Visit the Victoria Falls

VICTORIA FALLS

- Victoria Falls -

Measuring in at a gargantuan width of 1,708 metres (5,604ft) and a height of 108 metres (354 ft), The Victoria Falls deserves its prime position as the largest waterfall in the world. The Falls’ precipice creates the largest sheet of falling water in the earth, as the mighty Zambezi River crashes over the edge into the river gorge below, releasing a cloud of mist that billows into the air, visible from miles away. Recognised as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, it is utterly gorgeous.

Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which literally translates to “The Smoke that Thunders”, the first European to see the falls was David Livingstone,one of Africa's greatest explorers, who dubbed it Victoria Falls in 1855 as an honour to the British queen of that time. When he first saw the Falls, Livingstone exclaimed in wonder that “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.

Victoria Falls marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and can be accessed from both countries, each offering their own distinctive beauty and activities. But the waterfall is just the beginning. The Victoria Falls are framed on both sides with beautiful national parks, and the local wildlife is thriving. You can start a day with visiting the majestic Falls, and finish your day with a safari experience of a lifetime by tracking rhino on foot. Victoria Falls is also one of Africa’s greatest adventure capitals, and daredevils will delight in all the options available.

Whether you’ve always dreamed of white water rafting down grade 5 rapids, bungee jumping off a bridge or finally trying a microlight flight - here’s your chance. If you are travelling during low water season, do not miss out on Devil’s Pool,the world’s most thrilling infinity pool. You may swim right at the edge of the Falls, and look down at the 108m drop below. It is an experience which will last you a lifetime!

Example of itinerary to Victoria Falls

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Prefer something a little more relaxed? Consider a champagne cruise on the Zambezi River, watching in wonder as the giant orange orb dips below the horizon, and tinging the landscape with colours of ochre and lilac. One of our favourite cruises is Ra Ikane. Built as a replica of the original boat David Livingstone used to visit the Falls, it is an intimate luxury experience and we guarantee you will love it!

Hippos, elephants, buffalos, lions, rhino and leopard abound. People often forget that Victoria Falls offers more than water, it is a pretty amazing safari destination too! And based just 1 hour away from Botswana’s iconic Chobe National Park, you can choose to prolong your safari experience even further.

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- Best time to go to Victoria Falls -

It is crucial to pick your travel time carefully as the Falls have seasonal activities worth considering, in addition to the flow of the waterfall itself. Depending on what you wish to see, do and experience, only certain seasons will provide you with the opportunity for that.

Summer (December – March): At The Travel Cafe our favourite time to go to the Victoria Falls is late summer, January February and the beginning of March. The Falls flood season is in April and May, when about 4,700 cubic meters of water is pushed over the edge every second, but although this sounds extremely impressive, the force of that water creates so much spray and mist that you end up seeing less.

This is why we recommend going just before flood season, where you can actually properly see the Falls in their majestic glory. By this time the summer rains have also arrived and the surrounding area is green and beautiful. However, be prepared for the heat. The Falls spray a fine refreshing mist, but as soon as you go on safari, you will feel the heat, with temperatures up to 35°C / 95°F. Devil’s Pool, Livingstone Island Angel’s Pool is usually open until March, when water levels get too high. White water rafting excursions move from low water to high water during this time, and start at rapid 11 (which misses the first 10 rapids). If rafting is your main reason for going to the Victoria Falls we recommend spring and early summer.

Autumn (April – May): This is when the Falls are at their peak and in many ways not the ideal time to visit the Victoria Falls, and the vast amount of mist and spray actually hinders your photographic opportunities. The mist literally hangs like a dense cloud over the Falls, hence its local name Mosi-oa-Tunya which means "the smoke that thunders". And how it thunders! During high season the Falls can be heard from 20km away. While impressive, if you are a very light sleeper you might want to opt for a lodge further away. However, if you wish to combine this itinerary with Botswana, this season offers very good value for money. Many lodges offer reduced mid-season prices for April, May or November which can save you up to 40% on winter prices. Devil’s Pool, Angel’s Pool and Livingstone Island are closed at this time of the year, and white water rafting starts at rapid 11 during this “high water” season, which renders the first 10 rapids unsafe.

Winter (June to September): Our second favourite time to visit Victoria Falls after late summer, is winter. The force of the water is receding, allowing for beautiful views that are less obscured by mist and spray. The days are dry and sunny, with average temperatures around 20°C / 70°F, while the surrounding landscape turns brown as the region enters its dry season. However, this is high season in nearby Botswana, and as a result the entire region is hiking up its prices. You can expect to pay a third more during these months. Devil’s Pool, Angel’s Pool and Livingstone island usually reopen around August. Around the same time white water rafting also change from “high water” to “low water” season, and start from rapid number 1, almost directly underneath the Falls.

Spring (September – November): Our least favourite time to visit Victoria falls is spring, as the Victoria Falls are at their lowest flow and completely dry up in parts, leaving just black patches of exposed rock behind to look at. Unless you have no alternative, or are after some specific water-based activities, we would recommend visiting another time. The Victoria Falls are seasonal, and in the same way the Falls reach their peak in May, they reach their lowest water flow in October. Although the water never stops completely and remains very impressive on the Zimbabwean side, a large part of the Falls is in Zambia (a stretch of about 1km long), which runs entirely dry in spring. While it is fairly impressive to actually see the canyon below, missing out on the Falls in strong flow is less ideal.

However, if you are coming specifically to swim in Devil’s Pool or Angel’s Pool, then spring and the beginning of summer are the only seasons safe enough to offer that activity. It would be too dangerous when the water flow is at its peak. Swimming in Devil’s Pool is a bucket-list memory. White water rafting starts at rapid number 1 so you can experience the ultimate rafting experience, and the annual Rafting Festival takes place in October. Temperatures are pleasantly warm without being overly hot, with temperatures up to 30°C / 85°F.