Things to see and do West

The highest point of all the falls. You can often see rainbows. Spectacular. 

All east of falls, facing the Rainbow Falls, is Danger Point. From this end, it is possible to observe the waters throughout the gorge. Careful, as its name indicates, you must be careful because no barrier or vegetation borders the cliff, we are literally above the void. The point is dangerous, vertiginous, but sensational.

These are the main falls. Certainly the most impressive panorama. An immense curtain with a throughput of almost one million m ³ per minute. The volume of water is so huge that the water turns immediately into smoke on the whole waterfall.

These falls are not very large or very high, but their flow rate is very powerful. The name comes from the neighbouring island of Zambezi, where the natives performed all kinds of rites and sacrifices, considered by missionaries to be "diabolical".

Along the Zambezi River path near the falls is one of the largest baobabs in Zimbabwe. It is 22 meters thick and rises to a height of 24 meters. Recently some scientists have estimated that this one is actually three trees connected to each other and therefore much younger than the 2,000 years it is given. Whatever the case, this baobab is impressive and well worth a visit on foot. The Zambezi Drive along the river leads directly to it from the parking lot of the falls.

Ideally located in downtown Victoria Falls, this office is worth a visit before exploring the Falls from both sides, Zambia and Zimbabwe. The welcome is very warm, the brochures and maps in English are very detailed, you will find a list of all hotels, restaurants and tour agencies. You will find a list of all hotels, restaurants and tour agencies. They will give you enlightening advice, especially when it comes to organizing your days according to the activities you want to do. Plan several days on site if you don't want to just visit the falls.

These falls have the form of a horseshoe, hence their name. They have a smaller volume of water than others, and it is the first to dry up in October-November.

These are the second highest falls, well visible from the Zambian shore. Côté Zimbabwe, you will have a breathtaking view of them since Danger Point.

The park is easily accessible. From downtown, head towards Zambia. The entrance is on the left a few hundred meters from the border crossing. The park remains open from sunrise to sunset and exceptionally on full moon nights, to allow visitors to come and contemplate the lunar rainbow: like a strange and fascinating ghost. We insist: it is highly recommended to protect your equipment and anything that could be affected by water (passports, money, driver's license...) with waterproof bags because the rain is permanent along the falls. It is possible to contemplate the falls on the Zambian side: you will have to cross the iron bridge linking the two countries. Only the Eastern Cataracts are visible (which is very limited compared to what you can see on the Zimbabwean side). There are several viewpoints that offer great views of the waterfalls and the rainforest below.

It takes about two hours to walk along the giant rift, in a lush jungle, and take time to admire the beauty of the place. While going along the falls, we have fun to come on the promontories to contemplate the various cataracts of the fault. Between the sprays, big rainbows come to life and seen from the sky, the show is complete. When you look at the falls from the park, whether it is during the flood season or the dry season, you can see that they give off an impressive flow that constantly drenches you. It is not every day that you will feel the rain under an azure blue sky! The curtain of sprays is more impressive seen of face, side Zimbabwe. We usually visit the falls following this established circuit (from west to east). After the entrance, turn left to reach the Livingstone statue; the path follows the falls from here.

The path follows the falls from here on, taking in different parts of the falls: Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horse Shoe Falls, Rainbaw Falls, Danger Point and Eastern Cataract:

Devil's Cataract: these falls are not very big nor very high (30 m wide and 70 m high), but their flow is very powerful. The name comes from the neighboring island of the Zambezi where the natives performed all sorts of rites and sacrifices, considered by the missionaries as "diabolic";

Main Falls: these are the main falls (1 km wide and 93 m high). Certainly the most impressive panorama. A huge curtain with a flow of nearly one million cubic meters per minute. The volume of water is so colossal that the water immediately turns into a steaming mist over the entire waterfall;

Horse Shoe Falls (95 m high): these falls are shaped like a horseshoe, hence their name. They have a smaller volume of water than the others, and are the first to dry up in October-November;

Rainbow Falls : the highest point of all the falls (108 m). Rainbows can be seen there frequently. Spectacular.

Danger Point : from this point, facing Rainbow Falls, it is possible to observe the water all along the gorge. Attention, as its name indicates it, it is necessary to be careful because no barrier nor vegetation border the cliff, one is literally above the void. The point is dangerous, dizzy, but sensational.

Eastern Cataract: these are the second highest falls (101 m), well visible from the Zambian side. On the Zimbabwean side, you will have an unobstructed view on them from Danger Point.

Before returning to the exit, you can make a detour to admire the Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi.

Before returning to the entrance, you can take a short detour to the viewpoint of the Victoria Falls Bridge.

Whatever the season, the falls are beautiful, but their flow varies from season to season, offering different sensations and views:

- February to July (with a peak in March and April). This period of high water corresponds to the end of the rainy season; the falls reach their strongest flow and offer an impressive spectacle: a curtain of white foam bubbles without interruption on 1 700 m and the foam is such as the sight is blurred. In a few minutes, one finds oneself soaked, refreshed by millions of hot droplets and as if caught in a deafening din;

- from July to August. The flow of the falls remains impressive but tends to diminish gradually with the dry weather. The gorge becomes more distinct and it is much easier to take nice pictures;
- August to January. Low water period, when the water tends to become more and more scarce; the curtain separates into some no less impressive waterfalls. Devil's Cataract and Main Falls continue to flow, but the eastern part of the fault is only watered by a few thin streams of water (when it is not completely dry!). The fault is clearly visible and no more drops come to refresh the walkers. The lowest level is between November and December;
- from January to February. The falls gradually fill up with the thunderstorms at the end of the day. The flow becomes more impressive, but the gorge remains visible. The atmosphere is hot and stifling, and the water splashes are a real delight!

Inaugurated in 1983, this life-size museum reconstitutes the traditional way of life of the different ethnic groups of the country by presenting their habitat and objects of the daily life (tools, musical instruments...). Except for group visits, the place seems hopelessly empty, except for the chickens and goats in their pen. The folk music and dances are very successful, with beautiful costumes and masks that allow to appreciate, to the vibrant sound of drums, some of the most mysterious rites and customs of the region.

6 Km above the falls a park stretches from 56 000 ha, shared between forest and raised or shrubby savannah. Bordering the Zambeze river on 40 km, this protected area attracts a multitude of wild animals and is a pleasant place for safari for all travelers come to spend a few days to Victoria Falls. The park is well appointed and has easily accessible paths along the river, as well as many sites of picnic with lovely views of the islands zambéziennes. Especially famous for its black herds of hippotragues, the park also elephants, buffalos, zebras, giraffes, baboons, grivets, koudou, impala, kobs with croissant and some cats.

The park is a very easy access: once you get to Victoria Falls, take Park Way towards Natural Zambeze Sanctuary; the entrance to the national park is a few hundred metres away. If you do not have a car, the branches of the city can arrange a 4x4 safari, on foot or riding hikes. Those who wish to camp in the park will have to book their place downtown near the Office of the national parks.