The enormous Victoria Falls is often referred to locally as Mosi-a-Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders.” It is situated on the Zambezi River in Southern Africa, which separates Zambia and Zimbabwe. About 350 feet high and more than a mile wide, it is a natural wonder that has the world’s largest falling water curtain. Thus, over the years, it has drowned tourists from all over the world.

This location was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Even though you are far from the actual waterfall, it is still amazing to view the mist from it.

David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer and missionary, made the discovery of the waterfall in 1855. He is credited with naming the waterfall after Victoria, the Queen of Britain, and included it on the map both physically and figuratively, even though others claim he may not have been the first to see the majestic falls. A trip to the Victoria Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on your bucket list.

Activities at Victoria Falls

As previously said, the Victoria Falls are shared by two nations; specifically, they are located in two national parks where visitors can get up close and personal. Among the parks are Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. You may still get quite close to the thunderous water in both sites, albeit the experiences are very different.

The sensations you get at the Victoria Falls also vary according to the season you visit. Zambia experiences its highest flow in April, May, and June, when around five distinct waterfall parts are roaring. Additionally, some of these areas dry up around November during the dry season.

Four of the five distinct sections—the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls—are visible during the peak flow because of a trail on the Zimbabwean side that runs directly across from the wide expanse of water.

Take off over the fall.

It’s enjoyable to visit Victoria Falls when the water flow is high, but people who want to fly overhead may not be able to see the falls clearly because of the smoke that the water creates. You must, however, fly above the falls.

There are two ways to fly above: either in a helicopter or a microlight. In addition to the breathtaking views of this natural wonder, you can also take in the breathtaking surroundings of Mosi-oa-Tunya. It is really thrilling to take a 15-minute flight or ride above these falls!

Get your adrenaline flowing.

Bungee jumping is one of the many daring activities that can be found near Victoria Falls. Bungee jumping involves leaping from the Victoria Falls bridge, which is located on Zambia’s side, toward the powerful, swift-moving Zambezi River. Over 50,000 individuals enjoy bungee jumping each year, and records indicate that jumping off the bridge is 99.9% safe.

Another option is the Gorge swing from the bridge, which is frightening but significantly less expensive than the bungee jump. To double the enjoyment, you can do both at once!

Savor an exciting journey along the Zambezi.

One of the world’s greatest locations for white water rafting is Victoria Falls; it’s an exhilarating experience that shouldn’t be missed when on safari.

rafting the Zambezi River, particularly when the water level is too high. Take in the stunning views along the riverbanks, where you may see birds, hippos, and other wildlife.

Given the breathtaking scenery and breathtaking sunsets, one option is to take a sunset cruise along the Zambezi. After a full day of activities, you may enjoy a drink on the boat as you cruise the river, watching the sunsets and keeping an eye out for various wildlife along the banks.

embarked on a Victoria Falls canopy tour.

This mildly adventurous sport is suitable for both adults and children, making it suitable for even those on family safaris. You traverse the jungle via the canopy walk, which overlooks the Zambezi Gorge’s rivers and plants. You can enjoy breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls Bridge, the Zambezi River, and the Victoria Falls Curtain while on a canopy walk. Typically, these tours last two hours and thirty minutes.

Take a dip at the Devil’s Pool.

You may be able to swim in the Devil’s Pool if you are on a safari to the Victoria Falls during the dry season. When the water level is low, this naturally occurring pool forms at the summit of the Victoria Falls. Only a tiny rock separates the pool from the lethal, trembling Zambezi river, so you can jump in for an exhilarating swimming experience.

Swimming in a pool is extremely risky but rewarding, so it’s not for the weak of heart.

Where to stay

Which side of the falls you are on will determine where you stay because there are several guesthouses and hotels in Zambia and Zimbabwe where you can spend the night. They have qualified staff, serve decent food, and are generally pleasant. The lodging choices include both luxury and low-cost lodges.

Ilala Lodge, Batonka, Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Sprayview Hotel, Bayete Guest Lodge, and The Elephant Camp are a few on the Zimbabwean side.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort Kayube Estate Zambezi River, Wateberry Zambezi Lodge, Camp Nkwazi, Victoria Falls Waterfront, Tongabezi Lodge, and numerous others are located in Zambia.

The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, which separates Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Mosi-a-Tunaya, which roughly translates to “The smoke that thunders,” is the local name for the Victoria Falls. The Falls are more than a mile wide and more than 350 feet high.

In 1855, missionary explorer David Livingston made the discovery of the Victoria Falls. Although he may not have been the first to see the Falls, he was the one who gave them the name Victoria in honor of the British monarch and added them to the global map. When traveling to Zambia or Zimbabwe, a safari to the Victoria Falls is an experience that should not be missed.

One of the biggest falls in the world, they may be seen from Zambia or Zimbabwe, though most people think that Zimbabwe offers the greatest view, though Zambia also has a number of locations from which to see the falls.

Africa’s Victoria Falls

I’ve included a list of some of the things that people can do when they visit the Victoria Falls.

The bridge above Victoria Falls and the falls themselves
Bungee jumping is a popular activity on the Victoria Falls Bridge, especially for thrill-seekers. The bridge was designed in England, shipped in sections, and assembled on location.Completed in 1906, the bridge connects Zambia and Zimbabwe across the Zambezi River. This is the spot to go if you enjoy bungee jumping.

The Falls plunge more than 70 to 108 meters per minute into the abyss below, and they are more than 17 kilometers wide. They consist of five major falls: the Devil’s Cataract, the Main Falls, the Rainbow Falls, the Horseshoe Falls, and the Eastern Cataract, which is located near the Zambian border.

See the Devil Cataract

Because of the Falls’ depth—more than 70 to 108 meters below the surface into a chasm—it is thought that many natives utilized this location as a writing alter before the missionaries arrived in search of blessings, wealth, and other blessings. The location earned its name because, after the missionaries arrived, offering sacrifices was stigmatized and referred to as a devil’s ritual. See the amazing location and learn about its past when you visit.

The Cataract in the East

On the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, on the eastern bank, are the Eastern Cataract. With a height of 101 meters, the Falls are the deepest and offer a good perspective from Zimbabwe. Get a spectacular experience by going there.

The Principal Falls

The main Falls’ broad water curtain, which cascades into the 93-meter chasm, provides a breathtaking spectacle. Because the water rushes at a rate of 700,000 cubic meters per minute, this location offers the greatest view of the Victoria Falls.You may see the enormous rain forests that are present in the region and experience what is referred to as one of the wonders of the world while you are here.

The Falls at Horseshoe

This portion of the Falls is 95 meters deep and has a horseshoe-like shape. Due to the dry season, which lasts from October to November, it is not as popular as the other Falls. Therefore, the rainy season is the ideal time of year to explore Horseshoe Falls.

The Rainbow Falls

The rainbow that can be seen clearly from this location on the Victoria Falls is what gave these their name. These falls are the deepest of all of them, reaching a depth of 108 meters.

Take a trip down the Zambezi River

The greatest spot to go if you enjoy playing high-adrenaline games is here. You can also go canoeing and white water rafting on the Zambezi River on a safari to the Victoria Falls. You will be able to observe a variety of aquatic life, including crocodiles, hippos, and several bird species, including migrating birds, as you paddle along the Zambezi River.

As you watch the sunset, you can also have a picnic along the Zambezi River’s banks. You shouldn’t miss a safari to the Victoria Falls because rafting and canoeing are two things that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.

Go to the Falls to see them up close.

The length of your stay at the Victoria Falls also depends on when you come, and because the Falls are spread across two counties, you can visit game parks there, such as

Zambia’s Mosi-ow-Tunya National Park

The northern portion of the Zambezi River is home to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. There are no predators hiding in this little park; it is exclusively home to herbivores. Among the various animal species found in the park are giraffes, antelopes, elephants, warthogs, zebras, and many more.

Among the more than 350 bird species found in the park are the Barbarian stork, corncrake, African skimmer, Taita Falcon, Salty Egret, African finfoot, Pallid harrier, Great snipe, and numerous others.

Game drives are available in the park, where you may observe the various animals that inhabit the area and take in the scenery provided by the Victoria Falls.

The National Park of Zambezi

Zebras, elephants, lions, impalas, rhinos, sable antelopes, waterbucks, leopards, buffalos, and other animal species are among the many species that can be spotted at the Zambezi National Park. One may observe the various fish species found in the Zambezi River, particularly the common Tiger fish species, as the park is adjacent to it.

As the day comes to an end, you can take guided hikes through the Zambezi National Park, particularly in the evu, and go on wildlife drives.

See the Boiling Pot and Devil’s Pool.

The Devil’s Pool is a naturally occurring pool that forms near the summit of the Victoria Falls, particularly during periods of low water levels. In order to escape the heat of the day, you might go swimming during the day. The magnificent Zambezi River, which is separated from the pool by only a rock, may be seen while you are up here.

The location of the boiling point, which gives the water smoke-like characteristics, is where the Victoria Falls meet the Zambezi River. The name “boiling pot” comes from the way the water forms, which gives the impression that it is bioling.

Investigate the large tree and rain forest.

The large tree, a massive baobab, has stood close to the Falls since the time I was a child. It is estimated to measure 16 meters broad and 20 meters high. Before continuing your tour of the Victoria Falls, it’s a good idea to take a break.

The Forward Rain This is because of the water that flows from the Zambezi River and the Falls. The rain forest is home to a variety of flora and wildlife, including fig trees, palm trees, and numerous other tree species. Additionally, you can observe the various bird species that inhabit the forests, such as the African skimmer. Savor guided forest treks and bicycle rides in the rain forest.

A trip to the statue of David Livingstone

On the left side of the Falls, next to the Devil’s cascade, is the David Livingstone statue. The first explorer to arrive and find the falls in 1855 is depicted in this statue. It’s a huge statue, and while you take in the stunning view of the Victoria Falls, the local tour guides can teach you about the site’s history.

Because there is a steady flow of water at the Falls, the rainy season is the ideal time of year to visit. However, the Victoria Falls are still open for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

Helicopters and microlights offer the best aerial views of the Victoria Falls. Enjoy the smoke that is created when the water runs down, and you will be able to view the Falls and how they cascade down into the chasm. You will get to appreciate this amazing view of the Falls from above during the 15-minute helicopter flight.

While visiting the Falls, there are decent lodging options that accommodate all price ranges.