When Dr Livingstone first came upon Victoria Falls in 1855, he wrote that "scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight”. The spectacle today is no less magnificent or monumental to behold.
Swim in Devil’s Pool, an infinity pool like no other, where daring swimmers can peek precariously over the edge of the falls
Take to the skies by helicopter, plane or microlight for a bird’s-eye view of 'the smoke that thunders'
Watch rainbows arc across a mile-wide stretch of plummeting white water, or (if the moon is bright and full enough) lunar rainbows that drift in and out of sight
Enjoy a sundowner cruise on the Zambezi River, keeping watch for crocodiles, hippos and elephants
Tackle some of the most exciting white-water rapids in the world on an exhilarating raft or canoe trip
Straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s most iconic sights, its noise greater than a million migrating wildebeest, its mists visible from 40 miles away. It was Livingstone who named it after Queen Victoria. To the locals it’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya, 'the smoke that thunders’.
The falls are a mile wide and crash from a height twice that of Naigara down into the Zambezi, creating an endless shower of rain and rainbows. There are national parks on either side, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park on the Zambia side and Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwe side. Both contain abundant wildlife, including elephant, buffalo, hippo, giraffe and a variety of antelope.
A visit to the falls offers different experiences depending on the time of year you visit. During the wet season from February to June, the falls are at their fullest, with an estimated 500 million litres of water cascading over the falls every minute. The sound is spectacular but visibility is limited by the mist and spray. The dry season from July to January offers the clearest views, when the spray isn’t as thick.
Just as thrilling are the activities on offer, with white-water rafting, bungee jumping, gorge swinging and canoeing all helping to cement the area’s reputation as the adrenaline capital of Africa. For a different perspective, try taking to the skies in a helicopter, microlight or single-engine plane – the modern equivalent of Livingstone’s angels in flight.
The most famous address in town, built in 1904 and affectionately known as the 'Grand Old Lady of the Falls'.
A family-run boutique hotel a stone’s throw away from spectacular Victoria Falls.
A sleek safari lodge on a private stretch of the Zambezi River, 40 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls.
An exclusive tented camp set in a private concession in Zambezi National Park, overlooking a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River.
An all-inclusive luxury safari lodge on the banks of the mighty Zambezi, a stone's throw from Victoria Falls.
A contemporary hotel on the banks of the Zambezi, just four kilometres upstream from majestic Victoria Falls.