Victoria Falls, Zambia

Victoria Falls

Southern ProvinceZambia

Why You'll Love Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders on the planet! It's a humongous waterfall located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and it's known to be one of the largest in the world. The local name for the falls is Mosi-oa-Tunya which translates to "the smoke that thunders" and that's an accurate description of the misty spray that rises up from the falls. The waterfall is about 1.7 km wide and 108 meters tall, making it a truly incredible sight to behold.

Visiting Victoria Falls is a real bucket-list experience. You can walk along the edge of the falls, called the Devil’s Cataract, where you'll see the water cascading down below you. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even take a white-water rafting trip in the raging Zambezi River, or take a helicopter tour over the falls for a bird's eye view. Make sure you bring your raincoat because the mist from the falls creates a perennial shower that everyone calls the 'waterfall rain'.

While you're there, stay in one of the lovely lodges near the falls to view wildlife such as elephants, giraffes, and monkeys in their natural habitat. Bring your camera, because you won't believe your eyes when you catch a glimpse of the incredible wildlife that roams the surrounding area. Whether you're an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a relaxing vacation in nature, Victoria Falls is definitely worth discovering.

Getting to Victoria Falls

The nearest airport to Victoria Falls is the Victoria Falls International Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe. From there, you can take a taxi or shuttle to your accommodation in Victoria Falls. If you are coming from a nearby city such as Livingstone in Zambia, you can cross the border into Zimbabwe and take a taxi or shuttle to Victoria Falls. There is also a bridge connecting the two countries that can be crossed on foot.

The closest city to Victoria Falls is Livingstone, in Southern Province.

Travelling from Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls

When to Visit

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is from February to May, when the waterfall is in full flow and the weather is warm and pleasant. However, this is also the busiest time of year, so be prepared for crowds and higher prices. June to August is a good time for wildlife viewing, as animals gather around the river, but the falls may have less water at this time. September to November is another good time to visit, with less crowds and cooler temperatures. However, the falls may have very little water during this time, so it's worth checking beforehand. December and January are hot and humid, but the falls are likely to have the most water at this time.

Weather and Climate

Victoria Falls experiences a subtropical climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. During the wet season (November-March), temperatures are high and rainfall is heavy, often leading to flooding. The falls themselves are at their peak flow during this time, creating an impressive spectacle. During the dry season (April-October), temperatures are cooler and rainfall is minimal. The falls may have less water flowing over them, but the clear skies and sunny weather make it a popular time for sightseeing and outdoor activities. Overall, Victoria Falls is a year-round destination, with each season offering its own unique experience.

Costs When Visiting

In Zambia, the currency is the Zambian kwacha.
Some sample costs when travelling around Victoria Falls are:

Food:
1. Meal at a local restaurant - $10
2. Fast food meal at a chain restaurant - $7
3. Breakfast at a hotel - $15
4. Dinner at a luxury hotel - $50

Accommodation:
1. Budget hostel - $10 per night
2. Mid-range hotel - $80 per night
3. Luxury safari lodge - $500 per night
4. Private luxury villa - $1000 per night

Safety Rating

Victoria Falls is generally considered safe for tourists. However, both Zambia and Zimbabwe have high rates of petty crime, such as pickpocketing and theft. Visitors are advised to take precautions, such as keeping valuables secure and being aware of their surroundings.

In terms of safety for women, both countries have laws against gender-based violence, but incidents still occur. Women are advised to be cautious when travelling alone and to avoid walking alone at night.

Zambia and Zimbabwe are considered to be relatively tolerant of different races and sexual orientations, although discrimination and harassment may still occur. LGBTQ+ travellers are advised to be discreet and avoid public displays of affection.

Local Population

The population of Victoria Falls, which is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, is predominantly of African descent, with a mix of various ethnic groups such as Tonga, Lozi, and Luvale. Christianity is the dominant religion in the region, with smaller numbers of Muslims and followers of traditional African religions. English is widely spoken due to the region's history of British colonialism, along with a variety of local languages such as Tonga, Ndebele, and Lozi. The gender breakdown is roughly equal, with slightly more females than males. There is no official data on the racial breakdown of Victoria Falls, but it is likely that the majority of the population is Black African.

Things to Do

Some common activities for tourists at Victoria Falls include:

1. Viewing the falls: The main attraction of the area is the stunning Victoria Falls, and tourists often spend time admiring the natural wonder from multiple viewpoints.

2. Safari tours: The region is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, hippos, and lions, and many visitors choose to go on a safari to see the animals up close.

3. Adventure activities: For those seeking a thrill, there are many adventure activities available, such as bungee jumping, ziplining, and white water rafting.

4. Cultural experiences: Visitors can learn about the local culture by visiting villages, attending traditional dance performances, and trying local cuisine.

5. Birdwatching: The area is home to a wide variety of bird species, and birdwatching is a popular activity for nature enthusiasts.

6. River cruises: Some tourists choose to take a scenic boat ride down the Zambezi River, which borders the falls and offers stunning views.

7. Hiking and nature walks: There are many hiking trails in the area, and guided nature walks are a great way to explore the surrounding wildlife and vegetation.