Let’s enjoy the World Heritage Site Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe!

The World Heritage Site “Victoria Falls,” located on the border between the Republic of Zambia and the Republic of Zimbabwe, is one of the world’s three great waterfalls, alongside North America’s “Niagara Falls” and South America’s “Iguazu Falls.”
In Zambia, it is called “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” meaning “the smoke that thunders,” and it is the country’s only World Heritage Site.

During the rainy season, when as much as 500 million liters of water cascade down each minute, columns of spray rise vertically as high as 800 to 1,000 meters, visible even from several kilometers away. Wouldn’t you like to see such a breathtaking spectacle up close?
Now, let’s introduce the World Heritage Site “Victoria Falls” of Zambia and Zimbabwe.

What is Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls?

Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls was inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1989. This massive waterfall, located on the middle reaches of the Zambezi River—the largest in Southern Africa—straddles the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is 1,708 meters wide, with a maximum drop of 108 meters, and at peak flow, it carries an astonishing 500 million liters of water per minute.

In fact, the sheer volume of water has been gradually eroding the surrounding land, causing the waterfall’s position to shift over time. The World Heritage Site “Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls” was first “discovered” in 1855 by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone. Livingstone, who traversed the African continent while working toward the abolition of slavery, was both an explorer and a missionary.

As the first European to visit the site, he was captivated by its grand scale and beauty, and named it “Victoria Falls” after the reigning Queen of England. In honor of his achievements, a statue of David Livingstone still stands at the entrance to the World Heritage Site “Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls.”

Access to Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls can be accessed from either the Zimbabwean or Zambian side. By air, Victoria Falls Airport serves as the gateway on the Zimbabwean side, while Livingstone Airport is the gateway on the Zambian side.
From either airport, it’s about a 20-minute drive to the falls.

Tourists need to connect through cities in Asia, the Middle East, Europe, or Johannesburg in South Africa before arriving in either Victoria Falls or Livingstone. The shortest journey takes around 25 hours, but depending on the flight schedule, it can take up to about 40 hours, so plan accordingly.

Recommended highlights of Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

◆ Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

To enjoy the World Heritage Site “Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls” from the Zambian side, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is recommended. Walking trails run alongside the top of the falls, allowing you to view them from various angles. You can stroll around Livingstone Island, which sits in the middle of the falls, or swim in the cliff-edge natural pool known as the “Devil’s Pool” for an experience unique to the Zambian side.

As the saying goes, “If you want to see the falls, go to the Zimbabwean side!” Those seeking the best panoramic views should visit Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe. The “Main Falls” and “Devil’s Cataract,” which can only be seen from Zimbabwe, are must-sees. For viewing the falls, the rainy season from December to March is ideal, while for walking along the top, the dry season from April to November is best.

◆ Rafting and Sunset Cruise

The activities at “Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls” are wonderfully diverse. Among them, rafting is one of the most popular. Technically an attraction on the Zambezi River, it’s an adrenaline-packed experience.

The Zambezi River is famous for rapids so intense that it hosts the World Rafting Championships. With a difficulty rating of the highest level, Class 5, rafts often capsize or throw participants into the water, but the sense of accomplishment after overcoming the rapids is unmatched. If you want to experience thrills and exhilaration, give it a try.

If you prefer a calmer experience, a sunset cruise on a sightseeing boat along the Zambezi River is recommended. With the option for small children to join, it’s a favorite for families and older couples. Watching the beautiful sunset while observing wildlife along the riverbank is a truly romantic experience.

◆ Victoria Falls Bridge

The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the Zambezi River, with the middle of the bridge marking the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. To cross the border, you’ll need to complete immigration procedures, so individual visitors should stop by the office at the bridge’s end.

The 250-meter-long bridge can be crossed on foot, and it also accommodates cars and trains. It’s also a popular tourist spot offering various attractions, the most famous being bungee jumping. The 111-meter drop is enough to make your legs tremble just thinking about it, but those with courage should give it a try.

For those who find bungee jumping a bit too much, the “Bridge Slide,” a zipline across the gorge, is recommended. It can even be done in tandem, making it popular with parents and children. There’s also the “Bridge Swing,” which swings you like a pendulum. Booking all three activities—the Bridge Swing, Bridge Slide, and bungee jump—together comes with a significant discount for thrill-seekers.

Precautions for visiting Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls

While the World Heritage Site “Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls” can be enjoyed year-round, the best time is said to be from April to June, just after the start of the dry season. In the rainy season, the water volume can be so great that the spray obscures the view of the falls, while in the dry season, the reduced flow can lessen its impact. The difference in water volume between the two seasons can be as much as tenfold. Also, when approaching the falls, spray can soak your clothes, so bring a disposable raincoat.

◎ Summary

The World Heritage Site “Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls” lies on the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, and can be admired from either country. For accommodations, Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe is recommended, as it has well-equipped facilities, hotels, restaurants, and souvenir shops.

The “Devil’s Pool,” which can only be experienced from the Zambian side, is also a must. With a sheer cliff and the falls right before your eyes, it’s an exhilarating spot that’s become increasingly popular among people of all ages in recent years. Helicopter tours that offer aerial views of the falls are also popular.

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Let’s enjoy the World Heritage Site Victoria Falls in Zambia and Zimbabwe!