When you experience the energy and power of the water crashing into the gorge below, you will not doubt why the Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. It is truly a spectacular sight! You can be lucky enough to see the rare, natural atmospheric phenomena of the ‘moonbow’; when the Moon’s light is reflected & refracted off water droplets in the air at the Victoria Falls. There are a million things to do in the city, including sunset cruises and canoeing on the Upper Zambezi River to greet the hippos and crocodiles, and you can have a walking safari in the surrounding national parks and wilderness areas. If you search for an adrenaline rush, then go bungee jumping or experience the rafting activities down the Zambezi River.
QUICK FACTS:
BRIEF HISTORY
The falls were named by David Livingstone after the British Monarch of the time, Queen Victoria. Members of the Makololo tribe were his chaperons and helped him navigate the Zambezi River using dugout canoes until they showed him what was locally referred to as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning ‘the smoke that thunders’ in the Lozi language, mostly spoken in Zambia. The awe-inspiring waterfall cascaded over the edge of a large plateau of volcanic rock, which formed as a result of the sandstone erosion by water that filled the cracks to form gorges. The million tonnes of water eroding the rock has created its experience and position on the Zambezi River, and now we can marvel at the site that David Livingstone described as, “No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”.
WHAT IS SO SPECIAL ABOUT VICTORIA FALLS
The view of 500 million litres of water falling over the falls every minute is truly a sight to behold. It is one of the only places on earth with consistent rain 24/7 as the spray rises more than 60-feet into air creating 24-hours of rain. The rainforest is a paradise of exotic plants that enjoy humidity such as the Mahogany. Early morning visits of the falls are the best as the sun rises and it tints the spray pink and gold. A sustainable city, where you can walk or bike everywhere, with very little car traffic, while every road is a national park because elephants and other wildlife roam free around the city.
You really don’t need me to convince you why this is a one-of-a-kind city to visit, in the Zimbabwean Shona language we say, ‘kutaurirwa hunyimwa’ and ‘chitsva chirimurutsoka’ – meaning words, through hearsay won’t do a place justice, you have to see it to believe it! But for those doubting Thomas’ out there, let me give you a few things through this Victoria Falls Travel Guide that you can look forward to when you visit Zimbabwe!
Tour of the falls: open 7-days a week for self-guided and guided tours. The paths are well marked, which makes it easy for individuals to explore the rainforest on their own, however, for a richer experience that is contextualised, doing a guided tour will surely give you the most bang for your buck! Be sure to bring a raincoat, waterproof storage for your phone, passport and other valuables, because once you enter the gates, you will be drenched by the never-ending spray, which in itself is priceless! If you don’t have one, no worries, there is a market opposite the entry gates where you can rent a raincoat, umbrellas are of no use! Once you get in, start from the statue of David Livingstone, it is a much better way to begin and there are less rain showers there. I won’t spoil the whole experience here, and so come along – US$30 per international adult gets you in.
BEST WAYS TO EXPERIENCE THE ZAMBEZI RIVER: ACTIVITIES AND THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA FALLS
The Zambezi river is the fourth-longest river in Africa, flowing through 6 countries on its way to the Indian Ocean. It is truly a gem of the African continent! The river runs through many national parks and game reserves and sustains a diverse range of wildlife, fish and bird species. Victoria Falls has something for everyone and below I outline thematic areas of how I would break-down the things to do in Victoria Falls.
ADRENALINE AND ADVENTURE ACTIVITIES
You can safely refer to Victoria Falls as the adrenaline capital of Africa, if not the world. Face your fears!
Bungee jumping: 111-metres of free-fall with the majestic falls behind you and crocodile infested Zambezi River below you! No other bungy comes close, #fact. You will need $168 to enjoy the experience!
Tandem skydiving: The king of adrenaline activities (10,000-metres) for $360. You cannot leave Victoria Falls without enjoying the thrill of reaching a speed of up to 200kph – it’s you against the peregrine and I am betting on you!
Canopy tours: Perfect activity for families and allows you to explore a network of nine elevated slides through forest trees, with the longest being 85-metres long. It costs $58 to enjoy the beautiful views of the rapids.
River boarding: Take the Middle Zambezi River rapids with only a wetsuit, body board, life jacket, helmet and fins. It allows you to challenge the rapids below Victoria Falls and I am sure you will come out in one piece! You will need $195, which includes hiring all the equipment, lunch and park fees.
High wire activities:
Devils Pool & Livingstone Island Tour: It is a chance to swim in the world’s natural pool, with views of the Victoria Falls down below. You will need to experience a rocky walk and swim in the Zambezi before dipping yourself in the infinity pool. It’s certainly not for the fainthearted as you get pushed to the edge by the force of the river. And for the real daredevils, you can take a peek down 100-metres and watch the water gush down the rainbow falls, suspended in mid-air, with your feet held by the guide! Talk about living life on the edge!
White water rafting: This is your opportunity to enjoy one of the best white-water rapids in the world. Conquering the mighty river is something you will always remember. You can choose between an oar boat or a paddle boat for your rafting trip. Around March, the river becomes dangerous, and it is closed until the water level drops again in June.
Zambezi Speedboat: Sit back, hold tight and prepare to immerse yourself in the surrounding views of the Batoka Gorge with its black stone walls. You can enjoy the interesting view of the falls from the base whilst you cruise over the rapids at 100km per hour.
The Gorge and the Boiling Point Hike: You hike going down the 110-metre Batoka Gorge. After the hike you will then raft along the river under the Victoria Falls bridge until you reach the base of the beautiful falls. Dip yourself in one pool and make sure you get unique pictures. It is very physical and requires brave and fit people. It can only be done during the low water season from August to December.
WILDLIFE & SAFARI ADVENTURES
Fishing: Fishing in the Zambezi River is one of the best ways to experience the Zambezi River. You can expect to find the African Pike, Yellow fish and Tiger fish, and if you know your fishing, you will appreciate that it will take more than skills to have a good catch amidst the great aquatic acrobats.
Walking & bush safaris: Explore the unfenced 57 000-hectare Zambezi National Park on foot for about 4-hours. Nothing says African safari like trekking wildlife and coming close to them without the safari trucks – you get a new level of respect for the animals. You will need good hiking shoes, sunscreen, camera, binoculars and a hat. You can also book the Chobe National Park half ($160) or full-day trip ($220) in Botswana and spend the day with one of the largest herds of elephants in Africa. The price includes transfers, lunch and breakfast.
GUIDED & SCENIC TOURS
Helicopter (flight of angels); It offers the best views of the largest sheet of falling water in the world for $150. You can book a 15-minute or 25-minute ride and gaze at the scenes angels looked upon in their flight!
Micro flight: This is a slower paced trip with wind blowing through your hair for $185 for a short flight. It flies over the Zambezi River and circles the waterfalls, making the best all-round aerial experience.
Photographic safari: here is a chance to explore the city in multiple ways, aboard a helicopter for those aerial shots, from the deck of a boat cruising along the Zambezi River, biking through wooded forests or walking through nature.
CULTURAL ACTIVITIES
Village tour: allows you to interact with the local people and understand how they live and their way of life. The best part about travel remains the authentic connections you make with a place, and what more allows for this than the people? From taking you through Chinotimba, the oldest and largest township in Victoria Falls, to visiting the Monde Village where you are immersed in the culture, customs, history and daily lives of the villagers who are the soul of the city. Prepare for about 4-hours and $25 for the local guide.
NOT SO HIDDEN GEMS: THINGS YOU DIDN’T KNOW YOU COULD DO IN VICTORIA FALLS
I guess once you read it here and then you visit once you arrive in Zimbabwe, it stops being a well-hidden gem, but someone has to tell you about it right?
Jafuta Heritage Centre: It is a little impressive museum that details the cultural heritage of Zimbabwean indigenous ethnic groups. You can find interesting information on the Ndebele, Shona, Tonga and Lozi people, including their intriguing artefacts, costumes and jewellery. It is located at Elephants Walk, free of charge.
Moonbow effect: When the water levels are high the mist and huge amount of spray and light from the moon create a rainbow at night. The mist of the falls can be seen from 12 kilometres away and the midnight moonbow over the falls is Africa’s most romantic sight. Venture co provides the Lunar Calendar for the moonbow.
Big Baobab Tree: hiding in plain sight is a huge baobab of the species of Adansonia. It is only 2 kilometres from the falls and not far from the Zambezi banks. It is possibly the oldest living tree in the world and designated as a heritage site. This impressive tree is 20-metres high and over 16-metres in circumference. Some believe that the tree is made of 3 trunks or trees, but you are free to make your own speculation when you see it.
High Tea & Champagne Breakfast at Vic Falls Hotel: It is an exciting tea adventure, which you can enjoy with friends, family or business associates. A magical setting of light meals, including pastries, sandwiches and your choice of champagne. Hear the thunder of the falls, view the historic bridge and let the birds enchant you from your seat or as you stroll around the gardens of this historic hotel, all for $25.
Steam Train: The steam train is located at the Victoria Falls train station behind the Victoria Falls Hotel. The train has 3 carriages, which are fully air-conditioned. A dinner on the train going back in time in the luxury carriage is a must do. The train only departs on Tuesdays and Fridays and from Livingstone Zambia on Wednesday and Saturday. You can purchase tickets at the station or book via email. You can also book from Bulawayo, where it departs between 4 pm and 5 pm.
Overnight houseboat: the houseboat is a good opportunity for you to enjoy the majestic views of the Zambezi River, wildlife on the shores including elephants, buffalos, sables and birds coming to drink water at the banks. You can book with Shearwater Boat Cruise, Ra-ikane River Cruises and Wild horizons. The houseboats have flexible schedules and depart in the morning, afternoon and at sunset. There is also an overnight houseboat from Victoria Falls to Kariba that runs once a week, presenting an optimal opportunity to traverse Zimbabwe on water.
Chief Makuni Village Stay: the royal village was founded in the 13th Century in Zambia and is home to approximately 7 000 Leya people. Picture a visit to Buckingham Palace, except here you have a good chance of meeting the King, share a meal & beverage and chat away the day. You can become an artist-in-residence with their talented craftsmen who design intricate wood carvings, stoneware, jewellery, baskets among other things. A short 7-kms from the falls and $60 gives you entry into this royal village.
Siduli Hide: perfectly disguised as a termite hound & situated at a waterhole, where wildlife come to drink water, Siduli offers one-of-a-kind chance to see wildlife close-up in a non-invasive way. The hide is disguised, and the animals are unaware of your presence. All you have to do is sit quietly inside and watch the animals stroll through a few metres away. You will need $55 for a personal experience with the wildlife.
IS IT SAFE TO VISIT VICTORIA FALLS?
Zimbabweans are the friendliest people in the world, and that is not just us tooting our own horns. You will struggle to meet anyone who has spent time with Zimbabweans who will not proclaim our generosity and hospitality. Victoria Falls is our tourist capital city and crime is virtually non-existent. As an additional measure, the city has roaming police officers who may escort you to your destination should you ever feel unsafe. All of the activities are provided under strict regulations and all formal providers have comprehensive insurance cover for unfortunate events that may occur.
WHAT IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT VICTORIA FALLS?
To get the best views of the falls you have to visit from February to May, after the summer rains. The Zambezi River will be flowing at its greatest volume during this period and the mist of the falls can be seen from quite a distance, supporting a rainforest-like ecosystem. The best views of the Victoria Falls are enjoyed from the Zimbabwean as opposed to the Zambian side because 75% of the falls are in Zimbabwe. To enjoy Victoria Falls, you might have to visit for a minimum of three (3) days and on average 5-7-days is optimal should you be absolutely pressed for time. There is just so much to do and so many places to see, and certainly some things are only properly done when you see or do them more than once! A sample itinerary can look something like this:
Day 1:
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Day 5
VICTORIA FALLS CALENDAR
| Month | Seasonal Shift | What’s happening | Sunrise /Sunset |
| Jan | • Height of rainy season; • Hot and humid with thunderstorms and torrential downpours; • Can get several days of continuous rain; • The Victoria Falls become more intense with increased river flow; • White water rafting will normally change to the high water run. | • Thick vegetation growth; • Animals disperse widely across the veld, therefore not the best time for game viewing; • Rainforest very damp; • Most rainforest flowers in bloom; • Grass at its most nutritious; • Lots of bird activity as many nestlings are raised. | 05h5318h58 |
| Feb | • Hot days and warm nights, plenty of rain; • “the smoke that thunders” (spray from the falls) rises high in the sky; • Most of the rainforest is under constant shower; • River level rises significantly. • High-water white-water rafting run. | • Dramatic bush growth because of the rains: • Foliage dense; • African ebony trees come into fruit; • Waterbuck breeding season; | 06h1018h51 |
| March | • Hot days and warm nights; • Rainy season coming to an end but river levels very high and Falls are pumping furiously; • Rafting often closes due to high water levels | • Migrant birds start to depart; • Kudu and buffalo breeding peak; Grasslands in full seed; • Baobab trees start to fruit | 06h1918h31 |
| April | • End of rainy season, but the water from the catchment area upstream in Zambia has arrived; • The Victoria Falls at its highest flow with an average of 500 million litres of water per minute. Highest ever recorded was 700 million litres in 1958. | • Most animals in peak condition at the end of the rainy season, due to the volume of food available; • Impala, wildebeest and warthog rutting season; • Final departure of migrant birds | 06h2618h07 |
| May | • Beginning of Autumn; • Days are warm to hot with a chill coming into the evening air; • Zambezi flowing strongly despite advent of the dry season | • Deciduous trees begin to lose their leaves; best month for fishing in the Zambezi; • White backed vulture breeding season; wild dogs breed. | 06h3517h51 |
| June | • Autumn gives way to winter; • Warm to hot days, dry weather, chilly at night; • Zambezi river levels drops | • Raptor courtship displays more evident; •Game starts to become concentrated near water as the grass cover recedes | 06h4517h49 |
| July | • Height of dry season coincides with mid- winter: • Days on the whole are still warm, but you can get a cold spell creeping in for a few days; nights are very chilly; Definitely bring something warm; • No rain | • Elephants migrate to winter pastures; • Raptor breeding season; • Mopane leaves begin taking on their distinctive winter hue of burnt orange. | 06h4817h57 |
| Aug | • Dry, warm days and cool nights; • Sometimes windy, signalling a shift in the seasons; • Eastern cataract in Zambia often becomes exposed due to low water levels of the Zambezi | • Increase in Elephant population on the Zambian side of the river, which is the winter-feeding ground for elephants from northern Zimbabwe and Botswana. | 06h3618h06 |
| Sept | • Spring brings noticeable increase in temperatures; • Hot days, nights becoming warmer; • Excellent white water rafting as the water levels drop and rapids become exposed | • First migrant birds arrive from Europe and elsewhere in Africa; • Weavers begin breeding; • Knob thorn acacia trees begin flowering indicating a change in season. | 06h1218h12 |
| Oct | • Hottest month of the year, often known as suicide month, because it is so hot; • Building up towards the start of the rainy season, with the occasional storm taking the edge off the heat; • Eastern cataracts are usually dry. • White water rafting is still excellent. | • Breeding plumage appears in certain birds and heightened courtship displays; • Marulas in flower; • Long tail cassias display beautiful yellow flowers; • New mopane leaf growth. | 05h4818h17 |
| Nov | • Usually, the start of the rainy season although rains may be late or early; • Days are very hot, and nights are warm; • The Victoria Falls is at its lowest ahead of the upstream rainy season. • White water rafting still excellent | • Baobab trees in flower; • Mopane trees exhibit new growth; • Blood lilies in flower; • White gardenia flowers are out; • Elephants begin to disperse back to Zimbabwe and Chobe; • Impala calving season; • More migrant birds arrive; • Dramatic increase in insect activity. | 05h3318h30 |
| Dec | • Hot and humid as the rainy season works towards its peak; • Cooler than October because of cloud cover; • Can get several days on continuous rain; • Falls are still quite low, but levels are starting to rise with rains from the localised catchment area. • Eastern cataract still exposed. White water rafting is still excellent. | • The Lwindii ancestral worship ceremony at the Falls; • Dragonflies at their most active in the rainforest; • Flame lily and other rainforest flowers in bloom; • Wildebeest breeding season | 05h3618h48 |
WHERE TO EAT IN VICTORIA FALLS?
The Lookout Café offers you amazing views of the mighty falls. It is an open-air café located at the edge of the Batoka Gorge. For $14 you enjoy lunch or breakfast whilst admiring the beauty of the world wonder.
Three Monkeys Restaurant serves healthy meals including sushi, starting from $10.
Shearwater Cafe: a modern café that combines European, Mediterranean and local cuisine at modest prices between $10-$15.
WHERE TO STAY IN VICTORIA FALLS
TRANSPORTATION/GETTING AROUND WITHIN THE CITY OF VICTORIA FALLS
Local guides and travel companies can offer pick-ups and drop offs for free if you book activities with them, which in turn makes the process easier for you. You can also book a hotel that is near the falls and city centre, allowing you to walk to the falls and to most activity start points. You can have your lodge and hotel arrange your transfers should you not use local travel guides. Companies such as Falcon Safaris, Shearwater Adventures, Wild Horizons and Winchat Tours offer transfers around Victoria Falls.
The airport transfers are $25 per person, and yes, taxis/cabs charge per person in Victoria Falls. It is safe to walk in the city of Victoria Falls. You will need your hat as temperature can get quite high. You can also hire a bicycle in town near Wild Horizons ($10 for a half day and $20 for a full day). The Vaya Shuttle Service is also very reliable and affordable.
HOW TO GET TO VICTORIA FALLS
BY AIR
Ethiopian Airways and Emirates have flights from most major airports around the world to Victoria Falls with minimal layovers. South African Airways has daily flights to the Victoria Falls from Johannesburg and so if you use an airline that does not connect directly to Victoria Falls, SAA is your next bet. Other airlines such as Fast Jet, Kenya Airways fly from OR Tambo International in South Africa to Victoria Falls, with FastJet flying daily from Harare to Victoria Falls.
BY ROAD
SOME IMPORTANT TIPS ABOUT VISITING VICTORIA FALLS
Visas: The single-entry visa allows you to enter Zimbabwe only once before you have to pay for another visa should you decide to visit either Zambia or Botswana. The multiple entry visa allows you to enter and re-enter Zimbabwe multiple times with only one visa payment, which is the best option should you be visiting Botswana’s Chobe National Park or the Devil’s Pool in Zambia for example.
For more information on visas click here. Zimbabwe and Zambia now have the KAZA visa, which allows travellers to explore and discover Zimbabwe and Zambia using one visa for just $50 valid for 30-days.
Border post hours: the border post (Zimbabwe and Zambia) runs from 06:00 hours to 22:00 hours.
National Parks hours: The Victoria Falls Park opens at 6 am and closes at 6 pm. SADC passport holders pay $20 and International passport holders pay an entrance fee of $30.
Night life: Shoestrings bar is popular among locals and the most lively spot on weekends for a drink. The River Brewing Company is also a great spot for you to enjoy some beer as they stock a wide variety of beers, wines and cocktails. The iconic Victoria Falls Carnival is held in December and you can enjoy live performances from local talented artists
Health: When visiting Zambezi Valley and Victoria Falls you will need antimalarial all-year round. Make sure you bring your insect repellent as well. You will need to get immunised for Yellow Fever, Tetanus, Hepatitis A and B. The Health Bridge Private Hospital can provide quality healthcare services in case of emergencies. The Emergency Medical Rescue Ambulance are reliable in case of any emergencies (+263 213 284 605)
Money: The accepted currency is the American US dollar. You will not find cash at ATMs; hence you should bring cash to avoid inconveniences.
Bookings: Find an agent that makes an itinerary with you prior to arrival meaning booking multiple things at once as a package will save you money.
Book your tour with Tiritose Sustainable Travel and explore Victoria Falls with us. The adrenaline capital is waiting for you.
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