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See the glittering falls of Zimbabwe.
It might not be the highest or the widest waterfall globally, but Victoria Falls is undoubtedly one of Africa’s jewels.
There is truly no other experience that comes close to the emotions you will feel when you first lay your eyes on the Victoria Falls. You hear the torrential rush of water long before you see it and you see the spray which fills the sky from many kilometres away.
The falls are possibly the biggest attraction that Zimbabwe has to offer. Although this African country is full of unique sights, historical attractions and national parks, it is the Victoria Falls that has visitors flocking to Zimbabwe every year.
One of the Southern Circle guides will escort you on the 3 day Vic Falls Explorer Tour. A 7 day Victoria Falls & Chobe National Park Travel Package is also available. On this 7 day trip, you will explore the Okavango Delta too, one of Africa’s top safari destinations.
Select and book your dream Victoria Falls Safari Tours with Southern Circle today. Contact us for our latest 2019/2020 packages and prices.
For generations of explorers and modern travelers alike, Zimbabwe and the Victoria Falls, in particular, have been bucket list worthy.
They are called the largest waterfalls in the world, not because of their height or width, but because they are the world’s largest sheet of falling water. The falls are named after Queen Victoria of Great Britain, after the British explorer David Livingston became the first known European to encounter the roaring falls on the 16th of November 1855. Up to this point, the locals referred to the Victoria Falls as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” in honour of the sights and sounds that greet visitors. The local name translates into The Smoke That Thunders, a name that does it more justice and gives more of an explanation than the European name does.
One of the most amazing things about the falls is that the entire volume of water from the Zambezi River tumbles over the falls and into the gorge, far below. The falls create a natural border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, and witnessing them is the kind of spectacle no one ever forgets. You don’t even have to be on the edge or looking out from one of the many viewing platforms in order to see where the falls are. The spray can be seen for kilometres all around. Even those staying in nearby game reserves and national parks can see the dense mist rising from the gorge.
History
The History of the Victoria Falls as one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World! Guests will see and learn about so much more than the falls. The surrounding area is steeped in a rich African history, and, guests can learn all about visiting the falls. Data collected from archaeological sites show that the earliest human inhabitants lived in the area some 3 million years ago. Both stone items and artifacts from the Middle and Late Stone Age have been uncovered in the area. These Stone Age people were eventually displaced by the Khoisan, who were moving south and through this area. Later on in history, the Bantu people made their homes here. Descendants of the various tribes still live in the area to this day.
“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.” – David Livingston.
It was members of the Makololo Tribe who took David Livingston to see the falls, while he was on a mission to find the East Coast of Africa. For millennia, the falls remained unseen and unknown to anyone not living in the area. Once the falls were shown to Livingston, and were introduced to the rest of the world, the secret was out and anyone travelling to Africa wanted to see this amazing sight.
Unlike most visitors to Zimbabwe, who view the falls from the side opposite to them, Livingston first saw them from an island, which has since been named after him. Once the white settlers living further south heard about these falls, they traveled from far and wide, in ox wagons, on horseback, some even arrived on foot to see them. A new town, called Livingston, was established in Zambia and by 1901 people were settling in the Victoria Falls town.
The rest as they say, is history. The falls not only attract a wide range of tourists, but they are also responsible for generating hydroelectric power.
Things to add to your Victoria Falls Tours itinerary
The long path leading from one end to the other, drenching those walking along it, is not the only thing to do once you arrive at the falls. When planning your Victoria Falls trip, you might be interested in booking one of these action packed activities:
1. Bungee Jumping
This adrenaline fueled activity is certainly not for everyone but the 111 meter free fall from the Victoria Falls Bridge is one of the things many tourists do here. You only live once, and this bungee jump is a headlong fall into the gorge surrounding the Zambezi River below. This is one of the highest bungee jumps in the world, and it’ll certainly be something you tell your grandchildren about.
2. Bridge Swing
The idea of jumping not something you think you’d want to do? How about swinging? The Bridge Swing is similar to that of the bungee jump, but you will be doing it the right way up and you’ll probably be feeling a lot more secure. There is the option of a tandem swing, for those who feel there is safety in numbers.
3. White River Rafting
White River Rafting on the Zambezi River is another of the adrenaline inducing activities that you can look forward to. With the rushing rapids and a heart stopping 8 meter drop, this activity provides guests with a superb way to spend the day while getting up close to the surrounding nature.
4. Fly Over the Falls
You can view the falls from above, in either a microlight or a helicopter. The scene from above perfectly captures Livingston’s words “Flight of Angels” and it is by far the most unique way to see the Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe tours are incomplete when you don’t include a tour of the Victoria Falls. Contact Southern Circle today for our affordable 2019/2020 rates and prices. Book the best Victoria Falls holiday package with us and we’ll make sure you don’t miss a thing!
