Victoria Falls - the Zim side
The mighty Zambezi River is born as small streams in the highlands of Zambia and Angola. By the time it plunges over the Victoria Falls it has swollen to form the largest sheet of falling water on the planet.
David Livingstone was the first European to set eyes on the falls, on the 17th November 1855. Astounded by what he saw he wrote: ‘No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.’ True to the form of Victorian explorers, Livingstone named the falls after his queen.
It did not take long for others to become entranced by this natural wonder. Cecil John Rhodes quickly chose the falls as a key point in his vision of a railway running from the Cape to Cairo. Drawing on the drama of the falls, his vision was that spray would shoot along the gorge and dash the windows of the carriages as the train crossed the bridge, thrilling the occupants. Thrills on the bridge and on the Zambezi itself are certainly on the extreme side: white-water rafting, bungy jumping and ‘gorge swings’ are some of the activities on offer. A memorable experience is to take a helicopter flight over the falls, really giving visitors a unique perspective of the extraordinary geology below. In our opinion, just soaking up the atmosphere and drama of this magical spectacle up close can be a life changing experience.
A visit to the falls is a totally different experience at certain times of year. When the flood waters begin to flow through the river system the Zambezi swells ten times in volume. This ‘wet’ season, from February through to June, with a peak in late April and early May, is an incredibly dramatic time to visit. The cold morning temperatures react with the warm river water to create a tower of spray that can rise to over 400 metres and be visible from over 50 miles away. This combined with the roar of the water provides clear explanation for the local name for the falls: Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders. Up close views of the falls result in a soaking: spray comes up from the floor of the gorge, straight across from the lip and hangs in swirling squalls of wind and warm rain in the air all around. Views of the floor of the gorge are obscured but the power can be felt vibrating through your feet. During the dry or low-water season the experience is altogether different. The actual lip of the falls can be explored from the Zambian bank, it’s even possible to jump into an eddy known as the ‘Devil’s Pool’ and rest your arms on the lip itself! From Zimbabwe, the National Park paths take you right along the facing bank of the gorge enabling a stunning panoramic view of the full breadth.
Tongabezi
Livingstone, Zambia
Tongabezi is a stunningly stylish and luxurious lodge, with individually and stylishly designed Houses and Cottages situated on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and just 11 miles upstream of the falls themselves.
Mukwa River Lodge
Victoria Falls - the Zambia side, Zambia
Indulge in the natural beauty, luxury accommodation, and superb cuisine at this chic bush retreat on the banks of the Zambezi River, enjoying magnificent views, a range of safari activities and the chance to experience the mighty Victoria Falls.
Royal Chundu River Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Royal Chundu is set on the bank of the mighty Zambezi River, 30km upstream from the Victoria Falls. This Relais&Chateau lodge offers luxurious riverfront suites with private decks, a large swimming pool and a tranquil setting.
Sindabezi Island
Livingstone, Zambia
Sindabezi is a private island paradise nestled in the waters of the Zambezi River, upstream from the Victoria Falls. It is a luxurious bush camp on its own little island, with superb views over the surrounding river and plenty of activities on offer!
The Royal Livingstone Resort
Livingstone, Zambia
The Royal Livingstone is a luxurious hotel situated on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. The hotel stretches along the banks of the Zambezi River and is just a short walk to the entrance of The Victoria Falls.
Thorntree River Lodge
Victoria Falls - Livingtone, Zambia
Located on the edge of Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, Thorntree River Lodge boasts luxurious accommodation on the banks of the Zambezi River, just a short distance from the magnificent Victoria Falls.
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zambia
Waterberry Zambezi Lodge is a charming lodge set in tranquil gardens on the banks of the Zambezi River, just 30 minutes from Victoria Falls. The seven thatched cottages are dotted around the grounds and the lodge is a perfect way to start or end a safari.
Ultimate Zambia
Victoria Falls, Lower Zambezi, South Luangwa and Lake Malawi
Let us take you on an extraordinary journey through Zambia, starting with the mighty Victoria Falls before an exclusive wildlife experience in the Lower Zambezi, with a final safari stop in the enchanting Luangwa Valley. We’ll top your adventure off with a private beach retreat in Lake Malawi. We’ve hand selected some of the most highly regarded...
GBP £13,600 pp
Limitless Zambia
Victoria Falls, Liuwa Plain National Park, Kafue National Park
Soak up the unique beauty of Zambia as you take the road less travelled to the majestic Zambezi River and Kafue National Park. Journey by road and helicopter as you experience two of the most exclusive game safaris in these gorgeous wilderness settings. You will be amazed by the wide-open plains, captivating wildlife and the mesmerising river as...