Zambian and Zimbabwean Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and are regarded as one of the top 10 wonders of the world. They serve as a wall separating the upper and lower Zambezi Rivers. Despite still being in “no man’s land,” the Zambezi River aids in defining the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. In 1855, missionary and explorer David Livingstone became the first European to find the Victoria Falls. Livingstone gave the falls the name Victoria in honor of the then-Queen of England.

Things to do around and around Victoria Falls

It is significant to remember that before Livingstone arrived, African tribes had inhabited the region for thousands of years.  The first ape-like humans (Homo habilis) lived near the falls approximately 3 million years ago, according to fossils and tools found by archaeologists.

 The Batoka took the place of these prehistoric people. Later, the Matebele and Makolo tribesmen joined the Batoka, and their descendants still live in the region today. Few of the native tribes ventured near the falls because they were so afraid of them.

Only two of the native troops who escorted David Livingstone had the courage to accompany him near the falls. This fear is what kept the native tribes from exploring the falls to a greater extent. The falls didn’t become particularly noticeable until a railroad line was built to cross near them well-liked by the locals.

How long are Zambia’s and Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls?

The world’s greatest mass of cascading water is the Victoria Falls. In North America, the Victoria Falls are twice as tall as the Niagara Falls. The Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil are the nearest in size to the Victoria Falls.

The sound of the thundering water may be heard forty kilometers away, while the mist from the falls can be seen from a distance of more than fifty kilometers. The people refer to it as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means smoke that thunders, for this reason. The falls’ aggregate width is 5,604 feet, and their height is 354 feet.

How to go to Victoria Falls:

In the course of the How to go to Victoria Falls the intensity of the water and spray (from the falls) increases during the rainy season, making it harder to see its entire face and foot. It becomes feasible to examine the bottom gorges and the stony face more closely after the dry season begins and the floods have subsided.

The “Devil’s Pool,” which is where the water starts to fall at the edge of the falls, is one of its most well-known features. Despite the possibility of falling over the edge, countless tourists risk their lives to swim in this specific area. Only during the dry season, which runs from September to December, when the water current’s force has decreased, is this pool open. When it rains, everyone   becomes too hazardous, operations above the falls are halted.

Every year, more than a million people visit the Victoria Falls. Seeing this magnificent piece of nature is a must-do while on an African safari. Although that is debatable, some people believe that the Zimbabwean side of the falls provides superior views. During Robert Mugabe’s rule, political unrest and international sanctions forced many tourists to begin their tour of the falls in Zambia.

Activities in Victoria Falls Zimbabwe and Zambia

In addition to going to the falls, there are other worthwhile things to do nearby. Both the Zambian and Zimbabwean national parks contain the waterfall. Africa’s well-known mammals, including antelopes, lions, elephants, giraffes, buffaloes, cheetahs, crocodiles, hippopotamuses, leopards, zebras, monkeys, and birds, can be seen in other national parks near the falls.

You may combine seeing the waterfalls with activities like bungee jumping, whitewater rafting, zip lining, kayaking, fishing, boat cruises, canoeing, horseback riding, nature walks, and much more, whether you’re staying in Zambia or Zimbabwe. Keep in mind that the activities you select will vary depending on the time of year you are traveling.

The ideal conditions for activities on the Zambezi River are low water levels and a mild current. We advise visiting during the rainy season if you only intend to see the falls so that you take in the waterfalls’ full force.

The activities are as follows:

Walking along the pathways and taking in the waterfalls:

Clearly, this is the area’s main attraction. The chance to witness the world’s tallest waterfall is available from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. On the list of things to do at Victoria Falls, the falls are situated in Zimbabwe’s Victoria Falls National Park.Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is the name of the park on the Zambian side.

Even though you can see the falls from all sides, the experience of seeing them differs slightly. Better landscape and the best views of the falls may be found on the Zimbabwean side. On the Zimbabwean side, you may stroll through stunning rainforests along the various angles of view.

Horseshoes Falls, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and the Devil’s Cataract are the four main sections of the falls that can be seen from the Zimbabwean side. Eastern Cataract, the second-deepest falls, is located on the Zambian side. It is crucial to remember that the Victoria Falls Bridge makes it simple to cross the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe; just remember to bring your passport and be ready to pay for a visa.

Discover more about the Victoria Falls Bridge’s past:

This bridge spans the gap between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The construction of this famous bridge took fourteen months. Since its completion in 1905, it has undergone a number of alterations. The history of the bridge is intriguing, and you will participate in an activity called “The Historic Bridge Tour,” where they will receive instruction from an approved guide. Depending on the season, you might even have the chance to go beneath the bridge to witness the rainbow created by the mist or spray from the Victoria Falls or the full depth of the Botoka Gorge.

 On the Zambian side of the border lies a bridge known as the Knife Edge Bridge because it takes you above the deepest gorge on the Zambian side, it is a great site to visit during the rainy season. You will have the chance to approach the rushing water and feel the spray directly on your face.

Devil’s Pool and Livingstone Island:

 The island of Livingstone is located on the right before the falls on the Zambezi River. An exciting boat ride through rocky-edged waterways is the first part of the journey to the Devil’s Pool. Once on the tiny island, you can take a tour while admiring the stunning waterfalls and swift river flow.

A whole different perspective of the breathtaking falls may be found on Livingstone Island. Your guides ought to be able to tell you about the formation and history of the falls. After that, you will be shown the precise location where Livingstone was when he made his first visit in 1855.

The next step after exploring the island is to swim in the well-known Devil’s pool. You must swim upstream from the island to the pool and exit through a few rocky areas that lead to the pool. The deep pool was formed naturally over thousands of years by a gradual erosion process.

Just at the falls’ edge is a rocky rim that serves as a barrier to keep you from being carried away by the flow ropes that are fastened to swimmers as an additional safety measure. Only in the dry season (late June or early March), when floods and water currents have decreased and it is safe, can this specific activity be carried out.

Chobe National Park:

Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana is a good option if you wish to combine your trip of the Victoria Falls with an African safari experience. After visiting the falls, a safari in Chobe National Park is a great option.

There are more elephants in the park than anywhere else in Africa. In a typical tour van, a safari along a river and an on-land safari to observe the Big Five African animals are included in a park tour.

Visit the Shearwater Village Market:

 If you want to purchase native trinkets, this is a great spot to visit on the Zimbabwean side. In order to draw as many tourists as possible, it is constructed to exacting standards. The largest national park in Zimbabwe is Hwange National Park, which is over 15,000 square kilometers in size.

There are more over 29,000 elephants in the park, second only to the Chobe National Park. Buffaloes, leopards, rhinos, lions, roan and sable antelopes, and the rare wild dogs are also visible to tourists. You should expect to drive approximately two hours to get to Hwange.

Rafting in whitewater:

There are multiple grade 5 rapids in the River Zambezi that give thrill-seekers a chance to get up close and personal with the powerful falls. Whitewater rafting is an exhilarating and daring experience that you will never forget.

The time of year determines how long the exercise takes. Large amounts of water are brought about by the rainy/wet season, suggesting that some of the rapids become too hazardous. But if you arrive at the appropriate time, anticipate enjoy an incredible and longer-lasting experience. As you relax at the more serene sections of the lake, you will be able to enjoy stunning views of the gorge and the surrounding landscape.

Flights in helicopters over the falls:

Even though this 15-minute trip is pricey, it will give you a bird’s-eye perspective of the falls and help you understand their size. Further down the Zambezi, you will be able to observe the wildlife, Batoka Gorge, mist, and towering cascades.

To see more of the waterfalls and the Zambezi National Park, you might choose to take a longer trip of twenty-five minutes. When close visibility from the ground becomes difficult during the rainy season, the helicopter flight option is very intriguing.

Boatcruise: 

A boat trip is a great way to finish your falls tour. This journey is taken at twilight on a cruise ship down the Zambezi River. For a fair price of around $30, there are plenty of appetizers, alcohol, and other drinks available.

 One excellent way to enjoy the peace and quiet of the Zambezi River is to take a boat tour. Numerous animals, including baboons, crocodiles, elephants, hippos, Ververt monkeys, and birds, are likely to be encountered. As you admire the Zambezi River’s breathtaking natural beauty, get ready to snap some incredible pictures of it.

Bungee leaping:

The Victoria Falls Bridge is thought to offer some of the best bungee jumping in the world. There is a 111-meter jump involved from the bridge toward the neighboring waterfalls and the powerful Zambezi River. Instructors strap jumpers to body and ankle harnesses before encouraging them to make the leap calmly.

You will have roughly four seconds of free fall after jumping. Following the four seconds, you will be securely but gently restrained by the elastic harness/rope until you are picked up and transported downstream on a boat. There are fantastic views of the river and the surroundings from the leaping point. It costs $120 to bungee jump the Victoria Falls Bridge, and reservations are required.

Where to stay & accommodations in Victoria Falls:

Cross the bridge on a steam train: The easiest way to see the waterfalls is to take a board a steam train that has been refurbished. The train had dining facilities, lounge rooms, and cozy chairs after it had been restored. You can ride the train all the way to Zambezi National Park and across the falls. Take advantage of the chance to snap beautiful pictures of the falls while traveling by train.

Crossing the bridge above the Victoria Falls:

This is the one for you if you lack the courage to go bungee jumping. From a platform on the Zambian side of the bridge to the Zimbabwean side, participants glide gently along a 300-meter zip line. As you slide near the gorge, you will be treated to stunning views of the falls. Young children can participate in this activity under the adult’s attentive eyes.

Explore the communities near the waterfalls:

 Following your waterfall tour, you can continue on to either the Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe or the town of Livingstone in Zambia. The distance between Livingstone City and the Victoria Falls is roughly 10 kilometers. To offer visitors a sense of how things were decades ago, the town’s colonial architecture has been preserved.

One can visit local markets, coffee shops, cafes, souvenir shops, and nightclubs while in Livingstone town. Anyone interested in learning more about the well-known Scottish missionary and explorer can pay a visit to the Livingstone Museum. While touring the towns, eat out. You might want to sample some of the regional specialties in Zimbabwe and Zambia. You go to the Boma restaurant from the Zimbabwean side.

They serve game meat, such as warthog and impala meat. They even make the local delicacy, Mopani worms. A large range of vegetarian dishes, as well as chicken, beef, fish, and hog, are prepared at Boma restaurant. African traditional drumming, storytelling, and dancing are among the entertainment options offered by the restaurant’s invited traditional artists.

The ideal place to go biking is from the Zimbabwean side of the waterfall. Small settlements, the border bridge, and the vast Zambezi River itself are all traversed on the bike path. It costs about $80 and is a great way to see the countryside. The sum covers a bicycle, a helmet, and a local motorcyclist to accompany you.

Stroll along the Zambezi River:

 This specific activity is best enjoyed from the Zimbabwean side of the waterfall. The walk’s objective is to let you enjoy the Zambezi River’s and the surrounding areas’ natural splendor. The walk begins in Victoria Falls National Park, above the Devils Cataract. Buffaloes, antelopes, elephants, warthogs, hippos, and other primates can be seen along the riverbanks while walking.

Information on Zambian and Zimbabwean Victoria Falls

Zambian and Zimbabwean visas:

You must present your passport to the immigration officials in order to enter either of the two nations. You must inform them if you are passing by for a day or several more. You will need a double entry visa if you intend to visit for just one day and then return to your home country.

You will get an exit stamp on your visa after everything is in order, and you can then enter the no man’s land. Most people choose to walk the 1.6 kilometers across the bridge to the other country’s border station, though you can get a taxi once you’ve crossed. Here, the second country will request your passport once more, and you will have to pay around $20 for a one-day visa. Never forget to bring some cash when you go.

Transportation near the falls:

 If you want to get from your lodging to the falls or the major towns, you can rent a private van or a taxi. The motels might assist you with a car or provide you with the contact information of people who can rent one.

You will probably need to hire another one once you get into the other nation if you intend to cross borders. Vehicle crossings between the two borders are restricted, which explains this. It can be inconvenient to change automobiles close to the bridge, particularly if you are visiting the falls during the rainy season.

Money:

It is now more difficult to use the Zimbabwean dollar when traveling there due to its recent depreciation. Having enough is preferable. To make things easier and to avoid carrying big local amounts, use US dollars. In order to tip and purchase less expensive items, you need also have smaller US dollar bills with you. Most of the time, but not always, you can pay with your credit card.

Various falls and vantage points:

 The Devil’s cataract, main falls, Horseshoe Falls, rainbow falls, and eastern cataract falls are the five distinct falls that comprise the Victoria Falls. There are nineteen places to see the Victoria Falls. On the Zimbabwean side, there are fifteen of them.

You’ll get soaked:

If you intend to visit during the rainy season (when the water levels are high) or to see the falls from both nations, be aware that you will become soaked. There is so much water (from the mist) flowing down the path beside the waterfalls that you may assume you are in the middle of a torrential rainfall. Remember to pack an umbrella and a raincoat.

National parks are where you can find the falls:

Be prepared to come across wild animals, particularly if you are traveling to Zimbabwe. Mongooses, elephants, baboons, and other untamed creatures roam freely near and occasionally even up to the falls. The park animals and visitors are not separated by a fence. This can lead to some really thrilling wildlife encounters, but it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.

You will require multiple shots:

You must get a yellow fever certificate in order to enter Zambia and Zimbabwe certificate of immunization. Additionally, vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and tetanus are essential. You might not be permitted entry into the two countries if you do not have a yellow fever vaccination card.

Ideal Season for Victoria Falls Visits

Activities in Victoria Falls Zambia

The greatest time to see the Victoria Falls isn’t really determined by the season. Everything relies on your desired experience. You should go between September and November, when the dry season is at its height, if you want to swim in the Devil’s pool or stroll along the top of the falls. Everything is more apparent and the base of the falls is clearly visible during the dry season.

The arid months of June through August are ideal for those who want to do a safari in Botswana or one of the neighboring national parks. Like the dry season, the rainy season has advantages and disadvantages. The entire force and flow of the waterfalls are seen during the wet season. But be prepared to get soaked with water (rainfall from the mist) as Victoria Falls’ top tourism destinations you visit the various vantage locations.

 It is harder to take quality pictures because of the low visibility. It is unsafe to swim or stroll along the falls’ brink. But there are other benefits to the wet season. It gives one the chance to see a moonbow. When mist and the light from the full moon combine, moonbows are created.