Introduction to Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, one of the world’s largest waterfalls, is situated on the Zambezi River in southern Africa. It is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over the world to witness its majestic beauty. The Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and the area surrounding it is filled with natural wonders and wildlife.
Zambezi River and the Falls
The Zambezi River flows through six countries in southern Africa before it reaches Victoria Falls. The area surrounding the Falls is characterized by rugged terrain, deep gorges, and lush vegetation. The Falls themselves are more than a mile wide and plunge over 300 feet into the gorge below. The spray from the Falls can be seen from miles away, giving Victoria Falls its nickname as "The Smoke that Thunders."
The Border Between Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is located on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and both sides offer different perspectives of the Falls. The Zimbabwean side of the Falls offers spectacular views of the main Falls, while the Zambian side offers views of the Eastern Cataract and the Boiling Pot. Visitors can cross the border between the two countries to experience both sides of the Falls.
Victoria Falls National Park
The Victoria Falls National Park is situated on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls and offers visitors a chance to view the Falls up close. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, baboons, and antelopes. Visitors can also take a guided tour of the park and learn about the history and geology of the area.
Livingstone, Zambia
Livingstone is a town on the Zambian side of the Falls and is named after the famous explorer, David Livingstone, who first discovered the Falls in 1855. The town offers a range of activities for visitors, including bungee jumping, white-water rafting, and microlight flights over the Falls. Livingstone is also home to the Livingstone Museum, which showcases the cultural and natural history of Zambia.
The Batoka Gorge
The Batoka Gorge is located downstream from Victoria Falls and is one of the deepest gorges in the world. The gorge offers visitors a chance to go white-water rafting, bungee jumping, and zip-lining, as well as hiking and rock-climbing.
Kazungula, Botswana
Kazungula is a town on the border between Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Namibia. The town is known for its ferry crossing over the Zambezi River, which allows visitors to cross into Botswana and explore the Chobe National Park.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is located on the Zambian side of the Falls and is home to a variety of wildlife including elephants, giraffes, and zebras. Visitors can take a game drive through the park or a walking safari to view the wildlife up close.
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park is located in western Zimbabwe and is the largest national park in the country. The park is home to a wide range of wildlife including lions, elephants, and buffaloes, and visitors can take game drives or walking safaris to view the wildlife.
Zambezi National Park
The Zambezi National Park is located on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls and is home to a variety of wildlife including lions, elephants, and crocodiles. Visitors can take game drives or walking safaris to view the wildlife up close.
Matetsi Private Game Reserve
The Matetsi Private Game Reserve is located on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls and offers visitors a chance to see the "Big Five" – lions, elephants, leopards, buffaloes, and rhinos. The reserve is home to a range of luxury lodges where visitors can stay and enjoy game drives, spa treatments, and gourmet meals.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Surrounding Area
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is located on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls and offers visitors panoramic views of the Zambezi River and the surrounding bushveld. The lodge is situated in a wildlife corridor and visitors can often see elephants and other wildlife from their rooms. The surrounding area also offers a range of activities, including helicopter flights over the Falls, sunset cruises on the Zambezi River, and cultural tours of nearby villages.