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Gaze in awe as the largest sheet of falling water on Earth slides over the edge of the precipice and drops an incredible 915 m to the floor of the gorge below. Be deafened by the roar, be blinded by the beauty and be drenched by the mist, and know that in this moment, you are part of one of Nature’s most incredible wonders. Welcome to the Victoria Falls.
Mesmerizing Victoria Falls
Mosi-oa-Tunya, the local name for the Victoria Falls (or simply Vic Falls) translates as “the smoke that thunders”, and is a wonderfully descriptive name for this remarkable Natural Wonder that is without doubt one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world. At this point on the border of Zambia and Zimbabw,e the mighty Zambezi River, over 2km wide, plunges almost a kilometer down a series of gorges and sends a sparkling tower of mist into air that can be seen from more than 30km away. Not only is Vic Falls a place of spectacular beauty, but also the Adventure Capital of Zimbabwe…Come and share the wonder.
The Waterfall, the Game Reserves and other Highlights
The Waterfalls are undoubtedly the prime attraction and thousands of people come to witness the sheer majesty and scale of the world’s largest body of moving water. These Falls are as old as Time itself, although their existence only became known outside of the local area after 1855 when the adventurer David Livingstone came upon them during his journey through Africa. They were formed during the Jurassic Period when volcanic activity caused thick basalt deposits to cover large areas of Southern Africa. As the lava cooled, cracks appeared which were filled with softer material that has been gradually eroded by the mighty Zambezi River. Of course, it is still a work in progress as year-by-year the erosion continues, and the course of the water is constantly changing. Come and learn all about the fascinating geological processes at work.
The Game Reserves
The Zambezi National Park and the Victoria Falls National Park together cover an area of 56,000 hectares. Here you will be able to view four of the Big Five, namely Lion, Leopard, Elephant and Buffalo and many species of antelope and small mammals. Just 20 minutess away is the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve where the 5th member of the Big Five, the Black Rhino has successfully been re-introduced. This private game reserve is involved with many conservation projects and is a must on your game viewing itinerary.
The Mighty Zambezi River
This remarkable river is the 4th longest in Africa and flows through six countries on its long journey from north-western Zambia to the Indian Ocean, a distance of 2,700 km. It remains one of the world’s most pristine and least-explored rivers and is an absolute life-line in Southern Africa, where 2 hydroelectric projects harnessing the power of this body of water supply a large portion of power to Zambia, Zimbabwe and South Africa. At Vic Falls, there are many water-based activities on the river.
The Victoria Falls Rainforest
The constant spray produced by the falling water is not only responsible for incredible rainbows, but also means that the immediate surroundings have a never-ending supply of rain. You can walk to the edge of the falls through glistening green tunnels through the heart of this forest.
Safaris in Victoria Falls
There are almost unlimited options for Safaris in Victoria Falls! Not only do all the Lodges in the National Parks offer morning and evening Game Drives, but the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve also has Night Drives (with a bush dinner). Then there are specialized Walking and Tracking Safaris, Birding Safaris, Horse-back Safaris and even day-trips to the Chobe Game Reserve in neighbouring Botswana.
Other Activities at Victoria Falls
Tell your Tour Agent how much time you have and they will fill every moment with non-stop thrills and spills. There are exciting but relatively sedate activities like Helicopter and Micro-light flights over the Falls (which are an absolute must to give you an aerial perspective of the Falls), fabulous Upper Zambezi River cruises, Canoeing excursions, Steam-train tours, Jetboat rides, Fishing and Golf.
Adrenalin Junkies have a whole menu of heart-stopping activities to thrill themselves with…Choose from White Water Rafting, River Boarding, High Wire Gorge Swing, Abseiling, Bungee Jumping, a Canopy Tour or a Devil’s Swim (on the Zambia side). Never a dull moment at Vic Falls!
Accommodation at Victoria Falls
There is a huge range of accommodation in Victoria Falls. You can opt to stay in the town, within walking distance of the Falls, shops, restaurants and bars, or you can choose a more intimate experience at one of the Lodges in the game reserves and National Parks. One of the Lodges has a great view of the gorges and the famous bridge, while several of the Lodges in the National Parks and private concessions are the utmost in luxury, African style, and are in very scenic locations with stunning views over the river. Enjoy your sun-downer while watching some of the Big Five enjoy theirs!
How to Get There
International visitors can fly direct to Harare Airport in Zimbabwe from several destinations world-wide and then transfer to Victoria Falls airport. Another option is to fly to Johannesburg, South Africa and then fly to Vic Falls on one of the daily scheduled flights on British Air, South African Airways or Air Zimbabwe.
Best Time to Visit
To witness the Falls at their spectacular best you need to come after the rains, with March to September being the best time – bring some warm clothing as the nights can be chilly! Rafting only operates from July to December when water levels are lower. In March and April – land-based viewing could be difficult due to huge volume of spray, but it is a great time for aerial viewing as the water volume is at its most impressive.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Victoria Falls National Park located?
Victoria Falls National Park is located in northwestern Zimbabwe, along the border with Zambia. The park protects the Zimbabwean side of the world, famous Victoria Falls, one of the largest and most impressive waterfalls on Earth. The falls lie on the Zambezi River, which forms a natural border between the two countries. Visitors can explore scenic viewpoints, rainforest trails, and walking paths that offer incredible views of the cascading water. Because of its natural beauty and powerful scenery, it is one of Africa’s most iconic travel destinations.
Why are Victoria Falls so famous?
Victoria Falls is famous because it is one of the largest waterfalls in the world, stretching over 1.7 kilometers wide. Local people call it “Mosi, oa, Tunya,” meaning “The Smoke That Thunders,” because of the massive spray and roaring sound created by the falling water. During the rainy season, the mist from the falls can rise high into the sky and be seen from kilometers away. The sight of thousands of liters of water plunging into the gorge is truly breathtaking. It’s a natural wonder that attracts visitors from all over the world.
What wildlife can visitors see in Victoria Falls National Park?
Although Victoria Falls is best known for the waterfall, the surrounding national park is also home to wildlife. Visitors may see elephants, buffalo, antelope, and baboons while exploring the park. The nearby Zambezi River also attracts animals that come to drink water. Birdwatchers will enjoy spotting colorful bird species that live in the forests and riverbanks. While it is not a traditional safari park, the combination of wildlife and spectacular scenery makes the experience even more special.
What activities can travelers enjoy in the park?
Victoria Falls National Park offers many exciting activities for visitors. Walking through the rainforest trails allows travelers to see the falls from different viewpoints. Many visitors also take helicopter flights for a breathtaking aerial view of the waterfall and the Zambezi River. Boat cruises along the river at sunset are another popular experience. For adventure seekers, activities like bungee jumping, zip, lining, and white,water rafting are available nearby.
When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls can be visited throughout the year, but the experience changes with the seasons. From February to May, after the rainy season, the waterfall is at its most powerful and dramatic. During the dry months from August to December, the water levels are lower, making it easier to see the rock formations and explore the gorge. Each season offers a different perspective of this natural wonder. No matter when you visit, the sight and sound of Victoria Falls is unforgettable.
Still have questions?
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