Image | Pixabay
Contemplating the majesty of Victoria Falls is one of the experiences that every traveler wishes to live at least once in their life. Considered one of the 7 Wonders of the World, they are the natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia along its almost 1.700 meters, being the longest waterfall in the world.
They were discovered in 1855 by David Livingstone who called them Victoria Falls in honor of Queen Victoria of England, although the locals knew them as Mosi-oa-tunya which means smoke that thunders. Impressive, right?
Victoria Falls are located on the Zambezi River (the fourth largest in Africa) and its more than 108 meters in length can be grouped into five waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls, Devils Cataract, Main Falls and Eastern Cataract. The height of its waterfalls ranges between 70 and 550 meters high, being in the rainy season when the flow reaches XNUMX million liters per minute.
Image | Pixabay
The water levels of the Zambezi River decrease throughout the year, allowing the bravest to dive into a natural pool on the very edge of Victoria Falls and take in the beautiful scenery that surrounds them. This pool is known as Devil's Pool and is made up of a rock wall that stops the current long enough to swim but it is so shocking that not everyone dares to do it.
Victoria Falls are frontier
Like the Iguazu Falls in South America, the Victoria Falls are the natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Both have their own national park: Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe) which has its own access gate, where they each charge their entrance and need their visa. The crossing between the two countries is the Victoria Falls Bridge, from where you can enjoy spectacular views of the Victoria Falls and which is a tourist attraction in itself since it is possible to practice bungee jumping, zip line, etc.
But which side to choose to visit Victoria Falls? If possible, don't give up on either as they both have different visions to offer. However, if you have to choose, Zimbabwe has 75% of the falls and therefore has more viewpoints and a better view of them. Another option is to visit the national park of the country where you are going to be staying.
What is the best time to visit them?
To see Victoria Falls, the best time is from February to June when the water levels are high. At this time from the Zambian side the visibility is not optimal but it is worth enjoying the force of the water. On the other hand, in the dry months, October and November, the Zambian side is completely dry and to see Victoria Falls you have to be in Zimbabwe, where there is water all year round. The rest of the year the falls are at medium flow.
Image | Pixabay
And the time?
Victoria Falls are generally open from 6:00 a.m. to 18:00 p.m. The Zimbabwean side is perfect for watching the sunrise between the months of February and September. Another idea is to see them between 14:16 p.m. and XNUMX:XNUMX p.m., when the sunlight creates the beautiful rainbows that crown the landscape.
Price of admission
Entrance to the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia is priced at 17,63 euros per person. Children from 6 to 16 years old have a 50% discount and children under 6 years old are free. Regarding the Victoria Falls National Park, the entrance costs 26,45 euros. Children from 6 to 12 years old have a 50% discount and children under 6 years old also have free access.
Clothes to wear
Unless you visit Victoria Falls during the dry season, it is best to wear comfortable clothes and a raincoat to avoid getting completely soaked. Those who wish to get wet in the Devil's Pool should also wear a swimsuit and shoes that can get wet.
Image | Pixabay
Visas
Zambia visa
The price of a single entry visa to Zambia is 44 euros. This visa is needed if you are staying in Zambia and want to visit the Victoria Falls side of Zimbabwe as it is necessary to return to Zambia at the end of the activity.
Zimbabwe visa
The single entry visa to Zimbabwe costs 26,45 euros. This visa is required if you are staying in Zimbabwe and would like to see the Zambian side.
Kaza Univisa Visa
The Kaza Univisa visa is the cheapest option to visit Victoria Falls from both sides, since it allows you to visit both Zambia and Zimbabwe and even go on day trips around Botswana. It costs approximately 44 euros and is valid for one month. This type of visa is available for 40 nationalities.