Victoria Falls Tours
Zimbabwe lies on the western bank of the Zambezi and features 4
of the 5 waterfalls - Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls
and Horseshoe Falls. The Eastern Cataract flows on the Zambian
shoreline. (Whilst you're doing some research from home find
out more about why Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural
wonders of the world.)
You have 3 options to get a great perspective of this amazing
spectacle:
- Take a stroll through the rainforest in
Zimbabwe where you'll find 16 different viewpoints
of the Falls. This 1,5 km walk will take you about 2 hours and is
best done early morning or later afternoon. Raincoats will be
handed out for use free of charge. There's an interesting visitor
centre and a tea room at the entrance. The car park features a
little open-air market. ($20 Guided Tour
plus Park fees $30)
- The smaller rainforest in Zambia offers access
to the "Knife's Edge" with an excellent view of the Eastern
Cataract, the chasm and the Rainbow Falls. This section of the
falls is at its best in the late afternoon. ($44 Guided Tour plus Park fees $20)
- The aerial options by helicopter or microlight offer an amazing bird's-eye view
of Victoria Falls.
Lunar Rainbows over Victoria Falls
A lunar rainbow (moonbow, white rainbow, lunar bow, or space
rainbow) appears when light is reflected off the surface of the
moon instead of sunlight.
Vic Falls is one of a few places on earth where you can witness
this phenomenon. Conditions are best when spray is at
peak during high water from January to July with the latter few
months ideal as they guarantee clear skies. For a unique
experience, head to either the Zimbabwean or the
Zambian rainforest during full moon. During this time, the parks
are opened for 3 nights.
The best viewing spot is in Zambia from the Eastern Cataract
after sunset with the moon rising in the east and the moonbow
forming over Rainbow Falls. The Zimbabwean rainforest offers
several good viewpoints - Devil's Cataract between 7 and 10 pm and
the Main Falls from midnight to dawn. You'll need a tripod
and warm clothing. Raincoats are available on entry. ($27 plus Park fees $40)
Livingstone Island - access from Zambia only
On Livingstone Island, David Livingstone first saw the chasm
below Victoria Falls on 16 November 1855. This amazing view
inspired his well-known diary entry: "scenes so lovely must have
been gazed upon by angels in their flight."
Between mid July and January, you can retrace Livingstone's
canoe route and rediscover Livingstone Island on any of the daily
2-hour trips made from the Zambian shoreline by twin engine boat,
price from $100 (breakfast, lunch and
high tea options)
Devil's Pool is a natural rock pool adjacent to Livingstone
Island. Between September and January, when the water levels
are low, you can swim right to the edge of Victoria Falls. It is
undoubtedly the wildest infinity pool on the planet. You'll even
get a chance to sit in the 'Angel's Armchair', a recess on the very
edge of the falls.
Crocodile Ranch, Zimbabwe
The Sanctuary and Ranch will give you a unique insight into the
Nile crocodile's life. During hatching season, you can even get up
close and personal and touch baby crocodiles. Various
crocodile by-products are on display and for sale as gifts and
souvenirs at the Ranch Gift Shop.
Steam Train Tours - Zimbabwe and Zambia
This tour will take you back to the romance of the steam era in
Victoria Falls and Livingstone. Take a trip on a 1954-vintage steam
train with an authentic 14a Class Garrett steam locomotive.
Enjoy the lap of luxury with beautifully restored
first class coaches, lounges and dining cars.
The "Bridge Run" operates from the Victoria Falls Station
(Zimbabwe) and includes sundowners on the Victoria Falls Bridge.
This experience takes 2 hours at sunset ($125)
The "Moonlight Dinner Run" continues from Victoria Falls Bridge
into the Zambezi National Park. The five course dinner service ends
at 9pm. (price on request) Advance
booking essential, available subject to demand only.
In Zambia the "Royal Livingstone Steam Train Dinner" runs daily
from the Old Mulobezi Railway Offices ('Kilometre 0' of the
Mulobezi Line) into Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Service starts at
5pm and ends at 9pm. A five-course dinner will be served.
(Price on request)
The Bridge Tour, Zimbabwe and Zambia
The Bridge Tour is a wonderful experience for all ages
taking visitors on an adventurous exploration of history. The tour
includes an entertaining theatrical presentation on the history of
the Bridge and the men who built it. Visitors over 10 years
of age who don't have a fear of heights will have the rare
opportunity to walk along the catwalks used during the 1904
construction. $65.
The Boma at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe
This isn't just another ethnic restaurant but rather a unique
cultural experience. Sample some outstanding traditional
Zimbabwean cuisine while being entertained by traditional dancers
as well as a Sangoma (story teller). The local witchdoctor is also
available to throw the bones and tell your fortune. ($65) including transfers.
Chinotimba Township Tour, Zimbabwe
Observe township life from the oldest houses to the
taverns, the local market and churches. This daily
tour will give you a glimpse into the life of the locals.
Chinotimba township has a population of around 60 000 inhabitants,
the majority of whom are Nambya and Tonga people - the original
people of the Victoria Falls area. (The word Chinotimba itself
describes the roar of the water from the falls in the local Nambya
language. ($33.50)
High Tea at Victoria Falls Hotel
Get a taste of colonial life at the Victoria Falls Hotel, an
establishment that epitomizes the romance of grand travel. The
hotel's traditional high tea is served on the Stanley terrace,
offering a spectacular view of the Victoria Falls Bridge and the
start of the Batoka gorge.
Cycling Tours - Zimbabwe
Two group tours run from the Victoria Falls Hotel daily. (Price on request)
- The Sunrise Cycle departs at 7am (summer) and 7:30am (winter),
returning at around 9:30am for a well-deserved breakfast
overlooking the Falls.
- The Sunset Cycle departs at 4pm (summer) and 3:30pm (winter),
returning at around 6pm as the sun sinks below the horizon.
(High tea is an optional extra.)
"Mists of Time"
Join our history guide for a riveting presentation on Victoria
Falls and its place in Africa's history. He'll vividly describe the
colourful characters that were part of the town's development, from
the earliest residents to the first European visitors of the
Victoria Falls Hotel. This is a fascinating slice of Africa's story
that'll leave you with a deeper understanding of the continent's
past, present and future. (Price on
request)
Village Tours from Livingstone
Immerse yourself into the local culture and seize the
opportunity to experience rural African life first hand. You
can visit local homes, farms and fields and meet some of the locals
as they go about daily life. (From $50)
- Mukuni Village is home to around 5000 Leya people. They'll be
happy to share their interesting culture with you and show you
around the village homes and Chief Mukuni's Palace. Don't miss the
food and local beer.
- Simonga Village is home to approximately 3000 inhabitants from
Lozi and Tonga tribes. It is one of the few Zambian villages ruled
by a Headwoman. Inonge Imusho Samachila was chosen by the local
Royal Family to rule in 1970.
Traditional Markets - Zambia
Maramba Market is a large and colourful market that offers
everything from fresh home-grown produce, to second-hand clothing,
traditional African clothes, hand-made pots and pans, live
chickens, wire toys, dried beans and hand-crafted furniture.
Freshly roasted peanuts are standard fare. (From $50)
The Dambwa market will give you a glimpse into the way local
people buy and sell goods such as traditional foods, basic
housewares, fabrics and livestock.
David Livingstone Museum - Zambia
The Livingstone Museum is one of a kind in this area. It
contains the most comprehensive memorabilia of Dr. David
Livingstone and showcases authentic maps and diaries. It covers the
history of the region from the formation right up to the present
day. The museum also features Anthropological, Natural History and
African Culture sections. (From $50)
Livingstone Town Tour - Zambia
Learn everything there is to know about Livingstone. Did you
know Livingstone was moved from its original site at the Old Drift
in 1905 as a result of malarial outbreaks to its healthier location
on Constitution Hill? On this tour, you'll see some of the original
architecture of this carefully planned town with its wide
tree-lined streets. You'll visit the Livingstone Museum and the
bustling, colourful Maramba Market. You'll stop by the Salaula
market with its large displays of second-hand clothes, an absolute
favourite of the locals. (Price on
request)
