At 2,574 km in length, the Zambezi is the fourth-longest river in Africa. Starting in Zambia the Zambezi flows through Angola, along the boundaries of Namibia, Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Cutting through Mozambique, it finally empties its mighty mouth into the Indian Ocean.
Life On The Zambezi River
Above Victoria Falls the Zambezi is over 2 km wide, and is scattered with large pods of hippos and numerous crocodiles. While in Vic Falls do not miss the opportunity to go for a leisurely river cruise on this beautiful section of slow-moving water.
If that sounds too tame for your liking, the frothing foaming section of the Zambezi that tears its way through Batoka Gorge below the Falls offers exciting white-water rafting. And, for air-bound adventurers, the Victoria Falls bridge is a popular site for bungee jumping. The bridge is one of only five that cross the Zambezi.
The Zambezi supports many species of animal, including countless birds and at least 32 million humans, all of whom depend upon the river for their survival. Among the humans, the BaTonga people worship the god of the Zambezi, Nyaminyami, who is dragonlike in appearance, with a snake’s torso and a fish’s head.
Where To Stay
There is a wide choice of luxurious lodges and tented camps close to Victoria Falls: stay a short walk from the Falls in the elegant Royal Livingstone, or set your sites further upstream to romantic hideaways like Tongabezi Lodge.
We’d highly recommend a few days at one of the peaceful riverside lodges in the Lower Zambezi, a magnificent game reserve waiting to be explored on game drives, guided walks, river cruises and canoeing safaris.