23 Things To Know BEFORE Visiting Victoria Falls

There are few issues extra majestic than a waterfall, however relating to Victoria Falls, “majestic” doesn’t even BEGIN to explain it.

This humongous waterfall is likely one of the world’s most outstanding pure wonders and a real gem of Africa. With wealthy forestry, ample and various wildlife, and pure magnificence wherever you set your eyes, Victoria Falls needs to be a bucket-list location for everybody.

It was with this spirit that we booked our journey to Victoria Falls after we knew we might be visiting Zimbabwe and the expertise didn’t disappoint one bit.

Via our expertise, we’ve compiled this detailed record of issues it is best to know earlier than visiting Victoria Falls, to make sure your journey goes off with no hitch. 

1. About Victoria Falls

Positioned in southern Africa, on the Zambezi River, this is likely one of the most astonishing waterfalls you possibly can ever see. 

This African waterfall stretches to a width of 5604 toes (longer than 18 soccer fields!) and a peak of 300 toes, making for a really imposing sight.

Whereas not the tallest or the widest waterfall on the planet, Victoria Falls is taken into account the most important as a result of the realm of the sheet of water it produces is bigger than every other waterfall. Many think about Niagara Falls, probably the most well-known locations on the planet, to be spectacular, but it surely dwarfs compared to Victoria Falls, which is twice as tall and twice as huge.

The European’s first encounter with these majestic falls was via a Scottish explorer and missionary, David Livingstone, in 1855. Upon seeing the awe-inspiring sight, he was bowled over and determined to call the waterfall after the reigning monarch on the time, Queen Victoria.

2. Victoria Falls Brings Collectively Two International locations

The Zambezi River runs alongside the borders of many nations, forming a hyperlink between them. Victoria Falls is likely one of the gems alongside this historic river that lies on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

One other enjoyable truth; yet one more manner that the Zambezi River brings these two nations collectively is thru the Kariba Dam, which supplies electrical energy to each nations.

3. Which Aspect Is Higher To Go to From? Zimbabwe or Zambia?

In the event you’re planning your journey primarily to see Victoria Falls, then Zimbabwe is the simple selection. Whilst you can entry and see the waterfall from each nations, the Zimbabwean facet has extra viewpoints (16 out of 20 in complete) that give a wider view of Victoria Falls. We’ve now been a number of instances to Victoria Falls, and might attest that the higher view is from Zimbabwe, as a majority of the water flows on the Zambia facet.

When visiting from Zimbabwe, you aren’t that affected by the change in season both, since many of the water on the Zambian facet dries up in the course of the dry season, whereas the Zimbabwean facet nonetheless has a formidable movement of water. The final time we visited it was in November, the top of the dry season, and the falls have been nonetheless insanely spectacular from the Zimbabwe facet. Whereas if I have been on the Zambia facet, there may be not a lot I might have been seeing throughout the Zambezi.

Although all that being mentioned there are benefits to visiting from Zambia. Mosi Oa Tunya Nationwide Park on the Zambian facet usually attracts fewer guests in comparison with the Zimbabwe facet, with a decrease entry value of simply US$20. These routes present varied views of the Falls, together with views from the underside and the facet. Through the wet season, visiting the Zambian facet could lead to a totally drenched expertise. The close by main city of Livingstone affords a pleasing two-day keep, boasting wonderful eating choices and lodging. Zambia’s forex tends to be extra steady than that of Zimbabwe and the favored Satan’s Pool and Livingstone Island tour is conveniently positioned on the Zambian facet.

This could go with out saying, however double-check your journey plans, as a result of vacationers have gotten confused pondering Zambia and Zimbabwe are the identical nation. We bumped into a pair who had booked their visas and tickets to Zimbabwe, however their inns in Zambia, and one of many guides advised us afterward that it was a typical incidence.

You probably have plans to journey into Zambia and Zimbabwe it’s finest to look right into a KAZA UniVisa. This distinctive visa grants limitless entry into Zimbabwe and Zambia inside a 30-day interval. In case your nationality necessitates a visa for each nations, acquiring this visa is extra economical than buying particular person visas. Moreover, it permits a day-trip to Botswana with the pliability to return to Zambia or Zimbabwe. The payment for this visa is $50.

4. How To Get To Victoria Falls

Since Victoria Falls was the final cease on our journey itinerary for Zimbabwe, we determined to take essentially the most handy route and flew proper into Victoria Falls Worldwide Airport from Hwange Nationwide Park, which is the place we have been on safari. The Vic Falls Airport is one among Zimbabwe’s main airports and positioned only a brief distance from the city of Victoria Falls. It takes about 20 minutes to drive from the Vic Falls Airport to the city of Victoria Falls, nonetheless the payment is a set value at a whopping $30.

The city of Victoria Falls is the place most inns are positioned, and from the city it’s only a brief 20 minute stroll to Victoria Falls, or a 5 minute drive. Many inns and resorts supply shuttles to Vic Falls. If you’re staying at a safari lodge, just like the Vic Falls River Lodge, typically the switch to Victoria Falls is included.

There are bus providers that you possibly can additionally use to succeed in the city of Victoria Falls from different elements of Zimbabwe and plenty of tour operators will supply visits to the Falls with transportation included.

5. What’s the Value of Entry?

Since April of 2023, entry costs have seen a steep improve. Worldwide guests must pay $50 to enter Victoria Falls Park and get a correct view of the majestic Falls. For SADC nations, the entry payment is $30, and the payment is $7 for Zimbabweans. Youngsters aged 6 to 12 pay half, whereas youngsters underneath the age of 6 get pleasure from free entry. If you’re a member of SADC or Zimbabwean, it’s essential to carry proof with an ID.

It’s vital to keep in mind that that is for a single-entry ticket. In the event you exit and want to return later within the day, it’s essential to pay the entry payment once more.

Like most companies in Vic Falls, it’s doable to pay with bank card at Victoria Falls. Although it’s all the time advisable to have money on you in Zimbabwe – significantly USD.

6. When is the Finest Time to Go to Victoria Falls?

Whereas there may be movement of water all yr spherical, every season has its distinctive specialty. 

Victoria Falls is at its peak between March and June, however whereas you may get the complete expertise of the Falls, different actions change into restricted. For instance, for those who’re on the lookout for some outside adventures when you’re right here, white water rafting isn’t doable throughout this time.

For such actions, you’ll want to attend until August via December. That is additionally when you’ll be able to go to the famed Satan’s Pool (extra on that later). Nonetheless, the water within the Falls is sort of low throughout this time. If wildlife is extra your factor, then any time between July and October is right.

7. Exploring Victoria Falls 

When you enter the Falls Park, all you’ll want to do is comply with the Victoria Falls footpath to the Falls themselves. You’ll know once you’re shut as a result of it’ll get misty rapidly. There’s a fairly simple pathway to comply with that’s simple to know. We suggest beginning on the David Livingstone Statue and dealing your method to the fitting from there!

When on the statement decks, ensure you have agency footing and don’t act a idiot by leaping round or hanging off the rails. At some spots the water will likely be mere few toes away out of your toes and, with one fallacious transfer, you possibly can get pulled down with the water. Nonetheless the paths are properly maintained and supply loads of distance from the sting. You’d must strive arduous to fall, but it surely does occur.

Security precautions however, once you get a full view of Victoria Falls from any of the statement decks, you’re left standing in awe. Nature’s magnificence and energy are on full show, particularly in the course of the peak wet season.

Nonetheless, exploring Victoria Falls Park will hardly take you a few hours, so that you’ll want to search out one thing to do for the remainder of the day. Fortunately, the resort city of Victoria Falls is close by and there’s lots to do there.

8. Visiting The Satan’s Pool

August to January mark the drier months of the yr for Victoria Falls and that is when probably the greatest spots in your entire space opens up. The Satan’s Pool is a pure rock pool, dubbed the world’s finest infinity pool, positioned on the very fringe of Victoria Falls on the Zambia facet solely.

Embarking on a difficult journey of strolling and swimming via the Zambezi, adventurers try to succeed in a singular pool. Upon reaching this adrenaline-pumping swimming gap, these daring sufficient to make the leap expertise an exciting encounter with the river’s drive. The formidable present propels them to the pool’s edge, the place a rocky lip halts their descent, and the tumultuous waters of the Zambezi cascade over close by cliffs.

The vantage level from the precipice affords an completely exhilarating panorama, permitting you to sense the sheer energy of the Zambezi River because it rushes previous and plunges down a wide ranging 100-meter (320-foot) drop!

With over 500 million liters (132 million gallons) of water plummeting over the Falls each minute, this pure spectacle calls for respect. This exercise have to be made with a educated information.

Through the dry months (August to January) you’ll be able to go swimming at this spot and take footage proper on the fringe of the waterfall. Along with making for excellent Instagram moments, it’s additionally a spot the place you may make lasting reminiscences.

9. Hold An Eye Out for Wildlife

The encompassing areas in Zambezi Nationwide Park are dwelling to many species of wildlife similar to giraffes, antelopes, Cape buffalo, zebras, and even elephants. Large cats similar to lions and cheetahs are seen once in a while, however not too continuously.  You’ll even have the possibility to see crocodiles and hippos, together with baboons and vervet monkeys. Nonetheless at Vic Falls you’re most certainly to see warthogs working about, baboons, and monkeys.

Chook watching can also be fairly fashionable with greater than 35 species of raptors calling the realm their dwelling.

10. Victoria Falls Is Steeped In Historical past

Whereas an excessive amount of credit score is given to David Livingstone for the invention of Victoria Falls, and though the waterfall itself is known as after a British Monarch, this waterfall has held an vital place within the native tribal tradition for a lot of centuries.

The locals even have their very personal names for the waterfall. In Lozi, it’s referred to as “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” which interprets to “thundering smoke,” and in Tonga, it’s referred to as “Shungu Namutitima,” which implies “boiling water.”

There’s proof that proves that people going again to the Stone Age have used the falls as a supply of water or for civilization. Archaeologists have discovered human artifacts from varied time intervals and there may be even proof of a settlement within the space that dates again to greater than a thousand years in the past.

11. You Can See Victoria Falls From The Sky!

Whereas an costly indulgence, helicopter rides can be found at Victoria Falls, permitting guests an opportunity to get an aerial view of the majestic waterfall from the sky.

A brief helicopter journey begin at $150 (Excludes Park Charge & Gasoline Levy), whereas an extended journey will value you almost $400. Nonetheless, it’s a splurge-worthy exercise, as let’s face it it is a once-in-a-lifetime alternative. Many say it’s properly well worth the cash!

12. Flora Round Victoria Falls

The realm across the waterfall has a dense forested area with palm timber, mopane, and teak dominating the tree line. Vegetation across the falls can also be ample, with the water offering diet to ivory palms, wild date palms, pod mahogany, and batoko plum! Hold your eye out for all of the completely different plants!

13. Take A Prepare Experience Round Victoria Falls!

In the event you can’t do the helicopter journey, undoubtedly reap the benefits of the prepare journey across the falls. A restored prepare, steam engine, and all, will take you on a journey and supply a very completely different view of the majestic waterfall.  The prepare comes with a number of lounge areas, eating, and extremely snug chairs.

14. Concerning the City of Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls, the city, is a cute little resort city and it’s dwelling to many small markets that promote completely different items and crafts. There are additionally many actions that you possibly can participate in, similar to zip lining, canoeing, bungee leaping, and even crocodile diving!

We loved heading right here for some buying, in addition to grabbing a drink on the River Brewing Co.

15. What To Convey to Victoria Falls

A water bottle, sunscreen, hat, and comfy strolling footwear are requirements when visiting Victoria Falls. Relying on how a lot you stroll round and discover, you additionally would possibly need to maintain one thing to snack on similar to path combine, an power bar, or sandwiches. 

You’ll additionally need to carry one thing to maintain your belongings dry since you are DEFINITELY going to get moist when visiting the Falls. By the point we reached the final statement deck, we just about soaked via and thru! We suggest a journey digicam to seize the great thing about the falls, it is likely one of the finest trip spots on the planet in any case. In the event you resolve to carry a digicam, you 100% must even have one thing to guard it from the water, like a water-resistant safari bag.

16. Local weather Change Is Impacting Victoria Falls

Many consultants are in concern that Victoria Falls will quickly be declared a last-chance vacation spot World Heritage Website. That is due to local weather change’s vital antagonistic impacts on Victoria Falls.

As a consequence of rising temperatures, water movement has decreased over time and droughts have gotten extra frequent and extreme every year. After we final visited in November, the rains have been weeks late, and Zimbabwe was properly right into a drought. On safari, we noticed many elephants practically dying of dehydration and warmth.

Many main channels similar to Discovery and Nationwide Geographic, have additionally documented the specter of local weather change to this unimaginable pure surprise and broadcasted them in a number of applications and documentaries.

All these antagonistic situations have an effect not solely on the Falls and the way they give the impression of being but additionally on the native wildlife. With rising droughts, the pure habitat of many animals is disappearing and will quickly result in irreversible injury to their inhabitants numbers.

17. Finest Eating places Close to Victoria Falls

The city of Victoria Falls has many eating places that provide high quality meals, however the preferred, by a large margin, is the Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar. Each locals and vacationers flock to this restaurant in massive numbers.

All through our two days in Victoria Falls, we ate at Three Monkeys, and the Lookout Cafe. Along with all kinds of meals similar to burgers, pizzas, BBQ, and wood-fired dishes, there are additionally vegan choices and a formidable number of drinks on the bar.

For dinner although, we virtually all the time caught to the eating choices at our lodging, the Vic Falls Lodge.

18. Malaria is a Danger

Whereas Victoria Falls is technically categorised as a malaria zone, you are able to do many issues to guard your self. Use mosquito repellant profusely and guarantee your home windows are closed for the evening. That is very true in the course of the wet season when the bugs are dangerous.

Now we have visited Zimbabwe a number of instances and by no means take malaria tablets, as we aren’t in malaria inclined areas or it’s the dry season and there aren’t many mosquitos round.

Nonetheless it you assume you could be in danger, it’s finest to seek the advice of along with your physician on different ways in which you possibly can forestall and safeguard your self from malaria.

19. Is Victoria Falls Value Visiting?

An impressive waterfall, wealthy greenery, various wildlife, and extremely vivid rainbows. What extra might one ask for out of a visit?

I might simply suggest Victoria Falls as a bucket record location to anybody with no second’s hesitation. The expertise of seeing one of many world’s pure wonders, and one that’s on such a huge scale, is an expertise that shouldn’t be missed. We beloved it a lot we’ve traveled twice to Victoria Falls.

In the event you’re into journey actions, Vic Falls can also be declared the journey capital of Africa. With bungee leaping, Satan’s Pool, helicopter flights, and white water rafting on supply, it’s arduous to get bored!

20. How Lengthy Ought to You Keep At Victoria Falls?

Whereas we spent three full days in Victoria Falls, it appeared prefer it wasn’t sufficient time. You must have no less than two days to your self on this location; the primary day to relaxation in some picturesque settings. Many individuals head right here earlier than or after their Southern Africa safari, particularly since there’s a properly linked airport!

So far as time truly at Victoria Falls, I might allocate 2-3 hours to amply discover. We spent a pleasant morning at Victoria Falls, arriving round 9 am to beat the noon crowds and spent three hours having fun with the views and taking numerous images. If I have been to redo the expertise, I might have appreciated to get there proper at opening to beat all of the crowds and get higher late. Although there may be loads of house to unfold about right here.

21. Lunar Rainbow – A moonbow!

The enchanting phenomenon often known as the lunar rainbow or ‘moonbow’ is fashioned when gentle refracts via airborne water particles, with the moon serving as the sunshine supply as an alternative of the solar. Throughout this celestial show, the Victoria Falls Nationwide Park welcomes guests for unique lunar rainbow excursions.

On each full moon, the Victoria Falls rainforest reopens within the night, presenting a singular alternative for particular excursions that unveil the mesmerizing great thing about the lunar rainbow, contingent upon favorable climate situations and spray depth.

Victoria Falls stands as one of many uncommon places on our planet the place this charming pure occasion happens, simply accessible for these searching for to witness its splendor. Surprisingly, many guests to the realm stay unaware of this breathtaking incidence, which ranks among the many most awe-inspiring spectacles at Victoria Falls. To make sure you don’t miss this magical show, it’s advisable to observe the complete moon cycle and plan your go to accordingly.

22. Keep on the Vic Falls Lodge

Throughout our time at Vic Falls, we knew we needed to e book someplace iconic. Cue the Victoria Falls Lodge, which stands as a beacon of luxurious and class within the coronary heart of Africa. With its timeless class and charming views, a keep at this iconic institution is extra than simply lodging – it’s an immersive journey into the pure and cultural wonders surrounding it.

In-built 1904, the Victoria Falls Lodge has a wealthy historical past that mirrors the evolving tapestry of Southern Africa. Constructed initially as lodging for staff on the Cape-to-Cairo railway, the lodge has since remodeled into a logo of refined colonial allure. Moving into its storied halls is like stepping again in time, with classic decor, excessive tea traditions, and a way of timeless grandeur.

The lodge affords a spread of lodging, from fashionable rooms to opulent suites, every meticulously designed to mix basic class with trendy consolation. The rooms are adorned with colonial-era furnishings, exuding a refined ambiance that pays homage to the lodge’s historic roots. The attentive workers, recognized for his or her heat hospitality, ensures that each visitor looks like royalty all through their keep.

We beloved our keep right here, and it was well-positioned within the City of Victoria Falls. It was additionally only a 15 minute stroll to Victoria Falls, which was simple for us to stroll to within the morning! Although even once you’re not proper up near the waterfall one of many standout options of the Victoria Falls Lodge is its unmatched view of the majestic Victoria Falls. Think about waking as much as the sound of cascading water and stepping exterior to an impressive view of the falls – a sight that by no means fails to encourage awe.

The opposite stand out of the Victoria Falls lodge is their iconic excessive tea. Supplied day by day to lodge and non lodge company, having excessive tea right here just like the royals used to is likely one of the finest issues to do in Victoria Falls.

23. Victoria Falls Ideas

Cease at each viewpoint: Cease at each single viewpoint you’ll be able to whereas at Victoria Falls. Every one affords a singular and completely different view than the opposite. And also you’ve already paid $50 to enter so you could as properly get your cash’s price!

Plan on getting moist: We visited within the peak of a drought in the course of the dry season and nonetheless received fairly freaking moist! Plan on getting moist in your go to, and convey some dry gear to your electronics.

It’s costly: The entry payment retains rising to Victoria Falls, and I’ve to confess that $50 is a fairly steep entry value. The primary time we visited in 2016, the worth was $30, which I already thought was excessive! Simply settle for that it’s a dream vacation spot and that Africa isn’t the most affordable vacation spot and benefit from the pure surprise!

Cafes and Restrooms: There are a number of locations to seize snacks, a meal, and a number of loos close to the doorway to Victoria Falls!

Plan on strolling: The Vic Falls advanced is somewhat massive, and to see every viewpoint would require some strolling. Convey good journey footwear for the day, we suggest non slip trainers!

You Don’t Want A Information: The paths are simple to comply with and a information will not be wanted, although you could get requested a number of instances in order for you one. Whereas a information could also be useful for telling the historical past and in regards to the land, it’s removed from essential until you need somebody to take your images!

Plan to Spend 2-3 hours having fun with the falls. If you may get there at dawn, you gained’t be disenchanted.