A World Heritage Site
The Victoria Falls are undoubtedly Zimbabwe's best-known tourist attraction. The Falls are truly magnificent sight, where millions of gallons of water plunge over a 1 ,7 km-wide cliff into the narrow gorge below.
In November 1855 David Livingstone became the first European to view their awesome splendour and, out of loyalty to his queen, named them after her.
Victoria Falls has dozens of view points that emerge from paths through the tropical rainforest, which grows in the area of the spray.
The rainforest, with its huge mahogany, wild fig and sausage trees, is home to numerous birds, butterflies and smaller animais and nurtures exquisite orchids and ferns.
And although the fame of the Falls has spread far and wide, drawing hundreds of visitors each month, the area has been carefully developed so that the magie of this special place endures.
Some say the best way to view the Falls is from the air, either by aeroplane, helicopter, hot air balloon or micro-light.
David Livingstone wrote in his diary of the Victoria Falls, "On sights as beautiful as this, Angels in their flight must have gazed", and if you would like to enjoy it as the Angels do, then into the air you must go. Several companies offer "The Flight of the Angels" over Victoria Falls.
Victoria Falls town offers considerable choices of accommodation, from pure luxury to backpacker lodges and campsites.
One of the most beautiful hotels in Zimbabwe is the Victoria Falls Hotel, which was built in 1904 and is also a popular venue for tourists to view Zimbabwe's traditional dances and music. There are also several bars, nightclubs and casinos to enjoy after sunset.
The Falls themselves are not the only attraction. For the more adventurous visitor there are the many exhilarating activities on offer, including white-water rafting, which is classified as one of the best in the world. These awesome rapids can also be enjoyed in canoes or on river-boards.
Or, visitors can bungi jump off the magnificent Victoria Falls Bridge, which was part of John Cecil Rhodes' attempt to fulfil his dream of a railway line running from Cape to Cairo.
For the visitor seeking less action on the river, there are a variety of cruises to be had on the Zambezi above the Falls. The best known are the sunset cruises, during which one can enjoy the wildlife along the banks and a stunning sunset complemented by chilled drinks and light snacks.
... and pure adventure
Close to the Falls lies the Zambezi National Park where a variety of game, including elephant, lion, zebra, giraffe and various antelope can be seen.
The terrain ranges from the riverine vegetation on the shores of the Zambezi to open savannah and mopane woodland further inland. The Zambezi Nature Sanctuary is home to about 10,000 Nile crocodile, which can be examined at various stages of their development at close quarters.
Other attractions include : White-water rafting and River Boarding ; Canoeing ; Elephant-back Safaris ; Hot-air Ballooning ; Bungi Jumping ; Gorge-sliding ; Jet boating ; Walking Safaris ; Horseback Riding and Safaris ; Game Drives ; Cultural tours ; Village Tours ; Birdwatching and Birding Safaris ; Fishing ; Golf ; Hunting.
