Menu
Locally known as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – The Smoke that Thunders, Victoria Fallsborders 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
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.
