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What to Expect on a Visit to Victoria Falls

Published

3 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

National

Malaria surge persists in Zimbabwe despite interventions, rural communities struggle

Published

3 days ago

April 24, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY NOTHANDO DUBE

Zimbabwe is experiencing a sharp rise in malaria cases in 2026, with health experts warning that funding gaps, climate pressures and persistent transmission in high-risk areas are reversing years of progress.

Latest figures from the Ministry of Health show that by mid-April, the country had recorded over 65 000 malaria cases and 174 deaths, nearly double the numbers reported during the same period in 2025. The increase follows the premature closure of the Zimbabwe Assistance Programme in Malaria (ZAPIM), which had supported key prevention and control efforts.

Save the Children said the end of the programme has contributed to shortages of insecticide-treated mosquito nets, delays in vector control operations and weakened disease surveillance, particularly in vulnerable rural communities.

The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) also warned that Zimbabwe recorded 154 000 malaria cases and 423 deaths in 2025, linking the continued spread of the disease to erratic rainfall, flooding and rising temperatures that have expanded mosquito breeding sites.

In malaria-prone districts such as Binga, frontline health workers say the disease remains difficult to contain despite ongoing interventions.

Village health worker Margaret Bernard from Tindi said communities continue to receive support, including mosquito nets, medication and other supplies, but challenges persist.

“We do get assistance to fight malaria because Binga is prone to the disease. We receive mosquito nets, medication and other support,” she said. “But even with these interventions, it is still difficult to fully contain malaria here. The cases keep coming, especially during the rainy season.”

Zimbabwe had previously made significant progress in reducing malaria cases, with infections dropping sharply between 2023 and 2024 due to sustained investment and coordinated efforts. However, experts warn that without renewed funding and stronger community-level responses, those gains could be lost.

“Malaria remains preventable and treatable, but deaths are rising again,” CWGH said, calling for urgent action to strengthen prevention, improve treatment access and secure long-term funding.

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Tourist hospitalised after elephant attack

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A 65-year-old Japanese tourist has been seriously injured after being attacked by an elephant near Victoria Falls, according to the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks).

In a statement on Thursday, ZimParks spokesperson Luckmore Safuli said Hidetoshi Matsumoto was attacked on Wednesday morning while walking alone along Big Tree Road, a route frequently used by visitors near the Victoria Falls Big Tree.

“A 65-year-old Japanese man by the name Hidetoshi Matsumoto, who was staying at the Rainbow Hotel in Victoria Falls, was attacked and injured by an elephant while walking along the Big Tree Road,” Safuli said.

He said the incident occurred at around 8 am.

“The circumstances surrounding the incident are that on 22 April 2026 at around 0800 hours, Hidetoshi Matsumoto was alone walking along the Big Tree Road when an elephant emerged from nowhere and attacked him. Hidetoshi sustained severe injuries all over his body and was immediately rushed to Health Bridge Private Hospital for medical treatment,” he added.

Matsumoto was taken to Health Bridge Private Hospital, where he is receiving treatment.

ZimParks said rangers had been deployed to track down what it described as the “problem elephant”.

“Meanwhile, ZimParks rangers are on the ground searching for the problem elephant,” Safuli said.

He added that further details would be released as investigations continue and efforts to locate the animal progress.

Wildlife authorities have previously warned visitors to exercise caution when walking in areas bordering national parks, where wild animals can roam freely.
SOURCE: CITE

National

EcoCash launches all-in-one super app

Published

4 days ago

April 23, 2026

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

Leading fintech platform EcoCash has launched an all-in-one “super app” integrating payments, chat and lifestyle services into a single platform, in a push to deepen digital financial inclusion.

Developed by Sasai Fintech, a unit of Cassava Technologies, the app signals EcoCash’s shift towards a fully integrated digital and social ecosystem that goes beyond traditional payments.

In a statement, EcoCash said the platform responds to growing demand for seamless, mobile-first solutions that combine communication and transactions.

“With mobile devices now central to how people live, work and transact, we have reimagined the EcoCash app to deliver a secure, convenient and integrated digital experience,” the company said.

A key feature is social payments, allowing users to send and receive money within chat conversations without switching apps. The platform also includes automated bill-splitting, enabling users to divide shared costs in real time.

The app integrates merchant payments, bill settlements, and airtime and data purchases into a single interface, aiming to reduce transaction time and data costs.

EcoCash said the platform also supports content monetisation, allowing users to create and earn income directly, targeting Zimbabwe’s growing community of digital creators and small businesses.

The company said the super app forms part of a broader innovation pipeline that will include stablecoin-based remittances and other digital financial services, supported by investments in artificial intelligence.

Sasai Fintech recently partnered with Circle, an internet financial platform company, to advance stablecoin adoption in Africa.