Top 7 Reasons to go to the Victoria Falls
‘The Smoke That Thunders’
Located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River, between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the breathtaking Victoria Falls is regarded as one of the world’s most iconic and magnificent waterfalls. While the Victoria Falls is neither the tallest nor the broadest waterfall in the world, the combination of its width and height creates for a truly unforgettable and mesmerising spectacle. Beyond its sheer unapologetic natural beauty, the Victoria Falls is known to draw thrill-seekers, adrenalin junkies, and avid adventurers with its plethora of bucket-list worthy experiences and activities.
It’s safe to say that the Victoria Falls is not only one of the most spectacular sights in all of Africa but offers something for absolutely everyone to enjoy. The mighty and magnificent Victoria Falls is without a doubt a not-to-be-missed destination for anyone planning a trip to Africa.
Here are our top 7 reasons to go to the Victoria Falls.
#1 Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World
The mighty and magnificent Victoria Falls, one of Africa’s most remarkable natural wonders, is certainly NOT just any old tourist attraction – it is one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World, a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, and without a doubt one of the most astonishing and breathtaking sights in all of Africa.
Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘The Smoke That Thunders’, this jaw-dropping waterfall on the Zambezi River is located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Stretching 1.7km wide and reaching a height of 355 feet, Victoria Falls is considered to be the biggest sheet of falling water in the world.
It’s no surprise that people travel from all corners of the world to witness and experience the mighty and magnificent Victoria Falls in all its glory – There is no denying that the Victoria Falls reigns supreme as one of the top attractions / destinations in Zambia, Zimbabwe, and all of Africa. Trust us, there is far more to this spectacular natural wonder than what meets the eye.
#2 Swim at the edge of nature’s ultimate infinity pool – Devil’s Edge!
Located at the edge of the renowned Victoria Falls (situated on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls), Devil’s Edge is a rock pool that offers adventurers all the thrill and rush of exhilaration they seek. Boasting a sheer drop and an up-close-and-personal view off the Falls – Devil’s Edge is in fact the ultimate infinity pool not only in Africa, but perhaps the world too!
During the waterfall’s peak flow season around the month of June, the mile-wide chasm is filled with the thunder of water descending at a rate of 3,000 tonnes per second. We highly advise that you avoid taking a swim or even dipping your toe in the daring Devil’s Pool – well unless you want to be swept away to an untimely demise. But all jokes aside, this time of year is a hard no when it comes to ticking this adventure experience off your bucket-list.
However, here’s the bright side you were waiting for! You are free to swim as close to the edge of the pool from the month of September right through to December when the river flow is at a safe level. The exposed natural rock walls also act as a barrier to prevent you from being carried over. While going for a swim in Victoria Falls’ Devil’s Edge may seem somewhat daunting at first, once you’re in, you’ll have the time of your life. Not to mention the view from the edge is beyond breathtaking! This is one bucket-list worthy adventure experience you absolutely don’t want to miss out on when visiting Africa.
#3 Victoria Falls is home to the great Zambezi River
When the Zambezi River is in full flood, it is estimated that 500-million litres of water per minute thunders over the drop, crashing into a deep rocky gorge at the bottom, throwing a cloud of mist and rainbow-lit spray high into the air. While the Main Falls lie within the borders of Zimbabwe, the Zambian side is equally as impressive during peak flood season (February to May). By far one of the best Zambian viewpoints is the Knife-Edge Bridge, which takes you right up close to this thundering waterfall – be prepared to get soaked!
#4 It is one of the best destinations in the world for whitewater rafting on high-grade rapids
If you’re looking to tick one of the most thrilling and adrenaline-inducing adventure experiences off your bucket list on your trip to the Victoria Falls – look no further! The renowned Zambezi River in Victoria Falls is deemed one of the world’s best destinations for whitewater rafting on high-grade rapids. Overflowing and very deep, you can expect class 3-5 rapids – which will undoubtedly have your heart racing and your adrenaline levels at an all-time high. The Zambezi River is said to boast 24 thrilling rapids, right and ready for you to conquer. Right after the falls lies an intense stretch of the river with a channel of high-volume water – It truly is an unforgettable once-in-a-lifetime experience in every way!
It is important to note that the Zambezi’s water levels change throughout the year. This means that if you’re keen to go whitewater rafting and conquer the mighty Zambezi River rapids, it’s crucial that you plan and book your trip to Zambia at the right time to avoid missing out.
#5 Victoria Falls can be combined with several other safari itineraries
There is absolutely no denying that the glorious and action-packed Victoria Falls is definitely one of the highlights of any Southern African trip. But just before you think it can’t get any better, hold on to your hats ladies and gents – because a trip to the Victoria Falls definitely doesn’t end at the Falls itself – oh no – it can easily be combined into a number of safari itineraries that include South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe & Zambia. It truly doesn’t get any better than that!
As the Victoria Falls is located between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe, your trip to the Victoria Falls will include so much more than merely witnessing one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World up-close and first-hand, but also give you the opportunity to explore the African bush and witness and experience sensational wildlife sightings and unforgettable safari experiences the Victoria Falls and its vast surrounding areas have to offer. This includes going on exhilarating sunrise, mid-day, or sunset game drives in an open 4×4 safari vehicle – how incredible is that? Offering you the best combination of what Africa has to offer.
Situated along the lower section of the Zambezi River, the Zambezi National Park is one of Zambia’s premier wildlife and safari destinations. The main draw of the national park is its remote off-the-beaten-path location and pristine wilderness. Encompassing vast and varied terrain, including forest, grassland, and floodplain, the Zambezi National Park supports a fantastic diversity of wildlife. Home to plenty of big game, including elephants, lions, buffaloes, hippos, giraffes, zebra, antelope, and Nile crocodiles (to mention merely a few) as well as an array of birdlife, wildlife and birding enthusiasts will definitely not be disappointed.
Wildlife viewing is best along the rivers, which border the park on three sides. The Zambezi River is the region’s main source of water as well as its top attraction, both for game and visitors.
In addition to the remarkable Zambezi National Park, both Zimbabwe and Zambia boast a vast array of National Parks and game reserves that should undoubtedly be on your African safari bucket-list, and, best of all, can be explored and experienced on your trip to the Victoria Falls.
Here are some of the top National Parks, attractions & reserves in Zimbabwe:
- Hwange National Park
- Lake Kariba
- Mana Pools National Park
- Matobo National Park
- Chimanimani National Park
- Nyanga National Park
- Chinhoyi Caves
- Matusadona National Park
Here are some of the top National Parks, attractions & reserves in Zambia:
- Lower Zambezi National Park
- South Luangwa National Park
- Kafue National Park
- Lake Kashiba
- Kasanka National Park
- Lake Kariba
- Blue Lagoon National Park
- Liuwa Plain National Park
- Sioma Ngwezi & Ngonye Falls National Park
Hold on, we’re not done yet! In addition to the incredible and vastly diverse National Parks and game reserves of Zimbabwe and Zambia, you can easily combine you trip to the Victoria Falls into a number of safari itineraries that include South Africa, Botswana (including a day trip to the spectacular Chobe National Park in Botswana – home to one of the largest concentrations of elephants in the world), and Namibia too!
#6 Victoria Falls boasts an endless variety of adventure experiences
In addition to going white water rafting on high-grade rapids on the Zambezi River, the Victoria Falls offer travelers an endless variety of adventure experiences and activities. From heart-pounding, adrenaline-inducing adventures like taking the ultimate leap-of-faith by going bungee jumping, taking a dip in the rocky, yet equally remarkable, Devil’s Pool located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls (with a sheer drop and an up-close-and-personal view off the Falls – it is indeed the ultimate infinity pool), going on a thrilling hiking expedition, taking to the skies on an exciting microlight flight, and enjoying an amazing ziplining canopy tour with stunning views of the Zambezi rapids and Victoria Falls Bridge, to Tiger Fishing along the Zambezi River, going on an electrifying helicopter flight, embarking on a sensational sunset cruise, going on a sightseeing adventure or guided tour of the Victoria Falls and a historical tour of the Victoria Falls Bridge, or enjoying an enriching, immersive, and exciting local village tour – Victoria Falls has something for absolutely everyone to enjoy and experience!
#7 Plenty of luxurious accommodation options surrounding the Victoria Falls
Just when you think things can’t possibly get any better, Victoria Falls will once again surprise you – in the best possible way of course. Beyond its breathtaking beauty, endless thrills and adventures, and bucket list worthy wildlife and safari experiences, the one and only Victoria Falls is also the epitome of luxury and exclusivity. What can we say, the Victoria Falls truly is the whole package and then some!
The Victoria Falls boasts some truly astonishing and lavish accommodation options for those eager to experience the more luxurious side of Africa and the Falls.
Below we have listed 10 of our favorite luxury hotels around Victoria Falls:
- The Royal Livingstone Hotel | Zambia
- The Victoria Falls Hotel | Zimbabwe
- The Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel | Zimbabwe
- Matetsi Victoria Falls | Zimbabwe
- Tongabezi Lodge | Zambia
- Thorntree River Lodge | Zambia
- Royal Chundu | Zambia
- The Elephant Camp | Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls River Lodge | Zimbabwe
- Victoria Falls Safari Lodge | Zimbabwe
Click here to find out more about these luxurious accommodation options in and around the Victoria Falls.
