The Victoria Falls are on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa.
A mile wide and 420 ft high, they are far bigger than North America's Niagara Falls, forming the largest vertical sheet
of water in the world. They were "discovered" by David Livingstone in 1855 and named for Queen Victoria.
Before that, they were known locally by the more apt and romantic name - Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "Smoke That Thunders"
The falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in
Zimbabwe. They are one of Southern Africa's major tourist attractions. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Victoria Falls is the greatest waterfall in the world.
A mile wide and 420 ft high, they are far bigger than North America's Niagara Falls, forming the largest vertical sheet
of water in the world. They were "discovered" by David Livingstone in 1855 and named for Queen Victoria.
Before that, they were known locally by the more apt and romantic name - Mosi-oa-Tunya, or "Smoke That Thunders"
The falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in
Zimbabwe. They are one of Southern Africa's major tourist attractions. They are also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Victoria Falls is the greatest waterfall in the world.
| www.TheTopTenSite.com Victoria Falls |
GETTING HERE
By Air
Fly from Johannesburg Airport to Livingstone Airport (Zambia).
Flights take around an hour and a half.
Livingstone Airport is a 20 minutes drive from Victoria Falls.
Most flights leave Johannesburg early in the morning –
so you will need a hotel at Johannesburg Airport for the night before.
Overland
Several companies organise overland trips to the falls.
These can be anything from a couple of hours in a bus from Botswana, to a full-on several-week safari from Cape-Town.
The longer trips can be a fabulous way to see Africa.
As you would expect, the quality, safety and price of these trips varies enormously. We strongly advise you to use one of our
"Top Ten Site Recommneded Tour Operators" for trips of this kind.
By Air
Fly from Johannesburg Airport to Livingstone Airport (Zambia).
Flights take around an hour and a half.
Livingstone Airport is a 20 minutes drive from Victoria Falls.
Most flights leave Johannesburg early in the morning –
so you will need a hotel at Johannesburg Airport for the night before.
Overland
Several companies organise overland trips to the falls.
These can be anything from a couple of hours in a bus from Botswana, to a full-on several-week safari from Cape-Town.
The longer trips can be a fabulous way to see Africa.
As you would expect, the quality, safety and price of these trips varies enormously. We strongly advise you to use one of our
"Top Ten Site Recommneded Tour Operators" for trips of this kind.
| TIPS, HINTS & WARNINGS Visas Visa regulations change in Zambia on a regular basis. Also, Victoria Falls is right on the border with Zimbabwe, and you almost certainly want to see the falls from both sides. Probably more than once! We strongly advise you to arrange multiple entry visas for both countries before you embark on your journey. Our "Top Ten Tour Companies" can advise you about this. Money Zambia's unit of currency is the Zambian Kwacha, which is divided into 100 Ngwee. Notes are issued in denominations of K10,000; 5,000; 1,000; 500; 200; 100 and 50. There is no limit on how much currency you can bring into Zambia - but you must declare it when you enter the country. Most visitors will find the exchange rate is in their favour. US Dollars, Pounds Sterling and Euros all attract good exchange-rates in banks and bureaux de change. Travellers cheques (US Dollars) are widely accepted. Entrance to game reserves etc can only be paid in Kwacha. Most hotels, restaurants, and large shops will take credit cards. Most of the bigger banks will advance local currency against a credit card. Standard Chartered and Barclays Banks have ATMs which accept Visa cards for cash. Tipping is discouraged in Zambia. A service charge goes on your bill. Haggling over prices in local markets etc is acceptable. Health It is advisable to take a course of anti-malarial tablets before visiting the Victoria Falls area - just to be on the safe side. Weather Victoria Falls enjoys a mild, dry season from June to August. The temperature then rises steadily until the rains start in mid-November. It is then hot, wet and humid until the rainy season ends at the end of April. The rainy season is characterised by sudden torrential downpours and violent storms followed by blue skies and bright sunshine. If you don't like heat and humidity - avoid the rainy season! It is also extremely hot here just before the rains begin. Late October/early November is known as the "Suicide Season" with temperatures often exceeding 40 degrees! The Falls are at full power during the March and April floods but the immense amount of spray obscures the view and can make you very wet! For a mild, pleasant visit - come between June & September. Crime Most of the people you meet here will be wonderful. And they are keen to promote this area to tourists - so crime levels are generally very low. But please don't tempt fate by flaunting your superior wealth. Leave your Rolex and your diamond-tiara at home - or at least stash them in your hotel safe when you go out. Remember - this is an area of extreme poverty. Zambia or Zimbabwe? Many people have asked me this - so here goes! It would be great to see Victoria Falls from BOTH sides. But these days I feel safer, more at ease and far, far more welcome in Zambia. It is difficult in the current political climate to recommend Zimbabwe as a safe travel destination. Final Word You must, must, must visit Victoria Falls! And try to see the surrounding area too. Take some local excursions - overland and on the river. The people, the culture, the scenery, the wildlife - will leave you wide eyed in wonder. And they will live in your memory forever. Victoria Falls is the greatest show on Earth! Africa is the greatest place on the planet for a vacation! |
| We strongly advise you to make use of our "Recommended Tour Operators". They are on this site at our invitation - because they are the best in the business. |
ATA - Africa Travel Association - Official website of the ATA - Easily the best Africa site on the web.
Africa Travel Magazine - Zambia - Excellent site for travel info about Zambia & Victoria Falls.
Air Highways - A great site for air travel information anywhere in the world.
Southern Africa Places - Top site for tours to Victoria Falls from South Africa.
Africa Travel Magazine - Zambia - Excellent site for travel info about Zambia & Victoria Falls.
Air Highways - A great site for air travel information anywhere in the world.
Southern Africa Places - Top site for tours to Victoria Falls from South Africa.
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