Victoria Falls

The Victoria falls are situated on the border between Zimbab

The Victoria Falls are one of the worlds most spectacular waterfalls. The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and are roughly 1.8 km wide and 128 m high. The Victoria Falls are considered a especially remarkable spectacle because of the peculiar narrow slot-like chasm into which the water falls, so one can view the falls face-on.

David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer, visited the falls in 1855 and named them after Queen Victoria, though they were known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, the "smoke that thunders". The falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe, and are one of Southern Africas major tourist attractions. The Victoria Falls are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Attractions at Victoria Falls

• The Victoria Falls Bridge affords a magnificent view both down the gorge on the one side and through to the Victoria Falls on the other. The immense depth of the gorge can be fully appreciated from this perspective and combined with the sea green river below, the shiny black rock face and lush green foliage, the 360 degree view from the bridge is breathtaking.
• Aerial view of the Victoria Falls: To fully appreciate the incredible size of the Victoria Falls, and the awesome power of the water as it carves into the deep zig zagging gorges for eight kilometers, one must see it from the air. Micro-light and fixed wing flights are available. The pilot will take you along the wide tranquil upper Zambezi, and over the huge 2 km rent in the earth. The breathtaking sight of this magnificent natural phenomena, seen in all its glory from the air, is unforgettable. Helicopter Flights are also available from United Air Charters.
• On the opposite cliff, facing the falls, you can take a well marked and paved walk through the rain forests. Every so often the path will open out into a clearing for a view of the falls. Further along this path is the Knife Edge Bridge which affords an impressive panorama depending on the time of year. Although less can be seen of the width of the Victoria Falls during the wet season, the intense spray provides welcome relief from the heat, but don’t carry anything you don’t want to get wet!
• During the dry season, be sure to take a walk along the lip of the Falls themselves. Sometimes the water is low enough to walk all the way across to Livingstone Island, the place where David Livingstone had his first glimpse of the Victoria Falls. This is surely one of the most magnificent views in the area.
• Another interesting perspective is deep within the gorge into which the Falls descend. From the parking lot, look for the signs pointing to "The Boiling Pot." It’s quite a steep climb, but well-worn steps make it a fairly easy descent. Coming up is of course a little more strenuous, but the view from below of the wide Zambezi thundering over the cliff, then compressed into the deep thin crevice turning into the Batoka Gorge, crashing and swirling over rapids, is quite spectacular. From this vantage point one can also see up to the impressive Victoria Falls Bridge, spanning the gorge over 100 meters above.
• The best place for a wide range of crafts and curios is the Mukuni Victoria Falls Craft Village. From intricate animal carvings in stone, wood, or the beautiful green malachite, masks, drums, marimbas, spoons, book ends, walking sticks, jewellery and much more.
• Victoria Falls Field Museum. This little museum attempts to explain how the falls were formed over the millenia. It is built over an actual excavation site that has uncovered evidence of early hominids who lived in the area as far back as 2.5 million years ago.
• Mosi O Tunya National Park is situated along the upper Zambezi stretching from and including the Falls for about 12kms up river.
• Mukuni Village is an authentic tribal village where thousands of people live and work.

Activities at Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls area is rapidly becoming known as the ‘Adventure Centre’ of Southern Africa, with various adrenaline sports, unmatched scenery of breathtaking proportions, and many other leisure options for outdoor lovers.

• Whitewater Rafting through Batoka Gorge
• Bungi Jumping off the 111m high Victoria Falls Bridge
• Canoeing on the upper Zambezi
• Horseback Trails along the Zambezi and surrounding Teak forests
• River Boarding mega thrills on the Zambezi rapids
• Abseiling off the sheer cliffs of Victoria Falls Gorge
• Tandem Kayaking An experienced kayaker will take you through the raging rapids of the Zambezi
• Microlighting over the falls
• River Safaris, Quiet jet-propelled boats take you into remote parts of the upper Zambezi
• Elephant Back Safaris Tame elephants give the best view for gameviewing in the Reserve.
• Jet Boating - hi speed jet propelled boats take you down the rapids.

Accommodation in and around Zimbabwe