Why You Should Visit Victoria Falls

Reasons to visit Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is literally the greatest tourist attraction in Zimbabwe and Zambia and one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World.  In 2019, around one million tourists visited Victoria Falls! 

Victoria Falls was named after the reigning Queen of England by Scottish explorer, missionary, and anti-slavery champion, Dr. David Livingstone. The locals called the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning “smoke that thunders”. Many people still refer to this nickname, which accurately defines the power of the falls crashing into the canyon floor.

More interesting facts about Victoria Falls:

• It is the largest waterfall in the world based on width and height.
• It measures one mile wide (1.7 km) and 360 feet high (108 meters).
• The Victoria Falls became a World Heritage Site in 1989 – This means it belongs to all the people of the word, irrespective of the territory on which the World Heritage site is. 

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

The best time to visit the spectacular Victoria Falls is from February to May, soon after the region’s summer rains. This is the time when you can witness the world’s largest sheet of falling water flowing at its greatest volume.

In February 2021 Vic Falls hit its highest peak in years for the month of February following heavy rains that have pounded major catchment areas of the Zambezi River in parts of the SADC region. June of 2021 recorded the highest water level recorded at Victoria Falls in over 80 years!

Not only is this a great sign for the region but it’s fantastic for tourists who intend to visit the Falls. More rain means greater volumes of water flowing over the world’s largest waterfall. Which means a more awe-inspiring sight for you.

What to do at Victoria Falls

When visiting Victoria Falls, you definitely want to take the time to enjoy the view and your surroundings. You can visit various points to enhance your experience. And get amazing photos, even your most-traveled friend will be envious of.

One special vantage point is across the Knife-edge Bridge, where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot, where the river turns and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include Livingstone Island, the Falls Bridge, Devils Pool and the Lookout Tree, both of which command panoramic views across the Main Falls.

The excitement doesn’t stop once the posing stops.

There are many different ways to enjoy the Falls. As well as being a natural wonder, Victoria Falls is a hub of activity. There is something for everyone. For the adrenaline junkies, there is white rafting, kayaking, the 111-metre high bungee jump, river surfing, gorge swings and zip wires.

For the more cautious person, there are river cruises, local cultural and craft experiences, fishing, golf and safari activities. One activity that is highly recommended is seeing the Falls from above, you can soar above the Falls by helicopter or microlight – each of these activities lasts around 15 minutes and costs about $150.

On top of a lot of people’s bucket list when visiting Vic Falls is Devil’s Pool. From mid-August to mid-January, when the water level in the Zambezi is low, it is possible to walk along a small section at the top of the falls (on the Zambia side) and access the pool that forms there. Daredevils can take a short and rocky walk to the pool where they can take a dip and peek over the edge.

If Devil’s Pool isn’t open and you want a slightly less scary experience, try Angel’s Pool. Generally open when Devil’s Pool isn’t, the best time to pop in at Angel’s Pool is just before the water levels get too high (mid-March to mid-June). This is right when the falls are at their most impressive and you can experience the full force of the mighty Zambezi River.

Other things to do when visiting Victoria Falls

Once you have seen the magnificent Victoria Falls from every vantage point don’t jet back home, the region has so much to offer.

If you have the time to stay longer, here are 3 things you should do:

1. Safari

It would be a shame to visit Southern Africa and not go on safari. There is the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve where you can embark on a game drive in the hope of spotting Africa’s Big 5 aboard one of the open-top safari vehicles.

Another option, just two hours’ drive from Victoria Falls Is Hwange National Park. This park is Zimbabwe’s largest and most historic game reserve. It is an incredible park full of wildlife. It is home to more than 100 species of mammals including wild dogs and leopards and 400 different bird species.

Another nearby national park is Chobe National Park. Also a 2-hour drive from the Falls.  This national park, founded in 1968, includes floodplains, forest, swamps and rivers. Visitors here can embark on a river safari, where large floater boats move quietly among tall grasses or hire a traditional makoro and paddle up close to hippos and crocodiles. Chobe is home to the largest concentration of elephants in the world.

2. Dine on a steam train

One of the more luxurious experiences in Livingstone and Vic falls is to dine on either the Bushtracks Express or the Royal Livingstone Express.

Although these aren’t cheap activities it will be an experience you won’t forget. Your ticket includes a stop on the Zim Zam Bridge for sunset, a welcome drink upon arrival, a 5-course meal, drinks (with some exclusions – spirits and champagne are extra) and transfers from your hotel.

3. Cruise down the Zambezi

A Zambezi River Cruise is arguably one of the best ways on earth to soak in the magnificence of this iconic river and its surrounds.

A sunset river cruise is an experience that should not be missed while visiting Victoria Falls. There will be plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife while on this relaxing cruise from crocodiles to elephants. Sit back and watch one of Africa’s golden sunsets with your favourite tipple in hand. Paradise!

Now is the time to visit Victoria Falls

Now is a great time to book your trip to Victoria Falls! World-class accommodations and dining offer a level of excellence rivaling most of the globes most popular tourist attractions. 

We would love to help you arrange your trip. If you have any questions, our team is on hand to help.

Join a scheduled tour!

If you like to travel with a group, we have several scheduled safaris planned for this year that includes Victoria Falls.