A guide to Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls are a magnificent natural wonder that every safari lover should experience at least once in a lifetime. Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, is incredibly stunning. Mosi Oa Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders,” is the name given to the falls by the Tonga people, who have lived close for millennia. An unforgettable experience is guaranteed to be had at this natural beauty. Prepare yourself for an awe-inspiring show of beauty that even British explorer David Livingstone, who discovered them in 1855, likened to an angel’s flight. This amazing destination is shared by both Zambia and Zimbabwe and attracts many tourists from around the globe. Though the Victoria Falls receives fewer tourists than the Niagara Falls, it’s more private, provides a quieter experience, a calm atmosphere, a loud roar, and busy tourists throughout the year.

Background of the Victoria Falls

David Livingstone, a British explorer and missionary, discovered the Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most well-known landmarks, in 1855. He recounted his encounter with the following words: “No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England,” he wrote in his diary. European eyes had never seen it before, but angels must have been able to observe such beautiful landscapes while they were in flight.

The falls were first seen and named by the local people, Tonga, who named them the Mosi oa Tunya, translating “the smoke that thunders.” The Tonga people are known for their amazing folklore about the falls and believe that the Zambezi River houses a giant creature called Nyami-nyami. David Livingstone renamed the falls after the then-queen of England, Queen Victoria. The Victoria Falls

Neither the height nor the width of the Victoria Falls is the highest in the world. However, they have the world record for the biggest waterfall in a single sheet. The falls’ overall breadth is around one mile, which is the width of the Zambezi River at its broadest point. They are also roughly twice as tall as the Niagara Falls. If you visit the falls during the rainy season, the mist that rises high into the sky due to the sheer force of the water’s descent will drench you to the bone!

How to get to Victoria Falls

It is easy to travel from either side of the falls, from Zambia to Zimbabwe or vice versa. Getting to Victoria Falls is mainly by air from further destinations but can also be reached by road from the nearby areas.

By Air

The easiest and main way to get to the Victoria Falls is by plane, either to Livingstone airport in Zambia (LVI), or to Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe (VFA). Travelers to the falls are advised to fly into the airport on the side where they plan to stay to avoid multiple taxis across the border. Several airlines connect to both airports from different African cities. Flights to these airports mainly connect from Johannesburg, Kigali, Entebbe, Nairobi, Dar-es -salaam, Addis Ababa, Namibia, and internal flights from Lusaka in Zambia and Harare in Zimbabwe.

From Livingstone Airport, a taxi to the town center or most hotels takes about 10-15 minutes. From Victoria Falls Airport, it’s a 20-25minute taxi ride to the town Centre. It’s always good to book transfers in advance.

By road:

Several bus companies help to transport tourists to the falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe to the falls.
-From Lusaka to Livingstone, the Mazhadu bus company takes 5-6 hours.
-From Harare to Victoria falsa bus takes 12 hours
_Travelling by road from Namibia takes 20 hours to reach the falls.
Using the train is another slow but more scenic means of reaching the Victoria Falls.
-Travelling by train from Pretoria in South Africa takes three days to reach the falls on the Zimbabwe side.
-Zambia Railways operates from Chingola, through Lusaka to Livingstone. From here, you can use other means to connect to the falls.
– If you’re coming from Botswana, you need to head to Kasane, a border town close to Chobe National Park. Here you can easily get into a shared taxi to Livingstone and Victoria Falls. The drive takes an hour.
-you can also reach either side of the falls on foot. This will include enjoying crossing a Victoria Falls bridge on foot. With your KAZA visa, use 10- 15 minutes to cross along the bridge. The bridge also handles trucks and lorries carrying cargo, but there is a separate walkway for pedestrians.

Best time to Visit Victoria falls

Because of the varying water levels, the experience at Victoria Falls differs significantly depending on the season. The water flow dramatically increases during the rainy season (January to May), turning the falls into a roaring torrent and creating an incredibly captivating sight with lush flora all around. However, some views may be obscured by the dense mist.

When you visit the falls in January, the falls are seen at their fullest on the Zimbabwe side and a massive flow returns to the Zambia side. Bathing in the Devil’s pool can still be done but to limited levels. By the end of January and the beginning of February, all activities at the Devil’s Pool are suspended.

Water levels gradually drop throughout the dry season, from June to December. The Zambian side may dry up, and November usually experiences the lowest water levels, exposing rock formations and providing clearer views. Devil’s Pool is only accessible for swimming at this time, making it, this serves as the best time for pursuits like white water rafting and swimming in the Devil’s Pool. For a balanced experience, consider visiting the falls in the summer season when the water flow and activities are just right.

Choosing the right side for your Victoria Falls experience

Zambia Vs Zimbabwe

Choosing the side for your experience largely depends on your vacation. Both sides provide stunning views of the waterfall, but your accommodation preferences and choice of activities may influence your decision.

It is always good to consider visiting both sides of the falls, All you need is your passport and a double-entry visa. The visa can be obtained at the border, but you should consider basing on one side. So, you can visit both sides of the falls on the same day.

Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe

Along a rainforest path in Victoria Falls National Park, you can get to 16 official viewpoints from the Zimbabwean side. Have these views on postcards: wide shots that show the whole wall of water falling into the Batoka Gorge. Over 75% of the falls can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, including viewpoints like Devil’s Cataract and Horseshoe Falls.
Waterfalls flow all year round. Even if your trip plan clashes with a dry season, the experience remains the same and rewarding.
Victoria Falls town serves as an excellent home base for inexperienced travelers. Because it caters more to tourists, the accommodations, restaurants, and stores are often better than those in Livingstone.
It is also within a walkable distance to the park’s entrance, making it convenient to visit without transport arrangements. Guides are also available to provide more information about the falls.
The park on the Zimbabwean side has a restaurant where visitors can get refreshments.
However, the park entrance fees on the Zimbabwe side are a bit higher than in Zambia. It is $50. Though it looks little, it may prove a burden to budget backpackers.
The cost of paying for different things is higher than in Zambia since it is more of a tourist town. A meal costs between $20 to $30 in Victoria town.

Victoria Falls from Zambia

Livingstone, a large town next to the falls, is a pleasant place to spend a few days, with some excellent food options and accommodations.
Mosi Oa Tunya National Park in the Zambia side receives less visitors than the Zimbabwe side, the less crowds enable the best views of the falls and the entry cost to the park is only US$20.
The Zambia side has the most popular excursion of visiting the devils pool and Livingstone Island. Both places have the most interesting activities and iconic features.
Mosi oa Tunya National Park has several clearly marked hiking routes, and you can also pay for a local guide.
All the paths in the park give you the chance to see the Falls from different points of view, such as from the side and from the bottom.
The Zambian currency is more stable than the Zimbabwean currency.
However, the Zambian side, has only a quarter of the falls thus providing less points to view the falls.
The Zambian side is badly affected by the dry season leaving some parts of the falls and Zambezi River with bare rock hence being less spectacular than the Zimbabwean side. Wildlife in the park is also greatly affected so much by the dry season.
There fore, its good to have your Victoria Falls experience in both countries but if you decide to chose one may be due to budget issues, visiting Zambia, is better as the costs are lower , Livingstone town is more exciting, and its atmosphere is a home away from home. Zambia provides more of cultural experiences, more activities and quality viewpoints.
Experiencing the world’s natural wonder: Attractions on the falls.
Look into the different points of view on both sides. The Zimbabwean side has amazing views of the whole mile-long falls, while the Zambian side has close-up, immersive views that are especially nice during the rainy season.

Attractions in Zimbabwe

The Zambezi river sun set cruise: Take a two-hour trip on the falls on a covered or open-deck boat. Hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and a huge number of bird species will be visible. Most cruises come with drinks and snacks.

Microlight or Helicopter flights: The 12- to 25-minute flight departs from Zimbabwe’s airfield and takes you into the surrounding Zambezi rain forest and across the whole distancearound the falls. In Africa, this place provides one of the most recognised experiences in Africa.

This 12- to 25-minute flight departs from Zimbabwe’s helipad and transports you into the surrounding Zambezi wilderness and across the entire length of the falls. In Africa, it’s among the most photographed experiences.

Victoria Falls rainforest walk: this is an famous experience that takes you through a designated path system with 16 distinct vintage points that provide different views of the falls.

Bungee jumping in Victoria falls bridge: The Victoria Falls bridge is one of the world’s tallest bridge jumps at 111 meters. The famous bridge provides more activities like bridge swing and zipline that give you a great view of the river. The bridge is between border crossings and bungee jumping activity costs around $160 per person.

Attractions in Zambia

The Devil’s Pool: this is one of the must do activities for those who visit the falls from August to January. Its an activity than no other. You can swim to the edge of the falls and look over the edge. The cliff is quite large and the natural flow is not with the movement of the water. It’s a real rush of energy, and getting there is twice the fun. This activity is only available on the Zambia side.

Knife Edge bridge and the Boiling Point hike: Get immersed in the moist atmosphere and witness the thunderous sound of the falls up close. Then, hike down into the gorge to the Boiling Pot, where the water is moving rapidly.

Touring Livingstone Island: this is the place where Dr David Livingstone first viewed and named the Victoria fall as in 1885. The island is accessible by boat. Activities on the island include a guided walk with history about the island, and an optional devil’s pool swim. At times breakfast or lunch are served.

Rhino tracking in Mosi oa Tunya national Park: This is one of the few places in southern Africa. It’s an experience done on foot with the guidance of park guards to protect them from extinction. This activity is so fruitful for photographers and wildlife lovers.

White water rafting: the Victoria falls are one of the best places the world where one can experience White water rafting to the in a mesmerising perspective. It is a must do activity on the falls from August to early December. It is done in both Zambia and Zimbabwe side at an average cost of $120 per person.

Other activities close to Victoria falls include :

-Game drives in in Mosi oa Tunya National Park and Victoria Falls National Park
-Cultural experiences like visiting the Umuzi homestead on the Zimbabwe side, the Livingstone Museum, Village visits that involve drumming and cooking experiences.
-Canoeing on the Zambezi River.
-Walking safaris in the nearby parks
-Day trips to Chobe National park in Botswana

Accommodation at the Victoria Falls.

There is a wide range of hotels and lodges that offer bed and breakfast, full board meals, self-catering, and camping to choose from. Whatever your budget, the accommodations close to the falls have something that suits you.

Accommodations on the Zambian side are located on the banks of the Zambezi upstream from Victoria Falls and are best for romantic river chalets and opulent suites. Accommodations on the Zimbabwean side include grand colonial-style hotels and a golf resort, as well as cozy riverside lodges that offer good value for your money.

Some of the accommodations include:

Victoria Falls Hotel: This is a 4-star hotel located less than 1 km from the Victoria Falls entrance. It has 161 en suite, air-conditioned bedrooms and suites. Its a an old hotel where tourists can have a history of the colonial times, and some of its rooms provide views of the gorges and bridge on the Victoria Falls.

Palm River Hotel: This is a 5-star hotel located 5km awy from Victoria falls entrance. It has 73 air-conditioned bedrooms and suites, luxury and elegantly designed for tourists to have the most comfortable stay. The rooms are well-positioned to provide views of the Zambezi river. The Hotel also provides a shuttle to transport guests to and from town.

Elephant Hills Hotel: it is a 3-star hotel located 4 km out of Zimbabwe town, provides scenic views of the Zambezi River and the spray of the Victoria Falls. In the heart of this luxury hotel is a stunning miniature copy of the Victoria Falls, adding to the ethnic flavour of Zimbabwe’s design.

Besides providing quick access to the falls, this hotel has different entertainment spots like the tennis pitch, two swimming pools, squash court. It is the only place in the area with a golf course, and it was designed with Gary Player. So, for golf lovers cannot leave te place without enjoying this game. Though the court is not in a good condition, its a must do activity at this hotel. It is also an impressive place for international conferences and other educative social gatherings.

The hotel provides a shuttle to transport visitors to the town center and the Victoria Falls.

Zambezi Sun Hotel: Is a relaxed hotel located on the eastern border of the Victoria Falls in Zambia. It is ideal for visitors looking for comfort at affordable rates. Its best for families with children and business guests. Both luxury and budget suites are offered, and children are given special entertainment. Delicious meals are served in a hospitable environment in the restaurant and bar.

Visitors are offered complimentary access to the falls with a simple walk because the hotel is very close to the falls. The hotel offers activities like engaging tourists in guided game drives in Mosi oa Tunya national park, Cultural village tours, Livingstone town tours, elephant-back safaris, Zambezi River boat trips and many others.

Victoria Falls safari lodge: This a 4 star hotel located approximately 4.6 km from Victoria Falls entrance. It is located on a sprawling plateau the provides best vies of the falls. It has beautiful en suite rooms, air conditioned, ceiling fans elegancy beds and a private balcony for each room. Dinning at the Lodge provides a memorable experience, visit the Buffalo bar to enjoy a Heineken as you relax with spectacular views of the surrounding wilderness, the Makuwa Kuwa restaurant dining experience is unforgettable. The Boma African dining provides a a meal with the Zimbabwean local cuisine, incorporating with the traditional dance performance and the drumming show. More activities offered at this accommodation include guided bush walks, biding along nature trails and game viewing in the Siduli hide.

More accommodations for your Victoria safari trip are

Cresta Spray view Hotel
Rainbow Hotel
Explorers Village
N1 Hotel
Mbano Manor hotel
Illala Lodge
Victoria falls safari suites
Victoria falls Safari Club and many others.

What to pack for your Victoria falls safari

Preparing your adventure to the Victoria falls requires careful packing to ensure comfort, safety and readiness to experience diverse activities in a new environment. Here is a comprehensive packing list for your safari to this stunning tourism destination.

Clothing and footwear

1.Clothing:

-Quick dry T-shirts and tops , shorts and skirts to wear in the hot weather.
-Long sleeved shirts and trousers, to protect you from insect bites and stings especially in the forest walk, hiking activity and at dawn.
-Water proof jackets or poncho , to protect you from rain especially in the wet months of November to April.
-Warm jackets and sweaters , to be used in the cold hours of the day especially in the evenings and nights.

2.Footwear

– Comfortable hiking boots, to help you traverse rocky terrain while hiking.
-Water proof shoes, for walking in the environment close to the river, and activities like cruises
-Light sandals, for relaxing activities.

3.Backpack : it should have a reasonable size to carry only essential items like water bottle, camera, sunscreen, and snacks for energizing during the excursion.

Sun protectors; including sunscreen, hat or cap, lip balm, and sun glass to protect your body from direct sun rays.
Insect repellent: to protect your body from insect bites and stings while on outdoor activities.
Photography gear. Such as cameras, binoculars, or a smart smartphone to help you take memorable photos and videos. Carry extra memory cards and batteries so that you don’t miss out on memorable moments. Carry portable charging devices.
For health and safety:

– Carry a first aid kit with some drugs prescribed by medical personnel.
– Ensure proper personal hygiene ( carry toiletries like a toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, and soap).

Travel documents:

– A valid passport and visas for both Zambia and Zimbabwe.
– Travel and personal insurance, and emergency contact numbers.

Money and payment methods

Credit and debit cards are accepted, especially when paying for accommodations and activities, but you should carry some local currency for purchase of smaller items like souvenirs.
Local currency; Zambia- Zambian Kwacha(ZMW) and Zimbabwe – Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWL).

Wildlife activities that can be connected to Victoria Falls safari.

Several experiences can be tailored to a Victoria Falls safari for the best exploration of southern Africa. Some of them include:
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) – it is a small park but offers amazing rhino tracking and birding experiences.
Lower Zambezi National Park (Zambia) – Best explored and accessed by flight; Offers luxury camps and canoe safaris.
Zambezi National Park (Zimbabwe) – Offers game drives near the falls with fewer tourists.
Chobe National Park (Botswana) – Just 90 minutes from the falls; its known for massive elephant herds, river safaris, and lions.
Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) – Big 5 destination, approximately 2.5 hours away from the Victoria Falls.