Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Victoria Falls! This breathtaking landmark straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Fed by the mighty Zambezi River, Victoria Falls is known for its impressive height and width, with a drop of up to 108 meters and a width of 1,708 meters. The surrounding area is a spectacular mosaic of rivers, forests, cascading rocks, and tropical foliage. In this guide, we’ll share everything you need to know about the area, including its unique history, the best activities and attractions in the area, and even where to stay when you visit. So without further ado, let’s dive into all that Victoria Falls has to offer!
Getting to Know Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a major tourist attraction located on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe in southern Africa. It is part of the Zambezi River, which is the fourth-longest river in Africa.
The population of Victoria Falls is around 34,000 people. It lies in the Central African Time Zone, which is two hours ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (GMT+2).
The official languages of Victoria Falls are English, Ndebele and Tonga. English is the most commonly spoken language while Ndebele is spoken by ethnic Ndebele people, who are a minority in the area.
The official currency of Victoria Falls is the South African Rand (ZAR). Visitors can also use the Zimbabwean Dollar (ZWD), which is still accepted in the area. The US Dollar (USD) is also accepted, but usually at a lower rate than the ZAR or ZWD.
Climate and Weather
The climate of Victoria Falls is subtropical, with hot summers and warm winters. The average temperature ranges from a warm 21-27 degrees celcius in the summer months (October-March), to 15-25 degrees celcius in the winter months (April-September). The climate is humid, with some months having sustained periods of precipitation.
Rainfall is typically consistent throughout the year, with a brief period of wetter weather in December and January. Victoria Falls experiences thunderstorms from late November to April, mostly between the hours of 3pm and 6pm. Despite the high humidity, there is low humidity in the area and in the months of January and February the climate is dryer.
The warm climate of Victoria Falls makes it a good destination to visit all year round, and is particularly popular with travelers in the months between October and March, when temperatures are at their warmest.
Touring Victoria Falls: Airport and Transportation
There are two airports in Victoria Falls:
1. Victoria Falls Airport (VFA) - the main international airport
2. Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport (LVI) - a domestic airport.
You can get from Victoria Falls Airport to downtown Victoria Falls by shuttle or taxi. The price depends on the distance, but it is typically around ZMW 300-400 (Zimbabwean Dollars).
You can also change money at the Victoria Falls International Airport. The Airport's XE Currency Centre offers both foreign exchange services and ATMs.
Exploring the Rich History and Culture of Victoria Falls
- Victoria Falls is the world's largest waterfall, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia in Africa
- The region surrounding Victoria Falls is filled with rich tribal history and culture, with the Tonga and Nhanwe people who have been living in the area for centuries
- The traditional naming of the falls as Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “the smoke that thunders”, emphasizes the incredible force of the falls and the spiritual power it holds in the eyes of the local people
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