Zimbabwe attractions - Victoria Falls is the highlight of any trip to Zimbabwe and one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. Known as the adventure capital of the world, with bungee jumping, white water rafting, gorge swings, jet boating etc. but also home to more relaxing activities for the less adventurous such as sunset boat cruise, safari game drives etc.
Millions of gallons of water plunge over a 1.7km-wide cliff into the narrow gorge below. Victoria Falls is the largest waterfall in Africa - 355 feet high and one mile wide). Victoria Falls has dozens of view points that emerge from paths through the tropical rainforest, which grows in the area of the spray.
Best viewing of the mighty Victoria Falls is usually between the months of February through to July, but be prepared to get wet! The skies above may be blue, but the billowing spray from the Falls spirals high into the air and a torrent comes crashing down. The most exquisite and extensive view of the Falls is on the Zimbabwean side. Some say the best way to view the Falls is from the air, either by airplane, helicopter, hot air balloon or micro-light.
It is thought that David Livingstone is the first European to see the Victoria Falls (1855) and he was so moved by the beauty that he enthusiastically uttered 'On sights as beautiful as this, Angels in their flight must have gazed' and named them after his Queen (Victoria). Several companies offer 'The Flight of the Angels' over Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls town is a very safe destination and has experienced no security incidents of any consequence for a number of years. The Vic Falls Tourism Police are a comforting and friendly presence in the town. Perhaps this popular tourist destination's best asset is its friendly people, always ready to welcome visitors to their country with a smile and great service.
Victoria Falls is an adventure junkie’s paradise with every type of adventure travel available (last count was more than 50 different activities available). Some of these include white water rafting on the mighty Zambezi, a 111m (354ft) bungee jump from the bridge linking Zimbabwe to Zambia, Bridge Swings & Slides, Jet boats etc. For the less adventurous there is also lots of offer including Game drives, Sunset cruises, Canoeing, scenic flights etc. Also on offer and great fun at Victoria Falls are Elephant-back safaris.
There is a wide range of accommodation to suit every budget. There are several bars, nightclubs, a golf course and a casino.
What to expect at Vic Falls by month:
Low Water - around October, November and December (or earlier/later):
It is just as interesting to come when the water is low. Visitors are able to fully appreciate the geological formation of the falls and the full length and breadth of them. This can start earlier and end later depending on the rainfall upstream.
This image shows the two sides of the Falls with Zambia being to the right of the bridge in the image and Zimbabwe to the left you can clearly see how little water is visible from Zambia.
Mid Water - April and May:
The falls are at their most spectacular on foot but often the spray is so thick it is difficult to see the full width of the falls, especially in April.
From May onwards as the annual flood abates, the view of Victoria falls gets better and better and photographic opportunities from the Rain Forest path in Zimbabwe improve and most of the falls can be seen from this side.
The sound is still thunderous and the weather is still fantastic.
* Viewing Victoria falls from below by foot or by Jet boat is possible from July
High Water - Feb to April:
In full flood (depending on rainfall), the falls cannot be seen well on foot on the Zimbabwe side as clouds of spray rise high into the sky and spray is very high - a majestic sight.
The aerial view at this time however is spectacular.
The Zambian side of the falls with less water is slightly better at this stage and there are walkways to look out points and across the swaying Knife Edge bridge.
The intense spray provides welcome relief from the heat, but don’t carry anything you don’t want to get wet!
View our Victoria Falls holiday itineraries now.