Victoria Falls known as the “Smoke that thunders” in the local Tonga language, is the largest single curtain of falling water in the world. The town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is situated less than one kilometre away from the Falls, surrounded by National Parks and wildlife areas. This is what makes it such a unique and wonderful place, man and animal do co-exist here. The town itself is expertly set up for tourism, and there are a huge number of activities to choose from.
With so much to see and do, the experts at Bench have compiled a list of our Top 5 Victoria Falls sightseeing tours to help you make the most of your stay!
Scenic Helicopter Flight
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle are said to have experienced this on their recent trip to Africa. A helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls offers an entirely new perspective on a truly special sight. It is only from the air that the scale and majesty of the zig zagging gorge carved by the progression of the Waterfall over millennia are apparent.
The flight over the waterfall is nicknamed ‘The Flight of Angels’- a phrase taken from what David Livingstone said upon seeing the Falls “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels in Their Flight”.
As you take off you first follow the incredibly wide lazy path of the upper Zambezi- an entirely different character than when it spills over the waterfall’s chasm and crashes through the narrow gorge. Then you encounter the majestic spectacle of the Victoria Falls- the entire width apparent as you fly lazy figure eights giving everyone a chance to view the Falls and capture the rising spray and plumes of falling water. It truly is something that gives a sense of awe- and in the helicopter you glide in such a smooth way that it’s easy to forget what is propelling you. It truly feels like a magic carpet ride.
Tour of Victoria Falls
Enjoy a tour of the Falls: One of the seven natural Wonders of the World the Victoria Falls is a truly spectacular sight. A natural phenomenon , the Victoria Falls is an immense curtain of water cascading over 100m. Around 550 million litres flow over the edge every minute, at peak flow this increases to 750 million litres.
En route, go past the ‘Big Tree’, an impressive baobab, where you can stop and take photos. Accompanied through the Rainforest by a qualified guide who will give a brief history of the Falls as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. The Victoria Falls, now in its 150 Millionth year, reaches its Zenith in about May each year. It’s a truly awe-inspiring experience. The sight, the sound, the smell; the humbling feeling that here indeed is Nature’s Supreme Masterpiece. No photograph can begin to depict the reality… and nothing prepares you for your first sight.
Sundowner Cruise
Late in the afternoon you will be collected and transferred to the Zambezi River for a Sunset cruise with sundowner drinks and snacks, before returning to the lodge for dinner.
Lush riverine vegetation, prolific birdlife and abundant game, I would highly recommend this activity! You will see plenty of crocodiles and hippos and the birdlife is spectacular. Often elephants are seen crossing the river to get to the lush vegetation on the island of the Zambezi River. As you look downstream you can normally see the spray from the mighty Victoria Falls rising high into the sky and you imagine to yourself, that this must have been the same view that David Livingstone had, as he approached the Falls for the very first time.
Full Day Chobe Excursion
Chobe National Park is approximately two hours from Livingstone. Your adventure begins with the transfer which crosses the Zambezi River, by road. Your safari begins with a river game viewing cruise on the Chobe River with refreshments while the boat takes you up close to the wildlife and waterfowl along the river. The cruise ends at around 12h30 when you are taken to one of the riverbank hotels for lunch. After lunch, spend the afternoon on 4x4 safari vehicles game viewing in Chobe National Park, an opportunity to see the abundance and variety of wildlife that Chobe is renowned for. Return to your hotel via the border post.
Boma Dinner
This is not just another ethnic restaurant, but a unique cultural experience. Excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes, is accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional dancers, the Sangoma (story teller) and a local fortune teller who is available for fortune telling.
The Boma is open for dinner from 7.00pm until late 365 days of the year.
The Boma nestles in a Gusu Forest and is partly open to the spectacular African night skies. A feast of nightly entertainment incorporates Shangaan dancers and singers and a local fortune teller. Guests are welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona and Ndebele, the local languages. They are invited to take part in a hand washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer and snacks, as a prelude to dinner.
After dinner, guests are invited to wile away the evening with the restaurant’s very own Sangoma – a traditional storyteller to learn more about the country’s folklore, culture, and heritage.
Lastly, your activities may be affected by the time of year so here is our month to month expert guide to Victoria Falls. When is the best time to visit Victoria Falls?
For more information on any of these tours or to book a holiday in Zimbabwe, please contact our Africa experts.
