Victoria Falls, the largest waterfall in the world and one of the Seven Natural Wonders, can be viewed, and experienced, from two countries; Zambia & Zimbabwe. The 2-kilometre (1688m to be exact) curtain of falling water forms the border between the two countries.
In the 1800’s the Kololo tribe described the falls as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. This is likely due to the body of spray that can be seen from miles away, long before you set sights on the magnificent falls themselves. At the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge into a gorge over one hundred meters below.
Livingstone is just minutes away from the Victoria Fall, on the Zambia side, and is a popular hub for visitors to the destination. Livingstone offers a wide range of accommodation options making it a great base for exploring the area. The town was named after the Scottish explorer, David Livingstone. You can learn about David Livingstone and the local history at The Livingstone Museum.
Discover one of the Seven Wonders of the World from either or both Zambia and Zimbabwe! Named after the Queen of Britain following its discovery by David Livingstone its local name translates to the smoke that thunders due to the immense amount of spray the falls give off and the noise that comes from them. Classified as the largest falls it has several islands and pools you can visit on the tip of the fall. Over the 1000s of years it has existed, several gorges have been created by the water force, which now forms an exciting rafting course!
It is actually possible to walk to the island from the Zambian side of the falls during low waters in the drier months however most come by boat. Here you can view the falls from the edge, looking over deep down into the gorge and it is here you will get the best views of the rainbows! You can also swim in the famous Devil’s Pool where you can peak over where the water flows over the edge! Only for the brave at heart!
Around the entrances to the falls there are many street vendors and small markets, which is the perfect place to pick up some souvenirs. From small hand carved animals to beautiful African paintings there is a huge array of trinkets to take home as presents or as memories of the trip for yourself!
You can either do a tour of a nearby village or any of the lodges have a village they support themselves. See first hand how tourism impacts the lives of the villagers, funding and creating boreholes and schools as well as getting to see how the locals live their day to day life away from the modern technology.
Take a boat down the river either at sunrise or sunset with a cooler box of dinks and snacks and see the beautiful Zambezi River. From the numerous animals and birds that live in the river, enjoy a peaceful journey towards the falls and back. Although you wont get very close to the falls you will see them in the distance. This is a very relaxing way to watch as the sun goes down or arises as you enjoy the nature around you.
A slightly more active venture than the boat this thrilling activity allows you to get up and close to the aquatic animals. With hippos, otters and even crocodiles in the water it is a fun way to burn off some of those huge meals the ldoegs spoil you with!
If you are looking for something to get the blood pumping, why not try your hand at rafting through the gorge below the falls. Due to years of erosion by the water the falls have moved back creating a succession of gorges over the years, which now form the perfectly crafted ‘S’ bends for river rafting!
If you are feeling very adventurous you can Bungee off the railbridge in Zimbabwe next to the falls. Take a leap of faith off the bridge as you watch the gorgeous views rush past you.
Another way to see the falls and gorges from above without jumping upside down is to take a zip line across the gorges enjoying the view as you whizz from one side of the gorge to another!
Do the falls in style with a scenic helicopter flight over the falls and through the gorge. Take a birds eye view as the water crashes over the edge and down the cliff face before the spray thunders back up. If the sun is shining you should be able to see rainbows as the light fractions through the water, the bridge, the people and even the surrounding game.
Enjoy fine dining on the Royal Livingstone Express whilst you sightsee the area. Dress up and hop on board as you head through the national park, where you can spot local wildlife before heading to the Victoria Falls Bridge where you will stop for dinner and photo opportunities, on the way back you will head through a township and onto Palm Grove Siding.
Both sides of the falls have surrounding national parks, enjoy a game drive in the region or indeed along the river bank to see some of Zambia and Zimbabwe’s famous wildlife. The animals are more numerous on the Zimbabwean side of the falls with big cats in the parks as well however the rhinos on the Zambian side may convince you to go there instead, particularly if you are going onward for a safari elsewhere.
The national parks surrounding Victoria Falls are some of the few in Zambia and Zimbabwe that have healthy populations of rhino. Guarded 24/7 by armed rangers they have become somewhat accustomed to human presence. Here you can have the privilege to track the rhino on foot and spend time with them and the rangers as you watch them go about their daily activities.
Chobe is only around 90 minutes away from Livingstone; take a trip across the border and into Botswana to see some of Botswana’s premier wildlife. From river crossing elephants to the big cats enjoy a variety of river cruises and game drives to see the wildlife of Botswana.
Imagine riding your horse along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, with views of the spray from the falls. Cantering through open bushveld on hidden game pathways, discovering secret islands and viewing the surrounding wildlife. Available on the Zimbabwean side of the falls as a thrilling extra to the usual activities.
Would you like to visit Victoria Falls and Livingstone? Contact us to book a tour or to find out more about the area.
Looking for inspiration? View our tours including Victoria Falls, below.