The Victoria Falls is in Africa on the Zambezi River; bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. It is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and is listed on the World Heritage List by UNESCO.
This photo of Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor
THE FALLS
The Kololo locals of the area in the 1800s called them Mosi-oa-Tunya, which when translated means "smoke that thunders". In early November of 1855, the falls was visited by the first white man to see them; the Scottish Explorer, Dr. David Livingstone. He named them Victoria Falls, in honor of the then Queen of England, Queen Victoria (20 June 1837 – 22 January 1901).
On its long and meandering route to the Indian Ocean, the Zambezi River comes to fall over the Batoka gorge forming these awesome falls.
On its long and meandering route to the Indian Ocean, the Zambezi River comes to fall over the Batoka gorge forming these awesome falls.
 |
| This photo of Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
It is estimated that at full flood, about 545 million cubic meters of water gush over the falls per minute. As the water gushes down the falls, some of it vaporizes to form this marvelous smoky cloud rising meters into the sky; bending with the wind until it appears to mingle with the clouds. This can be seen from miles away! Along with this smoky vapor is the deafening, thundering, and roaring sound of the falling water which too can be heard from a great distance.
How they formed
The epic formation starts some 150-200 million years ago when large volumes of hot molten magma extruded from the earth to cover the Victoria Falls and farther surrounding areas. The magma, exposed to air and rain, quickly cooled and developed massive cracks. Over millions of years the huge cracks were naturally filled with sand which in turn over the years, due to time and pressure, was formed into sandstone.
That remained the case until about some 150,000 years ago when due to some shift in the earths' plates, as well as some other tectonic movements (Earthquakes), the geography and landscape of the area changed. Gorges were formed from these fault lines, and the Zambezi River, which was otherwise on a more south-easterly flow, was influenced to a general easterly direction and so initiated the development of a waterfall in an area occupied by the first of the sandstone fault line.
Over the years the Zambezi has slowly eroded through seven softer sandstone fault lines with each fault line forming the main falls. Therefore, each waterfall would have been different to the one we know today! This also means that the falls are slowly retreating upstream.
The falls are currently on their eighth fault line and already the ninth fault line is under attack on "The Devil’s Cataract" on the Zimbabwean side, which is about 21-37 meters lower than the rest of the present falls. It will probably erode its way back to another east-north-east line of weakness across the river, where the next full-width of the falls will eventually form and establish; creating a "new" Victoria Falls that will be totally different to the one we know today.
PLACES AND ACTIVITIES AT THE VICTORIA FALLS
The falls area has fascinating sights and activities which will surely leave you with memories of a life time! There are a lot of activities at and around the falls, both on the Zambian and Zimbabwean side. I will talk about just a few of them; but in no significant order.
Devil's Pool
The Devils Pool is a sizeable naturally formed rock pool just on the lip of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. When the water level drops during the dry season, it is possible to swim in this pool without being washed over the falls by the current. This is possible because of the natural rock wall just below the water surface at the very edge of the falls. This natural formation, when the water level is low enough, tends to absorb the water current and reduce it to a level that is safe to swim without being swept over.
 |
| This photo of Devil's Pool is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
 |
| This photo of Devil's Pool is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
Many dare devils have taken the so called "Leap of faith" to leap and splash into the Devil's Pool; arguably, the ultimate act at the falls. However, it is HIGHLY RECOMMENDED that you use an official tour guide to navigate your way to the Devil's Pool. They know exactly the right navigational way to the pool; avoiding high current spots which could easily overcome you and spell tragedy. They know the limits to what can be done in this pool.
For safety reasons, the Devil's Pool is open only in the dry season when the water level is safely low. Depending on the season, is could be from September to November. It remains closed during the flood season when the water level and current is too high. This could be from December to August.
If you think you can dare fear then the Victoria Falls could be the place to visit and take this “leap of faith”!
THE VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE
The Victoria Falls Bridge was an ambitious engineering project started by Cecil Rhodes in 1900 to join Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt via a rail line which would cross the Zambezi River at its narrowest point after the Victoria Falls. Its construction began in 1904 and ended in 1905. It is built on the second gorge of the falls and measures 198 metres (650 ft) in length, with parabolic main arch spanning 156.50 metres (513.5 ft) at a vertical height of 128 metres (420 ft) above the lower water mark of the river in the gorge below.
 |
| This photo of Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
This photo of Zambezi River Bridge is courtesy of TripAdvisor
It carries a railway, road, and foot-way. The bridge is the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the road being one of only three road links between the two countries. joining Zimbabwe and Zambia.
From this bridge you are able to see the whole 360 degrees panoramic view of the falls and its surroundings unhindered. On the bridge, you will definitely be captivated by the sheer depth of the gorge below and the raging falls on the other side. The green rainy forest foliage will spread before your eyes and carpet the rocky gorges everywhere you look.
The bridge gives a view and feeling worth experiencing! It is a view point you would not want to miss out on.
HELICOPTER AND MICRO FLIGHT
"Flight of Angels" as they are sometimes called. You may want to have an "angelic" view of the falls. Helicopter and micro flight are available for hire or as part of tour packages offered by the tour operators at the falls area.
 |
| An angelic view of the Victoria Falls This photo of Flight of Angels Over Victoria falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
Micro flight over the Victoria Falls.
This photo of Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor
From the air you will be able to make out the picture of the whole landscape around the falls. The zig zagging gorges and upper Zambezi river course is breathtaking. Seeing the giant "Smoke that thunders", and some wild game in the surrounding game parks from up above can be extraordinary!
Micro and Helicopter Flight operator such as United Air Charter would gladly offer their services to you.
THE BOILING POT
Just as the name can tell, it is indeed a boiling pot. Down below the gorge after the falls; where the Zambezi River continues its journey to the Indian Ocean, lies the fiercely disturbed narrowed Zambezi. Down here the Zambezi fights its way through the gorge, beating, turning, and literally boiling over rocks forming very inviting rapids.
 |
The Boiling Pot deep in the gorge under the Victoria Falls Bridge.
This photo of Zambezi River Bridge is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
To get to this scenery you have to steeply slop down the gorge over 100m through a narrow path way. As you descend down you won’t be lonely because some monkeys will be there “giving you an escort”. Just be careful they don’t run away with your camera!
Descending is not a problem. Just bear in mind at you will have to climb back up! But you can do it!
BUNGEE JUMP
If you are an adrenalin filled daredevil, you can dare one of the daring bungee jumps in the world. About a 110 meter free fall from the Victoria Falls Bridge into the deep Zambezi River flowing gorge below. The bungee jump is amongst the highest bridge jumps in the world!
A daredevil taking the leap.
This photo of Victoria Falls Bungi is courtesy of TripAdvisor
The moment you fling yourself off the bridge, there will be nothing between you and sure death but only a single rubber cord attached to your ankles! Sounds crazy? Well, that’s what the crazy do! Against all reasonable sense and judgement you toss your self head first into the abyss of the gorge below with your life hanging on nothing but a rubber cord. Blissful? Terrifying? Couragous? Whatever your reason for doing it; you really are going to get the satisfaction!!
This photo of Victoria Falls Bungi is courtesy of TripAdvisor
No booking is needed and many have done it and walked away with a bungee jump certificate to display in their homes. Are you going to have the nerve? If not, you can just stand by and watch the daredevils do it!
On a sad note though; for the first time in its 17 years of operation and over 150,000 bungee jumps, the Victoria Falls Bridge Bungee Jump recorded its first accident on 31st of December 2011 at about 17.30hours when the cord snapped on 22 year old Erin Langworthy, an Australian touris,t just before its first recoil and sent her plummeting some 20 metres into the crocodile infested Zambezi waters in the gorge below.
Thank heavens she managed to swim, with her ankles still strapped, to the Zimbabwean side river bank; relatively bruised and no broken bones. What we can call "minor injuries" considering the nature of the accident. She was rescued from there and has since recovered.
The jumping was temporarily suspended but has since resumed and many are still jumping. The Zambian Minister of Information, Broadcasting and Tourism took the jump a few days later to reassure visitors as the operators introduced in new safety measures.
VICTORIA FALLS FIELD MUSEUM
The Victoria Falls field museum is located in Zambia along the Zambezi River in the Victoria Falls area. It is built on an excavation site where evidence of early hominids who lived in the area dating as far back as 2.5 million years ago has been discovered.
The museum is dedicated to the Victoria Falls, and gives a brief description on how the Falls might have formed. It also exhibits various forms of fauna and flora around the Victoria Falls area, some of which dates far back to about 50,000 years ago.
MUKUNI VICTORIA FALLS CRAFT VILLAGE
Just in the parking area at the falls, where definitely your visit to the falls on the Zambian side will start from, is the Mukuni Victoria Falls Craft Village. For all the souvenirs and crafts to take back home with, you just have to make a stop at this place.
The place is stocked with a variety of crafts from wood and stone animal carvings, straw hats, jewellery, paintings, walking sticks, rags, and many more. These are sold by either the craftsmen themselves or resellers. You will by no means fail to find something you will like.
You will need to have the art of bargaining though. The traders already have a head start on you; you are not sure about the prices and you could easily be exploited. So just negotiate what you think is a fair price.
GORGE SWINGING
The steep edges of the batoka gorge around the Victoria Falls area have provided an excellent platform for adventures like Rap Jumping, Abseiling, and Gorge Swinging. Though not to the scale of the Victoria Bridge bungee jump, these activities too require some adrenaline rush.
With gorge swinging, you will be specially harnessed to a secure cable running and crossing over the two sides of the gorge at a height of about 70m above ground and 130m across. As you swing across the gorge you will experience an overwhelming flying sensation.
Gorge swinging at Victoria Falls.
This photo of Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor
With abseiling you will be slowly hauled down to the bottom of the gorge from a securely fitted platform. As you are slowly lowered in to the gorge, you are able to guide yourself all the way down, and when you are finally at the bottom of the gorge you can choose to either be winched back up or to walk up the gorge. If you choose the latter, designated resting spots are available along the slope.
For up-to-date information and developments on these activities, you can check on the link below.
WHITE WATER RAFTING/TANDEM KAYAKING/RIVER BOARDIG
The Batoka gorge holds a number of thrilling adventures, from bungee jumping, gorge swing, to white water rafting. The waters down below the Victoria Falls Bridge present one of the world’s gripping whitewater rapids.
Going for the rapids!!
This photo of Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor
Deep down the belly of the gorge starting from just under the bridge, the adventure begins. You set sail on big rubber boats going down stream, and for your safety, life jackets are securely strapped around your chest. From then on, the strong current takes charge as you slowly paddle towards the rapids. The river slowly gets angry with you as you come over the rapids. The challenge starts as your boat is thrillingly tossed about over the rapids, throwing you about as some of you may find themselves thrown out in the water.
The rapids count up to twenty three (23), and it would take an enthusiastic thrill lover to rid them all. Depending on what time of the year you are visiting, you can rid them all. At the height of the flood waters, when the river swells in March to July, you can only rid the last thirteen (13) rapids as the first ten (10) become dangerously impossible to rid. But as the river level drops in the dry season in September to February all the twenty three (23) rapids can be dared.
 |
| This photo of Livingstone is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
Equally thrilling is the almost similar adventure of Tandem Kayaking. Only this time it will just be you and an expert kayaker directing the boat over the rapids. The challenge is not to be thrown out of the boat, and chances are that you will complete your rid swimming.
 |
| This photo of Livingstone is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
 |
| River Boarding. This photo is courtesy of Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) |
CANOEING
Canoeing has always been an inseparable part of Zambian tourism, and it has since been fast developing. Most of Zambian rivers and water bodies are navigable and this has made canoeing adventures possible. In most cases these canoeing adventures are conducted on rivers in national game parks.
 |
| Canoeing the upper Zambezi. This photo is courtesy of Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) |
The Zambezi River is just but one of the many rivers and water bodies that you can enjoy your canoeing on. There are other waters like the Luangwa River,Kafue River, Lake Tanganyika, Itezhi Tezhi Dam and Lake Kariba.
Most of the tour operators do provide canoeing equipment for the tours, but you can equally hire your own canoes or boats if necessary.
For further information on canoeing adventures in Zambia, here are some links to visit:
ANGLING
Zambia is endowed with abundant rivers and water bodies, and with them comes good fishing grounds with a variety of fish. The lakes, rivers, and other water bodies are scattered all over the country, so you may have to find yourself making great treks to get to the fishing grounds.
The Victoria Falls waters, which is the lower and upper Zambezi river channels, are very rich and ideal fishing grounds.
 |
| Fishing on the Zambezi This photo is courtesy of Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) |
To perfectly enjoy the fishing grounds, it is better to bring your own fishing kit and camping gear. Fishing is incomplete without a boat. For this reason it would be best to arrange for a boat to borrow or hire. You could either use a motor powered boat or a paddle boat depending on what you would prefer.
Depending on where you are doing your fishing, your catch may range from the famous Tiger fish, Catfish, to the Zambezi Bream.
HORSE TRAILS
Though not fully developed, horse trails are slowly becoming common. They have been adopted by some of the tour operators especially for game viewing
 |
| This photo of Zambesi Horse Trails Day Tours is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
You will be able to roam the lower and upper Zambezi river banks, game viewing, on horse back.
The horse trails are in most cases allowed only to advanced riders. This is deliberately so as the rides are more often than not done in areas with dangerous animals. It would therefore require the riders to have absolute command over their horses.
For your horse trails the following link could be helpful.
ELEPHANT BACK SAFARIS
Elephant rides are becoming common with tour operators in the game parks surrounding the Victoria Falls.
 |
Elephant back safari at the Falls area.
This photo of Elephant Back Safari is courtesy of TripAdvisor
|
These gigantic creatures have been tamed and trained that you can climb and ride on them. For the first time, it would take a little bit of persuasion and guarantees to mount these creatures. However, once you do it, the ride can be addictive.
For an elephant ride expedition, the following link could be helpful. http://www.safpar.net
WALK WITH THE LIONS
The African lion has fast been on the decline in the past decades. For this reason a conservation program that is passionate about ensuring a secure future for the African lion has been in operation in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. It is also Africa’s first genuine program to ethically re-introduce the offsprings of captive-bred African lions back into the wild. Lion Encounter operates the African Lion Rehabilitation & release into the Wild Program in partnership with ALERT.
 |
Taking a walk with the Lion
This photo of Walking with Lions at Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor
|
 |
| This photo of Walking with Lions at Victoria Falls is courtesy of TripAdvisor |
By taking this rare opportunity of being able to walk, interact and observe these amazing animals, you will be assisting in the pre-release training for the cubs, as well as providing essential funding for the program’s continued progress and existence to help save Africa’s most iconic species.
WALKING SAFARIS
In all the Zambian game parks, walking safaris are provided for by tour and lodge operators, and it's no exception in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.
The safaris are usually conducted in the early morning or late afternoon. Leaving out your vehicle, you walk deep into the wild Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. With just one or two experienced armed tour guides, it is impossible not to feel vulnerable.
 |
| A close encounters on a walking safari. This photo is courtesy of Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) |
You get one on one encounters with dangerous wild game such as buffaloes, elephant, and lions. For your safety your tour instructions are simple; “follow instructions!” That is, your guide’s instructions! You talk or walk only when you are told to. In wild Zambian parks, every instruction given by your guide can make a difference between life and death.
Take heart though. This adventure is purely safe and there virtually no discouraging incidents. The expertise of the tour guides is guaranteed, and there is always a backup should anything terribly go wrong. A rifle! The guides are always armed, and often you will come back without a single shot having been fired.
This is no adventure to miss. The fear, the experience, and the sights will forever remain in you!
VEHICLE GAME DRIVES
These drives are very much similar to walking safaris, only that this time you will be driving instead of walking. They are equally fascinating and every lodge or tour operator at the falls provides this service.
 |
| Drive Safari This photo is courtesy of Zambia Tourism Board (ZTB) |
The drives are conducted in the early morning or late afternoon. The vehicle of choice is usually a well modified open vehicle, and you will be laying back in your seats from some distances, zooming in on animals with your binoculars, camcorders, or cameras. The view is splendid.
The other difference is that game drives can be done in the night. The drives will show you raw wildlife under the cover of darkness.
For your safety, the drives are always done in the company of an armed guard.
WHEN TO VISIT
The falls area is open throughout the year. So you would have to decide which would be the best time to visit. However, one factors should help you decide; that is, the falls will present itself differently in the rainy season and dry season.
In the rainy season at full floods and high water volume (November to March), Victoria Falls gives a spectacular, dramatic, magnificent, and an overwhelming view. The spray is all over. As magnificent as it may look that may also be a disadvantage as the shear volume of water and spray will definitely obscure the actual falls from view.
In contrast, Victoria Falls is completely different in the dry season (April to October). The water volume is low and the water spray is very minimal. This leaves the falls literally exposed to full view. It is when you will be able to appreciate the size and rocky ledge beneath the Falls, which is pretty spectacular unto itself. If Victoria Falls is overwhelming at full flood , then it might just be somewhat underwhelming in the dry season!
One thing is certain though, whichever time you decide to visit Victoria Falls, you will leave owe inspired.
ZAMBIAN OR ZIMBABWEAN SIDE?
I believe three things should help you decide better. That is infrustructure, cost, and vantage point.
Infrastructure/Accommodation
The Zimbabwean side town of Victoria Falls has for a long time had an upper hand in infrastructure development in terms of accommodation to the pouring in tourists compared to the Zambian side of Livingstone. However, the political situation in Zimbabwe has adversely affected the flow of falls visitors on its side. Now many visitors would prefer to stay in Zambia and just cross over to the Zimbabwean side of the falls.
On the other hand, the situation is fast changing on the Zambian side. Zambia is currently registering massive private investment in the tourism sector both in Livingstone town and the falls surrounding areas. A number of luxury and budget accommodation facilities have been opened in Livingstone and on the Zambezi River bank. This is to carter for the ever increasing number of tourist on the Zambian side.
Cost
If you should consider cost, then the Zambian side would generally be cheaper, both in terms of accommodation and park entry fees.
While both sides provide very good accommodation, from luxury to budget, many visitors would agree that generally accommodation is less expensive on the Zambian side. Lastly even food has generally come cheaper on the Zambian side. Entry charges to the falls area are also cheaper on the Zambian side.
Accommodation on either side however, would range from $30 to $600 per night, depending on where you stay.
It is also important to note that while Victoria Falls town is within a walking distance to the Victoria Falls, Livingstone town is not. Livingstone town is about 10km to the falls. That should not be cause for concern though as many taxis and minibuses constantly shuttle between the Victoria Falls and Livingstone town. Fares are very minimal.
Vantage point
Most important is the vantage view. After all that is why you want to come to the falls. To get that perfect view of the Victoria Falls.
There is no doubt that the Zimbabwean side would offer you the perfect view. Victoria Falls plunges into a gorge running parallel to the full width of the face of the falls, and then flow out of the gorge at an exit. So, much of the time when you are viewing Victoria Falls you are actually facing them from the top. Therefore from both sides, Zambia and Zimbabwe, you can only face the falls up to the point where the water exits the gorge. So where the water exits is the limit on how far you can walk from either side.
As two thirds of the Victoria Falls is in Zimbabwean territory, you will have better and bigger face on view of the falls from there than you would in Zambia. There is one disadvantage though; the walking down to below the falls, and down to the gorge is closed on the Zimbabwean side.
A third of the Victoria Falls that lies on the Zambian territory has a spectacular view as well. Unique to it. You will also be able to view the falls face on, but for just about a third of it. But unlike on the Zimbabwean side, the advantage is that you can walk down to below the falls, and down to the gorge below, which is quite an experience.
Really, at the end of it all, whether you visit the Zambian or Zimbabwean side is a personal decision. But one thing will remain true; you have not visited the Victoria Falls if you have not seen it from both sides! So wherever you decide to stay just make sure you also see the other side.
SAFETY/CRIME
Crime at the Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe) is relatively low. But like anywhere else in the world, preventive measures are always necessary. The following tips may improve your safety:
- Whenever you check in a lodge or hotel, declare and hand over all your valuables to management for safe keeping. Do not leave your valuables in your room for any reason.
- Do not move with your passport unnecessarily. Preferably, make a photocopy of it to move with, and leave the original passport together with your air tickets with hotel management for safe keeping.
- The locals are naturally friendly but you should not unnecessarily invite strangers into your rooms.
- While it is frowned upon to say no to food offers in Zambia/Zimbabwe, use your discretion to decide when to say no. Few have fallen victims to food laced with knockout substances.
- If you have valuables in your car, keep them well out of sight from the windows, preferably lock them up in the boot. This will prevent opportunistic thieves.
- Do not put your money and credit cards together in the wallet or Purse. Always try to put your money wallet and credit/debit cards on you separately.
- It is advisable to ask hotel management to get you a taxi should you have need for it. Usually hotels or lodges have their trusted taxis, and should anything happen they would know who you have been with.
- It is recommended that you give at least a rough program for your day to the hotel or lodge receptionist if you go out. It is important for your hosts to know your whereabouts, or at least your sketchy programme.
CURRENCY
The Zambian currency is Kwacha, and is in different denominations. While coins exist, notes are the ones in circulation. The notes come in K20, K50, K100, K500, K1000, K5000, K10,000, K20,000, and lastly K50,000. However, serious and major trading notes start from K500.
The Kwacha is on the weaker side of currencies. Over the years the kwacha has kept fluctuating between K4,000 and K5,300 to a US $1.
It is therefore prudent to check exchange rates before you start on your visit.
On the other hand, Zimbabwe uses the US dollar as its currency. This has been adopted to help it recover from its economic woes that came about as a result of sanctions on its government.
The South African Rand too, is widely accepted as a trading currency in Zimbabwe.
BANKS
Zambia and Zimbabwe have a number of both local and international banks. Most of them are of international standards, able to make banking transactions at global level with many of their ATMs able to process Visa transactions. So for those who have visa, debit, and credit cards; access to your money will not be a problem.
However, please note that the most common international payment gateway for credit and debit cards is Visa. You may experience some problems transacting with other credit and debit cards that are not visa.
Normal banking hours are from 8:30AM to 3:30PM during weekdays. Most of the banks are closed on holidays and weekends.
TELECOMMUNICATION
Communication with the outside world in Zambia/Zimbabwe is readily available but quite expensive. Many of the telecommunication companies also offer mobile phone and broadband internet. However, there are other internet service providers with internet cafes and business centers.
Public telephones are going extinct due to the rise in cellphone subscriptions. Therefore, your most convenient communication would be via cellphone, and the internet.
So you can rest assured that you will not lose touch with friends and relatives back home on your visit.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
Due to the increasing numbers of tourists visiting the two countries, a number of airlines have introduced flights into both Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are some direct flights to and from Europe as well as transit ones in the two tourist towns of Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
The following are some of the airlines with flights in Zambia and Zimbabwe; Egypt Air, South African Airways, Kenya Airways, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Zimbabwe, Air Malawi and British Airways.
Airport departure fees may or may not be included on your air ticket. If in any case it is not included on your ticket, you will have to pay up to $25 as departure fee on international flights and up to $10 for local flights.
YOU HAVE READ FOR YOURSELF
The Victoria Falls are indeed a spectacle not to be missed. Whatever time you visit them, and from whichever side you visit them, they will definitely not fail to marvel you. There is plenty going on at Victoria Falls to make your well deserved holiday a memorable one!!
I can only but say come to Victoria Falls!!
