is notably the most visited attraction in both these countries. There are five separate falls that collect to make up this incredible spectacle that include Devils Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and Eastern Cataract, ranging in height from 200 – 355 feet. The spectacle is best during Mid April when the water falls are at full strength best watched on the Zambezi bridge.
Victoria Falls Attractions
There are so many attractions to enjoy for Zimbabwe holidays near and around the majestic water Falls. Some are not comparable to the Victoria Falls but offer much excitement as add-ons on your Victoria Falls Zimbabwe tours.
Victoria Falls Bridge
Having been designed in England, the bridge was transported from Europe in pieces and was assembled on site, bridging the Zambezi River and linking Zimbabwe and Zambia in 1906. The bridge is also renowned for its popular bungee jumping.
David Livingstone Statue
The David Livingstone statue can be found at the left end of the Falls near the spectacular Devil’s Cataract viewpoint. On 16 November 1855, Livingstone (the first Western explorer to view the Falls) wrote in his journal: “…scenes so lovely must have been gazed on by angels in their flight.”
Zambezi National Park
The Rainforest on the banks of the Zambezi River and near the Victoria Falls is part of the Zambezi National Park. The forest is rich in unique flora and fauna . One can wander amongst the Fig, Mahogany and Date Palm groves while gazing at the falls from magnificent viewpoints. Many species of birds and small mammals may be spotted beneath the protective canopy of the forest.
The park covers an area of 5600hac on the northern borders of the Zambezi river from which it was named. Some of the mammals in the park include elephant, leopard, sitatungas, white rhino, water buck, kudu, zebra, giraffe, monkeys, eland, sable antelope, impala, lion, and many others.
The river too is important for fishing-catches include the delicious bream and tiger fish, boating, sightseeing, houseboating and other adventures.
Zambezi National Park has two main game-viewing sections: the Zambezi River Game Drive, with an extensive network of roads along the river accessed through the main gate of the Park, and the 25 kilometre Chamabondo Game Drive in the southern part of the Park, which begins about 5 kilometres outside of Victoria Falls town – just off the main road to Bulawayo.
Victoria Falls activities
WHITE-WATER RAFTING
-this is the ultimate Zimbabwe adrenaline packed holiday adventure, not for the light hearted tourists. The terrific Zambezi River boasts one of the several greatest tracks for white water rafting adventures worldwide.
The rapids launching from precisely near the Victoria Falls run in big rubber rafts. The potentials with regard to river rafting here are undoubtedly limitless; you may have a few hour’s excursion, one day or even two day experience. During March and up to July, this river can be high and just 13 rapids are easily done. As the water decreases, that is around June up to February, any of the 23 are crossed. This Victoria Falls adventure is good for tourist teams having more than 4 persons.
CANOE SAFARIS
-The Zambezi river bank is home to different species of wildlife in Zambezi National Park that stretches along the river bank on Zimbabwe side. The upper Zambezi River, is definitely a great and exhilarating alternative to experience the stunning surroundings that frames this river until it makes its flow at the Victoria Falls.
This area of the river is filled with numerous islands of varying size; a habitat to numerous birds and also small to medium sized wildlife. It was actually along this banks that David Livingstone remarked on the beautiful scenes he had seen along the exploration journey.
HELICOPTER RIDES
are rather a luxury way to tour the Zambezi River and the magnificent water falls as seen from the sky is more thrilling. Arranged by the Zambezi Helicopter Company, visitors can choose between a 13-minute ride over the Falls or a 30-minute flight over neighboring National Parks. Flights depart from a helipad next to the Elephant Hills Hotel.
GAME SAFARIS
-The River attracts more tourists for the wildlife numbers found here. The opportunities for viewing game along this plentiful river happen to be unlimited. Hippos will be noticed, elephant, impalas, zebra, puku, berthing buffalos, waterbuck, baboons and crocodiles wander over the river banks. There will be an armed river tour guide to guide you in most of the hidden Island channels around the river.
Many operators arrange day trips, overnight camping from quite stylish and pleasant bush camps around the river banks, complete with great food plus white linen beds. Cameras and binoculars are recommended for this trip.
Bungi-jumping
is not recommended for the faint-hearted. It is a once in a lifetime adventure although several precautions such as medical conditions are taken before you have that plunge.
When to go
During the summer months (November to March) the weather is hot and humid, whilst during the winter it is pleasantly cool and dry – occasionally becoming cold at night. The water falls are at full bream during the rainy season. During the dry season, the gorge at the falls is revealed.
Victoria Falls Hotels in Zimbabwe
There isn’t so much activity on the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls but there’s pretty good accommodation for your Zimbabwe holiday. Some of the options for your holiday accommodation include;
Victoria Falls hotel one of the best Zimbabwe Holiday hotel with breathtaking view of the Victoria Falls bridge and a foot path that leads to the falls. It has good tourist facilities such as deluxe rooms, sumptuous meals from the exotic restaurant, tour vans and friendly service above all.
Victoria Safari lodge is a good option to have for safari tourists who want to have a feel of the wilderness. The deluxe lodge overlooks the Zambezi National Park and offers world class accommodation, foot path to the magnificent waterfalls and several activities around the falls are tailored for all tourists at the lodge
Other options for accommodation around Victoria Falls include Rainbow Hotel, Zambezi River lodge and the Elephant hills hotels which are a short distance from the falls. Al these offer tranquil accommodation, exclusive dining and plenty of Zimbabwe safari activities around Zambezi River and the park.
How to get there
Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Parks lie on the southern bank of the Zambezi River. Visitors can travel by car, driving 440 kilometres northwest from Bulawayo or through Kazungula Border Post with Botswana 90 kilometres to the west. The Victoria Falls Border Post is within metres of the Falls for access by road from Zambia. The road from Bulawayo to the Falls is completely tarred and the roads around thee Falls can easily be negotiated by all types of vehicles. Victoria Falls boasts an international airport with services from Harare and many regional and international destinations