Victoria Falls – A Must-See Holiday Destination
About Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders), is one of the world’s top natural wonders. The falls have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989, and if you visit, you’ll understand why. The waters of the Zambezi River plunge over a 355-foot cliff that is more than 5,500 feet wide. This unique waterfall located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwedoesn’t just tumble into an open basin; there are various pools, gorges, and chasms at its base. All of these distinctive features make this place so breathtaking.
If you’re interested in planning a holiday here, this is a guide for seeing Victoria Falls.
How to get there
There are several ways to reach Victoria Falls by air and road.
Here are the four most common ways to reach this destination:
- Fastjet from Harare, Zimbabwe
- British Airways from Johannesburg, South Africa
- Ethiopian Airlines (direct flight from Addis Ababa to Victoria Falls Airport)
- Easy road transfers from Hwange National Park
When to go
The best moment to see the falls at peak volume is between February to May. In Zimbabwe, these months are considered summer and fall. There are sometimes dramatic thunderstorms during the day, which create jaw-dropping sunsets in the evening. While the water activities aren’t ideal during the winter (May-September/October), this is an excellent time for game viewing.
Things to do
#1 Visit the falls in the Mosi-oa-Tunya/Victoria Falls National Park
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia) and the Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe) arewhere you’ll find all of the action. Mosi-oa-Tunya spans over 25 square miles, and Victoria Falls stretches over nine square miles. There is a wildlife park in the northwest and the area surrounding Victoria Falls. Each has separate entrances. You can find majestic animals like zebras, warthogs, sables, giraffes, impalas, and antelopes in the wildlife zones. At the Falls, there’s a rainforest, wildlife, and numerous viewpoints and trails that cover the park’s points of interest.
#2 Zambezi River Sunset Cruise
An excellent way to enjoy the Zambezi River and see the world-famous Victoria Falls sunsets is to take a Zambezi Sunset cruise. Along the way, you can see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, and countless bird species. On your cruise, you can enjoy light snacks and drinks while watching the sunset over the water.
#3 Helicopter “Flight of Angels”
Get a birds-eye view of Victoria Falls by taking a “Flight of Angels” helicopter ride. This ride is one of the best ways to understand how massive the falls are. During the flight, you may catch glimpses of wildlife. The helicopter rides are short, only 12-13 minutes, but unforgettable. You’llleave with amazing memories and one-of-a-kind photos from the sky. There are transfers to this helicopter from most Victoria Falls Hotels.
#4 Victoria Falls bridge bungee jumping
If you’re a thrill-seeker and want an adventure at Victoria Falls, look no further than bungee jumping at the Victoria Falls bridge. The entire free-fall experience only lasts about four seconds. Those will probably be the longest four seconds of your life! You’ll have the majestic Victoria Falls as your backdrop and the beautiful Zambezi River below.
#5 White water rafting
The Zambezi River below Victoria Falls has some of the top grade five white water rafting spots around. There are two different seasons – low water rafting (August-December) and high waterrafting (Jan-Feb and June-July). The rapids are thrilling, and the scenery is breathtaking. Expert guides lead these exciting rafting trips. Included in these whitewater rafting excursions are hotel transfers, refreshments, and lunch.
#6 Jet boating
A great way to see the falls from its base is by taking a jet boat trip. These trips operate daily between 8 am to 4 pm. You’ll have the opportunity to ride some of the grade five rapids without worrying about paddling through them yourself. The boat approaches the base of the falls, giving you some of the best photo opportunities.
#7 Gorge swing/zipline
Swinging across the falls on a gorge swing or zipline is an exciting experience. You can find this swing at the base of the Batoka Gorge at Victoria Falls. The swing is over 300 feet long and sits almost 400 feet over the water. The Victoria Falls zipline is the world’s longest, spanning over 1,400 feet over the gorge. At its fastest point, it reaches speeds of 65 m.p.h. Once you get used to the ride, you’ll enjoy the breathtaking views around you.
#8 Victoria Falls Hotel for the view
The Edwardian-style Victoria Falls Hotel is a magnificent place to stay because of its stunning facilities and panoramic views. The hotel sits over the Batoka Gorge and is only a 10-minute walk to Victoria Falls. Not only are the views dazzling, but the grounds have three delicious restaurants, a lush garden, and entertainment and relaxation facilities. It’s a great place to retreat after your time at the park and enjoy the views.
Conclusion
Victoria Falls is a place that everyone should visit if they get the chance. Its massive cascades, impressive wildlife, and exciting activities are enough to keep everyone entertained. Hopefully, this article has encouraged you to plan a holiday here and explore it yourself.
If you want more information about other destinations in Zimbabwe, visit our website.