Victoria Falls Safaris & Tours

Victoria Falls lies at the heart of Sub-Saharan Africa, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The Zambezi River spills over the falls' rocky edge to the depths below. The surrounding wilderness areas are teeming with wildlife, making the falls a unique safari destination. Cruises and boat rides on the river are a great way to see the extent of the place, and spot waterbirds, elephants, and other animals as they drink or bathe in the Zambezi's cool waters.

The nearby Matetsi Wilderness Area on the Zimbabwean side, comprising several game reserves and lodges, is where many of the daily game drives, Big Five sightings, and walking safaris take place. An early morning drive might reveal the hunters of the night before, lions, leopards, or even wild dogs, lounging around, digesting their meal, or the slow appearance of great swarms of vultures encircling the kill as the sun begins to rise. Mornings can be cold in winter, but frost is unheard of here, and the weather is generally pleasant and warm for most of the year. The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, translated as "Smoke that Thunders" National Park, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site on the Zambian side of the Falls, around sixty-six square kilometers in size. The National Park protects sections of Rainforest on the river's northern banks and several animal and bird species, from white rhinos to elephants and Angolan giraffes. Livingstone Island, one of two islands in the middle of the river just downstream from the falls, is also in the park and an excellent spot to visit. Here, David Livingstone himself stood and gazed at the beauty of the falls and felt the water spray on his face over 150 years ago.

Downstream from the falls, there are many rocky cliffs where all sorts of adventure sport await. Ziplining is one of the favorites, with beautiful views of the river's waters flowing below and the African sun on the horizon. Another thrilling sport to consider here is white-water rafting, an unforgettable experience for the adventurous, and the Zambezi River is certainly one of the best places in the world for it. The channels and gorges downstream from the falls, cut by millions of years of powerful river currents gushing over the rock and earth in its path, are deep, with huge volumes of water flowing through them every second, making the route genuinely exhilarating. For those looking to enjoy a more relaxed activity, sunset cruises on the Zambezi or sundowners overlooking the Falls and many gorges are bliss. People from this part of the world are amiable, and a cocktail is best served with a smile.