Facts About Zambezi River
October 8, 2024
Facts about Victoria falls in Zimbabwe
October 10, 2024
Facts About Victoria Falls On Zambia Side
Victoria Falls lie on Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. This curtain of water is locally called “Mosi oa Tunya” in Lozi language meaning the smoke that thunders and “Shungu Namutitima” in Tonga language meaning boiling water. In 1855 when David Livingstone one of the early explorers visited the falls, he named them Victoria after Queen Victoria of England and the falls carry this name to date.
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In terms of measurements, the Victoria Falls cover a width of about 1708 meters. Zambezi River plunges through a series of gorges with the first gorge having the great Victoria Falls which is about 110 meters wide before entering a series of Zigzag gorges. The second gorge makes a sharp right turn creating a deep pool called the boiling pot that can be reached by taking a steep path via the Zambian side.
Where is Victoria Falls Located
Victoria Falls is located on River Zambezi at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. The River Zambezi runs through 6 different countries covering about 2700 kilometers with a large amount of flora and fauna enjoying its freebies all the way. It is the Victoria Falls that divide the upper and middle part of River Zambezi
What Gorges make Up Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is one of several natural wonders of the world with a number of principal gorges. Some include the first gorge where River Zambezi falls into Victoria Falls, the Second gorge at 250 meters spanned by the Victoria Falls Bridge, third gorge at 600 meters with the Victoria Falls power station, forth gorge at 1.15 kilometers south, fifth gorge 2.25 kilometers south, Songwe gorge at 5.3 kilometers and other.
What happens at Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is a Natural wonder with some of the unmatched views on the world. While at the falls during the dry season when the water level is lower, you may dare swim to the rim of the falls although not recommended for the faint hearted. You must be in the company of your guide as you try to attempt this adventure.
The moon bows may be created at Victoria Falls and in the entire world, this happens in just two places of which Victoria Falls are one of these sites. The Lunar Rainbow happens in night when during the bright moon when the moonlight hits the falls water.
How Much Water Flows From River Zambezi Per Minute To Form The Victoria Falls
For every minute about 500 million liters of water flow down the Victoria Falls per minute. The volume of the water is 1088 meters cubed per second.
How much of Victoria Falls Can You See from Zambia side?
From Zambia, you have the opportunity of about 25% to enjoy Victoria Falls and the 75% is on the Zimbabwe side.
What is Unique about Victoria Falls?
The Victoria Falls are the largest sheet of falling water from the top of the gorge, these falls are 108 meters high and 1708 wide. The sparkle and amazing view around the Victoria falls are what makes it a unique destination.
What Are The Physical Features Around Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls are situated 885 meters above sea level and stands at 70 meters to 108 meters height. The actual length of the Victoria falls on the Zambia side is 1033 meters.
How was Victoria falls in Zambia Formed?
A number of theories are suggested to how the Victoria falls were formed some of which include the Upper Zambezi River drained through Botswana to join the Limpopo River. About 2 million year age, there was a general uplift of the land between Zimbabwe and the Kalahari desert leading to the formation of Lake Makgadikgadi which is in between Kalahari and the Basalt plateau of Zambia and Zimbabwe.
The lake had no outlet but later due to natural causes this lake overflowed draining east which led to the formation of the Batoka Gorge.
The Victoria falls were part of the sedimentary sequence overlying the basalt at the Zambezi River
What Else Is Interesting around Victoria Falls?
The Victoria Falls are situated between two National Parks that is Moshi ou Tunya National Park and is a UNESCO heritage site. In This park, you may have the opportunity to spot wild animals like elephants, buffaloes, lions, leopards, waterbucks, Zebras and others. Always keep closer to your camera because you never know what may cross paths with.
When Is The Best Time To Do A Safari At Victoria Falls In Zambia
No matter what time of the year, you wish to visit Victoria Falls, it still offers the best experience. The dry season however is most sought after is May to October when there is less precipitation in the environment. The sparkle around Victoria Falls is best brought out in the dry season offering better opportunities to take incredible photos.
The dry season is the peak tourism season too in Zambia so there is high demand for these safaris from world over. Demand for most logistics that support your Zambia safari run out is accommodation, vehicle hire, driver guide hire and much more. The different logistical options to support your Zambia safaris run out in advance.
If you are planning to do a safari in Zambia, you need to make bookings in order not to get disappointed at the last moment. Contact our team for more information.
The wet season is normally December to April and more water flows within Zambezi River increasing on the volume flowing down Victoria falls. For those with a limited budget, the low season may open better opportunities to discounts from some service providers like on accommodation, transport and much more. For those who hate sharing holiday space with a crowd of strangers but wish to travel to Zambia for a tour, you may make use of the low season.
How Much Is The Cost Of Safari To Zambia ( Victoria Falls)
The cost of safari to Zambia is categorized into up market, mid-range and basic. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we package our safaris into these categories to suit our client’s needs and interests. We have over 10 years experience in planning and handling African safaris which have fetched us much knowledge and friendships in the industry that benefit our clients too.
To cost the safari to Zambia, you can contact our safari consultant who works generously with you to make the best interests and within your budget.
When costing the Zambian safari, you may consider items like number of people traveling with, number of days on safari, activities to include in the Zambia tour, timing and much more.
Is Zambian Safari Safe?
Zambia is safe for safaris including a visit to Victoria Falls however you need to follow the guidelines of this tour. You need to have a ranger guide in your company so that you do not get lost around Victoria Falls and the parks close by.
While on ground ensure you do not walk around with your precious items that may attract the wrong company. You need to walk around in the company of your driver guide. At Encounter Africa Safaris, we hand pick our ranger guides ensuring we give the best to our clients in order to enable them make memories.
While on safari in Zambia, in the parks close to Victoria Falls, do not get out of your car while in the park as there are harmful carnivores like lions, leopards and others that may scavenge on you.
As you swim in the water towards the rim of Victoria Falls, do not attempt in case you are not comfortable with in as it may stimulate some adrenalin. Even when you are not a good swimmer do not attempt this daring activity. Wear safety gears to before swimming on the River Zambezi so that you are not carried away by the currents.
The water of Zambezi River has some crocodiles and hippos so you need to be very careful while you swim.
Can The Children Visit Victoria Falls For A Safari?
There is no age limit for a visit to Victoria Falls but children must be in the company of a mature adult. For activities like swimming to the rim of the falls, children must not dare this as it is quite challenging to control the children.
During the game drive around the park, do not step out of the vehicle as you may not know what is watching from a far.
What Accommodation To Book During Zambia Safari To Victoria Falls
To book accommodation for a visit to Zambia there are categories you can choose from ranging from upscale to mid-range to basic.
While planning a safari to Victoria Falls in Zambia, you may choose accommodations like Lake Safari Lodge, Eagles Rest Lodge, Protea Hotel Lusaka Tower, Tag Pamodzi Lusaka, Radisson Blue Hotel Lusaka, Chita Lodge and Resort Lusaka, Kaliyangile Guest House, Southern Sun Ridgeway Lusaka.
Is it Difficult or Easy to get to Victoria Falls From Lusaka in Zambia?
The way to Victoria Falls may be quite challenging depending on the season you choose to visit. The climate of Zambia in generally semiarid with mostly dusty and bumpy roads leading to most safari destinations. During the dry season, the temperatures may rise to over 30 degrees centigrade which is quite uncomfortable to some tourists. You need to travel with sunscreen in order the protect yourself from the strong ultraviolet rays.
During the dry season, it is best to hire a 4×4 wheel drive vehicle with some spare tires in case one is damaged by the very hot heat from the ground.
The wet seasons may be quite messy especially the routes leading to the countryside because the ground gets slippery. You need a professional and experienced driver guide to navigate the countryside.
Do I need to Be Physically Fit To get To The Victoria Falls
Although you have to walk to Victoria Falls, there is no need to bear any level of fitness but for own fun and comfort, you may keep some level of fitness. You must follow the way taken by the guide on ground so as not to land on the unsafe part of the falls. Because of the sometimes changing water levels of the Zambezi River that at times floods into the surrounding, there are some no go points surrounding Victoria Falls.
What To Pack For A Safari To Victoria Falls?
- A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surroundings of Victoria Falls
- Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
- Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies. The wilderness may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
- Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season
- Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
- Sunglasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
- Some warmers because most safari destinations in Zambia experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
- Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zambia
- Safari wears in colors that are wilderness friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
- First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
- Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case you one runs low.
- Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
- Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are not easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
- Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
- A camera to keep memorable moments while on safari in Zambia there many moments that happen
- Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel.
Contact our team for more information about Victoria Falls in Zambia.
