Victoria Falls

tips you can trust

 

Why
Victoria Falls
is special

When the calm flowing waters of the Zambezi River encounter the 1700-meter (1-mile) wide edge of the Victoria Falls gorge on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border, they abruptly plunge 100 meters (330 feet) to the bottom. The impact generates soaring mists and thunderous sounds that I could see and hear from great distances.

Victoria Falls
tips & insights

Worst & best times to visit

Generally, it's best to avoid the peaks of the rainy season (when the mist can become so thick you see little) and dry season (when the water volume can noticeably ease). The weather is typically ideal at all other times.

Which side is best?

For the best rim-level view, visit the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls. For the best base-level view, walk down the rain-forest footpath on the Zambia side. For the best overall view, book passage on one of the Zambian or Zimbabwean flight-seeing tours - only then will you appreciate the size of this wonder.

Victoria Falls vs. Iguazu Falls

Globetrotters forever debate which is mightier, Victoria Falls or Iguazu Falls in South America. It's virtually a toss up, with a slight edge going to Iguazu Falls. Either way, both are considerably grander than the much smaller Niagara Falls.

Activities at Victoria Falls

Besides viewing the falls from the rims, you walk down to the bases. You can also take a boat tour below the falls or a helicopter sightseeing trip above them.

Official name

The sounds and rising mist of Victoria Falls inspired this wonder's native and official name, Mose oa Tunya, meaning "smoke that thunders".

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