Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in southern Africa. The falls are situated near the town of Livingstone in Zambia and the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, both offering access to this magnificent natural wonder.

Overview:
Victoria Falls is one of the largest and most famous waterfalls in the world. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognized for its extraordinary natural beauty. The falls span 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide and drop approximately 108 meters (354 feet) into the Zambezi River below. The local name for the falls is “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which translates to “The Smoke That Thunders,” referring to the mist created by the falling water.

The falls are a major draw for tourists, offering breathtaking views, cultural experiences, and exciting adventure activities. The surrounding area provides a variety of accommodations, safaris, and outdoor excursions.

Accommodation Options
  1. Luxury Lodges & Hotels:
    • Royal Livingstone Hotel (Zambia): An elegant and historic five-star hotel located on the Zambezi River, just a short distance from the falls. Guests can enjoy riverfront views and easy access to the falls.
    • Victoria Falls Hotel (Zimbabwe): A historic, iconic hotel built in 1904, offering Victorian-style accommodations with panoramic views of the falls.
    • The Elephant Camp (Zimbabwe): A luxury tented camp nestled in the wild bush of Zimbabwe, offering exclusive safaris and breathtaking views of the falls.
    • The Stanley and Livingstone Boutique Hotel (Zimbabwe): A high-end boutique hotel located near the falls, featuring safari-themed accommodations and a tranquil setting.
    • The Palm River Hotel (Zimbabwe): A high-end luxury hotel located in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, close to the iconic Victoria Falls. It offers a tranquil, upscale experience with stunning views and easy access to the falls and surrounding attractions.

Mid-Range and Budget Accommodations:

  • Shearwater Explorers Village (Zimbabwe): A mid-range option with safari tents, chalets, and camping facilities, perfect for travelers looking for comfort at a more affordable price.
  • Azambezi River Lodge (Zimbabwe): A four star river lodge which occupies the finest and unique location. It affords guests an ambiance of varied African wildlife, an abundance of nature, a river frontage and jetty site
  • Insika Lodge (Zimbabwe): A charming boutique lodge of 40 rooms in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Spaciously laid out around indigenous Mopane trees with open gardens, streams, ponds.
  • Nkosi Guest Lodge (Zimbabwe): Nkosi Guest Lodge, situated in a tranquil residential area of Victoria Falls, is thoughtfully designed to provide guests with plenty of space for socializing.

Activities at Victoria Falls

  1. Waterfall Viewing & Photography:
    The falls can be viewed from various vantage points on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides. Each offers unique perspectives, with the Zimbabwean side offering a broader view, while the Zambian side provides opportunities to get closer to the falls.
  2. Zambezi River Activities:
    • Rafting: The Zambezi River offers world-class white-water rafting, with thrilling rapids below the falls.
    • Boat Cruises: A serene and scenic boat cruise on the Zambezi River allows visitors to view wildlife and enjoy stunning sunsets.
    • Canoeing: Explore the Zambezi River by canoe for a more intimate wildlife experience.
  1. Adventure Activities:
    • Bungee Jumping: For adrenaline seekers, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge is a must-do activity.
    • Bridge Swinging & Gorge Swinging: Another exciting option for adventure lovers, offering a thrilling swing over the Zambezi Gorge.
    • Zip Lining: Fly over the Zambezi River on a zip line for breathtaking views of the gorge and falls.
    • Helicopter Flights: Take a helicopter ride for an aerial view of Victoria Falls and the surrounding landscape.
    • Walking Safaris: Explore the surrounding national parks with a guided walking safari to spot wildlife, including elephants, lions, and buffaloes.
  1. Cultural Experiences:
    • Local Village Tours: Visit nearby villages to learn about local culture, traditions, and the daily life of the people who live near the falls.
    • Craft Markets: Shop for handmade crafts, jewelry, and artwork created by local artisans.
  2. Wildlife Safaris & National Parks:
    • Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia): This park is home to various wildlife, including rhinos, zebras, and giraffes, and offers game drives and guided walking safaris.
    • Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe): Located a few hours from Victoria Falls, Hwange is renowned for its large elephant population and diverse wildlife.

  1. Sunset and Sunrise Experiences:
    • Enjoy stunning views of the Zambezi River at sunset or sunrise, often accompanied by wildlife sightings. Many accommodations and tour operators offer these serene experiences.