The spectacular Victoria Falls are the most visited attraction in Zimbabwe and understandably so. The Falls are almost one mile wide and offer some of the most impossibly scenic viewpoints in the continent, with a mist spray that can reach almost 400 metres high after the water has plummeted 110 metres into the Batoka Gorge before continuing its journey.
History: David Livingstone was the first European to see the falls and named them after Queen Victoria.
Discovered by pioneering missionary David Livingstone in 1855, he was said to be so impressed with the falls that he described them as ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels in their flight’. Such a bold sight has also earned the falls the local name of ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ or the ‘Smoke that Thunders’ and a place as one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Between the months of November and April you are likely to enjoy a thrilling almost deafening roar of cascading water and you could get rather wet in what is an exhilarating experience. Even during the dry season when most of there is little water in the river, the Zimbabwean side of the falls is still a breathtaking sight.
Many people choose to take to the skies and experience the falls in a scenic flight which has been named the ‘Flight of Angels’ for its unique vantage point which offers a completely different experience to walking the around the seventeen different viewpoints. For those exploring on foot the main viewpoints are the main falls and devil cataract, where it is said that the water flow amounts to around 500 litres per second during the rainy season!
As well as the idyllic scenery, the area is a centre for adventure sports activities, arguably known as the ‘adventure capital of the world’, with bungee jumping, kayaking and white water rafting, as well as canoeing amongst the hippos and crocodiles.
For those looking for even more of an adrenaline rush, you can even try your hand at river boarding, which originally started as a means of rescue. Even when it comes to wildlife activities, it will get your heart pumping, with the option of a walk with the lions.
A true home-away-from-home lodge located just a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls Bridge.
A new camp offering stunning views of the gorges of Victoria Falls, Elephant Camp has exclusive tented suites with plunge pools.
A great base from which to explore thundering Victoria Falls, Ilala Lodge offers comfortable and affordable rooms.
Imbabala Lodge consists of spacious stone thatched bungalows with private river frontage and views out over the Zambezi River.
An eco-friendly tented camp situated on the banks of the Zambezi River, Mpala Jena offers quality wildlife-viewing experiences as well as tastefully appointed rooms.
A great base for exploring the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls. Old Drift Lodge offers luxury and style.
A true historical legend, Victoria Falls Hotel has recently been refurbished to capture the true romance of the african safari.
The first lodge to be built in Zambezi National Park. Excellent for its close proximity to the falls and wonderful for families.
This award-winning lodge is ideally located close to Victoria Falls for adventure activities and close proximity to wildlife.
The town of Victoria Falls itself is a major crossroads for travellers with plenty of places to stay such as the Victoria Falls Hotel with its colonial grandeur, many places to eat and it also offers a great base for visiting the area and connecting to other parts of Southern Africa such as Zambia, Botswana and South Africa.
Contact one of our Destination Specialists to start planning your journey to Zimbabwe. Please note we recommend a budget of from £7,000 / $10,000 USD per person for our style of trip to this destination.