Victoria Falls is an increasingly popular tourist destination – it truly is remarkable. There are a number of unique aspects to the region, which perhaps further explains its appeal. Here are some fascinating facts which may surprise you, or simply encourage you to see the area for yourself.
Victoria Falls is neither the widest nor highest waterfall in the world, but it’s the world’s largest sheet of falling water, which solidifies this classification. It is twice the height of North America’s Niagara Falls, and is only rivalled by Iguazu Falls in South America. It is 108m tall and 1708m wide.
The Zambezi River is the fourth-largest in the African continent and spans across six different nations – its amazing journey spans an impressive 2,700 km. Along the way, you can see a range of wildlife and participate in a plethora of activities. Victoria Falls is the boundary dividing the upper and middle parts of the Zambezi.
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is home to part of Victoria Falls and is named so because “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” means “the smoke that thunders” – a perfect analogy for these awe-inspiring waters. Victoria Falls is also, perhaps unsurprisingly, found in Victoria Falls National Park.
In 1855, British explorer and missionary David Livingstone was the first European to witness the magnificence of one of Africa’s most incredible sights, Victoria Falls. He named it for the British monarch at the time, Queen Victoria. While many places have reverted to their indigenous names, the local people had so much respect for him that it has remained unchanged.
75% of the Falls can be seen from the Zimbabwean side, while the remaining 25% is visible from the Zambian side. While Zimbabwe has had negative media attention in recent years, locals assure visitors that it is incredibly safe, and typically makes for a more superior viewing experience.
The seven natural wonders of the world are Victoria Falls, Aurora Borealis, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, Mount Everest, and Parícutin.
Victoria Falls is one of nature’s intricate mysteries, and features several principle gorges. These are the First, Second, Third, Fourth, and Fifth gorges – and the Songwe Gorge, named after the Songwe River, flowing in from the north east.
The numbers almost seem too impossible to imagine! That’s the equivalent of 200 Olympic-sized swimming pools, to put things into perspective. It flows at a rate of 1088m3/s.
A rainbow is beautiful; a moonbow is a special and unique phenomenon which only occurs in two places around the world, with Victoria Falls being one of them. A lunar rainbow happens when the light of the full moon hits the Falls, and it is a sight to behold.
On the Zimbabwe side of the Falls you will find the Victoria Falls Rainforest, which is the only place on earth to see rain every single day of the year. The rains bless the area with lush greenery in the forest, and it’s recommended that visitors explore it as well.
If you’re a particularly daring traveller, you might enjoy swimming up to the edge of the Falls at Devil’s Pool with your guide. This is not something that should be attempted without proper consideration, as it involves a swim in the Zambezi and a reliance on the water to carry you. Once you reach the edge, however, the feeling is exhilarating. Consider it as the best infinity pool in the world! You can only do this when water levels are lowest, from September to December.
If you’re venturing on out to Victoria Falls, be cautious (and pack a camera). You will be entering into the natural habitat of an abundance of animals, including many of the continent’s elusive “Big Five”. Be wary – crocodiles are particularly common in the region, so take extra care. Remember, part of respecting nature is appreciating that you could be in danger. Always listen to your local guides’ advice.
Our travel design process starts with you and your ideas, each trip created from a blank piece of paper.
Our Africa specialist’s have created a selection of sample example itineraries to provide a sense of what can be crafted for you in Zimbabwe.
Experience some of the best natural wonders of Africa on a trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia, from the majestic Zambezi River and the breathtaking Victoria Falls, alongside diverse wildlife on a walking safari or from the close proximity of a canoe.
10 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £9,800pp
Discover the diverse wonders of Zimbabwe, where captivating landscapes set the stage for exhilarating walking safaris amidst remarkable wildlife sightings. Dive into water safaris offering a spectrum of aquatic activities.
9 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £8,500pp
Explore the diverse terrain of Zimbabwe by embarking on sunset river cruises, safari adventures and steam trains for breathtaking views of natural wonders like Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and a plethora of exciting wildlife.
12 Day Itinerary
Guide Price: £7,100pp
Experience the best of Zambia by embarking on an adventure that features Victoria Falls, the Zambezi River and the South Luangwa National Park, all whilst engaging in exhilarating outdoor activities.
Set on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, some 40kms upstream from the iconic Victoria Falls, Matetsi River Lodge is a superb base from which to explore The Falls, the town itself and also the Matetsi Private Game Reserve which covers 55,000 hectares of the Zambezi National Park.
Mpala Jena is a beautiful, exclusive canvas tented camp, located on a private concession in the Zambezi National Park.
Royal Livingstone Hotel is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honour of his queen.
Sindabezi Island is the discerning travellers best kept secret.
Taking a contemporary stance on classic colonial style, the Stanley & Livingstone is Victoria Falls’ first luxury boutique hotel.
The Elephant Camp is a luxury and intimate lodge under canvas within easy reach of Victoria Falls.
The Victoria Falls Hotel, popularly known as ‘The Grand Old Lady of the Falls’, is situated in the Victoria Falls Town.
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