Victoria Falls: A thrilling gateway to adventure, culture and nature’s majesty

Nestled on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the town of Victoria Falls is an enchanting destination that draws visitors from around the world to witness one of earth’s most majesical creations – the mighty Victoria Falls which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. This Victoria Falls adventure offers unforgettable experiences for every type of traveller.

Victoria Falls vies with Kilimanjaro as Africa’s most awesome natural landmark. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and the world’s largest sheet of falling water forming the natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia.  

The falls span a width of over a mile and crash 108 metres (354 feet) into the Zambezi River below. Flowing at up to 500,000 cubic meters/110 million gallons per minute, they create a 500m/1,640ft-high rainbow-tinted spray that can be seen from a distance and is described in its local name as Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke That Thunders).

The small vibrant town of Victoria Falls is where one of Rovos Rail’s most popular routes starts or finishes, depending on the direction travelled. 

While the falls themselves are the main attraction, the town of Victoria Falls is a gateway to a variety of exhilarating activities and rich cultural experiences. It is the perfect destination to tag onto the train trip with offerings that cater to every kind of traveller, from adrenaline seekers to nature lovers. 

Undoubtedly, the main draw of the area is the breathtaking Victoria Falls themselves. 

Visitors can access several vantage points within the Victoria Falls National Park on the Zimbabwean side, offering different perspectives of this awe-inspiring natural wonder. The different viewing areas each provide dramatic views of the falls and the surrounding rainforest, and visitors often enjoy a refreshing shower from the mist created by the falling water!

A sunset cruise on the Zambezi River is a relaxing excursion taking in the spectacular scenery of the river, an array of birdlife, and frequent sightings of hippos, crocodiles and even elephants. The African sunsets on the river are breathtaking with the sky changing to various hues of orange, pink and purple as the day transitions to night creating a magical nocturnal scene.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush, Victoria Falls offers a host of heart-pounding activities.

The Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi River just upstream of the falls, is one of the world’s premier bungee jumping spots. Brave jumpers can take a leap from the bridge, plunging 111 meters (364 feet) toward the river below.

For those not inclined to bungee jump but still seeking an exhilarating experience, the Gorge Swing and Zip Line across the gorge offer an alternative way to see the mighty river below and enjoy the incredible views of the falls and surrounding landscape.

For thrill seekers the Zambezi River’s white water rafting experience is world renowned. The rapids below the falls provide a thrilling experience and the height of the gorge creates an awe-inspiring natural setting. Rafting in these Class V rapids is an exciting and challenging activity mixing adventure and raw beauty.

Alternatively, the adventure jetboat is a fast-paced thrill ride up and down the rapids and provides the opportunity to get right up close to the base of the falls whilst getting covered in their spray.

Devil’s Pool is a thrilling experience combining a walk to Livingstone Island and, for those brave enough, a swim along the edge of the falls to a natural pool right at the precipice where visitors can look over the rim to see the falls plunging down into the river below. Not for the faint-hearted, Devil’s Pool is considered a one in a lifetime experience and one of the most iconic views in Africa. 

A helicopter flight over Victoria Falls, commonly known as the Flight of Angels, provides an aerial perspective of the falls. With sweeping views of the waterfall, the Zambezi River, and the surrounding landscapes, the flight offers a sense of scale and grandeur that can’t be matched from the ground.

Victoria Falls is located in a region that boasts an abundance of wildlife, and visitors can embark on a range of safari activities. A selection of game reserves and national parks within reach of Victoria Falls offer day or overnight trips. Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest, is about an hour and a half from the town, as is Chobe National Park across the border in Botswana. Both parks are home to elephants, lions, giraffes, zebras, and a wealth of other species.

For a more intimate wildlife experience, there are various walking safaris, as well as close encounters with wildlife ranging from elephants to vultures.

Cultural tours offer a unique insight into the local way of life, traditions, and customs of the indigenous people of the region. And the town’s array of markets and craft shops provide an opportunity to interact with local artisans and watch them creating their traditional wares.

Victoria Falls has a wide range of dining options and bars. One of these, the Boma, is a sumptuous dinner and barbeque with a feast of African entertainment culminating in an interactive drumming show, all held in a traditional thatched Boma partially open to the night sky. 

The historic Victoria Falls Hotel is famous for its traditional high tea served on the hotel’s elegant terrace which provides spectacular views of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the spray from the falls below.  

This iconic hotel is the departure and arrival point for the Rovos journey providing perfect synergy with the train’s opulence and old-world charm.  

Whilst visiting Victoria Falls, the thunderous roar of the falls and the mist that rises from them provide a constant reminder of the incredible power of nature. And the town’s vibrant tourist infrastructure offers something for everyone. It is a must-visit destination for any traveller to Southern Africa.

Written by Linda Sparks