Victoria Falls
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Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls

Zambezi waterfall and borderland spectacle, where spray and thunder rise from one of Africa's great cataracts.

The 'Vic Falls' are the most beautiful waterfalls in Africa, if not the world. The Falls are about 1000km from the source of the Zambezi River in western Zambia. Towards the end of a normal rainy season the flow of water over the Falls reaches 500 000 cu m per minute. The towering column of spray when the river is high and the thunder of the falling water will take your breath away. Politically speaking the Victoria Falls is the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. You can visit the falls on both sides, but the Zimbabwean side is by fare more beautiful.

Until only a few years ago, Vic Falls was a major tourist destination with parties abounding in all the clubs and backpackers. Today, because of the politically volatile situation, most have tourists have deserted in favor of Livingstone, on the Zambian side. The town of Vic Falls, however, is within easy walking distance of the falls and a few backpackers still provide safe, comfortable accomodation. Personal safety is not a major issue; instead, beware of scam artists. It is not worth dealing money on the black market - you are likely to be either ripped off by the dealer or arrested by the tourism police. Neither are worth the trouble, inquire at your hotel about the best way to change money.

Visitors can kayak, canoe, fish, go on guidedwalking safaris, ride on horseback, lunch on Livingstone's Island and in addition to the well-known "Flight of Angels", for the more adventurous there is microlighting with stunning views of the Fall. By the way, during the dry season the flow can be very minimal. It is difficult to see the Falls during the peak flow as the heavy spray obscures the Falls themselves. The Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are some game viewing opportunities in the area.

Guide

Day Trips in Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is undeniably the adventure epicenter of South Africa. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As the widest curtain of cascading water on Earth, it lies between Zimbabwe and Zambia, near Botswana and Namibia, and close enough to allow for a wide variety of unique day trips away from the central falls area.

Safaris

Jenman African Safaris provides top-notch day trips supported by an experienced, credentialed, and knowledgeable local staff. They specialize in small group and personalized day-trips, with safaris to excite the senses of even the well traveled.

White Water Rafting

Their White Water Rafting Adventure on the Zambezi River near Victoria Falls is available January through December at a great price; $105 EUR/ $145 USD. The Zambezi River has a Top 10 reputation worldwide for this stretch of white water, so the chance to experience it is truly amazing. This athletic day trip will be truly enjoyed by experienced, white water devotees.

Canoeing Adventures

The Upper Zambezi River above Victoria Falls is the area for Jenman’s Zambezi River Canoeing adventure. Following a 9.3-mile stretch of the river, the canoe safari offers opportunities to see the endangered White Rhinos living in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya (Smoke That Thunders) National Park. Prices are $88 EUR/ $120 USD. This safari will inspire nature lovers to see not only White Rhinos but also at least 50 bird species up close. This is an energetic day for fit eco-tourists.

Cultural Tours

If your goal is to learn more about the people of the area, then the Cultural Village Tour will be your day trip choice. Offered from $30 to $40 EUR, the tour is guided by knowledgeable leaders who will lead you through the Livingstone, Zambia area to experience the ethnic, cultural, and historical interests of the area. You will be guests of Chief Makuni at the village home of the Leya people. This is not a tourist spot, but rather a working village, and home to approximately 6000 people. Visitors will meet the residents and learn how they live, first hand. Educational enthusiasts of all kinds will be happy on this safari.

Airborne Activities

Climb aboard a helicopter tour of Victoria Falls. Imagine hovering over the deep blue thundering waterfall, surrounded by the lush rich green of the surrounding plant life…this is simply splendid! Prices are $80 EUR/ $110 USD.

Take a 15-minute Microlight tour of Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. The open cockpit is for the courageous few really hoping to see unobstructed aerial views of the waterway below. Priced at $84 EUR/ $115 USD, this safari is one of the top adrenaline experiences in an area known for adrenaline adventures.

For the truly brave…Bungi Jump off of Victoria Falls Bridge in Zambia. The jump has a 100% safety record to match its 111-meter fall. Prices are $72 EUR/ $100 USD.

Cruise Experience

For animal lovers, the 3-hour Zambezi River Cruise may just be the ticket. The cruise offers freshly baked snacks and drinks. Excellent for photographers; elephants, giraffe, hippos, rhinos, birds, and crocodiles are abundant along the river. Beautiful wildlife photography is possible when the animals come to drink at river’s edge. Priced at $33 EUR/ $45 USD, this photography safari is fully staffed by knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the area’s wildlife and history.

These are just a few of the exciting tours offered around the Victoria Falls area and beyond. You could day tour on Elephant Back, visit the Snake Park, or schedule a Game Drive to Chobe National Park. Keep in mind that Zimbabwe’s weather is best for travel from April through September, when there is little rain and moderate temperatures. And, if the day tour of your dreams is not packaged, then ask the tour operators to help you create a personalized tour just to your liking!

Guide

Things to Do

Victoria Falls offers more than the falls themselves. The main attraction is the walk through the rainforest along the gorge rim, where you get face-to-face with the spray and the roar, but there are boat cruises on the Zambezi, a snake park in town, and various guided options for those who want context with their views.