Top Tourist Attractions Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

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Top Tourist Attractions Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

The Zambezi River plunges 108 meters down into a whirlpool, creating the Victoria Falls. This natural wonder lies on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. It showcases the power and beauty of our world. But what secrets does this iconic landmark hold? What makes the Victoria Falls a must-see for travelers?

The Victoria Falls, also called Mosi-oa-Tunya (“Smoke that Thunders”), is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Explorer David Livingstone found it in 1855. It has amazed visitors worldwide.

Activities abound, from bungee jumping and white-water rafting to Zambezi River cruises and helicopter tours. Both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides offer something special.

Explore the Mighty Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is a natural wonder on the Zambia–Zimbabwe border. It’s also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “The Smoke That Thunders.” With a height of 108 meters, it’s the largest waterfall globally. Its width of 1,708 meters makes it a sight to behold, especially in the high-water season.

During this time, over 481,386 cubic meters of water falls every minute. This creates an unforgettable sight.

Walk Along the Footpaths of Victoria Falls National Park

The Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls offers a unique experience. The lush Victoria Falls National Park has footpaths that take you close to the falls. You can see four of the five sections of the waterfall here.

These include the Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, and Horseshoe Falls. Walking through the rainforest, you’ll hear and see the falls up close.

Walk Along Knife Edge Bridge on the Zambian Side

The Knife Edge Bridge on the Zambian side is thrilling. During high-water season, you can walk along the edge of the falls. This walkway is just 100 meters above the gorge.

Feeling the spray on your face, you’ll see the Eastern Cataract. It’s the second deepest part of the falls. This is an experience you won’t forget.

“The roar of the falls was so heavy, so constant, that it seemed at moments to drown everything else.” – Ryszard Kapuściński, Polish writer and journalist

Experience the Thrill of Devil’s Pool

Get ready for an exciting adventure at Livingstone Island. Here, you can swim to the edge of Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls. This spot is named after David Livingstone, a famous explorer from the 19th century. It’s a remote island in the Zambezi River, offering a unique chance to see the world’s largest waterfall up close.

Visit Livingstone Island and Swim to the Edge of Devil’s Pool

Your journey starts with a thrilling boat ride on the Zambezi River. It takes you to Livingstone Island, a natural wonder. On the island, you’ll go on a guided tour. You’ll learn about Victoria Falls’ history and how it was formed.

The best part is swimming in Devil’s Pool. It’s a deep pool carved by erosion, with a rock ledge for a safe view over the falls. Swimming here is only possible during the dry season, from mid-August to mid-January.

The cost for this adventure includes breakfast for $105 USD, lunch for $170 USD, and high tea for $145 USD. You’ll need to carry $100-$150 USD in cash. Also, book your trip at least a week in advance through Tongabezi Lodge.

  • Swim about 50 meters to reach the Devil’s Pool, similar to an Olympic swimming pool.
  • The water in the Devil’s Pool is about 15 feet deep. You can’t stand straight up in it.
  • Devil’s Pool is closed from February to June because of high water levels.

Experience the thrill and beauty of Victoria Falls from the edge of Devil’s Pool. This adventure on Livingstone Island is a must-see when visiting the Zambian side of Victoria Falls.

Livingstone Island

Embark on a Zambezi River Adventure

For an unforgettable sunset experience, consider taking a Zambezi River boat cruise. Spend two hours gliding along the tranquil upper Zambezi River. Witness the breathtaking African sunset. Keep your eyes peeled for sightings of elephants, hippos, crocodiles, vervet monkeys, baboons, and a variety of vibrant birdlife.

If you’re seeking a more thrilling Zambezi River adventure, try a guided canoeing excursion. Float down the river alongside elephants and hippos. This will give you an adrenaline-fueled sunset boat cruise experience.

“A late afternoon boat cruise is a wonderful way to enjoy the tranquility of the upper Zambezi and see a spectacular African sunset.”

Whether you choose a leisurely boat cruise or an exhilarating canoeing trip, a Zambezi River adventure is the perfect way to cap off your visit to Victoria Falls.

Top Tourist Attractions Victoria Falls, Zambia/Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls is not just about its stunning natural beauty. It’s also a hub for exciting adventure activities. For those who love a thrill, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge is a must-try. This bridge, 156 meters long, spans the Zambezi River.

Helicopter tours give you a unique view of the falls and Batoka Gorge. The “Flight of Angels” lasts 12-13 minutes. You can also choose a 25-minute tour for a longer experience.

Zambezi whitewater rafting is a thrilling ride with Class 4 and 5 rapids. For a calm adventure, take a sunset boat cruise on the Zambezi River. Wildlife lovers can visit Hwange National Park to see elephants and the Big Five.

Activity Duration Minimum Age
Bungee Jumping N/A 14 years
Zambezi Whitewater Rafting N/A 15 years
Helicopter Tours 12-25 minutes No minimum
Hwange National Park Safari 1 day No minimum
Zambezi River Sunset Cruise 1.5-2 hours No minimum

Weather can impact some activities, with rainstorms lasting about 30 minutes. Remember to check national park fees and age requirements when planning your trip to Victoria Falls.

“From white-water rafting, bungee jumping and zip lining, to incredible game drives in Hwange National Park and sunset boat cruises on the Zambezi River, there are tours, attractions and things to do to suit every taste.”

Explore the Rich History and Culture

The history of Victoria Falls goes back thousands of years. The local Tonga people have lived here for centuries. In 1855, David Livingstone, a British explorer, was the first European to see the falls. He named them after Queen Victoria.

The Victoria Falls Bridge, built in 1905, links Zimbabwe and Zambia. It’s a key part of the falls’ landscape. On a guided tour, you can learn about its history. The falls are also called Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “the smoke that thunders” in Kololo.

Victoria Falls is not just about nature. It’s also a place of rich culture. You can dive into local traditions, see cultural shows, and meet the communities here.

“The Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zimbabwe and Zambia, and is an iconic part of the Victoria Falls landscape. Originally named the Zambezi Bridge, it took 14 months to construct and was completed in 1905.”

Tonga Culture and Traditions

The Tonga people have lived near Victoria Falls for centuries. They have a deep connection with nature. You can learn about their traditions, like farming and pottery, and see their music and dance.

  • Explore the Tonga Village Experience, where you can interact with local artisans and learn about their way of life.
  • Attend a traditional Tonga dance performance and immerse yourself in the rhythmic beats and vibrant costumes.
  • Visit the Victoria Falls Museum to learn about the history and culture of the region.

By exploring Victoria Falls’ history and culture, you’ll gain a deeper understanding. It’s a way to make your visit truly memorable and enriching.

Combine Your Visit with a Safari Adventure

For a deep dive into African culture, visit Victoria Falls and go on a safari. Hwange National Park is a top spot. It’s the biggest park in Zimbabwe and teems with wildlife.

Hwange National Park spans 15,000 square kilometers. It’s known for its huge elephant herds, with about 30,000 roaming. You can also see the Big Five and rare animals like the African wild dog, black rhino, roan antelope, and sable antelope.

Hwange is just over 100 kilometers from Victoria Falls. It’s perfect for a day trip or a longer safari. You can explore Hwange and other top spots in Zimbabwe, like Mana Pools and Lake Kariba.

Top Attractions in Hwange National Park Unique Wildlife
  • Massive elephant herds
  • Impressive lion prides
  • Elusive leopard sightings
  • Herds of buffalo and antelope
  • African Wild Dog
  • Black Rhino
  • Roan Antelope
  • Sable Antelope

Hwange National Park is a great match for Victoria Falls. It offers a chance to see Zimbabwe’s wildlife wonders.

Hwange National Park

“Hwange National Park is the largest national park in Zimbabwe and an excellent addition to a Victoria Falls itinerary. The park is famous for its huge herds of buffalo and elephant, with a population of approximately 30,000 elephants, the second largest in the world after Chobe National Park in Botswana.”

Accommodation and Dining Options

Victoria Falls has many places to stay, from cozy lodges by the river in Zambia to big hotels with traditional tea in Zimbabwe. In Zambia, Livingstone has both romantic lodges and business hotels. For example, the A’Zambezi River Lodge is 7km from the Falls, and the Bayete Guest Lodge has 30 rooms around a pool.

Livingstone also has lots of places to eat, from simple spots to fancy restaurants. In Zimbabwe, the old hotels in Victoria Falls Town offer a classic feel. The Victoria Falls Hotel, built in 1904, and the Victoria Falls Rainbow Hotel, 500m from town, are close to the Falls.

Staying in Zimbabwe or Zambia, you’ll find places to eat and stay that fit your taste and budget. Prices range from $10 to $50 per person for meals. You can try local dishes like crocodile, kudu, and impala, or fresh seafood from the Zambezi River.

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