23 Things To Know BEFORE Visiting Victoria Falls

There are few issues extra majestic than a waterfall, however with regards 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, plentiful and numerous wildlife, and pure magnificence wherever you set your eyes, Victoria Falls must be a bucket-list location for everybody.

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

By means of our expertise, we’ve compiled this detailed checklist of issues you need to know earlier than visiting Victoria Falls, to make sure your journey goes off with out a 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 this planet, Victoria Falls is taken into account the biggest as a result of the realm of the sheet of water it produces is bigger than some other waterfall. Many take into account Niagara Falls, probably the most well-known locations on this planet, to be spectacular, but it surely dwarfs compared to Victoria Falls, which is twice as tall and twice as extensive.

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 shocked and determined to call the waterfall after the reigning monarch on the time, Queen Victoria.

2. Victoria Falls Brings Collectively Two Nations

The Zambezi River runs alongside the borders of many international locations, 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 reality; yet one more method that the Zambezi River brings these two international locations collectively is thru the Kariba Dam, which gives electrical energy to each international locations.

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

When 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 international locations, the Zimbabwean facet has extra viewpoints (16 out of 20 in whole) that give a wider view of Victoria Falls. We’ve now been a number of instances to Victoria Falls, and may 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 a lot of the water on the Zambian facet dries up in the course of the dry season, whereas the Zimbabwean facet nonetheless has a formidable circulation of water. The final time we visited it was in November, the tip of the dry season, and the falls had been nonetheless insanely spectacular from the Zimbabwe facet. Whereas if I had been on the Zambia facet, there may be not a lot I’d 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 price of simply US$20. These routes present numerous views of the Falls, together with views from the underside and the facet. Throughout the wet season, visiting the Zambian facet could lead to a totally drenched expertise. The close by main city of Livingstone presents a nice 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 situated 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 informed us afterward that it was a typical incidence.

If in case you 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 international locations, acquiring this visa is extra economical than buying particular person visas. Moreover, it permits a day-trip to Botswana with the flexibleness to return to Zambia or Zimbabwe. The charge 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 probably the most handy route and flew proper into Victoria Falls Worldwide Airport from Hwange Nationwide Park, which is the place we had been on safari. The Vic Falls Airport is one in every of Zimbabwe’s main airports and situated 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 charge is a hard and fast value at a whopping $30.

The city of Victoria Falls is the place most inns are situated, 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. In case you are staying at a safari lodge, just like the Vic Falls River Lodge, usually 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 lots of tour operators will supply visits to the Falls with transportation included.

5. What’s the Price of Entry?

Since April of 2023, entry costs have seen a steep enhance. Worldwide guests should pay $50 to enter Victoria Falls Park and get a correct view of the majestic Falls. For SADC international locations, the entry charge is $30, and the charge is $7 for Zimbabweans. Kids aged 6 to 12 pay half, whereas kids beneath the age of 6 take pleasure in free entry. In case you are a member of SADC or Zimbabwean, you should carry proof with an ID.

It’s necessary to keep in mind that that is for a single-entry ticket. When you exit and want to return later within the day, you should pay the entry charge 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 circulation of water all 12 months 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, when you’re in search of 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 may go to the famed Satan’s Pool (extra on that later). Nevertheless, 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 could do is observe the Victoria Falls footpath to the Falls themselves. You’ll know if you’re shut as a result of it’ll get misty rapidly. There’s a reasonably straightforward pathway to observe that’s straightforward to grasp. We suggest beginning on the David Livingstone Statue and dealing your method to the appropriate from there!

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

Security precautions however, if you get a full view of Victoria Falls from any of the remark 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.

Nevertheless, exploring Victoria Falls Park will hardly take you a few hours, so that you’ll want to seek 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 12 months for Victoria Falls and that is when among the finest spots in the complete space opens up. The Satan’s Pool is a pure rock pool, dubbed the world’s finest infinity pool, situated 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 attempt to succeed in a novel pool. Upon reaching this adrenaline-pumping swimming gap, these daring sufficient to make the leap expertise an exhilarating 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 presents an totally 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 should be made with a educated information.

Throughout the dry months (August to January) you may go swimming at this spot and take photos proper on the fringe of the waterfall. Along with making for nice Instagram moments, it’s additionally a spot the place you can also make lasting reminiscences.

9. Preserve An Eye Out for Wildlife

The encircling areas in Zambezi Nationwide Park are dwelling to many species of wildlife reminiscent of giraffes, antelopes, Cape buffalo, zebras, and even elephants. Huge cats reminiscent of lions and cheetahs are seen on occasion, however not too regularly.  You’ll even have the possibility to see crocodiles and hippos, together with baboons and vervet monkeys. Nevertheless at Vic Falls you might be most probably to see warthogs working about, baboons, and monkeys.

Chicken 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 regardless that the waterfall itself is known as after a British Monarch, this waterfall has held an necessary 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 suggests “boiling water.”

There may be 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 numerous time durations 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 Payment & Gasoline Levy), whereas an extended journey will price you just about $400. Nevertheless, it’s a splurge-worthy exercise, as let’s face it it is a once-in-a-lifetime alternative. Many say it’s properly definitely 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! Preserve your eye out for all of the completely different flowers!

13. Take A Prepare Experience Round Victoria Falls!

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

14. In regards to 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, reminiscent of zip lining, canoeing, bungee leaping, and even crocodile diving!

We loved heading right here for some procuring, 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 sneakers are requirements when visiting Victoria Falls. Relying on how a lot you stroll round and discover, you additionally would possibly wish to preserve one thing to snack on reminiscent of path combine, an power bar, or sandwiches. 

You’ll additionally wish 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 remark deck, we had been just about soaked via and thru! We suggest a journey digital camera to seize the fantastic thing about the falls, it is likely one of the finest trip spots on this planet in any case. When you determine to carry a digital camera, you 100% have to even have one thing to guard it from the water, like a water-proof safari bag.

16. Local weather Change Is Impacting Victoria Falls

Many specialists are in worry that Victoria Falls will quickly be declared a last-chance vacation spot World Heritage Web site. That is due to local weather change’s important hostile impacts on Victoria Falls.

Resulting from rising temperatures, water circulation has decreased over time and droughts have gotten extra frequent and extreme every year. Once we final visited in November, the rains had 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 reminiscent of Discovery and Nationwide Geographic, have additionally documented the specter of local weather change to this unbelievable pure surprise and broadcasted them in a number of packages and documentaries.

All these hostile 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 growing 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 supply high quality meals, however the most well-liked, by a large margin, is the Three Monkeys Restaurant & Bar. Each locals and vacationers flock to this restaurant in giant numbers.

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

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

18. Malaria is a Threat

Whereas Victoria Falls is technically categorized 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 night time. That is very true in the course of the wet season when the bugs are unhealthy.

We now 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 are usually not many mosquitos round.

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

19. Is Victoria Falls Price Visiting?

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

I’d simply suggest Victoria Falls as a bucket checklist location to anybody with out a second’s hesitation. The expertise of seeing one of many world’s pure wonders, and one that’s on such a big scale, is an expertise that shouldn’t be missed. We cherished it a lot we’ve traveled twice to Victoria Falls.

When 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 exhausting 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 need to have a minimum of 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 related airport!

So far as time really at Victoria Falls, I’d 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 plenty of images. If I had been to redo the expertise, I’d have appreciated to get there proper at opening to beat all of the crowds and get higher late. Although there may be loads of area to unfold about right here.

21. Lunar Rainbow – A moonbow!

The enchanting phenomenon generally known as the lunar rainbow or ‘moonbow’ is shaped when gentle refracts via airborne water particles, with the moon serving as the sunshine supply as a substitute 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 novel 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 areas on our planet the place this fascinating 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 guide 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 fascinating 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 reworked into a logo of refined colonial attraction. Getting into its storied halls is like stepping again in time, with classic decor, excessive tea traditions, and a way of timeless grandeur.

The lodge presents a spread of lodging, from fashionable rooms to opulent suites, every meticulously designed to mix traditional 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 employees, identified for his or her heat hospitality, ensures that each visitor seems like royalty all through their keep.

We cherished 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 straightforward for us to stroll to within the morning! Although even if 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 outdoors to a powerful 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 friends, having excessive tea right here just like the royals used to is likely one of the finest issues to do in Victoria Falls.

Examine availability for the Vic Falls Lodge!

23. Victoria Falls Suggestions

Cease at each viewpoint: Cease at each single viewpoint you may whereas at Victoria Falls. Each presents a novel 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 value!

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

It’s costly: The entry charge retains rising to Victoria Falls, and I’ve to confess that $50 is a reasonably steep entry value. The primary time we visited in 2016, the value 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 cost effective 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 bogs close to the doorway to Victoria Falls!

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

You Don’t Want A Information: The paths are straightforward to observe and a information shouldn’t be wanted, although you could get requested a number of instances if you need one. Whereas a information could also be useful for telling the historical past and in regards to the land, it’s removed from vital 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 dissatisfied.