Victoria Falls, known locally as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" or "The Smoke that Thunders," is one of the
most magnificent natural wonders in the world. Straddling the border between Zambia and
Zimbabwe, this majestic waterfall offers breathtaking views and an array of activities for
visitors. However, the allure of Victoria Falls extends beyond the waterfall itself. The
surrounding areas in both Zambia and Zimbabwe are rich with attractions that make for
excellent day trips. This article explores some of the best nearby attractions worth visiting
during your trip to Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls National Park (Zimbabwe)
Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe is a must-visit for anyone traveling to Victoria Falls. The
park offers stunning views of the waterfall from various vantage points, allowing visitors to
experience the full grandeur of the falls. The park is also home to a diverse range of wildlife,
including elephants, buffaloes, and antelopes. A guided tour through the rainforest that fringes
the falls provides an opportunity to learn about the unique ecosystem that thrives in this humid
microclimate.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (Zambia)
On the Zambian side, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park offers a similar experience with its own
unique charm. The park is divided into two sections: the wildlife section and the waterfall
section. The wildlife section is home to a variety of animals, including white rhinos, giraffes,
zebras, and several species of antelope. A game drive or walking safari through this park offers
a chance to see these animals up close in their natural habitat. The waterfall section provides
excellent views of the falls and is a great spot for photography.
Livingstone Island (Zambia)
Livingstone Island is located at the edge of Victoria Falls on the Zambian side. This is the very
spot where David Livingstone, the first European to see the falls, stood when he famously
described the sight as "so lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." Visitors
can take a guided tour to the island, which includes a swim in the Devil’s Pool, a natural infinity
pool at the edge of the falls. This thrilling experience is not for the faint-hearted but offers a
unique perspective of the falls that few get to see.
Devil’s Pool (Zambia)
Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool right at the edge of the falls on Livingstone Island. During the
dry season (usually from August to January), when the water levels are low, it is possible to
swim in this pool. Guided tours to Devil’s Pool offer an adrenaline-pumping experience,
allowing you to peer over the edge of the waterfall into the gorge below. This activity is only
recommended for strong swimmers and those with a taste for adventure.
The Zambezi River
The Zambezi River, which feeds Victoria Falls, offers a range of activities that can be enjoyed on
a day trip. One of the most popular is a sunset cruise, where visitors can relax on a boat and
watch the sun set over the river while enjoying drinks and snacks. These cruises often provide
opportunities to see hippos, crocodiles, and a variety of bird species. For the more adventurous,
white-water rafting on the Zambezi is a thrilling experience. The river is home to some of the
best rapids in the world, offering an adrenaline rush for those brave enough to tackle them.
Chobe National Park (Botswana)
While not in Zambia or Zimbabwe, Chobe National Park in neighboring Botswana is close
enough to Victoria Falls to be accessible on a day trip. Chobe is renowned for its large elephant
population and offers some of the best game viewing in Southern Africa. A typical day trip to
Chobe includes a game drive through the park and a boat cruise on the Chobe River. Visitors
can expect to see elephants, lions, buffaloes, and a variety of other wildlife. The boat cruise, in
particular, offers excellent opportunities for photography as animals come to the river to drink.
The Victoria Falls Bridge
The Victoria Falls Bridge, which connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, is a marvel of engineering and
offers stunning views of the falls and the Batoka Gorge. The bridge was completed in 1905 and
was originally part of Cecil Rhodes' ambitious plan to build a railway line from Cape Town to
Cairo. Today, it is a popular spot for bungee jumping, bridge swinging, and zip-lining. For those
less inclined to such adrenaline-pumping activities, simply walking across the bridge provides
spectacular views and the chance to stand in two countries at once.
Cultural Tours
Both Zambia and Zimbabwe offer rich cultural experiences that can be explored on a day trip
from Victoria Falls. In Zambia, a visit to a local village provides insight into the traditional way of
life. Visitors can meet local people, learn about their customs and traditions, and even
participate in activities such as basket weaving or traditional dancing. In Zimbabwe, the town of
Victoria Falls offers a variety of cultural experiences, including visits to local markets, craft
shops, and cultural centers. These tours provide an opportunity to learn about the region’s history and culture and support local artisans.
The Victoria Falls Rainforest
The Victoria Falls Rainforest is a unique ecosystem that thrives in the constant spray from the
falls. This lush, tropical forest is home to a variety of plant and animal species that are not
found anywhere else in the region. A guided tour through the rainforest offers the chance to
see a variety of bird species, including the elusive Taita falcon. The rainforest also provides
some of the best views of the falls, with numerous vantage points that offer spectacular photo
opportunities.
The Lookout Cafe
Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, the Lookout Cafe offers breathtaking views of the
Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls Bridge. This open-air restaurant is a perfect spot to relax
and enjoy a meal while taking in the stunning scenery. The Lookout Cafe also offers a range of
adventure activities, including gorge swinging, zip-lining, and the flying fox. These activities
provide a unique perspective of the gorge and are a must-do for adrenaline junkies.
Batoka Gorge
The Batoka Gorge is a dramatic canyon carved by the Zambezi River downstream of Victoria
Falls. The gorge is a popular spot for adventure activities such as white-water rafting, kayaking,
and gorge hiking. For those seeking a more relaxed experience, a scenic flight over the gorge
offers stunning aerial views of this natural wonder. The Batoka Gorge is also a great spot for
bird watching, with a variety of raptors and other bird species inhabiting the area.
The Victoria Falls Snake Park
The Victoria Falls Snake Park in Zimbabwe offers an educational and thrilling experience for
visitors interested in learning about the region’s reptiles. The park is home to a variety of snake
species, including some of the most venomous in Africa, as well as other reptiles such as
crocodiles and tortoises. Guided tours provide an opportunity to learn about the habits and
habitats of these fascinating creatures, and even to handle some of the non-venomous snakes.
Boma – Dinner & Drum Show
For a unique dining experience, the Boma – Dinner & Drum Show in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, is
a must-visit. This interactive dining experience offers a feast of local Zimbabwean cuisine,
including game meat and traditional dishes. The highlight of the evening is the energetic drum
show, where guests are invited to participate in drumming and dancing. This cultural
experience provides a fun and memorable way to end a day of exploring Victoria Falls.
Elephant Hills Golf Course
For golf enthusiasts, the Elephant Hills Golf Course in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, offers a unique
golfing experience. This 18-hole championship course is set against the backdrop of the
Zambezi River and is frequented by wildlife such as elephants, antelopes, and warthogs. Playing a round of golf here is a truly unique experience, combining the challenge of the game with the
beauty of the African landscape.
Conclusion
Victoria Falls is not just about the waterfall; it is a gateway to a wealth of attractions in both
Zambia and Zimbabwe. From national parks and cultural tours to adrenaline-pumping activities
and serene nature experiences, there is something for everyone. Whether you are an
adventure seeker, a nature lover, or a cultural enthusiast, the area surrounding Victoria Falls
offers a multitude of day trips that will make your visit unforgettable. So, take the time to
explore these nearby attractions and discover the full magic of Victoria Falls and its
surroundings.
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