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What to Expect on a Visit to Victoria Falls

Published

2 years ago

February 3, 2023

Victoria Falls is one of the premier destinations in Southern Africa.

The falls are on the Zambezi River which runs between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Known to the local population as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates to, the smoke that thunders Victoria Falls is one of the largest waterfalls on earth, known internationally as one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The falls were discovered by David Livingstone in 1855 on a visit to Africa and named after Queen Victoria

The sheer size of Victoria Falls is incredible, over a mile wide and well over 100 metres tall, the falls send plumes of spray into the sky which rise into the upper atmosphere. The noise the falling water makes can be heard many miles away.

Victoria Falls are a significant attraction for Zambia and Zimbabwe with significant footfall and income for both countries.

Here are a few of the visual delights and experiences that you may be treated to on a visit to the falls.

The Devil’s Pool

The Devil’s pool is an exhilarating swimming experience that should only be tried as part of a guided group. A pool is created right at the edge of the falls in August and lasts into the New Year. It is created by falling water levels and gives visitors the chance to swim in very close proximity to the falls. Those seeking an adrenaline rush will not be disappointed, only consider doing this if there are guides available to ensure you stay safe and have fun.

Victoria Falls Lunar Rainbow

If the conditions are right, Victoria Falls offers a visual spectacle created when the light from the moon hits the particles of mist given off by the tumbling water and refracts it into a spectacular lunar rainbow. Often on a full moon, the park is open for visitors to experience these phenomena first-hand. Obviously wandering around at night on your own is not a good idea, so this activity is best done in a guided group and can be achieved in both Zimbabwe and Zambia. If you join a group, be ready and willing to take safety seriously and wear the high-visibility clothing provided.

Victoria Falls Bridge Bungee Jump

Victoria Falls bridge was constructed in 1905 and spans the River Zambezi. The bridge is now part of the recreational facilities on offer within the falls area. One way to ensure you have a unique view of the falls and a strong adrenaline rush is to take part in a bungee jump. The jump involves being tethered to the bridge by a long elasticated rope and simply jumping off. This is as exhilarating and terrifying as it sounds and certainly isn’t for everyone. But for those that do, the shrieks of their voices as they jump can be heard as they fall and experience the adrenaline rush associated with jumping from a bridge some 130 meters in the air. The falls provide the visual backdrop for the jump only adding to the excitement and experience on offer. This is obviously an activity for those seeking a thrill and are willing to comply with the very necessary safety procedures.

A Walking Tour Of The Victoria Falls

One of the best ways to experience the falls is to take the approximately 2-mile walk that encompasses 16 different viewpoints along its route. This will ensure you get up close to the falls and see their beauty from the best places along the way. You should allow a generous 2 hours if you are walking with a guide, or possibly 3 hours if you are walking on your own. You will get wet with spray on the walk and be immersed in the ambience of the falls as you wander through the misty trail. A guided tour will reveal some of the fascinating histories of Victoria Falls.

A Helicopter Tour Of The Victoria Falls

For the best in breath-taking photo opportunities and a view of the falls second to none, a helicopter tour of the falls will never disappoint. The helicopter tour will give you a unique view of the Zambezi river as it pushes relentlessly onward between countries. Its swelling turbulent waters are clearly visible and the power of the falls can in some ways be best seen and understood from the air.

Take An Elephant Safari

The surroundings of Victoria Falls offer a close-up elephant experience, one where the majestic animals carry you through the vegetation and parks surrounding the falls. Obviously, this is a strictly guided tour and the animals are under the watchful care of their keepers. Their pace is steady and being elevated from ground level the views are fantastic. These are wild animals, so don’t be surprised if they randomly stop to chew on some vegetation or take a well-needed drink. – Baltimore

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UPDATE: ZimParks rangers injured in elephant attack receiving medical treatment

Published

2 hours ago

August 1, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) spokesperson, Tinashe Farawo has provided an update on the condition of two rangers who were injured earlier this week by elephants in the Sengwa, Chirisa Safari area.

The rangers, who were investigating a reported case of a snared buffalo, encountered a herd of elephants with calves that charged at them.

According to the update, one of the rangers has undergone treatment for his left arm and is currently in a stable condition.

The other ranger had a successful abdominal operation and is currently receiving surgery for his broken left arm and left leg.

The incident highlights the dangers faced by wildlife rangers in Zimbabwe. In a similar incident in March 2025, a Zimparks ranger was killed by an elephant in Kariba during a routine patrol in the Gatche-gatche area.

The authority has encouraged people to minimize movements at night to reduce the risk of human-wildlife conflicts.

National

Zimbabwe on track for 6% growth as economy recovers from drought

Published

3 hours ago

August 1, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY REUTERS

Zimbabwe is on track to achieve a forecasted 6% economic growth in 2025 helped by good agricultural output and strong commodity prices, Finance Minister Mthuli Ncube said on Thursday.

The Southern African country’s economy has shown signs of recovery in the first half of the year following a severe drought and currency turbulence in 2024 that pushed GDP growth down to 2%.

“Given the positive economic developments during the period January to June, we are confident that the projected economic growth of 6% alluded to in the 2025 National Budget is achievable,” Ncube told parliament in a mid-year budget review.

“All sectors of the economy are expected to record positive growth in 2025, mainly on account of a favourable agriculture season, improved electricity generation, stable exchange rate and inflation rate,” he said.

He did not give an update on the budget deficit, which was seen at 0.4% of gross domestic product in 2025 during the budget forecast last November.

Zimbabwe’s fiscal position remains under strain from grain imports, drought relief spending and the public sector wage bill. While the government has collected more revenue than in the same period last year, analysts say containing the deficit may prove difficult without new fiscal measures.

The local currency, the ZiG, launched in April 2024 to replace the Zimbabwe dollar, has largely remained stable against the U.S. dollar but is still overshadowed by widespread use of the dollar in everyday transactions.

Ncube reiterated the government’s commitment to the gold-backed unit and said the currency had benefited from tight monetary and fiscal policies.

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ZimParks salutes brave rangers on World Ranger Day

Published

22 hours ago

July 31, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Today marks World Rangers Day, a commemoration of the critical work that rangers do in protecting the world’s wildlife and natural resources. The day is significant as it recognizes the bravery, dedication, and sacrifices made by rangers who often put their lives on the line to safeguard the environment and conservation efforts.

In commemoration of World Rangers Day, the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has issued a statement. Below is the full statement:

Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) joins the rest of the world in recognizing the work of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line in protection of wildlife.
It is also a day to remember those who have lost their lives in line of duty and some who are still missing to date.

This year’s theme, “Rangers,Powering
Transformative Conservation,” speaks to the important role Rangers play, not only as protectors of wildlife but also as leaders who bring change and help shape the future of conservation.

From patrolling wildlife protected areas and stopping poachers to working with local communities and educating the public, Rangers are at the heart of everything we do to look after our wildlife heritage for current and future generations.

Rangers work across vast landscapes and often spend weeks in the bush facing dangerous conditions, tough weather, and limited resources but despite these challenges, they carry on with strength and dedication, knowing that their work makes a difference.

We believe that by investing in our Rangers, we are investing in the future of conservation in Zimbabwe.
As we mark this important day, we say thank you to all our Rangers. Your courage, passion, and commitment inspire us every day, you are the backbone of conservation, and we stand with you.