The Best Ways to See Victoria Falls
There are so many reasons to add a visit to Victoria Falls to your bucket list, especially if you’re already planning a trip and want to experience the best of southern Africa and visit one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls is considered the biggest waterfall in the world, and sits on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe with the source of its cascading water coming from the beautiful Zambezi River. The location of the Falls creates opportunities for several adventurous and memorable ways to explore this incredible natural phenomenon, like wading into the Devil’s Pool or taking a helicopter ride for a bird’s eye view.
For adventurous travelers looking for an adrenaline rush, the Zambezi River is considered one of the top places in the world for a one-day white water rafting excursion where you’ll hike in and out of a gorge to reach the water and then hit series of wild rapids interspersed with periods of calm waters. Or take a dip into the most amazing natural infinity pool in the world, the famous Devil’s Pool, a spot bypassed by the river’s strong currents where people can actually swim right out to a sturdy rock lip that keeps them from falling over the edge, making for some unparalleled photo opps. Finally, thrill-seekers who take the 364-foot bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge will get an unforgettable rush, not just because of the epic fall but because of the stunning cascade of water that acts as a backdrop. Travelers looking for a calmer and more romantic way to see Victoria Falls might opt for a flight through the air for optimal breathtaking views of this amazing natural wonder. There are two options for flying: a helicopter tour or a flight by microlight aircraft, a plane with an open cockpit that fits just a pilot and a passenger and is known as the motorbike of flying for how similar it feels. From ground level, travelers can take a canoe ride through the calmer parts of the Zambezi River or board a sunset cruise on a riverboat for spectacular views of the falls and the surrounding wilderness when it’s time for those sundowners.
Plan your trip to Victoria Falls to include one of these special experiences that allow you to get up close and you’ll really understand why the local indigenous tribe calls it “The Smoke That Thunders.”
When to go to Victoria Falls
It’s possible to add game drives in nearby game parks, or combine a few days near Victoria Falls with a safari in Zambia, Zimbabwe, or Botswana. The best timing for the best views of Victoria Falls is May through August when you’ll have the clearest sight from the river or from the air. Activities that require low water such as swimming in the Devil’s Pool or white water rafting can generally only be done from August to January. The falls are at their most powerful during the wet season from December to March, and therefore the scene is the most dramatic though the extra mist and cloudy skies can hamper viewing.
