Victoria Falls is one of the "Seven Wonders of the Natural World". David Livingstone the Scottish missionary and explorer was the first European to "discover" these falls in November 1855. This awe-inspiring and magnificent waterfall lies across the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe on the mighty Zambezi River. The best time to experience these falls is during the dry months of the year from June through to January.
Victoria Falls is an important "bucket list" item and enticing destination for many travellers to witness one of the greatest shows on earth as the raging waters of the Zambezi River crash into the Batoka Gorge. Batoka Gorge is situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia on the banks of the Zambezi River. The Zambezi River which is at this point is more than 2 kilometres wide gathers momentum and plunges noisily 100 metres down into a series of dramatic gorges and raises plume of smoke way up into the sky that can be seen several kilometres away.
Described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ meaning ‘The Smoke that Thunders’, this extraordinary wonder is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world. The immensity of the falls and its huge height and vast width have gained the site a UNESCO World Heritage recognition. Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of natural beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River. Exploring the falls on foot takes you through parts of the Victoria Falls Rain Forest to the cliffs opposite the massive cascade. From here, the best view of the main falls is suddenly on sight. Your local guide will share some interesting facts about the geology, wildlife and history of Africa’s most famous landmark. Witness this fascinating power of nature and a spectacle that will create memories of a lifetime.
Wildlife in Victoria Falls is abundant and game drives are thrilling. On the Zimbabwean side, the Zambezi National Park comprising of woodlands and scenic landscapes is home to many predators and must-see animals such giraffe, waterbuck, bushbuck and impala not forgetting lots of hippo and crocodile in the river. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia is the smallest in the country and boasts of an impressive range of species, including buffalo, elephant, zebra, giraffe and bushbuck. Birdlife is prolific and Zambezi River is home to more than 75 different species of fish.
One of the best ways to explore Victoria Falls is to go on an evening sunset cruise down the majestic Zambezi River. This magical and breathtaking cruise provides a moment to experience nature and view wildlife as they come down to the river for their last drink of the day. While of the cruise, you slowly make your way along the Zambezi to witness the most beautiful sunset on the African continent and observe nature’s beauty and splendour with a refreshing drink.
Myriad of activities at Victoria Falls are on offer for your choice ranging from extensive game drives, to Helicopter flights over the falls, walking safaris, birdwatching, nature trail excursions, boating, fishing, sunset cruises, canoeing and cultural visits to the local traditional homesteads.
From Victoria Falls, other stunning game parks in this region are within very easy reach. These include South Luangwa National Park and Lower Zambezi National Park in Zambia, Chobe National Park in Botswana, Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks in Zimbabwe.
Daily flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town in South Africa to Livingstone International Airport in Zambia are available. Kenya Airways flies from Nairobi directly to Livingstone International Airport in Victoria Falls and to Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe.
WHAT DO OUR CLIENTS SAY ABOUT THIS EXPERIENCE
I contacted Maurice from Africa Safari Classics along with several other Africa adventure tour companies. From the start, Maurice provide clear, insightful information. I wanted to customize this trip and Maurice provided me with an itinerary that exactly met my wish list. We (my daughter and I) experienced a Kenya multi-day safari, a Uganda mountain gorilla trek, and a visit to Victoria Falls. Maurice not only laid out the perfect schedule, but he provided us with superb accommodations, outstanding guides, and complete, quick response to all questions I had prior to the trip. He also did everything within my price constraint. During the trip, he was in touch every day to make sure everything was up to speed and met our expectations. This 11 day trip exceeded all of my expectations and is one I will never forget. My daughter (age 19) and I take one trip together each year. We've been across the US, through Europe several time, and in South America. Her simple response of "Dad, this was by far the coolest trip ever" summed up our entire experience. I give Maurice and Africa Safari Classics my highest possible recommendation.
Steve Zaranek, Grosse Pointe, Michigan, USA
Tongabezi Lodge is a stylish romantic hideaway on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River just upstream of the legendary Victoria Falls. Tongabezi combines exclusive ambience with legendary warmth and hospitality of the great people of Zambia. Tongabezi is an amazing luxury retreat beautifully set in a secluded grove of African ebony trees on the banks of River Zambezi and is superbly positioned on the edge of this river providing incredible surroundings and spectacular scenery. The lodge is spread across the river bank and offers several different communal areas where guests can just relax or enjoy the peaceful surroundings. Meals are served in the central dining room or on a large deck overlooking the river. A fully equipped gym is available and a spa offering massages and body treatments as well as a swimming pool for cooling after busy day's activities. Plenty of guest activities include heading out to Victoria Falls for a full day excursion, game drives in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, river activities such as canoeing down the Zambezi, nature/walking safaris, sunset cruise with sundowners and fishing trips.
Named after Dr. David Livingstone's companions Sussi and Chuma, Sanctuary Sussi & Chuma is set in one of the most beautiful areas of the Zambezi amidst trees and phoenix palms, providing unrivalled views and exclusivity. The lodge is built on a dramatic bend of the Zambezi River in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya Park a few kilometres upstream from the world-famous Victoria Falls. It overlooks the Zambezi River upstream from the magnificent Victoria Falls and features accommodation in sumptuous tree houses, built into the living canopy of giant ebony trees. Each tree house includes ensuite bathrooms and a private viewing deck overlooking this mighty river. Built on two levels, the central area boasts of spectacular lounge deck, open-air dining area, an elevated bar and a sparkling swimming pool. The spa offers wide selection of relaxing treatments while enjoying spectacular views over the Zambezi River. All meals are table d’hôte with a very wide selection of dishes served outdoors around the campfire. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Victoria Falls boast of wide variety of wildlife and countless opportunities for adventure.
Ilala Lodge is boutique style resort set on the nearest site to cascading waters of the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. Ilala's superb location creates perfect atmosphere to marvel at one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. From the comfort of your private balcony, guests can easily spot warthogs, elephants and other wildlife crossing over from the bordering Victoria Falls National Park. Spacious rooms boast of breathtaking views of the falls, ensuite bathrooms and air conditioning. The lodge’s Palm Tree Restaurant is set on gracious grounds and provides outstanding fine dining under the African sky with the rushing sounds of the mighty waterfall making for a really romantic evening. The swimming pool and the pool bar overlooking the pristine Victoria Falls National Park are perfect spots to relax with a cold drink in the afternoons. Continental breakfast is served early morning on a cruise up the Zambezi River while enjoying the sounds of birds and the African wilderness. Guest activities include the sunset cruise, boat trips, nature sanctuary, water sports, game drives in Victoria Falls National Park and cultural tours to nearby traditional villages.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set on a high plateau few kilometres from the majestic Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. The plateau forms a natural boundary to the unfenced Zambezi National Park allowing for sweeping views of the surrounding landscape from the lodge. The location of the lodge offers convenient access to the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls and all the sunset-facing rooms boast of endless views of pristine wilderness stretching to the horizon including the waterhole frequented by elephant, buffalo, impala, kudu and other wildlife and variety of birdlife during the dry months. This award-winning lodge is set amidst the wilds of Africa and truly offers unforgettable experience. Guest accommodation comprises of rooms and suites ranging from standard, deluxe to suite. All rooms and suites have private balcony, remote-controlled air conditioning and en-suite bathroom facilities featuring rainfall showers. Delightful cuisine featuring variety of delicacies including continental tastes is served in the main restaurant with views of the waterhole. The Boma near the forest provides authentic African culinary experience.
