The earliest known inhabitants of the Victoria Falls region were the Bushmen (San people), later joined by the Tonga-Ila, peaceful cattle herders who migrated from the south around 1500 AD. However, their presence was soon overtaken by the Makokolo people, who established themselves in the area and were part of the group that accompanied Dr. David Livingstone during his famous journey.
The Zambezi River has been familiar beyond Africa for centuries. It served as a key trade route for Arab merchants as early as the first millennium AD, making it a significant corridor of early commerce.
Dr. David Livingstone became the first recorded European to witness the grandeur of Victoria Falls on 16 November 1855. He famously described it as, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels in Their Flight.” In honor of Queen Victoria, he gave the falls its English name.
About 40 years later, the discovery of coal in Hwange and copper in Zambia transformed the region economically. This led to a major development—the Cape to Cairo railway was rerouted to pass over the Zambezi River just below the falls in 1905, facilitating greater access. To accommodate the growing number of visitors, the Victoria Falls Hotel opened in 1904, becoming a prestigious landmark that has hosted royalty and celebrities over the years.
In 1981, the Zambezi took on a new role as a hub for thrill-seekers when the first white-water rafting expedition launched, solidifying Victoria Falls’ reputation as the adventure capital of Southern Africa.
Solo Traveler: Awe, Freedom & Self-Discovery
As a solo traveler, stepping up to the edge of Victoria Falls feels like arriving at the edge of the world. The thunderous roar grows louder with each step until you're finally face-to-face with Mosi-oa-Tunya—The Smoke That Thunders. Mist sprays your skin, the ground trembles beneath you, and a rainbow dances across the gorge.
You explore the rainforest trail, camera in hand, heart full. Each viewpoint reveals a new angle of this colossal wonder. You pause for quiet moments, reflect on your journey, and feel recharged by nature’s raw power. Whether journaling by the river, sipping coffee at a viewpoint café, or striking up a conversation with locals, the experience is freeing, personal, and unforgettable.
Couples: Romance, Adventure & Shared Wonder
For couples, Victoria Falls offers the perfect mix of intimacy and thrill. You start your day hand-in-hand, walking the misty trails, snapping selfies beneath rainbows, and laughing as you get drenched by the spray at Danger Point.
Later, you enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, sipping drinks as elephants and hippos emerge from the banks. The sky glows orange and purple, and time slows. You toast to love, adventure, and the shared memory of standing together before one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
For more daring duos, the Devil’s Pool experience at the edge of the falls or a helicopter flight over the gorge offers adrenaline, beauty, and bragging rights.
Group or Team Visit: Energy, Bonding & Bucket-List Moments
In a group, Victoria Falls turns into a lively adventure playground. From shouting over the roar at viewpoints to posing for group photos in ponchos, it’s all about shared excitement and awe. You hike together, cheer each other on during a bungee jump or zip line ride, and swap stories over a group dinner with local music and dancing.
A white-water rafting trip on the Zambezi becomes a bonding experience like no other—laughing, shouting, and paddling through rapids, then high-fiving afterward like you just conquered the world. At night, you unwind around a fire, re-living every moment with joy.
No Matter Who You Are…
Victoria Falls is more than just a waterfall—it’s an awakening. Whether you're seeking peace, love, or thrill, it has a way of meeting you right where you are and giving you a memory that sticks for a lifetime.
Seasons:
Dry Season (May–October): The most popular time to visit. Expect sunny, warm days (22–30 °C / 72–85 °F) and cooler nights (6–11 °C / 43–52 °F). Rainfall is minimal, and falling river levels offer clearer views of the falls.
Wet Season (November–April): Humid and tropical, with afternoon thunderstorms and lush green landscapes. The falls are at their most impressive—though heavy mist can limit visibility.
Temperature Range:
Daytime: Typically between 22 °C and 30 °C (72–85 °F).
Evenings: Cooler, often around 6–11 °C (43–52 °F).
Rain & Humidity:
Dry season has virtually no rain, offering brilliant sunshine and clear skies.
Wet season brings humidity and frequent, short-lived showers—ideal for tropical scenery but more unpredictable for outdoor scheduling.
Visibility at the Falls:
Lower water levels in the dry months typically mean crisper views and easier access to surrounding rock paths and viewpoints.
In the wet season, increased water flow leads to more mist and spray, which enhances dramatic visuals but may hamper sightlines.
Best Driving Routes
Route Option 1: Harare → Bulawayo → Victoria Falls (Preferred)
Highways Used: A5 from Harare to Bulawayo, then A8 (R9) from Bulawayo to Victoria Falls
Distance: Approximately 440–450 km from Bulawayo to Vic Falls; total drive around 710 km (440 miles)
Duration: About 9–10 hours total, including rest stops at towns such as Kwekwe and Gweru
Road Conditions:
Harare to Bulawayo: Generally good condition with smooth dual carriageway initially, slowing only in town areas
Bulawayo to Hwange and Vic Falls: Mostly paved, though some corrugated, patched sections near Bulawayo and beyond Hwange—drive cautiously
Route Option 2: Harare → Chinhoyi → Karoi → Makuti → Cross Kariba Dam → Vic Falls
Highways Used: A1 (R3) to Makuti, then the P12 Kariba–Makuti highway, crossing the Kariba Dam wall into Zambia, then north to Vic Falls
Highlights: Scenic drive across the dam, but relatively longer and involves border crossing and tolls.
Recommended Vehicle Types
Sedan or Hatchback: Suitable during dry season (May–September) on tar roads: Harare–Bulawayo and onwards. Works on most stretches as long as you avoid washed-out detours or heavy rain sections.
SUV / High-Clearance 4×4: Ideal year-round, especially:Driving on the Bulawayo–Hwange stretch, which includes corrugated patches and rough terrain
4x4: Travel during or after rain periods when roads deteriorate or in remote areas.
Off-Road or Specialized 4×4: Best if you plan to explore side roads, Zimbabwe’s rural areas, or visit remote lodges and tourist spots such as Chobe, Hwange, or Kariba, which may have unpaved or poorly maintained feeder roads.
Culture of Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls is not just a natural wonder—it's also a cultural crossroads, rich in heritage, tradition, and local life.
Local Communities
The area is home to the Tonga, Lozi, and Nambya people, among others. These groups have lived along the Zambezi River for centuries, with deeply rooted customs tied to nature, water spirits, and ancestral worship.
The Tonga people are the dominant ethnic group around the Zambezi. Traditionally river-based, they have a strong oral history and spiritual connection to the river and waterfalls.
Spiritual beliefs often center around njuzu (water spirits), which are believed to dwell in the river and are respected through rituals and offerings.
Music & Dance
Cultural expressions are vibrant here, with drumming, mbira (thumb piano) music, and traditional dances playing a key role in storytelling, celebrations, and ceremonies. Performances are often held for tourists and during local festivals, especially in nearby villages and lodges.
Art & Craft
Local artisans craft baskets, wood carvings, stone sculptures, and beaded jewelry, much of which is sold at open markets near the falls. The Victoria Falls Craft Market is a great place to support local creatives and take home authentic handmade souvenirs.
Food & Cuisine
Traditional Zimbabwean dishes like sadza (thick maize porridge), kapenta (small dried fish), goat stew, and wild vegetables are commonly served. Visitors can enjoy local meals at restaurants that blend traditional tastes with modern flair.
Festivals & Cultural Events
Victoria Falls Carnival (December): A vibrant annual music and arts festival that blends African beats, global DJs, and cultural exchange.
Traditional ceremonies and rainmaking rituals are still practiced in surrounding rural areas, though less frequently open to tourists.
