Explore Victoria Waterfalls in Zimbabwe

Hey there, or as they say in Zimbabwe, ‘Mhoroi’. Welcome to the country of Zimbabweans where you will get to see so much you may have never seen before. What travel can teach you is beyond what you learn in the four walls of a classroom. It allows you to immerse yourself in the region's geography, history, culture, gastronomy, and languages. If you are looking for a one-of-a-kind travel experience that enriches your mind and educates you far beyond any textbook or travel guide, Zimbabwe is the right place for you.

Zimbabwe, formerly known as Rhodesia is home to 16 different languages and has 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. These languages include Tswana, Koi-san, Nambya, Ndau, Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sotho, Tonga, Venda, English and Sign Language. Also, its world heritage sites include Mana Pools, Khami Ruins, Victoria Falls, Matubo Hills, and Great Zimbabwe Ruins. If you are a curious traveller and wish to learn about different landscapes, languages and lifestyles you must surely book a Zimbabwe tour package. Here you will get to learn fascinating facts about wild animals, get educated about the history and culture and taste the local flavours. Zimbabwe is home to Victoria Waterfalls which is one of the largest waterfalls in the world. It is located midway at the border between Zambia to the north and Zimbabwe to the south.

Top 5 Activities to Do at Victoria Waterfall

Let’s dig deep into one of the 5 UNESCO World Heritage Sites located in Zimbabwe, Victoria Waterfalls. It is the world’s largest sheet of falling water, part of the great Zambezi River which spans across six different countries in the African continent. The height of Victoria Waterfalls is 108m and its width is 1708m. An amazing fact about Victoria Waterfalls, that you may want to know is, how it got its name. It was named by a British explorer in 1855, after the British monarch Queen Victoria. Even though many places in the region have reverted to their indigenous names, the local people here had so much respect for the explorer that they left the name unchanged. Fun fact: Victoria Waterfalls, falls from two countries, one is Zimbabwe and another is Zambia. It is also one of the most precious seven natural wonders of the earth. Do you still want more reasons to visit this gorgeous place? Take a look at the number of activities that you can indulge in on your way to Victoria Waterfalls:

1. Swimming In Devil’s Pool

The Devil’s Pool may seem dangerous in photographs but it has a natural rock ledge on the edge of the Victoria Waterfall which creates a safe barrier and the water there is only a few centimetres deep. You can safely swim around in Devil’s Pool as this barrier will not let you get swept over the edge of the waterfall. If you get your pictures taken swimming in this pool, it will look like you are surrounded by thundering water tumbling into a 100-metre chasm. The highlight of Devil’s Pool is that here you can peek over the basalt edge and watch the magnificent water torrent cascading over.

2. Helicopter Ride Over Victoria Falls

The best part about Victoria Waterfalls is that it looks amazing from a nearby land as well as from an aerial view. A helicopter ride is the best way to see the sheer size of Victoria Falls from the sky. From that far away you will also be able to spot plump pods of hippos in the Zambezi and elephants at the river’s edge. Known as the ‘Flight of Angels’, this thrilling flip over the waterfall gives you a bird's eye view of the magnificent Victoria Falls, Zambezi River and Batoka Gorge. An important note: It is not suitable for people with altitude sickness so make sure that all the members joining you for this ride are ready to go.

3. White-Water Rafting On The Zambezi River

This is a popular activity among many tourists who are adrenaline junkies and especially visit the Victoria Waterfalls for white-water rafting. It is famous for being the wildest river rafting corridor in the world. Starting from the Zambezi River on the Victoria Waterfalls you will be paddling through rapids like Stairway to Heaven, Morning Glory, and Washing Machine. This adrenaline-pumping adventure is truly the adventure of a lifetime. Rafting in the Zambezi River on Victoria Waterfalls is best during the low-water season from about August to December. While getting ready for this activity make sure that you wear comfy shoes, sunscreen and quick-dry clothing.

4. Microlight Flight Over Victoria Falls

Microlight Flight over the impressive Victoria Falls is a definite bucket-list activity as it gives you a chance to feel the thundering Zambezi River. It gives you a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to see the marvellous scenery of the national park from above. Take on this activity to enjoy the breathtaking views of Victoria Falls as you circle over the waters during the microlight flight for 15-30 minutes. It also gives you a spectacular view of the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park where you can spot wildlife and birds.  The meaning of this name is a smoke that thunders which fits well as a perfect analogy for these awe-inspiring waters. Before going for this activity make sure you check the weather and wear comfortable clothes. This activity does not operate during thunderstorms and heavy rains.

5. Victoria Falls: Boma Dinner and Drum Show

Revel in a feast of fun at the Boma dinner and drum show where you will get to witness non-stop entertainment. From getting ceremoniously dressed in “chitenge” (sarong), to face painting, seeing traditional dance performances, a fortune teller, an interactive drumming show and more. At The Boma dinner, you can savour a 4-course meal that features local dishes, while enjoying non-stop performances full of mbira music, traditional dancers, and a local folk storyteller. The four-course meal includes soup from the campfire, salads including local organic produce of sweet potato, nuts, legumes, and seeds, complimented by greens, dressings, and vegetarian dishes, a braai or barbecue buffet that features meats and stews, and various desserts. Some of the additional things to do here include face painting, eating a mopane worm, hair braiding, asking a fortune teller about anything, the Boma man tableside cocktail and buying things from curio sellers.

Victoria Waterfalls has a lot to do besides these fun activities you can also take part in gorge swinging, bungee jumping and zip-lining, and canoe safaris on the Zambezi River among other adventure activities.

Victoria Waterfalls has many accommodation options, such as family-friendly lodges, romantic riverside cottages, and gracious hotels with amenities like air conditioning, room service and a swimming pool. Most of these are within walking distance of the Victoria Waterfalls. If you are wondering where you should see the Victoria Waterfalls from, Zimbabwe or Zambia? You should consider the fact that Zimbabwe is more tourist-friendly with all the restaurants, bars and hotels readily available. To reach Victoria Falls you can easily get an affordable flight to the Livingstone Airport which is 12 km away from your beautiful destination. To get your timing right for your vacation to Victoria Waterfalls, make sure to make your reservations well in advance.