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Livingstone & The Victoria Falls

About Livingstone & The Victoria Falls


The Victoria Falls are one of the most popular attractions in any Africa itinerary and the great Victorian explorer David Livingstone’s assertion that “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” still rings true to this day. Whether you are coming over from Botswana or landing into Livingstone or Victoria Falls airports, the first sense you get of The Falls are the huge plumes of spray that rise above it and, during peak water flow, can be seen from miles around.

One of the natural wonders of the world, the Victoria Falls truly are a remarkable sight. At over 1.5 kilometres wide and over 100 metres tall, this is the largest falling curtain of water in the world. Not only does it provide spectacular views but the thunderous sound of up to half a million cubic metres of water a minute plunging over the edge and the soaking spray, makes this quite an experience.

Victoria Falls is very well connected by plane, road and even rail on the luxurious Rovos Rail so whether you are on safari in Botswana, Namibia, Zambia or Zimbabwe or spending time in South Africa, you can easily include a visit to this amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A tour of the Falls is a must and takes you on a walk through the rainforest created by the permanently wet conditions from the spray and shows vistas from the many viewpoints on top of the gorge created by the Zambezi over the millennia.

Besides taking a guided tour there is plenty more to keep you occupied and most visitors will choose a 2 or 3-night stay to ensure they see and do plenty.

A popular excursion is a helicopter trip to view the falls from above while enjoying a river cruise while sipping a cold drink and listening to the hippos is a wonderful way to end your day. For those looking for something to get the heart racing, there is a huge range of activities from white water rafting, jet boating, bungee jumping and gorge swinging; while more sedate tours of the bridge, boat tours on the upper Zambezi River and short steam train trips are also thoroughly enjoyable. For those interested in the history, The David Livingstone Museum is a fascinating way to spend some time and there is always the chance to see local villages and visit the excellent craft markets.

The real beauty of the area is how well connected with the rest of the region it is. Daily flights from Johannesburg mean it can be combined with South Africa, easy road and boat transfers link it to Botswana & Zimbabwe, and its abundance of game viewing areas and the parks of Zambia are an easy connecting flight away.

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What are the best experiences on a Victoria Falls holiday?

To ensure that you get the very most from your Victoria Falls holiday package, take a tour of the Falls to see the vastness of the water as the Zambezi plummets down into the Batoka Gorge and enjoy a helicopter flight  to see the view from a birds-eye perspective. Discover the colonial charm at the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel and enjoy a traditional High Tea, and explore the Zambezi on a sunset dinner cruise with game viewing of the surrounding National Park from the boat. See the Big Tree - a large baobab tree near the Falls which has withstood the test of time, and is 16 metres in diameter and 20 metres tall. Visit Livingstone Island and enjoy a picnic lunch on the very edge of the Falls, or spend a night or 2 at Sindabezi Island, a tiny island in the middle of the Zambezi – one of the most unique places to stay in Africa

When should I travel on a Victoria Falls safari?

Victoria Falls experiences a good climate throughout the year but there are two main seasons to choose from. Lower water flows over the Falls between July and March, but it is still a wonderful time of year to visit. Activities such as Livingstone Island and the Devil’s Pool are open when the water flow is at its lowest. The period from April to June brings higher water flow, with the Falls at their thunderous peak and the plumes of spray stunning. It can get very warm around this time of year, with some activities close to the edge of the Falls not offered.

Africa Travel’s top tips for a Victoria Falls holiday

If you want to swim in the Devil’s Pool – right at the edge of the Falls – or enjoy a picnic on Livingstone Island, plan your trip for August or September, and if you want to experience a helicopter trip over the Falls book in advance to avoid disappointment. If travelling in high season it is advisable to book your Victoria Falls safari lodge as early as possible.

The most exciting time for white water rafting is in low water from approximately mid-July to mid-February, and if you are going on safari to Botswana combine your trip with a visit to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park as it offers a great chance to see rhino which is not often spotted in Botswana. Get a uni-visa on arrival as this allows you to visit both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the Falls, and on full moon and a day either side during high water you can take a tour of the Falls at night to witness the lunar rainbow

The right accommodation for your Victoria Falls holiday

Wherever you’re planning to visit for your Victoria Falls safari, Africa Travel will make sure you stay in comfortable and luxurious accommodation that is tailored to your requirements. Our dedicated staff listen to each of your needs and preferences before recommending the best Victoria Falls safari lodges for you, which is always based on their own personal experiences.

Those wanting to stay on the Zimbabwean side, (arguably the cheaper), should make their first stop the classic and world-famous Victoria Falls Hotel, the closest hotel that side over the river to the mighty Falls. The nearby Ilala Lodge is also highly recommended, whilst those looking to stay in a Victoria Falls safari lodge rather than a hotel are spoilt for choice, with Elephant Camp, Matetsi and Zambezi Sands all excellent choices.

Across the border the twin sisters of the Royal Livingstone Hotel & AVANI Victoria Falls Resort are both within walking distance of the Falls, with lodges such as Sussi & Chuma, Tongabezi & Waterberry all located a little upstream away from the hustle and bustle.

Why book Victoria Falls holiday packages with Africa Travel?

With over 30 years’ experience in creating dream trips to Africa, there is no one more qualified to organise Victoria Falls holiday packages than Africa Travel. We have a wealth of specialist resources to help you book your Victoria Falls safari and as all of our staff have travelled the continent themselves you can trust that our personal recommendations will deliver the holiday you have always dreamed of. We even have staff living in Africa to ensure your trip runs as smoothly as possible. Our years of knowledge mean that we can give personalised recommendations for your trip, including the best time of year to go on safari, the best safari camps or lodges to stay at, and the best African safari guides, experts and tour guides to assist you.

For more information, why not speak to one of our experts on +44 (0) 20 7843 3500 or email info@africatravel.co.uk

Experiences

  • Flight of The Angels – helicopter or microlight flights over The Falls
  • Fantastic fishing destination – best enjoyed at sunset with an ice cold beer or G&T
  • Enjoy a safari in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park for the chance to see rhino
  • Visit Livingstone Island and enjoy a picnic lunch on the very edge of The Falls
  • Spend a night or 2 at Sindabezi Island, a tiny island in the middle of the Zambezi – one of the most unique places to stay in Africa

Wildlife

  • Rhino
  • Elephant
  • Cheetah
  • Crocodile
  • Variety of birdlife

Seasons

  • July to March - Lower water flows over The Falls but still a wonderful time of year to visit. Activities such as Livingstone Island and The Devil’s Pool are open when water flow is at it’s lowest (July – September but this does vary annually)
  • April to June - Higher water flow and the plumes of spray are stunning. It can get very warm around this time of year. Some activities close to the edge of The Falls are not offered

Wildlife

In The Know

    • If you want to swim in The Devil’s Pool – right at the edge of The Falls – plan your trip for August or September when it is most likely to be open
    • A picnic on Livingstone Island is a wonderfully romantic way to start off a Honeymoon – depending on the season we can organise this as a surprise for your partner
    • If you are coming from or going to Botswana a safari in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a great chance to see Rhino which is not often spotted in Botswana
    • Helicopter flights are fun but micro lighting is really exhilarating, with the wind in your face and open-air views down to The Falls – a truly stunning way to spend a morning
    • Take a guided tour of Livingstone Town, visit the David Livingstone Museum and learn more about his discovery of The Falls and expeditions through Africa.

Africa Travel Latest

The Victoria Falls are one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. On the Zambezi side, be sure to visit the Boiling Pot and The Devil’s Pool.

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