| Introduction to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is Zimbabwe’s and Africa’s most renowned tourist attraction and is without doubt one of the most astonishing natural world and adventure destinations on the planet. At centre stage, and now in its 150 millionth fantastic year, is the world’s greatest waterfall, the Victoria Falls – one of the seven natural Wonders of the World and World Heritage Site. This is truly a “must see in your lifetime” destination as no photograph can portray the awesome power, sight and sound of the mile-wide Victoria Falls.
About 70% of the magnificent vistas of the Falls are from the Zimbabwe side of the bridge and prime viewing when the Falls are in full spate is normally February through July.
There is a wide array of accommodation to suit every taste and pocket, including the majestic 5 star Victoria Falls Hotel (161 rooms), a superb Raffles-like property more than 100 years old and overlooking the gorge. Other recommended top-quality hotels are Elephant Hills (276 rooms and a Gary Player golf course), The Kingdom (294 rooms), Ilala Lodge (34 rooms), Stanley & Livingstone (16 exclusive suites) and the perennial favourite, The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (72 rooms) with a view over a wildlife waterhole. There are also a number of other hotels, guest houses and rest camps in the area.
Access is through daily direct scheduled flights of 1.5 hours from Johannesburg or from Harare.
Victoria Falls is an incredibly friendly and bustling resort town with so much to offer to visitors. Its credentials may be easily verified by reading guest books or on-line blogs. This destination seems to always surpass expectations in a massive way.
Botswana’s famous safari destination of Chobe National Park is just 80km away and so easy to weave in to an overall itinerary or to make a rewarding day trip.
The impressive number and variety of more than 50 activities are almost a mirror-image of those offered on the Zambian side of the river in Livingstone.
Traditional Tourist
Sunset Zambezi Safari Cruises
Several luxury boats offer sunset cruises with snacks and cocktails on the Zambezi. Invariably there are memorable sunsets and often there are sightings of elephants, giraffe, crocodiles, hippo and other game.
Tour of Victoria Falls
A must for all tourists, stroll along the edge of the awesome Victoria Falls and be amazed at its power. Seeing is believing and you will know why it is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World. The best views are from the Zimbabwe side year round.
Helicopter Flips
Go on a 15-minute flip over the Falls and the Zambezi River to get a bird’s eye view of the greatest waterfall on earth. Explorer Dr Livingstone once exclaimed: “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.” Very highly recommended.
Tours of traditional villages
There are many large and small authentic mud-hut villages where you may interact with the villagers and learn their simple way of life. Meet the children in school and see the way the villagers make their crafts.
Walking with the Lions
The unique African Lion Encounter offers a thrilling wildlife adventure where, for an hour-and-a-half, you walk alongside and interact with lion cubs aged between 3-16 months. No leashes, no collars – a rare encounter that touches the soul.
Elephant Back Safaris
A ride, for an hour through pristine wilderness on the largest animal in Africa, is an unforgettable experience. You also get the opportunity to interact with the elephants for amazing photo opportunities. There are morning and afternoon rides.
Horse Trails
There is a selection of short horse trails for novice riders plus multi-day safaris for experienced riders.
Craft Shopping
There is a large and hugely impressive traditional craft market as well as several modern shops. Zimbabwe stone carvers are world renowned and carve their pieces using inspiration from their spiritual world.
Golf
There is an 18-hole Gary Player championship golf course at Elephant Hills Hotel, with clubhouse, bar and snack restaurant. Animals roam free and it is not unusual to see bushbuck, kudu, warthogs, impala, baboons, monkeys, etc during a round. There are also sometimes elephant wandering about.
Walking in the Wilds
Walk with an armed National Parks scout in the small but productive Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park just five minutes out of Livingstone town. You may come across elephants, buffalo, giraffe, wildebeest, impala, kudu and many other species.
Fishing
The Zambezi is home to the fighting tigerfish and also the delectable bream. Take a small boat with a local expert fisherman and try your luck. Fishing is also very good on the Chobe River in Botswana just 80km away from Victoria Falls.
Game Drives
If you can’t get to Chobe Botswana then a 4 x 4 drive along the Zambezi River in the Zambezi National Park can often be rewarding.
Chobe Safari Day Trip
Just 80km from Livingstone lies one of the world’s most famous and prolific wildlife parks, Chobe in Botswana, home to the largest elephant herds of earth and more than 110 other mammal species plus 450 bird species. Prime time for a visit is May-November.
Adrenalin Junkies
White Water Rafting
Rightly acclaimed as the finest one-day white water rafting in the world in the Victoria Falls’ Batoka Gorge. Choose from half-day or full day trips while there are also multi-day expeditions for the hardiest adventurers. The normal season is June through January because of the water levels, though this changes from year-to-year.
River Boarding
This is the pure adrenaline sport of surfing the fearsome rapids in the Batoka Gorge. You’ll be on a body board and accompanied by a qualified river guide.
Canoe the Zambezi
Travel with expert guides on one of the world’s legendary rivers, the upper Zambezi, in two and three-person klepper canoes. Explore the channels and get close to nature in a dramatic way. You may see crocodiles and come within trunk-touching distance from elephants, but you’ll stay at a careful distance from the pods of hippo you are certain to see. A thrilling adventure!
Gorge Swings
A whole series of pure adrenalin thrills located in the nearest gorge to the famous Victoria Falls Hotel.
Microlight Flips
The open cockpit offers a unique vista of the Falls, the Zambezi River, the wildlife and the general area of Victoria Falls.
Bunji Jumping
Go solo or tandem in a thrill-packed experience off the Victoria Falls Bridge with a fantastic backdrop of the mighty Falls. This is an awesome 111m leap with the raging Zambezi River beneath you. Not for the feint-hearted!
The Boma Place of Eating
It may seem unusual to list a restaurant amongst recommended activities but a BBQ meal at this festive spot is a must. Your eating experience includes fantastic traditional entertainment and you will also relish the interactive drumming.
Crocodile Farm and Nature Sanctuary
See crocodiles from babies you can hold to the giants of the Zambezi River. Feeding time is quite dramatic. There is also a small but very educational nature sanctuary.
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