Victoria Falls

Lonely Planet Travel Editor Tom Hall is on a mission to discover 52 of the most awe-inspiring places to visit across the world. This week he delights in the Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls

David Livingstone wrote, upon first seeing Victoria Falls in 1855, that he’d witnessed ‘scenes so lovely they must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’. His words still ring true today.

In a continent that specialises in the dramatic and wild, few sights surpass Victoria Falls. Known for centuries as Mosi-Oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders) in local dialect, the Falls rank as one of the world’s greatest natural wonders. Today Victoria Falls are a magnet for visitors from around the world.

The Falls form part of the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and while the Zambian side takes the lion’s share of the visitors, the views are different – and you get more of a general appreciation – if you see both sides.

Best place to see Victoria Falls

Both the gateway towns of Livingstone in Zambia and Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe are also centres for rafting, bungee jumping and abseiling. Though the waters may be a little strong to allow an expedition to the Devil’s Pool – a natural swimming spot right at the edge of the falls April is still the best time to see the waters in peak flow.

Planning your trip to Zambia or Zimbabwe

Both Zambia Tourism and Zimbabwe Tourism websites have detailed information on Victoria Falls.

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