The Victoria Falls – or ‘Vic Falls’ as they’re affectionately known – are one of the most instantly recognisable landmarks in Africa. Named Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘The Smoke that Thunders’) by locals from the area, the falls first came into Western prominence when discovered by Sir David Livingstone in November 1855 – who named them after the British Monarch at the time, Queen Victoria. Bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe on the Zambezi river, the falls have become an incredibly important source of tourism for both countries.
Whilst neither the highest or the widest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls lays claim to being the largest waterfall in the world on account of having the largest sheet of falling water on the planet. At the peak of the rainy season, visitors to the falls experience a considerable mist akin to rain even some 100m away! It’s best to wear a waterproof poncho when the Zambezi is in full flow.
With considerable tourist infrastructure on both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides of the falls, there is no shortage of quality accommodation and activities at your disposal. So popular are the Victoria Falls in fact that the annual visitor tally now numbers in excess of 1 million people. Visitors can enjoy guided walks around the fall area, trips to local game reserves and towns, enjoy the quality white water rafting or even take a dip in the famous Devil’s Pool if adventurous (a naturally formed rock pool just metres from the edge of the waterfall). For the real adrenaline junkies, one of the most famous bungee jumping spots in the world is off the Victoria Falls bridge.
The best months to visit Victoria Falls are December, January, February, May, June, July and August. While there is very little water in September, there is almost none in October and November. Annual flooding usually occurs during March and April.
If you’d like to witness this World Heritage Site for yourself, Contact Us and we’ll ensure your visit to Victoria Falls is as remarkable as the falls themselves.
