Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world and a safari to this Zimbabwe destination is without rival. Locally known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – The Smoke that Thunders, Victoria Falls borders Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Columns of spray can be seen and felt from miles away as 546 million cubic meters of water per minute plummet over the edge into a deep gorge – over 100 meters below. The spray flowing above the falls at Victoria Falls can sometimes be seen over 5 km away! ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ also borders Zambia and is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. The best time to view the Victoria Falls largely depends on personal preferences and what you want to experience.
High Water Season (February to July):
This period coincides with the rainy season in the region, resulting in a high volume of water flowing over the falls. The months of March to May are particularly impressive, as the falls reach their peak flow. The spray from the cascading water creates a magnificent sight, and the falls appear as a thundering curtain of water. During this time, the falls are at their most dramatic, but the immense spray may obstruct visibility to some extent. The lush vegetation and vibrant colors add to the overall beauty. It’s important to note that the volume of water can make certain viewpoints quite wet, so be prepared to get soaked if you visit during this season.
Low Water Season (August to January):
As the dry season progresses, the water levels of the Zambezi River decrease, and the falls recede. The months of September to December offer the lowest water levels, providing a different perspective of Victoria Falls. During this time, the individual gorges and rock formations become more visible, allowing for clearer views of the geological features. The reduced water flow also means that certain areas, such as the Devil’s Pool, become accessible for swimming and other activities. The overall experience during the low water season allows visitors to appreciate the intricacies and geological wonders of the falls.
Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River
A safari to Victoria Falls will bring you face to face with the powerful Zambezi River. The power of the water being channeled into a narrow gorge creates a virtual ‘rain forest’ as the mist gathers to drench the surrounding trees and vegetation. The Zambezi flows through six countries and along its course it cascades down a magnificent gorge, resulting in the spectacular sight on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. With a width of more than 1 700 metres and a height of more than 100 metres, Vic Falls is one of the largest waterfalls in the world and most certainly deserves its status as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Interesting Facts About Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water at 108 meters tall and 1708 meters wide
- Victoria Falls forms part of the Zambezi River
- Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park is home to part of Victoria Falls which means “the smoke that thunders”
- The Zambezi River is the fourth-largest river on the African continent
- The Zambezi River spans across six different nations
- David Livingstone was the first European to witness the magnificence of the falls, and so he named it for the British monarch at the time, Queen Victoria
Safari and adventure experiences at Victoria Falls
On the Zimbabwean side of Vic Falls lies the protected Victoria Falls National Park which is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, buffalos, giraffes, zebras and antelope as well as many crocodiles and hippos living in the upstream areas of the Zambezi River. A safari to Hwange National Park in northwest Zimbabwe is a great addition to a Zimbabwe holiday as it is less than a two-hour drive away. The proximity of Victoria Falls to the prime wilderness areas of the Okavango Delta and Chobe National Park in Botswana, makes it the perfect destination for an all-inclusive safari experience.
Victoria Falls safaris lends itself perfectly to a wide variety of adrenaline-filled activities. We recommend the following adventure activities: White water rafting, bungee jumping, horseback riding, jet boating, river safaris, and art safaris in an outdoor studio while observing wildlife.
Get in touch with our experienced consultants, dedicated to curating your ideal African safari. Let us guide you towards the perfect destination, ensuring your trip is nothing short of extraordinary:
Email: info@jenmansafaris.com
