Victoria Falls National Park is home to one of our planet’s most impressive waterfalls, which is also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World: Victoria Falls. With incredible height and width, Victoria Falls is the largest single sheet of moving water.
It’s truly a sight to behold – whether you’re looking towards it from the Zimbabwe side, or standing above it on the Zambia side. Let’s learn more about this world wonder.
3 min read
In which country is Victoria Falls National Park?
Victoria Falls National Park is part of a larger transnational park, spanning the boundary of Zimbabwe and Zambia along the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls National Park is actually on the Zimbabwe side, while Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is its counterpart in Zambia. The main attraction, which brings nearly a million tourists a year, is of course the waterfall itself.
At 1.7km – just over one mile – across and 60-100m tall, Victoria Falls is the world’s largest sheet of falling water. For context, it’s twice as wide and twice as deep as Niagara Falls. Every minute Victoria Falls can churn out up to 500 million litres (132 million gallons) of water!
Throughout Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is called by its Lozi or Kololo name: “Mosi-ao-Tunya”, which means “smoke that thunders”. This name comes from the billowing steam that rises from the falls, which can be seen up to 20km away on a clear day when the river is at its most powerful. This water spray is also responsible for the unique rainforest ecosystem immediately around the falls.
Things to do at Victoria Falls National Park
Viewing the impressive waterfall is certainly the most popular activity at Victoria Falls National Park. This can be done from one of two unique vantage points: on the Zimbabwe side in Victoria Falls National Park, or above the falls in Zambia in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. There are hiking trails on either side of the river, which get you to excellent vantage points.
The famous Devil’s Pools are on the Zambia side, offering a breath-taking and adrenaline-pumping opportunity to sit in the river immediately above the falls. Or, if you’re looking for an extravagance, you can also take a helicopter tour above the river!
What wildlife can I see at Victoria Falls?
Immediately around the falls, the lush tropical rainforest is a key attraction for myriad bird species. As many as 470 different species have been recorded at the falls and in the neighbouring game reserves. Keep an eye out for unique and rare species like Pel’s fishing owls, Miombo pied barbets and African finfoots.
Mammals spotted regularly include klipspringers, hippos, elephants, zebras, lions, leopards and wildebeest. The national parks around the falls – Victoria Falls National Park, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Zambezi National Park – are ideal destinations for safaris and wildlife viewing. Or if you’d prefer to stay closer, you can sometimes even see animals like warthogs, buck and giraffes directly from your hotel!
Accommodation at Victoria Falls National Park
There are dozens of hotels and lodges to stay at when visiting Victoria National Falls. Whether you’re looking for something relaxed and family-friendly, or romantic for a honeymoon escape, there’s accommodation for you. Some of the most popular include:
The Royal Livingstone Hotel for luxury and comfort (Zambia)
The Royal Chundu for families and romance (Zambia)
Mpala Jena Camp for honeymoons (Zimbabwe)
Elephant Camp for bush adventures (Zimbabwe)
Imagine working somewhere like Victoria Falls
The dream career is within reach with Bushwise. Become a qualified safari guide and you could end up working in a conservation or safari job, at a place like Victoria Falls.
