World Rhino Day

World Rhino Day is celebrated every year on 22 September. This day was created to celebrate and honour the five magnificent species of rhino that are left in the world. The aim is to increase awareness of rhinos in order to conserve what we have left.

Alternative Dining in Victoria Falls

Makuwa-kuwa Restaurant, Victoria Falls

Updated 4 October 2023

Eating out in Victoria Falls can be expensive, but if you are staying at one of the safari lodges outside the town limits, your meals and drinks will be included. But for those who want to explore the town, river and bush, we have put together a list of great alternatives, some of which are very good value.

While You’re Away … Sightings and Updates from Kariba and Mana Pools

It's been a pretty lonely time in the safari camps, and the only visitors seen are the wild ones, probably wondering where everyone is. But for this time of the year, the visits are usually more frequent, as different species switch their seasonal routes to the dry season. Even in Victoria Falls, the regulars are increasing in numbers – kudu, warthogs, baboons, and sounds of hyenas and lions in the distance, and even leopards!

Tourism in Zimbabwe will be opening up next week (see this post for more info Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Covid-19 update), but here's what you have to look forward to in Kariba and Mana Pools.

Lion hunting crocodile in Matusadona National Park (photo - Changa Safari Camp)

Animals of Zimbabwe

Despite the decline in certain wildlife populations in recent decades, Zimbabwe is still one of the must-go places for safari goers, with some of Sub-Saharan Africa’s largest and favourite national parks. Notable parks include Hwange, Mana Pools, Gonarezhou, as well as special intensive protected areas like Matusadona and Matobo Hills National Parks. Of-course Zimbabwe is home to quite a few more, national parks, and shares borders with countries that also have impressive wildlife populations.

Animals at a waterhole in Hwange National Park

While You're Away ... an update on the Okavango Delta, Boteti River and Chobe River

By now you're probably aware that the "Victoria Falls is dry" drama of late 2019 faded and mother nature responded, almost showing off, filling the Zambezi River, and other magical water bodies in the region. Like most places around the world, certainly in Africa, rivers and lakes are seasonal going with anything between dry or low water periods and spectacular full floods. The Okavango Delta is no exception.

After a year long dry spell, the Okavango Delta started receiving flood waters in April 2020, which slowly trickled through the 15,000 km² World Heritage Site, peaking in July. At the moment, the water levels have already started to recede.

Is Victoria Falls Drying Up? The Truth

Recent international new reports have claimed that the Victoria Falls is at its lowest levels in a century due to climate change, causing travellers to panic and cancel their bookings. Find out the real truth behind these false claims.

• Has Victoria Falls dried up due to climate change? No it has not.
• Could climate change be having an impact on global rainfall patterns? Yes absolutely.
• Should we be aware of climate change and be taking action? Yes absolutely.
• Was this the areas worst drought in a century? No it was not.
• Are the Victoria Falls rising this year? Yes, they are already currently higher than the same time last year.
• Was it right to for the press to sensationalise a news story, causing other far reaching and damaging effects, without presenting all the facts? No absolutely not.

The effect of these false reports on local tourism has been devastating, as travellers clamber to cancel bookings, or now cross Victoria Falls off their bucket list, potentially creating a lasting impact that those in the tourism industry just don’t know how long will last.

Please read on to find out the truth and see why Victoria Falls is still a seventh wonder of the world and a remarkable destination to visit. We are not trying to sell a news story here, we are just presenting the facts as they are and trying to undo some of the damage that has been caused by these unscrupulous news reporters.

Read the truth about the Victoria Falls

Safari Around Victoria Falls

You can add a safari in Hwange National Park to your Victoria Falls holiday

Victoria Falls, being a natural wonder of the world is on the bucket list of many travelers. Not only is it a spectacular waterfall, but there is also a large array of activities available, from sedate sunset cruises to bungee jumping, making it the Adventure Capital of Africa.

It also lies in the centre of some the best wildlife parks in Africa, so it makes sense to add on at least an extra few days for a wildlife Safari, for that holiday of a lifetime!

The dilemma now comes as to which national park to choose. The three big ones normally in question, because they are the closest to Victoria Falls are; Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park and Zambezi National Park.

Each one has its pros and cons, so making a decision can be quite difficult, especially if you have not been to this part of Africa before.

In this article Chobe, Hwange, Zambezi National Park comparison, I have tried to explain in-depth the differences between each of them, with specific regards to the game viewing, the accommodation, the guiding, the seasons and the logistics of getting to each one from Victoria Falls.

I trust after reading the article you will have a clearer understanding of how they compare with each other, which should make your decision a little easier.

Also touched on in the article in brief detail are the two smaller parks; Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, which are just outside the towns of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Livingstone, Zambia.

Although these don’t really compete with the 3 bigger parks when it comes to an authentic Safari Experience, they have their rightful place for a quick game viewing experience.

Please also take a look at this interesting article – “Things to consider before booking an African safari”. Which covers essential information that will enhance your overall Safari Experience and ensure that you don’t make costly mistakes.

Open Letter to Travelers - Reignite the Adventurous You

The Victoria Falls from the rainforest

Dear Travelers,

I am writing this letter with my mind as full as my unpacked bags, with the memories I have made printed like tattoos behind my blinking eyelids, and with the scent of mosquito repellent still lingering on my coat. You aren't going to find any over used travel quotes littered across this page, and you certainly won't find any answers to humanity's great complex questions (but if you have them, feel free to leave your contact details below). I am not going to tell you about some brave, long adventure I took to the opposite end of the world. Instead, I am going to share some smaller yet equally valuable lessons I learned about a journey I took to my favorite place on earth- home. I just happen to be lucky enough to call Victoria Falls home.

Astonishing Transformation of the Chobe River

Chobe flood plains in front
of Ngoma Safari Lodge

By Marianne Betts

A lot can happen in a week, especially when Mother Nature is involved.

Over one week in mid-March the Chobe River, in front of Ngoma Safari Lodge, on the western edge of Chobe National Park grew, from a small channel to filling the entire floodplain.

Full Moon Activities in Victoria Falls

Full moon dinner at the gorge

Victoria Falls is already a very special destination, offering a wonderful variety of activities for the chilled and the adventurous. You can make it even more unforgettable with some of these 4 activities during a full moon.

To learn more about each of these properties, follow the links below:
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
Victoria Falls Safari Club
Victoria Falls Safari Suites
Lokuthula Lodges

New Year, New Zimbabwe, Same River, and more...

Oh how the time flies...

Credit: Pindula.co.zw

Another year has come and gone and we have seen so much happening, not just in Victoria Falls, but in our country Zimbabwe as well.

Of particular importance was the surprise not-a-coup that took place in November of 2017. It had us all apprehensive since the Zimbabwe we have known so far has been characterised by (sometimes violent) intimidation.

7 Things you Need to Know Before Visiting Victoria Falls

Don't click that button!...Yet

In a nutshell, this list is an "Absolutely Need to Know" collection of what you should be aware of BEFORE you start making any of your bookings for your Victoria Falls holiday

The mighty Victoria Falls spans across the Zim-Zam border

An Update From Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls at sunrise
Photo: Victoria Falls Photos

Quite a bit has been going on, and more is still coming to this charming town next to one of the seven wonders of the world. So we thought it was time for an update.

Our first and most exciting (more like thrilling) news is that you can now go on a small plane, up 10,000ft in the air, see the waterfall and the gorges and the town of Victoria Falls from the air, then jump out of the plane free falling 200km/hour before parachuting til you reach the ground right where you started. Yes, skydiving is now a thing in Victoria Falls. The Skydive Tandem Company began operating in August this year and have been taking adventurous travelers up for an unforgettable experience over Victoria Falls. See this page for more information.

About Victoria Falls Sunset Cruises

Sunset on the Zambezi River

On the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River, there has been a growth in the number and type of river cruise products, all within a wide range of prices from $25 to over $100 per person per cruise. With so much to choose from, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Jess White sheds light on the different river safaris and how to make a decision on which cruise to choose.

New Developments with the KAZA UniVisa

It has been reported that the KAZA visa stickers will return to Zambia and Zimbabwe ports of entry where they have previously been issued - namely Victoria Falls border, Kazungula borders, and Lusaka, Livingstone, Harare and Victoria Falls airports.

According to the KAZA Liason officer for Zimbabwe, the stickers are being dispatched within the next few days, and issuance should resume next week.

New developments with the univisa is the printing of the stickers within both Zimbabwe and Zambia as opposed to having them printed outside of the countries, as well as the integration of the univisa into both countries' immigration systems, which is expected to be completed at the end of the year or in early 2018.

The return of the KAZA univisa stickers is is great news after the stickers ran out towards mid September this year, forcing tourist to rearrange itineraries and some even cancelling some activities in either Zimbabwe or Zambia. But the new developments by KAZA and the immigration departments should add some efficiency, and have the stickers available at all times.

Source: www.victoriafalls-guide.net

How to Survive a Walking Safari

Written by James Bailey  

Credit: Camp Hwange

I’ve spent a good amount of time in the bush conducting walking safaris. The general aim is to get closer to the bush and really appreciate the smaller things. But it also allows you to approach dangerous game, which is something that gives me an incredible kick.

It’s not because it’s risky. In fact, if done properly the risk can be all but negated. However, things can go wrong and for that reason there are five simple rules that we talk guests through before each walk.

What's New in Victoria Falls

Since our last update, a few new and improved projects have taken root here in The Falls, and we thought it was time we shared them with you.

Art of Africa

Art of Africa workshops have diversified and we are certain that you will find at least one that you will be interested in. They started off with river cruise art workshops (where you go out on the river and paint, or learn to paint, what is out there on the Zambezi River), and cultural village workshops (where you mix a visit to a local village with a tour led by the village chief himself, and a soothing art session plus so much more).

They have now added a guided safari and riverside picnic session which takes place in the Zambezi National Park. Take a ride through the largest nature reserve in Victoria Falls with an expert guide, then have a picnic by the Zambezi River and be inspired by the beautiful landscape and the wildlife that surrounds you. In the Victoria Falls Rainforest, you can feel the thunder of the Victoria Falls and take home with you your own unique depiction of the Victoria Falls. On the edge of the Batoka Gorge, you can enjoy a unique sunset experience with a year-round fantastic view - paint and sip and dine. But our favourite Art of Africa experience has to be the "Painting with Elephants" session at The Wallow. Start with a heart-melting elephant interaction and then try painting these magnificent giants while they go about their business wallowing in the mud and grazing in the nearby bushes.

Painting with Elephants

So apart from the Sunset Bridge Run on the Bushtracks Express steam train which was launched early last year, they have added a Dinner trip as well as a High Tea trip. This year, there are set dates for the Sunset Bridge Run and the Dinner run on Tuesdays and Fridays, but the High Tea trip is always on Saturdays.

We are excited about the reopening of Masuwe Lodge, a secluded safari lodge just 7 kms from the Victoria Falls. Masuwe Lodge has undergone refurbishments, and offer an alternative from other lodges dotted around town. It is an option for those who want the quiet and tranquility of the African bush, but don't want to be too far from exciting Victoria Falls activities.

Simpli Simbi creations. Credit: Simpli Simbi

For those who would like to do a little shopping, Simpli Simbi opened it's doors in Victoria Falls in June. Their home store is actually in Harare, but we are certain that their style will fit right in on the corner of Livingstone Way and Adam Stander in Victoria Falls, and they will probably have something special for you to take home. They specialise in home decor and gift creations made of recycled aluminium.

Victoria Falls has seen the opening of two more eating places, because we can never have enough. The Kingdom Hotel have been moving things around and have now opened a new steakhouse - Big Chief Steak & Grill.

Zambezi House

Out in the bush and by the riverside, Zambezi House opened it's doors in July with a bang. Their uniquely designed building a beautifully located restaurant is a must-go-to when in Victoria Falls. And apparently, they have the best pizzas in town, so we've heard.

For the clubbers who love loud music with their drinks, Nitrus Club is right in the middle of town. They don't usually have a cover charge unless they have a special guest, and their drink prices are quite reasonable.

The owners of Nitrus have began a new outdoor cinema experience in Victoria Falls where they screen one of the latest movies (for Vic Falls standards anyway), in different locations under the African sky. Follow their Facebook page to see when and where their next screening will be.

For more of what is on in Victoria Falls, you can also follow our Facebook Page.

New on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River are intimate river safaris. A small propeller-free boat for up to 22 people can take you as close as 200 metres from the edge of the Victoria Falls, as well as through places on the upper Zambezi that cruise boats cannot take you. Wander along narrow channels in between the islands on the Zambezi, speed through rapids, and cruise the river while enjoying the wildlife, scenery and a bit of education on the history, the river and so much more.

Zambezi River safaris

Not so new anymore, but well worth mentioning is the award-winning Elephant Cafe - also on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. This fabulous experience begins with a boat transfer (much like the River Safari boat), up the Zambezi River, and then an elephant interaction at the Elephant Sanctuary, topped off with a unique dining experience in a beautiful location. This is definitely one of our highly recommended things to do while you're in Victoria Falls.

The Elephant Cafe

Coming soon...

Victoria Falls will be getting a new accommodation option in the Low Density area of town. We will update as more information comes in. Check out the work so far on Pamarah Lodge on Facebook.

Another riverside lodge in the Zambezi National Park is expected to be open in January 2018. Old Drift Lodge will be the closest within the park to the Victoria Falls (just 4.5kms).

Little Known Secrets About Victoria Falls

You may know all the facts about Victoria Falls and some of the things that surround this mighty waterfall, but we've found out a few secrets about the history of this place and we thought we'd share them with you.

NEWSFLASH! Introducing... Botswana's Tourism Levy - UPDATED

In an effort to raise funds to improve Botswana's tourism sector, their Ministry of Environment Natural Resources’ Conservation and Tourism through the Botswana Tourism Organisation is introducing a Tourism Development Levy to be paid by visitors to Botswana.