- Also called Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning “smoke that thunders.”
- Largest waterfall based on width and height
- One mile wide (1.7 km) and 360 feet high (108 meters)
- Two national parks (Zambia) and (Zimbabwe) protect the falls
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a waterfall located in southern Africa on the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River serves as the fall's water source. With the collective height and width of the falls, it is attributed as the largest sheet of falling water in the world. The name Victoria Falls was given by the Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone.
Best Ways to See Victoria Falls
There are two unique and distinctive views of the falls. One of the best ways to see the falls is to take a helicopter or microlite tour over the falls, which provides a breathtaking and spectacular view of the falls and surrounding area. During this trip you have a good chance to see elephants, hippos or other wildlife while taking in the awe inspiring view of the falls.
Another and almost equally impressive view of the falls is the foot path and foot bridge trail that follows alongside the falls. This unique trail allows visitors to see the falls at eye level, head on and from only 200 feet (60 meters) away. As you enter the park and turn the corner you are instantly presented with the magnificence and glory of the falls. As you take the path and hear the water pounding and witness the vapor rising, you quickly understand the name, “smoke that thunders.”The Zimbabwean side of the falls provides visitors with a different spectacular view and perspective of the falls. Sightseers and photographers can see approximately 80% of the falls as compared to about 25 to 30% from the Zambian side.
Best Ways to Experience Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls can be experienced in a variety of ways, but it is essential that you take the foot path and bridge across the gorge and experience the falls face to face. Visitors can get right up near the top of the falls. As you move from the top of the falls towards the foot path along the gorge, there is a lookout that delivers a spectacular rainbow as you look down the chasm of the gorge.
A microlite (small two person motorized aircraft) that allows you to circle over the falls and surrounding area which is full of wildlife. A microlite tour is much more invigorating trip than a helicopter and it makes for an intimate exploration of the falls.Best Times to Explore Victoria Falls
There are basically two seasons for the Victoria Falls area. The rainy season runs from late November to early April and the remaining months account for the dry season. One would imagine that the rainy season with more water would make the falls more spectacular, however the additional water makes it impossible to see the base of the falls. The dry season provides an opportunity for the islets and rocky face to become more visible which makes for a more scenic view.
Victoria Falls Photography Tips
Victoria Falls are easy falls to capture with the camera. One of the challenges as you navigate the foot path and bridge along the gorge is the constant and heavy falling spray from the falls (for all practical purposes it is rain). You will want to make sure that you have a cover for your camera or an umbrella which allows you to take pictures of the falls from strategic places that are barraged with spray from the falls.
The rainbow can be seen during any part of the day, but it seems to be brightest during the early part of the day.Victoria Falls Travel Tips
Daily flights are offered from Johannesburg, South Africa to the towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe which provides easy access to the falls. Easy access is also provided with flights from Windhoek, Namibia. Less inviting options include flights to Lusaka, Zambia or Harare, Zimbabwe with bus rides to Livingstone or Victoria Falls.
