Exploring Victoria Falls on Foot: An Overview of the Best Walking Routes

Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. Located on the Zambezi River at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls are known for their majestic beauty and awe-inspiring power. The falls are over 1.7km wide and drop over 100 meters into the gorge below, creating a thunderous roar that can be heard from miles away.

Aside from the falls themselves, the area around Victoria Falls is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and natural beauty. From the lush rainforest that surrounds the falls to the savannah and wetlands that extend outwards, there is much to explore and discover in this area.

One of the best ways to experience Victoria Falls and its surroundings is by foot. Walking tours allow visitors to get up close and personal with the natural wonders of the area, and to experience the sights, sounds, and smells of the landscape in a way that is impossible from a car or bus.

In this article, we will provide an overview of the best walking routes in the area, as well as some tips for planning a walking tour of Victoria Falls.

Overview of the Best Walking Routes in Victoria Falls

There are several walking routes in the Victoria Falls area that are worth exploring. Here are some of the best:

Victoria Falls National Park

The Victoria Falls National Park is the most popular destination for visitors to the area. The park is home to a network of well-marked walking trails that wind through the rainforest surrounding the falls. The trails offer stunning views of the falls from various angles, as well as the opportunity to spot wildlife such as monkeys, baboons, and a variety of bird species.
One of the highlights of the park is the Main Falls viewpoint, which offers a panoramic view of the falls from the Zimbabwean side. The park also includes several other viewpoints and picnic areas, making it a great place to spend a full day exploring. In Zambia side, walking over the Knife Edge Bridge to the Boiling Pot, you'll be able to experience the beauty of the falls up close and personal. 

Zambezi National Park

The Zambezi National Park is located on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi River, above the Victoria Falls. The park is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including elephants, lions, leopards, and buffalo. Walking tours in the park are led by experienced guides, who can help visitors spot and identify different species.

One of the most popular walking routes in the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls is the Lion Encounter Walk, which takes visitors on a guided walk through the bushes side by side with lions. Another fascinating walk is the Elephant encounter. The walks is led by experienced guides who provide information about the lions' behavior and ecology.

Batoka Gorge

The Batoka Gorge is a deep canyon that was carved out by the Zambezi River over millions of years. The gorge offers some of the most spectacular views in the area, with sheer cliffs that drop hundreds of meters down to the river below.
Walking tours in the Batoka Gorge are available for those who are up for a more challenging adventure. The tours involve hiking down into the gorge and exploring the riverine forest and rocky outcrops along the way. Visitors can also take a dip in the river or go white-water rafting for an extra adrenaline rush.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is located on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls and is home to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, and antelopes. The park offers a range of walking tours, ranging from gentle strolls to more strenuous hikes.
One of the highlights of the park is the Rhino Walk, which takes visitors on a guided tour to see the endangered white rhino in their natural habitat. The walk is led by experienced guides who provide information about the rhinos' behavior and conservation.

Tips for Planning a Walking Tour of Victoria Falls

If you're planning a walking tour of Victoria Falls, here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Choose the right time of year
  The best time to visit Victoria Falls is during the dry season, which runs from May to October. During this time, the water levels in the Zambezi River are low, making it easier to access some of the walking routes and see the falls from different angles.
• Wear appropriate clothing
  The weather in Victoria Falls can be unpredictable, so it's important to dress in layers and bring a waterproof jacket. Comfortable walking shoes are also a must, as some of the trails can be rocky and uneven.
• Book a guided tour
  Many of the walking routes in the area are led by experienced guides who can provide valuable information about the wildlife, flora, and fauna of the area. Booking a guided tour is also a great way to ensure that you don't get lost or miss any of the highlights of the route.
• Bring plenty of water and snacks
  Walking tours in Victoria Falls can be physically demanding, so it's important to stay hydrated and energized. Bring plenty of water and snacks to keep your energy levels up throughout the day.

Benefits of Exploring Victoria Falls on Foot

Exploring Victoria Falls on foot offers a range of benefits that you simply can't get from a car or bus tour. Here are just a few:

• Closer proximity to wildlife and nature
  Walking tours allow visitors to get up close and personal with the wildlife and natural wonders of the area. Whether you're spotting monkeys in the trees or walking alongside a herd of elephants, the experience is much more immersive when you're on foot.
• Flexibility and freedom
  Walking tours offer greater flexibility and freedom than other types of tours. You can take your time to explore the area at your own pace, and stop to take photos or rest whenever you like.
• Health benefits
  Walking tours are a great way to get exercise and stay active while on vacation. The physical activity can also help to reduce stress and improve mental health.
• Environmental sustainability
  Walking tours are a more sustainable way to explore the area, as they have a lower carbon footprint than car or bus tours. By choosing to explore Victoria Falls on foot, you're helping to reduce the impact of tourism on the environment.

Conclusion

Victoria Falls is one of the most spectacular natural wonders in the world, and exploring the area on foot is a great way to experience its beauty and power up close. With a range of walking routes to choose from, visitors can explore the rainforest surrounding the falls, spot wildlife in the savannah and wetlands, and even hike down into the Batoka Gorge for an extra adventure.

Planning a walking tour of Victoria Falls is easy with a little bit of preparation and the right gear. By choosing to explore the area on foot, visitors can enjoy the benefits of closer proximity to nature, flexibility and freedom, health benefits, and environmental sustainability. So why not lace up your walking shoes and start exploring this amazing natural wonder today?