Victoria Falls - the Zim side
The mighty Zambezi River is born as small streams in the highlands of Zambia and Angola. By the time it plunges over the Victoria Falls it has swollen to form the largest sheet of falling water on the planet.
David Livingstone was the first European to set eyes on the falls, on the 17th November 1855. Astounded by what he saw he wrote: ‘No one can imagine the beauty of the view from anything witnessed in England. It had never been seen before by European eyes; but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.’ True to the form of Victorian explorers, Livingstone named the falls after his queen.
It did not take long for others to become entranced by this natural wonder. Cecil John Rhodes quickly chose the falls as a key point in his vision of a railway running from the Cape to Cairo. Drawing on the drama of the falls, his vision was that spray would shoot along the gorge and dash the windows of the carriages as the train crossed the bridge, thrilling the occupants. Thrills on the bridge and on the Zambezi itself are certainly on the extreme side: white-water rafting, bungy jumping and ‘gorge swings’ are some of the activities on offer. A memorable experience is to take a helicopter flight over the falls, really giving visitors a unique perspective of the extraordinary geology below. In our opinion, just soaking up the atmosphere and drama of this magical spectacle up close can be a life changing experience.
A visit to the falls is a totally different experience at certain times of year. When the flood waters begin to flow through the river system the Zambezi swells ten times in volume. This ‘wet’ season, from February through to June, with a peak in late April and early May, is an incredibly dramatic time to visit. The cold morning temperatures react with the warm river water to create a tower of spray that can rise to over 400 metres and be visible from over 50 miles away. This combined with the roar of the water provides clear explanation for the local name for the falls: Mosi-oa-Tunya, the Smoke that Thunders. Up close views of the falls result in a soaking: spray comes up from the floor of the gorge, straight across from the lip and hangs in swirling squalls of wind and warm rain in the air all around. Views of the floor of the gorge are obscured but the power can be felt vibrating through your feet. During the dry or low-water season the experience is altogether different. The actual lip of the falls can be explored from the Zambian bank, it’s even possible to jump into an eddy known as the ‘Devil’s Pool’ and rest your arms on the lip itself! From Zimbabwe, the National Park paths take you right along the facing bank of the gorge enabling a stunning panoramic view of the full breadth.
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Matetsi Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Close to the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and located right on the banks of the Zambezi river, the exclusive Matetsi Victoria Falls gives a refined touch to the modern safari experience, and is home to a fantastic array of wildlife.
Wildlife Adventure Fishing
Ilala Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Ilala Lodge is a perfect base from which to explore the Victoria Falls. The hotel is classically elegant, set in beautiful grounds and is close to the Falls as well as the buzz of Victoria Falls Town. There are 56 rooms across the hotel.
Adventure Culture
528 Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
528 Reynard is a beautiful new boutique hotel in Victoria Falls town, Zimbabwe. Situated just 3 kilometres from the Victoria Falls, this small and stylish owner run property is the perfect retreat from the bustling town.
Batonka Guest Lodge
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
Set on the Zimbabwean side of the Victoria Falls, Batonka Guest Lodge is a modern, colonial-style boutique retreat, set amongst beautifully landscaped gardens on the edge of Victoria Falls Town.
Old Drift Lodge
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
The Old Drift lodge is an intimate property of only 14 suites and is in a fantastic location based on the edge of the mighty Zambezi and nestled within the Zambezi National Park, just upstream from the raging Victoria Falls.
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel is a tranquil retreat based only a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls. With only 16 suites, this intimate hotel is the perfect base to tour the region, and a fantastic option for families
The Palm River Hotel
Victoria Falls - the Zim side, Zimbabwe
Just a short distance from one of the world’s most magnificent waterfalls, the handsome Palm River Hotel enjoys a privileged setting on the banks of the Zambezi River close to Victoria Falls, making it a chic and comfortable base for intrepid explorers.
Adventure Couples Wildlife
Victoria Falls Hotel
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Fondly known as the 'Grand Old Lady of the Falls', the Victoria Falls Hotel was established in 1904 welcoming visitors from throughout colonial Africa and beyond. A wonderfully atmospheric hotel in a fantastic location, ten minutes walk from the falls.
Short Break
Victoria Falls River Lodge
Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Victoria Falls River Lodge is a private game lodge set in Zimbabwe's Zambezi National Park, just minutes from the magnificent Victoria Falls. It is close enough to see and hear 'the smoke that thunders' from your private viewing deck.
Adventure Couples Wildlife
1 - 9 of 9 Hotels
Why Scott Dunn for Victoria Falls - the Zim side Holidays?
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