Feel the Splash as You Enjoy Mighty Victoria Falls
An unforgettable thrill
Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of the World's Seven Natural Wonders. Just viewing the great curtain of falling water offers an unforgettable thrill.
As far as spectacular views go, Victoria Falls ranks with the best. At 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) wide and 108 meters (354 feet) high, the waterfall is the largest curtain of falling water in the world.
The spray from the waterfall forms a remarkable sight. It can reach 400 meters (1,300 feet) into the air! No wonder the locals call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders).
Victoria Falls is on the Zambezi River, which marks the boundary between Zambia and Zimbabwe. In length, the Zambezi ranks fourth among Africa’s rivers. The longest rivers are the Nile, the Congo, and the Niger, in that order.
During the rainy season of April to May, when the water levels are at their highest, the Zambezi flows at an average of 1,086 cubic meters a second!
Five different falls
In reality, Victoria Falls is made up of five waterfalls. These are Main Falls, the Eastern Cataract, The Devil’s Cataract, Rainbow Falls, and Horseshoe Falls.
Apart from the Eastern Cataract in Zambia, the other four falls are in Zimbabwe. Despite this, Zambia still offers exceptional viewing experiences of the falls.
View it from both countries to enjoy the best experience of Victoria Falls. However, if time and budget don’t allow, consider the following:
• The Zimbabwe side has neatly laid out paths to the viewing points on their side.
• During the driest months of October and November, the Zambian side of the falls dries up. However, this offers visitors the chance to experience one of the most thrilling activities at Victoria Falls – swimming at the Devil’s Pool. You can lie at the pool's edge, just meters from the 103-meter chasm of the falls.
• The Main Falls on the Zimbabwean side of the falls does not dry up and can be visited throughout the year.
When to visit
You can visit the falls all year round. However, if you want clear views of the falls and a chance to take good pictures, tour from June to September.
What to do at Victoria Falls
Apart from viewing the falls, taking photos, and being wowed by the spectacle, you can do much more at Victoria Falls. Try the following:
1. Go for a walk in the national parks
Victoria Falls is home to two national parks across the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. Zimbabwe boasts Victoria Falls National Park, while Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is on the Zambian side.
A rich rainforest reserve, Victoria Falls National Park offers outstanding views of the falls. Wander through the park's footpaths to viewpoints of the Main Falls, Rainbow Falls, Horseshoe Falls, and Devil’s Cataract.
The Zambian side offers a chance to get close to the rushing water. During the wet March to May season, don’t forget your waterproof coverings, or you will be soaked thoroughly. Find a quiet spot and sit before walking across the Knife-Edge Bridge.
2. Walk along the Knife-Edge Bridge
During the wet season, the mist from the falls can reach heights of 400 meters and is visible 30 kilometers away!
Walk across the Knife-Edge Bridge on the Zambian side as you enjoy the spray. The spray hides the bottom of the gorge and some of the falls, so you will only catch glimpses of a wall of water. But the experience is exhilarating.
The gorge and falls are clear during the low water season of September to November. Walking across the river is safe; you can even walk to Livingstone Island.
3. Visit Livingstone Island
The Zambian side of Victoria Falls is almost dry during the low-water months of September to March. This allows access to Livingstone Island, located on the falls' edge.
Take a guided tour of the island, starting on the western side, overlooking the Main Falls. Here, you will get a completely different view of the falls.
You may proceed to the island's edge and the Devil’s Pool.
Please note that Livingstone Island is typically closed during the high water levels of mid-April to June.
4. Dip into the Devil’s Pool
One of the most exciting activities at Victoria Falls is taking a dip into the Devil’s Pool. You can then lie at the pool's edge and peer down into the chasm of the falls with gushes of water flowing just meters away. It’s a thrilling feeling.
You need to swim a short distance upstream to get to the pool. Don’t worry; you don’t have to be a strong swimmer to accomplish this. In addition, the area is fitted with a safety rope, so you’re pretty secure.
However, you won’t be allowed into Devil’s Pool on your own. You need to go with an organized tour group and follow your guide's instructions.
The Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pond created by years of erosion. The pool has a natural rock ridge virtually on the falls' edge. This natural barrier allows you to dip and stand in the pool without being swept down the falls.
Depending on the water levels, you can access Devil’s Pool from mid-August to the end of December. Access is most reliable in October and November.
5. Walk across Victoria Falls Bridge
Built in 1905, the magnificent Victoria Falls Bridge connects Zimbabwe and Zambia across the Zambezi River, just below the falls. The bridge stands 128 meters above the valley floor.
From the bridge, you get fantastic views of the falls on one side and the Batoka Gorge on the other.
The 250-meter-wide bridge carries a central arch that spans 156.5 meters. Wear a harness and walk under the bridge to enjoy the 360-degree views and appreciate the gorge's depth.
To add even more excitement to your experience, bungee jump from the bridge. What could be more exciting than hovering over the Zambezi with the falls behind you?
6. Take a sunset cruise down the Zambezi
End your day by enjoying a spectacular sunset as you cruise down the Zambezi River. You may see hippos, crocodiles, elephants, baboons, monkeys, and other wildlife, not to mention an array of birdlife.
You could also float down the Zambezi on a guided river tour in a two-person canoe.
7. Go white-water rafting on the Zambezi
There is no end to the thrills that Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River offer. The Zambezi below Victoria Falls is considered one of the best white-water rafting rivers in the world.
Prepare yourself for this adrenaline-packed adventure over class 4 and 5 rapids.
Check with your tour agent, as the water levels on the Zambezi vary significantly between the dry and the rainy seasons.
Some sections may not offer rafting during high water.
Bottom line
There is much more to do at Victoria Falls than the above-listed activities. You may take a helicopter trip above the falls or tour Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe’s largest national park.
You could also choose to slide along the Zambezi zip line or glide across the Zambezi at the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Victoria Falls is full of thrills at any time of the year. And whether you take it from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side, you’re sure to find enough to keep you busy, entertained, and delighted.
However, if time and budget allow, view the falls from both countries, as each country has its strong points.
About the Creator
Wanjiru Ciira
I'm a story-teller with an interest in the human condition. I write on relationships, health, aging, parenting, travel, and fiction. I've a background in journalism - feature-writing, reporting, and investigative journalism.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insight
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Keep reading
More stories from Wanjiru Ciira and writers in Earth and other communities.
Severe Cold Grips the Country as Hunza Records −21°C: Pakistan Faces a Deep Winter Freeze
A powerful cold wave has swept across Pakistan, plunging temperatures to alarming lows and turning daily life into a test of endurance for millions. The northern region of Hunza has recorded a bone-chilling −21°C, marking one of the coldest temperatures of the season and drawing national attention to the intensity of this winter. As icy winds cut through valleys and plains alike, the country is experiencing a severe cold spell that is affecting health, travel, agriculture, and energy supplies. Hunza at the Center of the Freeze Hunza, known worldwide for its breathtaking landscapes and serene beauty, has transformed into a frozen world. At −21°C, rivers partially freeze, roads become slippery, and even routine activities turn risky. Residents of the valley, though accustomed to harsh winters, describe this cold as unusually intense. Water pipelines have frozen solid, livestock require special care, and heating resources are stretched to their limits. Despite the extreme conditions, life continues. Locals rely on traditional methods of insulation, wood-burning stoves, and community cooperation to survive the cold nights. However, the severity of the temperature has raised concerns about vulnerable groups, including the elderly, children, and those living in remote areas with limited access to fuel and medical facilities. Cold Wave Spreads Across Pakistan While Hunza sits at the epicenter of the cold, the effects are being felt nationwide. Gilgit-Baltistan and parts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa are experiencing sub-zero temperatures, while major cities like Islamabad, Lahore, and Karachi are facing unusually cold mornings and dense fog. In the plains, nighttime temperatures have dropped sharply, catching many residents off guard. The Pakistan Meteorological Department has warned that the cold wave may persist, driven by continental air systems moving southward. These systems not only lower temperatures but also increase the risk of frost, fog, and icy conditions on highways, disrupting travel and trade. Impact on Daily Life and Health Severe cold brings serious health risks, particularly for those without adequate shelter or heating. Hospitals in colder regions report an increase in patients suffering from hypothermia, respiratory infections, and flu-like illnesses. Doctors advise people to stay warm, avoid unnecessary exposure to cold, and ensure proper ventilation when using indoor heaters to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. In urban areas, gas shortages and power outages have intensified the struggle. Many households face limited gas supply during peak morning and evening hours, forcing families to rely on electric heaters or alternative fuels. This increased demand places additional pressure on the national power grid, raising the risk of load shedding. Agriculture and Livelihoods Under Threat The cold wave poses a significant threat to agriculture, particularly winter crops and orchards. Frost can damage wheat fields, vegetables, and fruit trees, potentially impacting yields and farmers’ incomes. In northern areas, livestock owners are working hard to protect animals from the cold, as freezing temperatures can lead to illness and even death among cattle and sheep. Tourism, a vital source of income for regions like Hunza, has also been affected. While some tourists are drawn by the snow-covered scenery, many trips have been canceled due to dangerous road conditions and travel advisories. Local businesses, already facing economic challenges, are feeling the strain of reduced visitor numbers. Government Response and Preparedness Authorities across Pakistan have issued cold weather alerts and advisories, urging citizens to take precautionary measures. Disaster management agencies are monitoring the situation, particularly in northern and mountainous regions where access can be cut off due to snow and ice. Emergency services have been placed on high alert, and local administrations are working to ensure the availability of fuel, food supplies, and medical assistance. However, experts stress that long-term planning is essential, as extreme weather events are becoming more frequent due to climate change. Climate Change and Extreme Winters Meteorologists and climate scientists point out that while Pakistan has always experienced cold winters, the increasing intensity and unpredictability of such cold waves may be linked to broader climate patterns. Shifts in jet streams and changing atmospheric circulation can result in extreme cold spells in regions not always prepared for them. These events highlight the need for improved infrastructure, better energy management, and stronger disaster preparedness strategies to protect vulnerable populations. Resilience in the Face of the Cold Despite the freezing temperatures, stories of resilience continue to emerge. Communities in Hunza and other cold-hit areas are supporting one another, sharing firewood, food, and shelter. Volunteers and local organizations are stepping in to help those most in need, proving once again the strength of communal bonds in times of hardship. Conclusion As severe cold grips Pakistan and Hunza records a staggering −21°C, the country faces a challenging winter marked by health risks, energy shortages, and economic strain. Yet, amid the icy conditions, resilience and solidarity shine through. This cold wave serves as a reminder of nature’s power and the importance of preparedness, cooperation, and compassion in overcoming even the harshest winters.
By Fiazahmedbrohi about 18 hours ago in Earth
Comments (2)
I love this would be my dream to go there ♦️♦️♦️Isubscribedto you please add me too 🙏💙🙏
I want to go to Victoria falls! Sounds beautiful!