Victoria Falls

The world famous Victoria Falls are one of the impressive waterfalls in the water, the falls are also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya a Lozi language meaning “The Smoke that Thunders”.

Victoria Falls is a place of myth, magic and romance.

Victoria Falls are protected by two small national parks that is the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambian side and Victoria Falls National Park, on the opposite side of the river. These parks are not Big Five Parks, but they are teeming with wildlife. Elephants are everywhere in Victoria Falls, rhinos can be tracked on foot in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Victoria Falls and The Zambezi River

The impressive Victoria Falls – one of the Seven Natural Wonders marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, where the mighty Zambezi River gathers its strength and tumbles off a fractured basalt plateau into a series of dramatic gorges 100 meters below.

Though they are not the tallest waterfalls in the world, at an impressive width of 1,708 meters, the Victoria Falls creates the single largest continuous falling curtain of water in the world. During the rainy season, at a height of five hundred million cubic meters of water hurtle over the edge every minute, sending up clouds of rainbow spray.

From here, the river is forced through a narrow and twisting path between walls of steep rock – a churning tumble of Grade V rapids ideal for thrill-seeker looking to test their nerve.

Zambia lies on the northern and eastern side of the Victoria Falls (topographically slightly higher), while Zimbabwe is situated south and west. Victoria Falls City on the side of Zimbabwe and Livingstone on the Zambia Side are the neighboring cities to the falls and are thriving tourism hubs easily accessed by road, rail or rail. Upstream of the falls, the Zambezi River flows across an almost flat basalt plateau in a shallow valley teeming with wildlife and dotted with luxury lodges.

The Victoria Falls Bridge connects the two countries, the bridge is a 1905 marvel of engineering that spans the Second Gorge, designed as part of Cecil Rhodes’ Cape to Cairo Railway vision.

Zimbabwe or Zambia?

This is a commonly asked question by travelers who are new to Victoria Falls while choosing where to see the falls from as well as stay.

Fortunately crossing over to either side of the falls is relatively a hassle free process that requires a simple visa purchase and can be easily done on foot. While both sides offers spectacular views of the falls and most activities, there are subtle differences between the two towns and certain attractions that can only be accessed from one or the other side.

Among the two towns, Victoria Falls is the smallest and is almost entirely tourism-based with many backpackers, cafes, lively bars and colorful local markets. Victoria Falls are just two kilometers away.

Livingstone is slightly larger and offers a more city-like feel and a better representation of authentic local life, the town is situated a bit further from the falls, but the Zambian side is renowned for its stunning accommodation options along the riverside.

Around two-thirds of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zimbabwean side, this means more viewpoints are accessible from this side. Also, it is slightly lower than the Zambian side and during the dry season, water still flows even if the Zambian side has dried off completely.

During the dry season is when the water levels are experience, this opens up the seasonal chance to visit Livingstone Island and the Devil’s Pool, which are only accessible from the Zambian side.

Livingstone Island is often touted as the point at which David Livingstone first set eyes upon Victoria Falls. But since the island is situated right on the edge of the largest waterfall in the world, one has to imagine that he had an inkling before then. What the case is, the island is still a historical landmark and marks the site where Livingstone reeled out a length of calico weighed with a bullet to measure the height of the falls.

From there, adrenaline-filled visitors can swim out to either Angel’s arm chair (perfect time is from June – August) or swim in the Devil’s Pool (perfect time is from late August – December). Here, thousands of years of erosion have excavated a deep pool, with a thick rock wall right at the edge of the falls that allows tourists to take daredevil photographs without being carried over the edge by the current. It is vital to accompany experienced tour guides to these attractions as rigorous safety measures and an intimate knowledge of the river are essential.

Adrenaline Capital of The World

In addition to the famous Devil’s Pool, the mighty Victoria Falls has many adventures to offer that have made it to be referred to as the “”Adrenaline Capital of the World”. The rapids below the falls are classified as Grade V and present some of the best white water rafting in the world.

A drift on inflatable rafts, armed with just a plastic oar and a lifejacket, visitors throw themselves on the river’s mercy, safe in the knowledge that expert guides are on hand in kayaks to assist as necessary. Nothing is quite as humbling as experiencing the sheer power of a churning river, but the calm stretches also allow for peaceful moments of quiet appreciation of the exquisite gorge views.

White water rafting is only possible at certain times of the year, depending on the rainfall. It is guaranteed in August and September, but the season may extend between June and September.

Rafting is not the only activity to do at Victoria Falls to fill one’s adrenaline spirit. Other options are bungee jumping or swinging off the Victoria Falls Bridge, cable gliding/zip lining, abseiling and sky diving. After all the excitement, it is essential to decompress with a more sedate activity like a sunset cruise, a train trip with canapes and cocktails or even the time-honored tradition of a High Tea in a historical setting.

Seasons and Water Levels

The Victoria Falls are surrounded by lush forest nourished by spray emanating from the crushing water, usually the river is at its most dramatic from February to May when the greatest volume of water tumbles over the falls.

The flip side of this is that there is a chance the falls may not be clearly visible – obscured by the spray. After months of dry weather during the subsequent winter months, the volume of water reduces, and the river reaches its lowest levels from November to December – when large bare rock surfaces become visible especially on the Zambian side.

At certain times of the day, the mist from the waterfalls catches the light at just the right angle, creating arched rainbows. Views from the forest amidst clouds of butterflies and accompanied by the cries of trumpeter hornbills, the effect like is like something out of a fairy take.

Possibly even more magical are the lunar rainbows, visible for three nights a month.

GENERAL INFORMATION

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS:

All visitors to Victoria Falls must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. The Government of Tanzania has rolled out an online Visa application portal accessible on internet. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate.

LANGUAGE: English

TIME: GMT +3

CLIMATE: Southern Africa climate is predominantly tropical. The long rains are from mid-March to late May and the short rains from November to January. The hottest months are from October to February and the coolest months are June to August.

VOLTAGE: 220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the National Grid in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

CURRENCY: Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency. However, US$ older than 2009 are only accepted

CLOTHING: Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

BAGGAGE: Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

WATER: You will find many different of opinion of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 litres of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

HEALTH: East Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards:

Malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential. You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray. The hotels provide mosquito repellent sachets as part of the room’s amenities in all our locations.

Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or safari hat.

DIETARY REQUIREMENTS: For those guests with specific dietary requirement, please ensure Imbasa is notified prior to travel so that the respective Hotels and Lodges are informed

GRATUITIES: As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following:

The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day

Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

PHOTOGRAPHY: Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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