FAQs About Victoria Falls

Located at the Western tip of Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls are formed on the mighty Zambezi River forming a natural border between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia.

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world, they are situated a few kilometers from Botswana and Namibia making them a great gateway to explore the Southern Africa region.

Discover everything you need to know about Victoria Falls with our comprehensive FAQs About Victoria Falls blog. Learn about the best time to visit, top activities, and essential travel tips. Plan your perfect trip with Remarkable Adventures Africa!

The waterfall is 1,708 meters wide and 108 meters high, the spray of the falls rises up to 400 meters above the drop and can be seen from up to 30 kilometers away. The magical mist of the falls is the reason to why the local people call Victoria Falls the “Smoke that Thunders”. The mist creates a smoke like effect and you can’t believe the thunderous noise the waterfall makes until you hear it.

Victoria Falls is a popular tourist destination attracting over a million visitors from all over the world making it one of the most popular attractions in Southern Africa.

From most travelers planning a holiday to the mighty Victoria Falls, here are the FAQs About Victoria Falls.

Where is Victoria Falls?

The mighty Victoria Falls can viewed from Zimbabwe and Zambia, the falls are part of two national parks that is Mosi-Oa-Tunya Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.

How was Victoria Falls formed?

According to the theories, the Victoria Falls are formed as a result of the earth movement from an early geological period which diverted the upper part of the Zambezi River, forcing the water to change direction.

The force of the river gradually eroded the bedrock, cutting through it and creating a water today known as Victoria Falls

How to get to Victoria Falls?

The best way to get to Victoria Falls is by flying from Johannesburg or Cape Town, your plane will either land at Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe or at Livingstone Airport in Zambia depending on where you have seen to book accommodation.

From there, it is a short journey with a car to the Victoria Falls

When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?

The best time to visit Victoria Falls are between January and July, during this time you will see the largest volume of water cascading over the falls.

How big is Victoria Falls?

The mighty Victoria Falls are 1,708 metres high and 108 metres wide making it roughly twice the height and width of Niagra Falls.

Other practical information

Safety

In both Zambia and Zimbabwe crime is fairly low. In Livingstone of Zambia, you will surely feel relaxed as little to no attention is paid tourists. The locals in Livingstone are busy with their daily lives, from heading back to the bank or post office, to visiting markets and shops.

Livingstone is a lovely place and perfect for visitors who need to get a feel of Zambian life, the town is also really clean and colorful.

The Livingstone is designed to serve tourists visiting Victoria Falls and there is an increase in touts particularly around the bridge area in Zimbabwe. Many young men and women are bound to approach you try to see their wares in a respectful way.

Animals do roam freely in these areas, you have to be aware of roaming elephants on the road between Livingstone and the entry to Mosi Oa Tunya National Park.

Also, baboons on the roads around the Victoria Falls Bridge can sometimes be a bit cheeky especially if you are holding food, but otherwise they will leave you be.

Money

On the Zambian side of Victoria Falls, meals, accommodation ad activities are widely considered to be a little cheaper. But you need to balance this with the cost of the flight from your previous destination, it could be that a flight into Victoria Falls airport is significantly cheaper.

In Zambia, the Zambian Kwacha is used widely used, although dollars are often accepted. You can exchange currency at the airport, on the main high street in Livingstone and in some hotels.

ATMS are at the airport and at banks on the high street, but you should be able to use your credit card fairly widely, especially in hotels.

Health

Malaria: Victoria Falls is a malaria zone so I recommended taking anti-malaria tablets. Make sure you seek for medical advice from your doctor in your home country. Your doctor can advise what is best for you and give you something that will not give any side effects.

Mosquitoes are very prevalent, so cover your arms and legs especially in the evening, and make sure to carry a mosquito repellent with you that has a high level of DEET.

Tsetse flies: these health hazard spread a parasitic disease called African Trypanosomiasis also known as African sleeping sickness. Insect Repellent doesn’t prevent tsetse fly bites but they love dark colors such as blue and black so avoid wearing these colors

The rainy season, earlier or late in the day when it is slightly cooler is when the tsetse flies are more prevalent.

Water: although water is treated both in Zambia and Zimbabwe, it is recommended sticking to bottled water.

Visiting Victoria Falls – Should you go to the Zambia or Zimbabwe side?

Each side of the Victoria Falls (Zambia or Zimbabwe) has its advantages and disadvantages, so it is all about deciding what’s most important for your visit. If you have ample time, you should consider visiting both sides for a more blissful experience.

Here are the several reasons to choose Zambian Side

Livingstone airport has well priced flights
The AVIAN HOTEL is a perfect lodge for wildlife lovers, here zebras roam freely around the property. Also, the complementary entry to Zambian side of the falls is a bonus.

Chobe National Park an iconic safari destination in South Africa region is easier to visit while departing from Livingstone, that from Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe
If you intend to swim in the Devil’s Pool, the Zambian side the best side

Why Visit Victoria Falls?

Victoria Falls “Mosi –oa-Tunya is a waterfall in southern Africa on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls is the world’s largest waterfall and one of the most spectacular sights of Southern Africa
The falls is a World Heritage Site and one the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
Victoria Falls is considered one of the world’s greatest natural spectacles
Adrenaline capital of Africa
Travel back in time and savour the elegant ritual or high tea at the beautiful Edwardian – style Victoria Falls Hotel.

General Information

All visitors must have a valid passport with at least 4 consecutive blanks pages. Any applicable visa and/or relevant documentation are the responsibility of the traveler. For further information on Visa requirements visitors are advised to contact their nearest Zimbabwe Embassy or Consulate.

Language:

English

Time:

GMT +3

Voltage:

220 Volts/AC50Hz. Sockets are UK style, 3 pin square plugs. Power is from the government in the city/major towns and generator with inverter back up in the Safari Lodges and Camps.

Currency:

Foreign currency must be changed at the Bank, Bureau de Change, and Hotel/Safari lodge/Camp/Resort. Major Credit Cards, Master card, Visa, American Express, are usually accepted throughout the country. Where credit cards are accepted, the payment will normally be recorded in US$ regardless of the card’s default currency.

Clothing:

Dress is mainly informal and should be comfortable as well as practical. Something warm should be brought along for early morning and evenings. Safari clothes are available from hotels/lodges/camps.

Baggage:

Where possible, travel light. Baggage space on safari is limited to medium suitcase or soft bag per person plus reasonable amount of hand luggage. There is 15 Kilogram per person limit on all flights to the wildlife sanctuaries. Excess luggage must be stored in your arrival hotel.

Water:

You will find many different of opinions of what is safe and what is not. We recommend for peace of mind, to drink local Bottled Mineral water. It is important to drink plenty of water, especially during the hotter months. We would recommend that guests drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water per day to limit the effects of dehydration.

Health;

South Africa is a safe and secure destination; however, it is a good idea to take a few precautions. Kindly consult your GP or local doctor at least 6 weeks before you travel, with regards to malaria prophylactics. East Africa is a known malaria area and preventive measures are essential.

You are advised to take one of the recommended anti-malarial drugs. Be sure to wear long-sleeved shorts and trousers after sunset and spray the exposed parts of your body with a mosquito repellent spray Remember to protect yourself from direct sun rays with sunscreen cream or a safari hat.

Dietary Requirements:

For those guests with specific dietary requirements, please ensure we are notified prior to travel

Gratuities:

As a guideline and dependent on how happy you are, we would suggest the following: The General Hotel/Lodge/Camp Staff – Approximately U$ 10.00 per person per day Driver Guides – Approximately US$ 15.00 to US$ 20.00 per person per day

Photography:

Please be careful when photographing public buildings, airports, bridges, the national flag and people in uniform. Ensure that you have sought permission before photographing local people and their villages. If in doubt, please check with your guide.

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