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.
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, as well as your nationality. The entry fee for international visitors to the Zimbabwean side was $30 USD.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Mosi-oa-Tunya is Victoria Falls Airport on the Zimbabwe side. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the falls.
By Land: The most common mode of public transportation on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls is by taxi or private car hire. There are also minibus taxis available, which are shared with other passengers and tend to be less expensive than private taxis.There are no regularly scheduled buses that run to the falls, but some hotels and tour operators offer shuttle services to and from the falls. Another option is to hire a driver for the day or take a guided tour, which often includes transportation to and from the falls.
From Bulawayo to Victoria Falls town is about 440 km, and the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by road.
Several bus companies operate daily services between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls town, including Pathfinder, Citiliner, and Intercape. Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Bulawayo or online in advance.
Where to Stay: Some popular options for accommodations on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls include:
Victoria Falls Hotel: This historic hotel was built in 1904 and is located within walking distance of the falls. It offers luxury rooms and suites, a spa, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
Ilala Lodge: This boutique hotel is located just a short walk from the falls and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: This lodge is located just outside of town and offers stunning views of the surrounding bush and wildlife. It offers luxury rooms and suites, a spa, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
Elephant Camp: This luxury lodge is located on a private concession within the Zambezi National Park and offers spacious suites, a spa, a swimming pool, and game drives and walks.
The Kingdom Hotel: This hotel is located in the town of Victoria Falls and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and several dining options. It is within walking distance of the falls and offers a free shuttle service.
Next Stop: Rwenzori Mountains National Park
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.
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, as well as your nationality. The entry fee for international visitors to the Zimbabwean side was $30 USD.
How to Reach It: By Air: The nearest major airport to Mosi-oa-Tunya is Victoria Falls Airport on the Zimbabwe side. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi or shuttle bus to the falls.
By Land: The most common mode of public transportation on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls is by taxi or private car hire. There are also minibus taxis available, which are shared with other passengers and tend to be less expensive than private taxis.There are no regularly scheduled buses that run to the falls, but some hotels and tour operators offer shuttle services to and from the falls. Another option is to hire a driver for the day or take a guided tour, which often includes transportation to and from the falls.
From Bulawayo to Victoria Falls town is about 440 km, and the journey takes approximately 6-7 hours by road.
Several bus companies operate daily services between Bulawayo and Victoria Falls town, including Pathfinder, Citiliner, and Intercape. Tickets can be purchased at bus terminals in Bulawayo or online in advance.
Where to Stay: Some popular options for accommodations on the Zimbabwean side of Victoria Falls include:
Victoria Falls Hotel: This historic hotel was built in 1904 and is located within walking distance of the falls. It offers luxury rooms and suites, a spa, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
Ilala Lodge: This boutique hotel is located just a short walk from the falls and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and an on-site restaurant.
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: This lodge is located just outside of town and offers stunning views of the surrounding bush and wildlife. It offers luxury rooms and suites, a spa, a swimming pool, and several dining options.
Elephant Camp: This luxury lodge is located on a private concession within the Zambezi National Park and offers spacious suites, a spa, a swimming pool, and game drives and walks.
The Kingdom Hotel: This hotel is located in the town of Victoria Falls and offers comfortable rooms, a swimming pool, and several dining options. It is within walking distance of the falls and offers a free shuttle service.
Next Stop: Rwenzori Mountains National Park