Why Visit Victoria Falls

Clocking in at twice the height of Niagara Falls, the Victoria Falls is one of Africa's greatest and most-visited attractions. Traditionally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya or ‘the Smoke that Thunders’, Victoria Falls tours are often included in most Southern Africa safari itineraries. The area is also known as Africa's Adventure Capital. In addition to guided Victoria Falls tours, you can also see the world’s biggest waterfall from the air on a helicopter or thrilling microlight flight.

Furthermore, you can hit the water in a canoe, raft or cruising boat; meet orphaned elephants; leap off the historic bridge; and swim in the mischievously named Devil's Pool. There's also plenty of shopping and history, as well as lazy days in the sunshine after an action-packed Victoria Falls safari. Thousands of visitors come to Victoria Falls every year to come face to face with our planet’s biggest sheet of falling water. Here are a few reasons why we love Victoria Falls tours:

1. See the World's Most Colossal Waterfall

Not only is Victoria Falls one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is also an official World Heritage Site. Defined as the world's biggest waterfall when measured by the sheer volume of falling water, Mosi-oa-Tunya has thrilled people for centuries.

You will experience it almost exactly as ancient tribes did since there is very little building or development around the Falls. This unspoilt beauty is what makes the experience so special: you can easily imagine what it was like for those explorers seeing it for the first time.

• It’s the largest uninterrupted sheet of falling water in the world.
• Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia – easy to combine a visit to Victoria Falls and a safari.
• Both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides are well worth a visit, and it's relatively easy to travel between the two.

2. Get Your Pulse Racing with Adventure Activities

As if being dazzled by millions of litres of water surging past you every second isn't enough, there are plenty of other adventure activities at Victoria Falls to get your adrenalin pumping.

Some of the most popular adventure activities to include in Victoria Falls tours are:

• Helicopter and microlight flights over the Falls.
• Seasonal white-water rafting.
• Gorge swinging, bungee jumping and zip-lining.
• Canoe safaris on the Zambezi River.
• Seasonal swimming in Devil's Pool, right on the edge of the waterfall.

The Zambezi River is Indescribable

Our Southern African vacation was everything we expected and more… IT WAS FANTASTIC! Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River are indescribable. We live on the banks of the Fraser River in British Colombia in Canada and we call it the mighty Fraser; it doesn't hold a candle to the “MIGHTY” Zambezi River!

- Robert

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3. Plenty to See & Do for Every Type of Traveller

When you need to relax, Victoria Falls has plenty to offer – both in Victoria Falls Town on the Zimbabwe side and in Livingstone on the Zambia side. It's a truly multi-generational destination. But what are the best tours in Victoria Falls?

Those interested in animals can head off to see rescued elephants (please read this important information about ethical animal encounters), history and culture buffs will have a lot to learn, and foodies can try traditional African meals – you can even learn to drum and dance the traditional way!

For Romantics:

• Take high tea at the same hotel where a young Queen Elizabeth II stayed.
• Enjoy a lavish dinner on a steam train.
• Go on a sunset boat cruise while watching elephants and hippos enjoy the water.

For Families:

• Shop in markets for souvenirs and presents.
• Head to Vulture Culture at feeding time to learn more about raptors.
• Meet rescued elephants at the The Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage.
• Walk under the old bridge and learn about its interesting history.

For Photographers:

• Relax with a book and binoculars to keep an eye on the myriad birds.
• Go on a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
• Get a shot of a lunar rainbow at full moon when the spray is high enough.
• Go on a day tour to Botswana’s Chobe National Park to see the world’s biggest elephant herds.

4. A Wide Variety of Accommodation to Choose From

Accommodation at Victoria Falls includes everything from family-friendly lodges and romantic riverside cottages, to gracious hotels where white-gloved waiters serve G&Ts on manicured lawns.

After a safari in tented camps, you might want to check into an upscale hotel with air conditioning, room service and a swimming pool. Or continue your immersion in the African bush by going upstream to a laidback river lodge on the Zambezi.

• Staying in Victoria Falls Town will allow you easy access to the waterfall, bustling markets and many other activities.
• Staying upstream on the Zambia side is more tranquil and exclusive – ideal for honeymooners.

5. Combines Easily with Top Safari Destinations

Victoria Falls is positioned at the heart of the Southern Africa safari experience and combines easily with incredible wildlife destinations. There are daily flights from South Africa's international airports to Livingstone Airport (LVI) in Zambia and Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) in Zimbabwe. A road transfer from VFA to Vic Falls Town will take you about 20 minutes.

Popular Victoria Falls and safari combinations are:

• Botswana’s Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park for aquatic safaris and incredible game viewing.
• South Africa’s Cape Town and Kruger National Park to indulge in world-class cuisine and encounter Africa’s iconic Big 5.
• Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Mana Pools National Park to witness elephants up-close and see rare wild dog.
• Zambia’s Lower Zambezi and South Luangwa National Parks for night game drives and Africa’s best walking safaris.

Ready to Start Planning Your Visit to Victoria Falls & Safari?

Get in touch with our team of Africa Safari Experts for the best time to visit Victoria Falls: