8 unforgettable experiences in Victoria Falls

1. Mosi-oa-Tunya: the ‘smoke that thunders’

Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, and wow – what a wonder! Walk along the winding pathway at the top of the falls and experience the mighty Zambezi River plunging over the edge, creating the famous “smoke that thunders” – the meaning behind its local Lozi and Kololo name, Mosi-oa-Tunya.

Victoria Falls is impressive year-round. In the dry season (May to October), while the water flow is lower, you’ll get a clear view of the gorge and exposed rock face, offering a different perspective of the landscape. In the wet season (November to the end of April), the falls are at their most powerful, creating a soaking, misty experience – so don’t forget a raincoat. If you’re lucky, the sunlight hitting the mist will produce multiple rainbows. In my opinion, the best time to see the falls is at sunrise, and you’ll miss the crowds, allowing for a more intimate experience. 

2. Vulture feeding frenzy

Vultures are known as Nature’s vacuum cleaners because they pick clean carcasses of rotting meat – which they have evolved to be immune to – and keep the environment safer and more hygienic for other animals – and people, too. Spotting them in the wild has sadly become a rare sight as habitat loss, electrocution from power lines and poisoning are threats to their survival. If the sight of hundreds of vultures swooping around you sounds intriguing, head for the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, which hosts these scavengers for lunch daily at their vulture restaurant, part of the Vulture Culture Experience, which is free of charge. Enjoy this rare opportunity to see white-headed, lappet-faced and white-backed vultures in action. 

3. The Bamba Tram

Experience the magic of Victoria Falls aboard the Bamba Tram, an authentically styled 19th century tram. Choose between the Sunrise Bridge Run at 6am and the Mid-Morning Bridge Run at 8.30am. Both trips traverse the Victoria Falls National Park, and are accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. The Bamba Tram parks on the Victoria Falls bridge, where guests can disembark and enjoy the view of the swirling Batoka Gorge below the falls. Look out for intrepid kayakers and rafters in the gorge. 

 4. Helicopter flight over the Victoria Falls

The Scottish missionary David Livingstone was the first European to describe the falls, in 1855, naming them after Queen Victoria. He described the experience as “a sight so wonderful that angels must have gazed down on it in flight”. 

Now you can take your own Flight of Angels with a breathtaking helicopter ride that offers a bird’s-eye view of Victoria Falls and the gorge below, which switches back and forth. Select either a 12-minute or a 25-minute flight, during which you will sweep through the Batoka Gorge, getting low, just above the water. 

5. Victoria Falls yoga

Looking to add some movement and mindfulness to your Victoria Falls adventure? Victoria Falls Yoga offers classes set against some of the most memorable backdrops in the world. What could be more Instagrammable?

Join Kerri for a morning flow on the Zambezi River, where you will be practising on a boat as you pass hippos and elephants (if you’re lucky). Or do yoga with her on the bridge, possibly the only class in the world held on the border between two countries. Or take your practice to the top of Victoria Falls, where the mist and thunder of the cascading water create an atmosphere like no other – just be prepared to get wet. 

If it sounds just a touch too next-level, do not fear: you do not have to be a yogi to enjoy these classes; they are designed for beginners. 

6. White-water rafting 

Do you love an adrenaline rush? The white-water rafting experience starts with a steep hike down into the Batoka Gorge close to the base of the Victoria Falls, where you’ll see a new perspective of the mighty falls and impressive rock face. The day includes 19 rapids, some large and scary – “Boiling Pot”, “Oblivion” and “Commercial Suicide” are well-named, for example.

The experienced guides will assist you and give clear instructions on what to do to make it through each rapid without tumbling out. In between the rapids, take the time to breathe in the beautiful landscape and look out for (harmless) baby crocodiles, which you sometimes see in this section of the river. 

Completing the rafting leaves you feeling proud, happy and very stiff, especially after you’ve climbed out of the steep gorge at the end.

7. Dinner cruise on the Zambezi River

End your day with Wild Horizon’s dinner cruise on the Zambezi River above the Victoria Falls. As you move along the river with a cocktail in hand, look out for elephants on the banks and hippos in the water. Enjoy your three-course dinner as the sun sets over the “Mighty Zambezi” – a highlight of a visit to Victoria Falls.

8. Curio shopping

If you are looking for a gift for a loved one or memorabilia for yourself, you’ll find curios and crafts like stone sculptures, artworks and jewellery for sale wherever you go. The Victoria Falls Craft Market, the Big Tree Market and Elephants Walk shopping centre are good places for curio shopping. For a couple of dollars, you can purchase a 1 000 000 Zim Dollar note, which is sold by many vendors in town.