Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

One of the greatest spectacles on Earth and one of the seven wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is an iconic destination which will leave you awestruck. Situated on the southern banks of the Zambezi River in the north west of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is an adventure playground with all the trimmings. Big game safaris, adventure activities and thrilling wildlife interactions are all centred around the main attraction: the Zambezi River and its dramatic waterfall. When in full flood, the roaring waters, that can be heard roaring from kilometres away, throw up billowing clouds of soaking mist, giving this majestic wonder its local name – Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘The Smoke That Thunders’.

The best time to visit Victoria Falls is January and February, and between June and August, when the water levels are medium to high. During these times of year, large swathes of the cliffs are exposed, meaning one often has views all the way down to the foot of the Falls and yet still enjoy a reasonable amount of spray to keep things entertaining. The waters are at their lowest from September to December, but don’t let this deter you as this is the best time to go white water rafting, when the rapids are at their most vicious and challenging. Devils Pool is also open at this time of year when you can take a dip right on the edge of the Falls. It’s also the best time to photograph the Falls with the exposed cliff faces, bright sunny skies and small crowds. The water coming down the Falls is at its greatest from March to May after their summer rains which makes for a magical walk through the rainforest however the dense spray can sometimes block a view of the Falls itself. 

Victoria Falls’ credentials are astounding, and whilst it is the largest uninterrupted sheet of falling water on the planet, they surprisingly remain largely wild and un-spoilt, with paths winding in an out of dripping rainforest to reveal jaw-dropping views of the main Falls. It is located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, with the Zimbabwean side having the lion’s share of the waterfall while across in Zambia, the Knife-Edge Bridge takes you scarily close to the cascading water and a steep path leads to the ‘Boiling Pot’ – a huge whirlpool which sits at the bottom of the Falls. It is well worth a visit to both sides while you are here as it is very easy to travel between the two. 

A sensory blockbuster, the Victoria Falls in full flood is hard to beat. However, if you are visiting the Falls when the waters are low, there is still plenty to do. Try a scenic flight or ‘flight of the angels’ across the Falls and be wowed by the view below or take sip a cold glass of something delicious while you take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River and marvel at the snorting hippo and elephants bathing with their calves. 

Victoria Falls is perfectly positioned in the heart of Southern Africa making it a perfect stop off at the beginning or end of a Botswana or Zambian safari.

The ideal is to feel at home anywhere, everywhere.
Geoff Dyer