5 Reasons why Victoria Falls should be on your Travel Bucketlist [Guide]

You don’t need many reasons to visit the Victoria Falls. This majestic waterfall on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe is rightly named the ‘smoke that thunders’ and deserves to be on everyone’s travel buckelist.

Here are our top five reasons to visit the great Victoria Falls:

1. It’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World

The Seven Natural Wonders of the World have been singled out in an effort to acknowledge and appreciate their unique natural beauty and the great phenomenon of their existence. The Victoria Falls joins the Great Barrier Reef, the Grand Canyon and Mount Everest to name a few. Each of the seven listed have one thing in common, they are all unbelievable natural attractions unique to a specific area of the world. The majestic Victoria Falls is certainly a treat to the senses and an extraordinary encounter you shouldn’t miss while touring Africa.

We at African Overland Tours are passionate about exploring and couldn’t think of a better experience than ticking off one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World! Join us on our Victoria Falls adventure tour.

2. It’s famous for being the largest waterfall in the world

Interestingly, even though the Victoria Falls is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, it’s the largest waterfall on earth. This is because it’s the largest sheet of falling water dropping a staggering 108 metres into the Zambezi Gorge and stretching over 1708 meters. When compared to the Niagara Falls, the Victoria Falls is nearly double the height and half a kilometre wider. This is just one of the many reasons why the Victoria Falls is a sight and experience unlike any other – in fact, the numbers prove it!

3. Experience once in a lifetime water-based activities

You could be thinking the Victoria Falls is the only great attraction to be found in the Victoria Falls National Park, but you would be wrong. It’s the ideal locale for adrenaline junkies and those looking for the ultimate ‘off the beaten track’ adventure! Within the Victoria Falls National Park, you are spoilt for choice with the many incredible water and land based activities. The best and most popular water activities include: White river-rafting through some of the craziest rapids in the world There aren’t many places in the world to go white river-rafting and certainly few places with rapids as lively and exciting as the Zambezi River.

4. Experience extraordinary land based activities in Victoria Falls National Park

Bungee Jumping: Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge is a bucket list activity for many adrenaline seekers. The bridge is one of the highest in the world reaching 111m high. The gorgeous waters of the Zambezi River rush below while the rain forest enclose the region. It is certainly one of the most beautiful places in the world to bungee jump!

Abseiling: Another adventurous activity to enjoy in the Victoria Falls National Park is Abseiling. You have the rare opportunity of abseiling 53 metres down Batoka Gorge. You’ll enjoy unparalleled views of the Eastern Cataract of the falls as well as Victoria Falls bridge and the vicious rapids of the Zambezi below.

Zipline Gorge swing: Ziplining is so much fun and caters to all ages and preferences. It offers yet another fantastic perspective of the park. The zipline tour takes you across the gorge and promises to offer views of the falls, the rainforests and the Zambezi river.

5. Swim in the Devil’s Pool

The very water that makes up the falls For the daring, there is arguably nothing more extraordinary than swimming in the famous Devil’s Pool. The pool is at the top of the falls, on the water’s edge as it cascades to the depths below. This is the most exciting way to experience the falls and possibly the most intimate too. You’ll be able to see the largest sheet of falling water gush over the edge of the pool and plummet into the gorge below.

The pool is on the Zambian side and requires that you to take a short swim in the Zambezi River. It’s best if you are able to swim though you don’t have to be a very strong swimmer. The excursion to Devil’s Pool includes a guide and forms part of a Livingstone Island tour. However bear in mind that a visit to the pool is not possible during the wet season of Feb to June due to the higher water levels so plan your tour between August and January if this is on your bucket list.