Livinsgtone and Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls; an Experts Guide to the Victoria Falls

Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia the Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning the 'smoke that thunders' is the worlds largest curtain of falling water. At 1.7km in width and between 90 and 107 metres in height, Victoria Falls truly deserves its place as one of the 7 natural wonders of the world.

An average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the edge every minute and when the Zambezi is at its highest (from March to May) an awesome 5 million cubic metres of water thunder over leaving so much spray that it looks like thick smoke (hence the smoke that thunders) and leaves you, 100 metres up, completely soaked!

Victoria Falls town on the Zimbabwean side was literally built on tourism, developing over a matter of a few years into an archetypal tourist trap; bungee jumping and gorge swinging just a few of the hair raising activities available. Today however the town is a shadow of its former self as Zimbabwe’s political situation has had a direct effect on visitor numbers. Livingstone on the Zambian side of the Falls, the old capital of Zambia, is the hive of activity nowadays with a cluster of hotels around the Falls themselves and a colonial town centre lined with fascinating decaying victorian buildings. This certainly is the place top stay.

The key for those in the know however is to stay away from the town, up either side of the falls themselves and enjoy the peace and calm of such a magical river. Upstream towards Chobe and downstream towards the Mana Pools there are some of the most beautiful river settings for lodges; havens of tranquility completely undisturbed by the crowds that Victoria Falls draws in. People spend their days on the water exploring the Zambezi, gliding down this massive river past curious pods of hippos and herds of inquisitive elephants, appreciating nature at its most undisturbed. Others simply stay in camp, soak up their surroundings over a long lunch and appreciate what are some of the most relaxing and beautiful lodges in the region.

For the more adventurous, the white water rafting down the Zambezi here is said to be the most intense commercial rafting in the world, and a range of other activities such as walking with lions an exceptional experience. Beware though, the rafting really is not for the faint hearted. There are also some fascinating markets on both sides of the border for people to spend their days haggling over African artwork and carvings.

Victoria Falls - For the Connoisseur

The national park here has two rhino, worth visiting seeing as nowhere else in Zambia (apart from North Luangwa) has any rhino. Further upstream there is some fantastic tiger fishing.

Victoria Falls - Zambia Odyssey View

All in all, even with the crowds, Victoria Falls is an absolute must and a place to be visited by everyone at some point in their life. Yes its full of adrenalin junkies and yes you get hastled (like in every African city or town) but behind all this, the people and the place are absolutely beautiful. If you’re going to stay in town then the Royal Livingstone is in our view the only good place to stay but explore up or down the river and youll find out what really makes this place so special.

Victoria Falls - Further information

For details of all the lodges in the Victoria Falls please look at Victoria Falls Lodge Page

For General safari information please look at Zambia Safari Page

Phone us to discuss with one of our consultants their last trip to the Zambezi Valley. Even better, come in in person. Tel 44 (0) 20 7471 8780 or Email Us