The Victoria Falls represent the world's largest sheet of falling water, and can be enjoyed from the Zambian and Zimbabwean side. Despite their fame, the magic of the Falls is still intact.
- Second highest waterfall in world
- UNESCO world heritage site
- Variety of accommodation
- Whitewater rafting
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| Victoria Falls travel info | Delta to Kruger |
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Victoria Falls travel info Without doubt, the Victoria Falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe constitute one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world! Safari visitors can gaze at the mighty Zambezi as it flows, broad and placid, to the brink of a basalt lip seventeen hundred meters wide before taking a headlong 100m plunge into the frothy chasm of the gorge below. The spray can be seen from 30 kilometres away - hence the name Mosi-oa-Tunya - "The smoke that thunders".
There is far more to do at Victoria Falls than to just marvel at the Vic Falls themselves! Upstream, the Zambezi River plays host to famous sundowner cruises - excursions onto the river itself to watch the local wildlife while sipping a glass of champagne and partaking in a light snack. But once the river has taken its plunge, there is quite a different experience to be had! For those adventurers with courage, the rapids immediately downstream offer some of the most terrifying white water rafting anywhere in the world (grade 5). Rafting is limited by water volume and may be closed during April/May.
There is also a spectacular hiking excursion to be made on foot. The Rainforest on the lip of the chasm opposite the Vic Falls is a unique swathe of dense tropical vegetation, which thrives on the spray thrown up throughout the year. A well-kept path takes tourists on a walk through the forest, with occasional diversions for unique views of the Falls.
The ultimate view of this natural wonder can only be seen from the air. The "Flight of Angels" provides a fabulous vista of the upstream river and its many islands, the rainbow creating spray from the Vic Falls as it is kicked over 300 meters into the sky, and the tortuous zigzag of the gorge downstream. Or you can do a bungee jump off Vic Falls bridge, which lies at 112m.
Seasons
The dry winter months (May to October) are the most comfortable for travelling and wildlife viewing in surrounding areas, although the falls will not hold as much water at this time. December - April is the hot and humid rainy season, and this is when the Falls are at their most spectacular.
Wildlife
You may see: warthog, nyala, crocodile, hippo, elephant, buffalo and lion. Birdlife along the river is abundant.
Precautions
Malaria area - minimize mosquito bites by wearing light, long sleeved clothing and using effective insect repellents (containing Diethyltoluamide DEET) on exposed skin. Sleep under treated mosquito netting or ensure that the doors and windows of your accommodation are screened against mosquitoes. Having a fan or air-conditioner on at night will further suppress mosquito activity. Currently, the three effective anti-malaria tablets are Mefloquine (Lariam or Mefliam), Doxycycline and Malarone (Malanil). It is still possible to contract malaria while on malaria prophylaxis. Note that Lariam may present serious side-effects - please test before you depart. back to Victoria Falls top
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