Victoria Falls, known by local peoples as Mosi-oa-Tunya — “the smoke that thunders” — was first described in 1855 by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone. However, for nearby communities, the grandeur of the falls had long marked the site as sacred, well before his arrival.
Located on the Zambezi River at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, these waterfalls are not just a postcard landscape: they are a natural spectacle blending raw power, poetry, and history.
With a width of 1.7 kilometres and a height of over 100 metres, Victoria Falls is the largest water curtain on the planet. During the rainy season, between February and July, the Zambezi pours millions of litres per second over the falls, creating a liquid wall that seems endless. A mist of droplets can rise over 400 metres and be seen from tens of kilometres away.
Two Sides of the Same Wonder
Visiting Victoria Falls is like experiencing two different adventures in a single destination. On the Zimbabwean side, visitors find the classic panoramic view. In Victoria Falls National Park, a network of trails leads to viewpoints overlooking waterfalls such as “Devil’s Cataract” and the imposing “Main Falls.” The vibrant tourist town of Victoria Falls completes the experience with craft markets, restaurants, and the colonial charm of the Victoria Falls Hotel, where afternoon tea overlooking the border bridge feels like a journey back in time.
Located on the Zambezi River, at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, these waterfalls are not just a postcard landscape: they are a natural spectacle that blends raw power, poetry, and history.
In Zambia, the experience is closer and more visceral. The Knife-Edge Bridge takes visitors into the “heart” of the mist, leaving clothes inevitably soaked. It is also from here that one can explore Livingstone Island, the starting point for the most extreme adventure: the Devil’s Pool. Open only during the dry season (August to December), this small natural pool allows visitors to literally swim at the edge of the falls.
More Than Just a View
Victoria Falls is not only a visual spectacle. It is also a territory of adventure and unforgettable memories:
- Helicopter scenic flights over the falls, called “The Flight of the Angels”;
- Photographic safaris at Hwange National Park (Zimbabwe) or Chobe National Park (Botswana), just a few hours away;
- Sunset cruises on the Zambezi, among elephants, hippos, and crocodiles;
- Rafting, zip-lining, and bungee jumping from the bridge connecting the two countries, available for the boldest visitors.
Every detail, from colorful markets to riverside luxury hotels, is part of the experience. It is a journey that fascinates adventurers and enchants tourists seeking romance and contemplation alike.
When to Go
The season changes the experience. During the high-water season, from February to July, the falls’ power is overwhelming, but some trails become inaccessible and activities like rafting or visiting Devil’s Pool are not possible. In the dry season, the falls lose volume but reveal new perspectives, hidden trails, and other adventure opportunities. For many travellers, July and August offer a balance between the waterfall’s strength and accessibility.
Water levels vary considerably throughout the year, especially on the Zambian side. Visitors in late dry season, around October, may wonder what makes the falls so special when they see only a thin stream of water or even exposed rock.
The low-water season occurs from September to January, when levels drop during the dry winter. This coincides with the high safari season, before the arrival of spring rains around November.
How to Get There from Maputo
The most common flight route is Maputo–Johannesburg–Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) or Livingstone (Zambia), taking approximately 5–6 hours including layovers. From the airport to the city centre or hotels, the journey lasts between 15 and 30 minutes.
It is also possible to travel overland to Harare (Zimbabwe) and then continue by bus or plane to Victoria Falls, but the distance (over 1,200 km) makes this a long and tiring option, not ideal for short stays.
Source: Diário Económico
