Victoria Falls Day Tour Review: Seeing those Very Scenic Highlights

Victoria Falls, that big curtain of water is more than just a sight; it’s a feeling. The roar, the mist that drenches you even from afar, it’s almost an experience that stays with you. So, you know, if you’re thinking about checking it out, a day tour to see the scenic highlights might be just the ticket. We gave it a whirl, and here’s the lowdown.

Picking the best Tour: Things to consider

Alright, so first off, choosing your tour. There’s heaps available, very. I would recommend thinking a bit about what’s most interesting for you, you know. Some tours just cover the viewpoints, others add in stuff like guided walks in the rainforest or visits to local villages. Very consider the length and the pace of the tour as well. A shorter tour can be better if you are short on time, of course but a longer one might give you a bit more in-depth experience.

What’s Included Typically

What your tour cost actually includes will vary, of course, you see. Nearly always, you will get transport to and from your accommodation in Victoria Falls town, which can be very useful, in a way. Some tours include the entry fees to the national park, some do not include that. And lunch? It might be included, or maybe you need to buy it. Guided tours almost definitely include the very useful expertise of a local guide, they can provide a wealth of info and context.

So, anyway, do check the fine print so there are no surprises. What is really handy can be a tour that deals with all the logistics, like getting you across the border if you’re hoping to see the Falls from both the Zimbabwe and Zambia sides.

Zimbabwe or Zambia Side?: A very Important choice

A lot of folks ask which side, Zimbabwe or Zambia, offers the very best views. The answer is, that depends! Each side has unique vantage points, too it’s almost, as a matter of fact and the time of year can have a big influence, as well. During the dry season, the Zambian side might have less water flowing, so some parts might be dry. That said, you could get the chance to walk right up to the edge, is that not something. The Zimbabwe side usually has year-round flow, it does. Then too, a great option could be a tour that lets you visit both sides, assuming you have a multiple-entry visa or are able to get a day tripper visa easily.

Main Viewpoints: Seeing is believing

Okay, the main event: getting to those viewpoints! So, from the Zimbabwe side, spots like the aptly named Danger Point, as well as the slightly calmer looking, but not actually calmer, Main Falls viewpoint, offer truly panoramic sights, literally. That spray, so very intense! Especially between February and May, that’s the peak flow, it really drenches you, so you’ll probably need to have waterproof gear for you and your camera. Is that not always the way! From the Zambian side, the very Knife-Edge Bridge can give you a nail-biting close-up, so try to brace yourself, in some respects. During the high water season, though, you might just see a wall of water and mist.

The Rainforest Walk: A damp experience

Almost every tour on the Zimbabwe side includes this walk. It winds you, you see, so pleasantly along the edge of the gorge opposite the Falls, often through areas that are, apparently, quite dense with greenery that thrives on the constant mist. It is that, a really beautiful thing. You will find different viewpoints along the way, so you can experience the Falls from tons of angles. And the mist? Well, expect to be damp, basically. Waterproofs are not optional! And take care with your electronics!

Devil’s Pool (Zambia): Edge of the World (almost)

This is, kind of, an adrenaline junkie’s dream, that Devil’s Pool. During the drier months, and only then of course, so, you can swim right to the edge of the Falls on the Zambian side, pretty much, the tour guides see to that. A natural rock barrier stops you from going over, well theoretically. It’s an experience to remember, very and the photo opportunities? Amazing!

Beyond the Falls: Extra activities to consider

Victoria Falls is more than just that big waterfall, anyway. A day tour might bundle in some activities that let you see that a little more, you realize. Activities, they can range from cultural experiences to seeing local villages, or getting close with wildlife.

Cultural Visits: Understanding Local Culture

Getting a chance to see a local village is very worth doing to get a feeling of life around the Falls. These visits, literally, they are arranged so, the local guides explain their traditions, anyway their way of life, and local crafts, actually. You’ll learn a whole heck of a lot about the history of the people who live there, of course and it gives you a bit more appreciation for the region, actually.

Wildlife Encounters: Not far from the Falls

Close to Victoria Falls are some incredible opportunities to see wildlife. In fact a tour might include a short trip to a game park, which is pretty exciting really. This gives you a chance to see elephants, lions, giraffes, as well as a plethora of very colorful birds, pretty exciting, yeah. Just make sure, of course that your tour operator, pretty much, respects the animals, and takes you to spots that promote ethical tourism, that is that important thing!

Helicopter Flight: Bird’s-Eye view

This is a splurge, is this activity really. However, getting a helicopter flight over the Falls? Very spectacular really. You get this crazy great view of the Falls, is this the one for you. I cannot really think of a better way to grasp the whole layout, the layout of the gorge and the river as it winds along. Usually these flights go for around 15 minutes or so, yet pack a massive punch, which is exciting! You could consider taking this to be the very top experience!

Tips for the Ultimate Day Tour

To make the most of a day trip, a little bit of prep work? Actually it makes all the difference! We came up with a list, here, just to guide you!

What to wear and bring

Dress comfortably. Clothing layers are always a pretty good idea. Those waterproofs are kind of essential during peak flow! Actually they can protect from the mist and the spray that comes with all the fun! So you would want some sturdy walking shoes, very great for hikes. Pack some sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses to block that bright African sun. Of course do not forget your camera! Protect your gear though!

Best Times to Visit

It kind of matters when you are planning your tour. In reality it depends on what experience you would hope for! Peak flow? So the best time is February to May. In that you would see the Falls at their fullest, it will just rain a lot though. Drier months? Those would be June to October, when you would get those great views of the rock formations and the possibility to swim in the Devil’s Pool, so that is pretty fun actually.

Staying Safe

A bit of common sense makes it very safer, for sure! Do heed the safety briefings that tour guides give. Keep to marked paths, especially near the gorge. And protect yourself from the sun, as it really is powerful stuff! And also, just drink plenty of water.

Overall, that very ultimate Victoria Falls day tour packs quite a punch, frankly! Very incredible vistas, cultural insights and so, too it’s almost, yeah thrilling optional extras, the day does have that something for everybody really. Picking that right tour, actually it means knowing what your interests and your budget are. Preparing and knowing what to expect? A whole lot of key, yeah. Experiencing this force of nature is really something, yeah!