All the way from Zimbabwe to Zambia, Victoria Falls on River Zambezi is indeed one of those mysteries the world has never been tired of visiting. For Zambia tourism, Victoria Falls is part of every African safari itinerary and is a must visit destination for all tourists and business travellers.

Locally referred to as ‘Mosi O Tunya’ the falls are one of the widest, stretching 1.7km across the narrow gorge plunging 180m (335ft) to form a boiling pot of thundering water at the base of the gorge. Mist clouds rising from the falling water can be seen even 7km from the actual sight of the falls. Given the size of the falls (from above) there is no other falls (not even Niagara Falls) compares to the beautiful of ‘the smoke that thunders’, There is an ever-present rainbow stretching across the falls, smiling to every visitor that comes here every time of the year, making it more beautiful and magnificent!

The falls is also visible from the Livingstone Memorial Bridge, which spans the river between the border posts of both Zambia and Zimbabwe. This world heritage site is splendid views during the rainy season as the water is high with an endless flow of white water and mist will make viewing quite difficult during this time. The dry season drains the river creating low water level but the falls remain beautiful making small, separate plunges across the deep gorge.

Adventures on Victoria Falls

While the flowing river and the falls plunging below may seem dangerous, it is tempting not to savor unforgettable experiences like bungee jumping, abseiling, white water rafting, canoeing, swimming at the Devil’s pool and kayaking and also wildlife safari to the nearby Mosi oa Tunya National Park. If adrenaline is something you are looking forward to, this is the right vacation and destination for it.

Start your adventures with horse riding or elephant ride across the Zambezi river and into the small national park, visiting animals like monkeys, zebras, giraffe, several antelopes, the endangered white rhino and the snake park. Take walks through the park, to the knife edge bridge and don’t miss to visit the famous gigantic Look out Tree- Baobab species, traditionally used by poachers.  Take aerial flights over the falls, particularly in the morning when light is better, you’ll surely have a bird’s view over the waterfall. Several birds are also part of the scenery at the falls and popular sights include kingfishers, fish eagles and others.

The afternoon is filled with several adventures like river rafting and other water sports.  Sundown cruises on River Zambezi can be organized if booked in it and are really worth spending on. Time is what helps you make the most of this African safari! Besides, you can visit the nearby Livingstone Town, its museum, craft shops and interact with the local people from Mikumi village that will often give you the cultural view of the falls and how it was formed. This is something interesting that you would like to know… find out yourself!

When to go

The rainy season runs from late November to early April and is noted with mist crowded views of the falls and it even get rainy on the Knife edge bridge. Even far from the sight, the clouds of mists fill the atmosphere. The dry season begins from May to October when the water is low at the falls. It is accompanied by creations of smaller falls over the gorge and the rock is more visible in December (at the peak of the dry season) but the spectacle remains beautiful as ever! You might like to plan a trip to this desired destination in Zambia to the late dry season.

Since the area is in an Equatorial malaria zone, the summer is less noted with mosquitoes. Be sure to pack your malaria medication and appropriate clothing to prevent insect bites. Remember to pack a good camera with strong lenses that can capture the view of the falls even where the misty clouds are high in the atmosphere.

Victoria Falls Zambia hotel and accommodation is available from Livingstone town and ranges from luxury options to budget package options. The options include the luxury Zambezi Sun resort, Royal Livingstone Hotel, Stanley safari lodge and many others like campsites. It is important that you plan your trip through a tour and travel agent/ operator who will make your Victoria Falls safari holiday memorable and worth another visit.

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