The enormous Victoria Falls is often referred to locals as Mosi-a-Tunya, or “The Smoke that Thunders.” It is situated on the Zambezi River in Southern Africa, which separates Zambia and Zimbabwe. About 350 feet high and more than a mile wide, it is a natural wonder that has the world’s biggest falling water curtain. Thus, throughout the years, it has drowned travelers from all over the globe.

This location was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989. Even if you are far from the actual waterfall, it is still amazing to view the mist from it.

David Livingstone, a Scottish explorer and missionary, made the discovery of the waterfall in 1855. He is credited for naming the waterfall after Victoria, the Queen of Britain, and included it on the map both physically and symbolically, even though others claim he may not have been the first to see the majestic falls. A trip to the Victoria Falls is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should be on your bucket list.

Activities in Victoria Falls

Approach the Waterfall
As previously said, the Victoria Falls are shared by two nations; specifically, they are located in two national parks where visitors may get up close and personal. Among the parks are Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. You may still go quite near to the thunderous water in both sites, albeit the experiences are very different.

The sensations you get at the Victoria Falls also vary according to the season you visit. Zambia has its highest flow in April, May, and June, when around five distinct waterfall parts are roaring. Additionally, some of these areas dry up around November during the dry season.

Four of the five distinct sections—the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, Horseshoe Falls, and Rainbow Falls—are visible at the peak flow because of a trail on the Zimbabwean side that runs directly across from the wide expanse of water.

Take off over the fall.
It’s enjoyable to visit Victoria Falls when the water flow is high, but people who want to fly above may not be able to see the falls clearly because of the smoke that the water creates. You must, however, fly above the falls.

There are two ways to fly above: either in a helicopter or a microlight. In addition to the breathtaking views of this natural wonder, you can also take in the breathtaking surroundings of Mosi-oa-Tunya. It is really thrilling to take a 15-minute flight or ride over these falls!

Get your adrenaline flowing.
Bungee jumping is one of the many daring activities that can be found near Victoria Falls. Bungee jumping involves leaping from the Victoria Falls bridge, which is located on Zambia’s side, into the powerful, swift-moving Zambezi River. Over 50,000 individuals enjoy bungee jumping each year, and records indicate that leaping from the bridge is 99.9% safe.

Another option is the Gorge swing from the bridge, which is frightening but far less expensive than the bungee leap. To double the enjoyment, you can do both at once!

Savor an exciting journey along the Zambezi.
One of the world’s greatest locations for white water rafting is Victoria Falls; it’s an exhilarating experience that shouldn’t be missed when on safari.

rafting the Zambezi River, particularly when the water level is too high. Take in the stunning views along the riverbanks, where you may see birds, hippos, and other animals.

Given the breathtaking scenery and breathtaking sunsets, one option is to take a sunset boat along the Zambezi. After a full day of activities, you may have a drink on the boat as you cruise the river, watching the sunsets and keeping an eye out for various species along the banks.

embarked on a Victoria Falls canopy tour.
This somewhat adventurous sport is suitable for both adults and children, making it suitable for even those on family safaris. You traverse the jungle via the canopy walk, which overlooks the Zambezi Gorge’s rivers and plants. You may enjoy breathtaking views of the Victoria Falls Bridge, the Zambezi River, and the Victoria Falls Curtain while on a canopy walk. Typically, these trips last two hours and thirty minutes.

Take a dip at the Devil’s Pool.
You may be able to swim at the Devil’s Pool if you are on a safari to the Victoria Falls during the dry season. When the water level is low, this naturally occurring pool forms at the summit of the Victoria Falls. Only a little rock separates the pool from the lethal, shaking Zambezi river, so you may plunge in for an exhilarating swimming experience.

Swimming in a pool is very risky yet rewarding, so it’s not for the weak of heart.

Where to stay

Which side of the falls you are on will determine where you stay since there are many guesthouses and hotels in Zambia and Zimbabwe where you may spend the night. They have qualified personnel, provide decent food, and are generally pleasant. The lodging choices include both luxury and low-cost lodges.

Ilala Lodge, Batonka, Guest Lodge, Victoria Falls Hotel, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Sprayview Hotel, Bayete Guest Lodge, and The Elephant Camp are a few on the Zimbabwean side.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort Kayube Estate Zambezi River, Wateberry Zambezi Lodge, Camp Nkwazi, Victoria Falls Waterfront, Tongabezi Lodge, and several more are located in Zambia.

The Victoria Falls are situated on the Zambezi River in southern Africa, which separates Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Mosi-a-Tunaya, which roughly translates to “The smoke that thunders,” is the native name for the Victoria Falls. The Falls are more than a mile wide and more than 350 feet high.

In 1855, missionary explorer David Livingston made the discovery of the Victoria Falls. Although he may not have been the first to see the Falls, he was the one who gave them the name Victoria in honor of the British monarch and added them to the global map. When traveling to Zambia or Zimbabwe, a safari to the Victoria Falls is an experience that should not be missed.

One of the biggest falls in the world, they may be seen from Zambia or Zimbabwe, however most people think that Zimbabwe gives the greatest view, while Zambia also has a number of locations from which to see the falls.

I’ve included a list of some of the things that people can do when they visit the Victoria Falls.

The bridge above Victoria Falls and the falls themselves
Bungee jumping is a popular activity on the Victoria Falls Bridge, particularly for thrill-seekers. The bridge was planned in England, shipped in sections, and assembled on location.Completed in 1906, the bridge connects Zambia and Zimbabwe over the Zambezi River. This is the spot to go if you like bungee jumping.

The Falls plunge more than 70 to 108 meters per minute into the abyss below, and they are more than 17 kilometers wide. They consist of five major falls: the Devil’s Cataract, the Main Falls, the Rainbow Falls, the Horseshoe Falls, and the Eastern Cataract, which is located near the Zambian border.

See the Devil Cataract
Because of the Falls’ depth—more than 70 to 108 meters below the surface into a chasm—it is said that many natives utilized this location as a writing alter before the missionaries arrived in search of blessings, wealth, and other benefits. The location earned its name because, once the missionaries arrived, offering sacrifices was stigmatized and referred to as a devil’s ritual. See the amazing location and learn about its history when you visit.

The Cataract in the East
On the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, on the eastern bank, are the Eastern Cataract. With a height of 101 meters, the Falls are the deepest and provide a wonderful perspective from Zimbabwe. Get a spectacular experience by going there.

The Principal Falls
The main Falls’ broad water curtain, which cascades into the 93-meter abyss, provides a breathtaking spectacle. Because the water rushes at a rate of 700,000 cubic meters per minute, this location offers the greatest view of the Victoria Falls.You may see the enormous rain forests that are present in the region and experience what is referred to be one of the wonders of the world while you are here.

The Falls at Horseshoe
This portion of the Falls is 95 meters deep and has a horseshoe-like form. Due to the dry season, which lasts from October to November, it is not as popular as the other Falls. Therefore, the rainy season is the ideal time of year to explore Horseshoe Falls.

The Rainbow Falls
The rainbow that can be seen clearly from this location on the Victoria Falls is what gave them their name. These falls are the deepest of all of them, reaching a depth of 108 meters.

Take a trip along the Zambezi River
The greatest spot to go if you like playing high-adrenaline games is here. You may also go canoeing and white water rafting on the Zambezi River on a safari to the Victoria Falls. You will be able to see a variety of aquatic life, including crocodiles, hippos, and several bird species, including migrating birds, as you paddle along the Zambezi River.

As you watch the sunset, you may also have a picnic along the Zambezi River’s banks. You shouldn’t miss a safari to the Victoria Falls since rafting and canoeing are two things that everyone should do at least once in their lifetime.

Go to the Falls to see them up close.
The length of your stay at the Victoria Falls also depends on when you come, and since the Falls are spread over two counties, you may visit game parks there, such as

Zambia’s Mosi-ow-Tunya National Park
The northern portion of the Zambezi River is home to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. There are no predators hiding in this little park; it is exclusively home to herbivores. Among the various animal species found in the park are giraffes, antelopes, elephants, warthogs, zebras, and many more.

Among the more than 350 bird species found in the park are the Barbarian stork, corncrake, African skimmer, Taita Falcon, Salty Egret, African finfoot, Pallid harrier, Great snipe, and several more.

Game drives are available in the park, where you may see the many animals that inhabit the region and take in the scenery provided by the Victoria Falls.

The National Park of Zambezi
Zebras, elephants, lions, impalas, rhinos, sable antelopes, waterbucks, leopards, buffalos, and other animal species are among the many species that may be spotted at the Zambezi National Park. One may see the many fish species found in the Zambezi River, particularly the common Tiger fish species, since the park is next to it.

As the day comes to an end, you may take guided hikes in the Zambezi National Park, particularly in the evu, and go on wildlife drives.

See the Boiling Pot and Devil’s Pool.
The Devil’s Pool is a naturally occurring pool that forms near the summit of the Victoria Falls, particularly during periods of low water levels. In order to escape the heat of the day, you might go swimming throughout the day. The magnificent Zambezi River, which is separated from the pool by just a rock, may be seen while you are up here.

The location of the boiling point, which gives the water smoke-like characteristics, is where the Victoria Falls meet the Zambezi River. The term “boiling pot” comes from the way the water forms, which gives the impression that it is bioling.

Investigate the large tree and rain forest.
The large tree, a massive baobab, has been close to the Falls from the time I was a child. It is estimated to measure 16 meters broad and 20 meters high. Before continuing your tour of the Victoria Falls, it’s a good idea to take a break.

The Forward Rain This is because of the water that flows from the Zambezi River and the Falls. The rain forest is home to a variety of flora and wildlife, including fig trees, palm trees, and several other tree species. Additionally, you may see the many bird species that inhabit the woodlands, such as the African skimmer. Savor guided woodland treks and bicycle rides in the rain forest.

A trip to the statue of David Livingstone
On the left side of the Falls, next to the Devil’s cascade, is the David Livingstone statue. The first explorer to arrive and find the falls in 1855 is depicted in this statue. It’s a huge statue, and as you take in the stunning view of the Victoria Falls, the local tour guides can teach you about the site’s history.

Because there is a steady flow of water at the Falls, the rainy season is the ideal time of year to come. However, the Victoria Falls are still open for visitors to enjoy throughout the year.

Helicopters and microlights provide the greatest aerial views of the Victoria Falls. Enjoy the smoke that is created as the water runs down, and you will be able to view the Falls and how they cascade down into the abyss. You will get to appreciate this amazing view of the Falls from above during the 15-minute helicopter flight.

While visiting the Falls, there are decent lodging options that accommodate all price ranges.