You can't fail to be impressed by the thundering torrents of the Victoria
Falls. Stay in the small town of Victoria Falls nearby to be close to the
action. For trips out to the falls or to see the elephants in the Victoria Falls
National Park, organised trips are advisable.
Travel Alert
Zimbabwe is undergoing a time of continuing political and economic tension and the
advice of the British Foreign Office is against all but essential travel. In the
current climate, visitors should exercise extreme caution, and avoid remote or
farming areas, demonstrations in high density suburban areas and public transport.
Contact the embassy for up-to-date advice on Zimbabwe.
Background
David Livingstone discovered the Victoria Falls in 1855 on his expedition down
the mighty Zambezi River. Most visitors stay in the town of Victoria Falls,
just over one mile from the falls themselves in Zimbabwe's
Matabeleland-North province. The southern bank of the Zambezi forms the border with
neighbouring Zambia. You can cross into Zambia via the impressive Victoria Falls
Bridge, which was devised, but never seen, by Cecil Rhodes. The bridge opened in
1905 and today hosts bungee jumping and both countries' border-control
posts.
First-time visit
The Victoria Falls, known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or 'the
smoke that thunders', is the point where the Zambezi River cascades
off an almost 1.5-mile-wide cliff into a series of basalt gorges. A UNESCO World
Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is protected on the Zimbabwean side by Victoria
Falls National Park, where you can spot rhino and elephant out on safari.
You can experience the adrenaline rush of a bungee jump or go white-water rafting
along the Zambezi River. Enjoy a sundowner at the colonial Victoria Falls
Hotel and some traditional Shona dancing.
Return visit
If you're on a return trip to Victoria Falls, look out for the eerie moonbow
during full moon. Check visa requirements and take a trip across the Victoria
Falls Bridge to explore the Zambian side of the falls and nearby town of
Livingstone. There are organised trips along the Zambezi River,
where you can relax on a houseboat on Lake Kariba. You can also take a safari
to Zimbabwe's largest game reserve, further south at Hwange.
Please note that you won't be able to make changes to your hotel or car booking. If you want to change your booking you will have to cancel your current booking and make a new booking. This can be done on ba.com.
We cannot guarantee that the same hotel room or car rental option will still be available if you have to cancel and make a new booking.
