Victoria Falls
Overview
Victoria Falls Facts
Victoria Falls is a lively tourist dominated town lying in the far northwest regions of Zimbabwe. Situated on the southern banks of the ZambeziRiver, running between Zimbabwe and Zambia, the town’s primary function is to cater for visitors coming to witness the dramatic beauty of one of the world’s finest natural wonders, Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya), and the wildlife of the ZambeziNational Park.
The town itself is small and compact, with the main action - cafés, bars, travel agencies and shops - concentrated around The Mall, which runs off Livingstone Way. Asides from the falls, which lie within walking distance from the commercial action, the town has a few other places of interest. Walking along Adam Stander Drive, visitors will come face to face with some huge craft markets, offering every imaginable African curio, particularly leather and wooden goods. Further north of town, at the top of Zambezi Drive, stands the Big Tree, a 20m circumference baobab tree believed to be somewhere between 1000 and 1500 years old.
The town is served by excellent and regular transport links, both domestically and internationally. Flights depart from the small local airport, 20km south of the town, to Harare, Johannesburg and Windhoek. Buses and minibuses leave, often once full, from Chinotimba Bus Terminal for Bulawayo and Harare. Both Africa Link and Intercape have connections into Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. Those wishing to cross into Zambia can do so by making the short walk to the Victoria FallsBridge, perhaps one of the most picturesque border crossings in the world. Renting a bike and continuing on to Livingstone can make for a pleasant day trip.
Although suffering from the countries economic crisis as much as any other city, with its close proximity to the falls, good selection of lodges and hotels and reasonable amount of bars and restaurants, Victoria Falls town is the better location from where to experience mother nature at her best.
> Read
Victoria Falls
Destination Reviews
Things to do in
Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls Activities - Victoria Falls and the ZambeziRiver provide the perfect setting to fulfill any burning desire to jump off bridges, canoe through powerful rapids and other adrenalin pumping activities.
Bungee Jump - At 111 metres, 4 seconds of free fall and with the falls as a backdrop this is arguably one of the worlds most breathtaking jumps.
Helicopter Flights - See the falls from above and experience the full extent of their vastness.
Victoria Falls National Park - The main reason for staying here is to get up close and personal with the magnificent Victoria Falls, “The Smoke That Thunders”. The Zimbabwean side provides plenty of opportunities to experience the sheer immensity of the thunderous cascades, which stretch for 1.7km and stand at 108 metres. Within the park are a number of viewpoints, reached via a series of tracks. Cataract View, up a steep stairway to the west, is the most astonishing. Danger Point is where tourists get soaked from the masses of water and looks onto an unfenced 100m drop into the Zambezi. From here, a trail leads to Victoria FallsBridge, connecting to Zambia. The park is open daily from 6.30am - 6pm. Entrance fee US$20.
Zambezi National Park - Set along the banks of the Zambezi River, the national park covers 40km of wildlife loaded forest and savannah, counting lions, giraffes, elephants, hippos and a plethora of fish. Agencies run wildlife tours, drives and hikes; however, the park can be visited independently within the confines of the picnic areas. Sunset cruises are a great way to spot wildlife and appreciate the stunning surroundings. The park is open daily from 6am - 6.30pm. Entrance fee US$20.
Victoria Falls Aquarium - Impressive and relatively new aquarium with a comprehensive collection of the aquatic life of the ZambeziRiver. Open daily from 9am - 5pm. Entrance fee US$5.
Elephant Walk Museum - Within the ShoppingVillage, this small museum contains some interesting exhibits on the heritage and traditions of some of the local tribal groups. Open daily from 8am - 5pm.
Crocodile Ranch & Nature Sanctuary - North of town (taxi ride is advisable), the park is home to both a large number of crocodiles, plus lions, leopards, birds and insects. Lion and crocodile feedings take place throughout the day and are the best time to visit. Open daily from 8am - 5pm. Feeding times 10.15am and 3.45pm. Entrance fee US$20.
> Read
Victoria Falls
Activity Reviews
Hotels in
Victoria Falls
Budget Hotels Victoria Falls
Savanna Lodge - Good value, simple and comfortable lodgings. Tel (263) (13) 42115.
Tokkie Lodge - Another good value hostel close to the town centre. Tel (263) (13) 43306.
Midrange Hotels Victoria Falls
Amedeus Gardens - Excellent lodge set around tranquil gardens and an inviting pool. Tel (263) (13) 42261.
Lorries B&B - Laidback lodgings close to the Victoria Falls Backpackers. Tel (263) (13) 42139.
Luxury Hotel Victoria Falls
Ilala Lodge - Elegant hotel within a stones throw of the falls. Tel (263) (13) 44737.
Victoria Falls Hotel - Old, grandeur and spectacular hotel overlooking the falls. Tel (263) (13) 44751.
> Read
Victoria Falls
Hotel Reviews
Victoria Falls
Weather
Victoria Falls
Travel Resources