With tonnes of water gushing down the cliff-face crevasse at full speed, Victoria Falls is a force of nature. Marking the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this massive waterfall is one of the most impressive natural landmarks of Southern Africa. Spend a day travelling out to the falls and enjoying its beautiful national park. Spanning almost two kilometres in length, it’s almost impossible to see the entire waterfall from one vantage point – unless, of course, you book a helicopter tour. Walk along the marked viewing areas to experience the different points of view. Look out for the statue of David Livingstone, the Scottish explorer who first laid eyes on this beauty in 1855.
VICTORIA FALLS
TRAVEL IN VICTORIA FALLS
In western Zimbabwe near the Zambian border, you’ll find one of the most breath-taking sites in the whole country: Victoria Falls. Well over double the size of Niagara Falls, this massive waterfall is 1708 metres in length and 108 metres in height. Crashing over a natural chasm that looks like a deep crack in the Earth’s surface, Victoria Falls pours into the Zambezi River, which then flows out around the national park that bears its name.
As it takes a bit of effort to get to this part of the world, why not spend a few days admiring this gorgeous site? More than just an observation deck, the Victoria Falls National Park is jam-packed with so much to see and do. Some of its more famous attractions? The Victoria Falls bungee jump experience. Constantly voted one of the Top 5 Bungee Dive experiences in the world, this 111-metre free-fall towards the Zambezi River is sure to get your blood pumping.
Not too keen on going face-first towards a raging river, but still keen on a bit of fun? Try out the Victoria Falls Gorge swing instead. Located 120 metres above the Zambezi River, glide through the air and across the gorge in this massive swing. Enjoy one of the best views of the falls from this adrenaline-inducing attraction.
If you’d like the chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of Africa’s favourite creatures, you’re in luck: Victoria Falls and the surrounding game areas are home to various wildlife conservation projects. One of our favourites is the Victoria Falls Conservation Centre’s Lion Encounter program. Created to help preserve Africa’s lion colonies, this is your chance to do some good and get an awesome selfie with some cute lion cubs. Walk with baby lions as you help them get familiar with their natural habitat.
With so many things to do in Victoria Falls, you’ll never want to leave this wildlife wonderland.
As it takes a bit of effort to get to this part of the world, why not spend a few days admiring this gorgeous site? More than just an observation deck, the Victoria Falls National Park is jam-packed with so much to see and do. Some of its more famous attractions? The Victoria Falls bungee jump experience. Constantly voted one of the Top 5 Bungee Dive experiences in the world, this 111-metre free-fall towards the Zambezi River is sure to get your blood pumping.
Not too keen on going face-first towards a raging river, but still keen on a bit of fun? Try out the Victoria Falls Gorge swing instead. Located 120 metres above the Zambezi River, glide through the air and across the gorge in this massive swing. Enjoy one of the best views of the falls from this adrenaline-inducing attraction.
If you’d like the chance to get up-close-and-personal with some of Africa’s favourite creatures, you’re in luck: Victoria Falls and the surrounding game areas are home to various wildlife conservation projects. One of our favourites is the Victoria Falls Conservation Centre’s Lion Encounter program. Created to help preserve Africa’s lion colonies, this is your chance to do some good and get an awesome selfie with some cute lion cubs. Walk with baby lions as you help them get familiar with their natural habitat.
With so many things to do in Victoria Falls, you’ll never want to leave this wildlife wonderland.
FAST FACTS
Language: English, Xhosa, Tonga, Shona, Venda and others
Currency: South African rand, Botswana pula, Pound Sterling, Indian rupee, Euro, Japanese yen, Australian dollar, Chinese yuan and the United States dollar
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Zimbabwe.
Dialing Code: +263
Time Zone: GMT+2
ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about ContikiTHINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA FALLS
Be amazed by the famous natural wonder - Victoria Falls
Bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge
Keen to get some adrenaline pumping on your Victoria Falls trip? Then this one’s for you. Thrill seekers, turn up the adventure levels by bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge. Constantly voted one of the Top 5 Bungee Dive experiences in the world, this 111-metre free-fall towards the Zambezi River is sure to get your heart racing. Lasting for four whole seconds, you’ll feel like your stomach will come out of your mouth as you dive towards the rough waters below. This once-in-a-lifetime experience is definitely not for the faint-hearted.
Go on a lion walk at Victoria Falls Conservation Centre
An important aim of the Victoria Falls National Park is to preserve local wildlife, with lion conservation at the heart of the project. The Victoria Falls Conservation Centre run a unique Lion Encounter program to support their lion conservation programs. And visiting them is hands-down the cutest thing to experience at Victoria Falls. Take the opportunity to go on lion walks with 18-month old cubs, who are learning how to interact in the wild. These walks help the cubs become familiar with their surroundings – as well as other game that live in the park – to help prepare them for life outside of the centre. With a 90% decline in the species over the past 20-30 years, supporting conservation projects has never been so adorable.
Experience the highest levels of adrenaline rush at Gorge swing
If the idea of going upside-down off a bridge towards the Zambezi River doesn’t appeal to you, but the idea of getting an adrenaline spike does, then we’ve got the perfect alternative. Get your kicks at the Victoria Falls Gorge swing! Stand on a platform that rises 120 metres above Zambezi, where you’ll get fitted into a safety harness. Once you’re attached to the rope swing, the only thing left to do is to take the plunge. As soon as you leave the safety of the platform, you’ll drop straight down in a 70-metre free-fall through the Zambezi Gorges. Feel relief wash over you as the rope tightens and swings back and forth in a 95-degree arc, gently slowing down. Enjoy the post-adrenaline serenity as you swing between the cliffs at the Victoria Falls Gorge swing!
Go elephant back riding in the morning
Victoria Falls is surrounded by national parks and game reserves, which are home to many wildlife conservation projects. The Jafuta Game Reserve, located a few kilometres outside of Victoria Falls, is home to herds of endangered elephants who are looked after by induna, local elephant herders. Take the opportunity to ride these magnificent creatures and support their own conservation efforts. You’ll be joined on this 45-minute elephant ride though the African bush by your very own induna guide, who will reveal local history and some interesting elephant facts. Our tip? Opt for a breakfast tour, where you’ll get up-close-and-personal with your elephant companion as you serve them their morning meal.
READ MORE
FOOD IN VICTORIA FALLS
Samosas
A legacy of the Indian community of Zimbabwe, samosas have become one of the country’s favourite snacks. Crunchy pastry is stuff with curried vegetables and meat, before being deep-fried and served with a yoghurt dressing. Pick up a few samosas at Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant at Victoria Falls.
Best eaten at - Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, Stand 471 Squire Cummings Road
Tagine Blesbok
If you’re keen to try African game dishes, tagine blesbok is hard to beat. This antelope dish is slow cooked in a tagine, alongside local vegetables and grains. Tender, juicy and seriously succulent, this dish from the Palm Restaurant will leave you wanting more.
Best eaten at - The Palm Restaurant, 411 Livingstone Way
Sadza
Much like Tanzanian ugali, sadza is Zimbabwe’s answer to polenta. Made using cornmeal that is boiled into a soft, mashed potato-like consistency, sadza is a staple of Zimbabwean cuisine. Cooked on its own or with a peanut sauce, you can try sadza at the Boma Dinner & Drum Show at Victoria Falls.
Best eaten at - The Boma: Dinner & Drum Show, Victoria Falls town
Nhedzi
One of the more traditional meals in Zimbabwe, nhedzi is a rich soup made from wild, local mushrooms. While it’s hard to find in big cities, you’re in luck at Victoria Falls: Nam Took Restaurant does a great rendition of this homemade favourite.
Best eaten at - Nam Took, Elephants Walk, 273 Adam Stander Road
Nyama
One of the heartier Zimbabwean dishes, nyama is a delicious beef stew. Chunks of beef, vegetables and spices are slow-cooked in a broth until tender. Often served with sadza and bread, nyama is a local favourite. Try it at the Boma Dinner & Drum Show at Victoria Falls.
Best eaten at - The Boma: Dinner & Drum Show, Victoria Falls town
READ MORE
Other trips you might like
5 REASONS TO TRAVEL WITH US
More Choice
More Time
18-35 Only
Better Experiences
Unbeatable Value
More Choice
More Time
18-35 Only
Better Experiences
Unbeatable Value