Mosi-oa-Tunya/ Victoria Falls
Location: Livingstone, Zambia, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Year of Inscription: 1989
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; and
(viii) be outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal, and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
Overview: Mosi-oa-Tunya, also known as Victoria Falls, is a waterfall located on the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are considered one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world, measuring 1.7 km (1.1 miles) in width and over 100 meters (328 feet) in height. The falls are also surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest, teeming with a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Prominent Features: The main attraction of Mosi-oa-Tunya is, of course, the waterfall itself, which is visible from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides. Other prominent features of the area include:
Victoria Falls Bridge: Built in 1905, the Victoria Falls Bridge is a historic railway bridge that spans the Zambezi River, offering stunning views of the falls.
Devil's Pool: Located on the Zambian side of the falls, Devil's Pool is a natural swimming pool that allows visitors to swim right up to the edge of the falls (under the guidance of trained professionals).
Rainforest: The rainforest surrounding the falls is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species.
History: The falls have been known to local tribespeople for centuries, but were first seen by European explorers in the mid-19th century. The area became a popular destination for tourists in the early 20th century, and the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 to connect the two sides of the falls. Today, the area is a popular destination for adventure-seekers, nature-lovers, and anyone who appreciates the power and beauty of nature.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the falls, explore the rainforest, and take part in a variety of adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, ziplining, and whitewater rafting.
Fun Fact: The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "the smoke that thunders."
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on whether you are visiting from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the falls, The entry fee for international visitors to the Zambian side was $20 USD.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Mosi-oa-Tunya is the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the falls.
By Land: Mosi-oa-Tunya is accessible by road from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Buses and taxis are available from Livingstone and Victoria Falls, as well as other major cities in the region. You can take a minibus taxi or a local bus from Livingstone to the falls.
Minibus taxis are the most common mode of transportation and are relatively cheap. You can find them at the Livingstone Bus Station or at various locations in the city. The fare for a minibus taxi from Livingstone to the falls is around ZMW 10-15. However, the ride can be quite crowded and uncomfortable.
Another option is to take a local bus from Livingstone to the Victoria Falls. The bus is a bit more comfortable than the minibus taxi, but it may not be as frequent. The fare for a local bus from Livingstone to the falls is around ZMW 5-10.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation on the Zambian side of Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls), ranging from budget to luxury. Here are some popular choices:
Livingstone Backpackers: This budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. It has a bar and a swimming pool, and is located about 10 minutes' walk from the town center.
Victoria Falls Waterfront: This mid-range lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, about 4 km from the Victoria Falls. It offers a range of accommodation options, from camping to chalets and luxury tents, and has a bar, restaurant, and swimming pool.
AVANI Victoria Falls Resort: This upscale resort is located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, about 3 km from the Victoria Falls. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and spa.
Royal Livingstone Hotel: This luxury hotel is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from the Victoria Falls. It offers elegant rooms with private balconies or terraces, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and spa.
The River Club: This boutique hotel is located about 20 minutes' drive upstream from the Victoria Falls. It offers luxurious rooms with river views, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and a range of activities including sunset cruises and game drives.
There are also many other options for accommodation in Livingstone town, which is the closest town to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls.
Next Stop: Mosi-oa-Tunya/ Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Side
Year of Inscription: 1989
Criteria: (vii) contain superlative natural phenomena or areas of exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance; and
(viii) be outstanding examples representing significant ongoing ecological and biological processes in the evolution and development of terrestrial, fresh water, coastal, and marine ecosystems and communities of plants and animals;
Overview: Mosi-oa-Tunya, also known as Victoria Falls, is a waterfall located on the Zambezi River, straddling the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The falls are considered one of the largest and most spectacular waterfalls in the world, measuring 1.7 km (1.1 miles) in width and over 100 meters (328 feet) in height. The falls are also surrounded by a lush tropical rainforest, teeming with a diverse range of flora and fauna.
Prominent Features: The main attraction of Mosi-oa-Tunya is, of course, the waterfall itself, which is visible from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides. Other prominent features of the area include:
Victoria Falls Bridge: Built in 1905, the Victoria Falls Bridge is a historic railway bridge that spans the Zambezi River, offering stunning views of the falls.
Devil's Pool: Located on the Zambian side of the falls, Devil's Pool is a natural swimming pool that allows visitors to swim right up to the edge of the falls (under the guidance of trained professionals).
Rainforest: The rainforest surrounding the falls is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species.
History: The falls have been known to local tribespeople for centuries, but were first seen by European explorers in the mid-19th century. The area became a popular destination for tourists in the early 20th century, and the Victoria Falls Bridge was built in 1905 to connect the two sides of the falls. Today, the area is a popular destination for adventure-seekers, nature-lovers, and anyone who appreciates the power and beauty of nature.
Family-Friendly Activities: Families can take a guided tour of the falls, explore the rainforest, and take part in a variety of adventure activities, such as bungee jumping, ziplining, and whitewater rafting.
Fun Fact: The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means "the smoke that thunders."
Entry Fees: Entry fees vary depending on whether you are visiting from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side of the falls, The entry fee for international visitors to the Zambian side was $20 USD.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Mosi-oa-Tunya is the Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport in Livingstone, Zambia. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the falls.
By Land: Mosi-oa-Tunya is accessible by road from both Zambia and Zimbabwe. Buses and taxis are available from Livingstone and Victoria Falls, as well as other major cities in the region. You can take a minibus taxi or a local bus from Livingstone to the falls.
Minibus taxis are the most common mode of transportation and are relatively cheap. You can find them at the Livingstone Bus Station or at various locations in the city. The fare for a minibus taxi from Livingstone to the falls is around ZMW 10-15. However, the ride can be quite crowded and uncomfortable.
Another option is to take a local bus from Livingstone to the Victoria Falls. The bus is a bit more comfortable than the minibus taxi, but it may not be as frequent. The fare for a local bus from Livingstone to the falls is around ZMW 5-10.
Where to Stay: There are several options for accommodation on the Zambian side of Mosi-oa-Tunya (Victoria Falls), ranging from budget to luxury. Here are some popular choices:
Livingstone Backpackers: This budget-friendly hostel offers dormitory-style rooms and private rooms with shared bathrooms. It has a bar and a swimming pool, and is located about 10 minutes' walk from the town center.
Victoria Falls Waterfront: This mid-range lodge is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, about 4 km from the Victoria Falls. It offers a range of accommodation options, from camping to chalets and luxury tents, and has a bar, restaurant, and swimming pool.
AVANI Victoria Falls Resort: This upscale resort is located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, about 3 km from the Victoria Falls. It offers comfortable rooms with modern amenities, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and spa.
Royal Livingstone Hotel: This luxury hotel is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, just upstream from the Victoria Falls. It offers elegant rooms with private balconies or terraces, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and spa.
The River Club: This boutique hotel is located about 20 minutes' drive upstream from the Victoria Falls. It offers luxurious rooms with river views, a restaurant, bar, swimming pool, and a range of activities including sunset cruises and game drives.
There are also many other options for accommodation in Livingstone town, which is the closest town to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls.
Next Stop: Mosi-oa-Tunya/ Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Side