Travel Idea

The Victoria Falls

The Smoke That Thunders

overview

The Victoria Falls is a natural wonder located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. It is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and is also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "the smoke that thunders" in the local Tonga language.

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The Victoria Falls is a breathtaking natural wonder of the world, certainly worth visiting for anyone travelling to Southern Africa.

Ben Nelson
Founder

The Victoria Falls are 1.7 kilometres wide and 108 meters tall, making them one of the most spectacular sights in the world.

There are several viewing points on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls. Both the Zimbabwean and Zambian governments protect the falls and the surrounding national parks, and efforts are being made to preserve the natural environment and promote sustainable tourism.

A variety of exciting activities

Viewing the Falls: The most popular activity at the Victoria Falls is viewing the falls themselves. The sheer size and power of the falls are truly awe-inspiring, and there are several viewpoints from which visitors can see the falls.

Bungee Jumping: For adrenaline junkies, bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Bridge is a must-do activity. The bridge connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the jump takes you 111 meters above the Zambezi River.

White Water Rafting: The rapids of the Zambezi River below The Victoria Falls are some of the most challenging in the world. White water rafting trips are available for different levels of experience and can provide a thrilling adventure.

Microlight and Helicopter Flights: For a birds-eye view of the Victoria Falls and the surrounding area, visitors can take a scenic flight in a microlight or helicopter. These flights offer stunning views of the falls, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding wildlife.

Sunset River Cruise: A sunset river cruise on the Zambezi River is a relaxing way to end the day. Visitors can enjoy the stunning scenery while sipping cocktails and watching the African sunset.

Wildlife Safaris: The Victoria Falls region is home to various wildlife, including elephants, buffalo, lions, and hippos. Visitors can go on safari to see these animals in their natural habitat on foot or in a 4x4 vehicle.

Cultural Tours: Visitors can also learn about the local culture and history by visiting nearby villages or the Livingstone Museum in Zambia. These tours provide an opportunity to meet local people and learn about their traditions and way of life.

Victoria falls in bullets
  • Located on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe.
  • Victoria Falls is approximately 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide and 108 meters (354 feet) tall, making it one of the largest waterfalls in the world.
  • Named after Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who was the first European to see the falls in 1855.
  • Locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya," which translates to "The Smoke That Thunders" in the Lozi or Kololo languages.
  • Victoria Falls was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1989 due to its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance.
  • The falls are a significant tourist attraction, contributing to the local economy through tourism-related activities and businesses.
  • Efforts are ongoing to preserve the natural environment around Victoria Falls and to protect its biodiversity and ecosystem.
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When to visit

This depends on your personal preferences and what you want to do. Here are some factors to consider:

Weather: Victoria Falls has a tropical climate, with hot and humid summers (November to March) and cooler, drier winters (April to October). The rainy season (December to February) can make the falls more spectacular, but limit activities.

Water: The volume of water flowing over Victoria Falls varies throughout the year, with the highest levels typically occurring from March to May. This is when the falls are at their most dramatic, but the mist can be so thick that it obscures the view.

Wildlife: If you're interested in seeing wildlife, the dry season (May to October) is the best time to go, as animals are drawn to the Zambezi River for water.

Activity: Some activities, such as white-water rafting and bungee jumping, are only available during certain times of the year. 

Overall, the best time to visit Victoria Falls is during the dry season (May to October), when the weather is mild, wildlife is abundant, and many activities are available.

Fun fact
  • The lunar rainbow, or "moonbow," is a rare phenomenon that can be seen at Victoria Falls during full moon nights when the mist catches the moonlight, creating a stunning rainbow effect after dark.

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