Where is Victoria Falls?
Where is Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls is a magnificent waterfall located approximately near the center of the Zambezi River, straddling the boundary between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south. The waterfall is roughly twice the width and depth of Niagara Falls, extending across the full width of the Zambezi River at one of its broadest points, exceeding 5,500 feet (1,700 meters). The river drops down a vertical cliff with a maximum drop of 355 feet (108 meters) at the falls. The average flow of the falls is around 33,000 cubic feet (935 cubic meters) per second. The Zambezi River does not accelerate as it approaches the precipice, indicated mainly by the thunderous roar and distinctive curtain of mist, which the Kalolo-Lozi people designated as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke That Thunders”). The lip of the falls’ precipice is divided into multiple sections by numerous small islands, depressions, and promontories throughout its perimeter. The eastern sections of the falls are predominantly arid during periods of diminished river flow.
The waters of Victoria Falls descend into a ravine that ranges in width from 80 to 240 feet (25 to 75 meters) rather than an open basin. This chasm is created by the cliff of the falls and an opposing rock wall of identical height. The chasm’s sole outlet is a tiny path carved into the barrier wall around three-fifths from the western end of the falls. Through this canyon, measuring less than 210 feet (65 meters) in width and 390 feet (120 meters) in length, the whole volume of the Zambezi River flows. At the terminus of the gorge lies the Boiling Pot, a profound basin where the waters bubble and froth during periods of flooding. Immediately beneath the Boiling Pot, the gorge is traversed by the Victoria Falls (Zambezi) Bridge, facilitating rail, vehicular, and pedestrian transit between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The river’s waters then flow into a vast zigzag depression, marking the inception of Batoka Gorge, which has been carved by the river to a depth of 400–800 feet (120–240 meters) across a span of 60 miles (100 kilometers) through a basalt plateau.
Visit And Explore Victoria Falls
How to get to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Town in Zimbabwe and Livingstone Town in Zambia both feature international airports. Multiple flights daily from various origins service these routes; refer to the schedule below.
You may arrive at any of these airports and arrange a brief road transfer (which must be reserved) across the border, provided your lodging is secured in the other nation. Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe and Livingstone Airport in Zambia are the nearest airports to the Falls. Alternatively, one may fly into Kasane Airport in Botswana and undertake a one-hour vehicle trip to Victoria Falls town, which includes a border crossing. This is a crucial preliminary choice.
Traveling to Victoria Falls by car is an alternative. Fuel is generally accessible; however, certain garages may deplete their supply, so ensure you possess sufficient fuel to reach the subsequent refueling station. The price varies in accordance with global fuel costs. Ensure you carry cash, since many establishments may not accept credit or debit cards.
- Fuel is accessible from multiple garages in the Victoria Falls town center. Fuel stations in South Africa and Botswana accept all principal credit and debit cards.
- Zimbabwe imposes stringent regulations for cars entering the country; please review the Zimbabwe Vehicle Regulations for details.
The route from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls is presently in poor condition, making the drive challenging; yet, it is feasible with a suitable car. The duration is around 5 hours (as of January 2025). Traffic in large centers such as Harare and Bulawayo is currently highly congested.
Public Transport Services
For those seeking to travel from point A to point B, economical buses operate daily, departing in the morning and evening between Victoria Falls and Harare, with stops at Bulawayo and minor towns along the route. These are not luxury buses and provide no additional facilities, except from some music. They will make several brief stops along route for refreshments and for passengers to obtain sustenance. Refer to the Victoria Falls bus for additional information.
The available border post alternatives
- Beitbridge Border Post (Operational) – Between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Extremely occupied yet effective. Avoid whenever possible.
- Plumtree Border Post (Operational) – Situated between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Generally tranquil and effective, albeit it is advisable to visit in the early morning or late afternoon.
- Pandamatenga Border Post (Operational) – Situated between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Extremely silent yet effective. On one occasion, when we passed through here around 3 PM, we were the sole vehicle to have traversed that day, necessitating the awakening of the customs personnel. The route on the Zimbabwean side spans approximately 80 kilometers and is unpaved, presenting considerable challenges; although it appears to be a shortcut on the map, it is not in practice.
- Kazungula Border Post (Operational) – Situated between Botswana and Zimbabwe. Somewhat occupied yet effective. This location is about 70 kilometers from the Falls, making it a perfect location for refueling and buying supplies.
- Victoria Falls Bridge (Open) – Connecting Zambia and Zimbabwe… Occupied and reasonably effective. Crucial for entering Zambia to engage in activities on that side or vice versa.
Regular train services between South Africa and Victoria Falls are no longer operational, regardless of what may be stated in certain guidebooks.
There exists a premium rail service, the Rovos Rail, that operates directly from South Africa to Victoria Falls. This is not an usual shuttle service, but rather a vacation experience in its own right. The journey from Johannesburg to Victoria Falls spans three days and is indeed a remarkable experience. The budget Shongololo Express, operated by Rovos Rail, provides an extensive journey through Mozambique and Swaziland from Pretoria to Victoria Falls, featuring 3-star luxury accommodations.
An overnight train once operated from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls. This service is presently suspended until further notice. At that time, it was a choice, but not one characterized by luxury. The trains were dilapidated; but, it provided a distinctive African experience, assuming one was willing to embrace it, and it was entirely safe, since we undertook it multiple times. We anticipate that this will be reintroduced in the future. The train station in Victoria Falls is adjacent to the Victoria Falls Hotel and the Kingdom Hotel, and is located less than one kilometre from the town center.
When is the best time to Visit Victoria Falls
Activities in Victoria Falls Zambia There is no optimal time to see Victoria Falls. The outcome is contingent upon your desired experience. To swim in the Devil’s Pool or stroll along the top of the falls, plan your visit during the peak dry season from September to November. In the dry season, visibility increases, allowing for a clear view of the base of the falls. The arid months from June to August are ideal for individuals seeking to embark on a safari in nearby national parks or those located in Botswana.
The rainy season, akin to the dry season, possesses advantages and disadvantages. The wet season reveals the waterfalls’ full force and flow. However, anticipate becoming drenched with water (mist descending as rain) as Premier tourist destinations in Victoria Falls One visits several observation locations. The visibility is inadequate, rendering the capture of quality photographs more challenging. Engaging in swimming or wandering along the precipice of the falls is perilous. Nonetheless, the wet season possesses its benefits as well. It provides an opportunity to observe a moonbow. Moonbows occur when mist interacts with light from the full moon, resulting in a distinctive rainbow in the water spray. This differs from the typical rainbow produced by the sun. Victoria Falls is one of the rare locations globally where a moonbow can be observed.
For best enjoyment, we advise visiting between June and July. At this time, the rains would have ceased, and water levels would remain sufficiently high to not impair general visibility.
What is the length of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia?
Victoria Falls is the greatest waterfall by volume on this planet. The Victoria Falls are double the height of Niagara Falls in North America. The Iguazu Falls in Brazil and Argentina are the nearest in size to Victoria Falls. The mist from the falls is visible from a distance exceeding fifty kilometers, while the sound of the thundering water is audible from forty kilometers away. This is why the natives refer to it as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to “smoke that thunders.” The total breadth of the falls is 5,604 feet, while the height is 354 feet.
Ways to Visit Victoria Falls In the rainy season, the volume of water and spray from the falls intensifies, obscuring the entire face and base. When the dry season commences and the waters recede, the rocky face becomes more discernible, allowing for a clearer examination of the bottom gorges. One of the most renowned areas of the falls is the “Devil’s Pool,” situated at the cliff where the water starts to fall. Numerous tourists jeopardize their safety by swimming in this specific area, disregarding the danger of plunging over the edge. This pool is accessible solely from September to December (dry season) when the water current’s intensity diminishes. All activities above the falls are suspended during the rainy season due to the perilous river.
Victoria Falls attracts approximately one million people annually. A safari in Africa should encompass a visit to this magnificent natural wonder. Some believe that the Zimbabwean side of the falls has superior views, however this is subject to disagreement. Political difficulties and international sanctions under Robert Mugabe’s rule prompted numerous tourists to commence their visits to the falls from the Zambian side.
