Vultures, also known as scavengers are integral to the ecosystem, as they are the rubbish collectors and cleaners of the bush – without them there would be more disease in our immediate environment, adversely affecting wildlife, domestic animals and humans. Vulture stomach acid is exceptionally corrosive; allowing them to safely digest putrid carcasses infected with botulinum toxin, hog cholera bacteria and even anthrax bacteria that would be lethal to other scavengers.
Every day from 13:00/13:30 Victoria Falls Safari Lodge have the Vulture Culture Experience complimentary to all visitors, which is a conservation project that strives to protect endangered vultures, whilst educating visitors about these remarkable birds. It’s a safe feeding site where animal carcasses are provided as an artificial, safe food source for vultures on a regular basis. This practice not only serves to assist in the continued survival of vultures, but also increases awareness of vultures.
It’s actually quite remarkable to see. Visitors gather outside for a short briefing before walking down to the vulture feeding hide, where a well-educated member of the team informs spectators of his actions, as he prepares the animal carcasses for a lunchtime feed. Within moments a committee of vultures gather in great numbers from above, waiting for their cue – the feeder knows he needs to be quick. He gives the signal and dashes to the feeding hide. Without a second to lose, the vultures converge in absolute pandemonium swooping in and pouncing on their prey.
Bystanders watch in fascination as the wake of vultures rip and tear chunks of meat off the animal carcasses all around the hide. The sound, smell and feeling of the unsettled dust from the mammoth attack is unforgettable.
Some of the species commonly seen at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge include, but are not limited to:
Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, together with Victoria Falls Safari Lodge are conducting the following research:
Nesting sites and vulture counts.
Fitting satellite tracking devices and tags to monitor movement and habitat regionally. Occasionally tagged vultures appear at their site providing valuable information, which is submitted to VulPro (Vulture Protection in Southern Africa).
VulPro Facebook
VulPro Twitter
VulPro Instagram
The Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advance and promote environmental conservation in Southern Africa through active wildlife research; management of wildlife veterinary diagnostic laboratory and rehabilitation facility; the education and empowerment of local people in the sustainable utilization of indigenous resources through active involvement in conservation training and community outreach programs.
So what can we do to help this great initiative? Beware of the potential use of vulture body parts in traditional medicine. Educate friends and family regarding the importance of vultures as guardians of the ecosystem. Actively encourage the use of ‘green’ medicines for livestock. Lobby for the banning of toxic substances, such as Furadan and Aldicarb. Lastly, any donations to the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust will contribute enormously.
Read more about the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust here.
Due to the width of vultures wingspan, they are unable to change direction easily at short notice, so power lines are a constant hazard.
As humans encroach on wildlife areas, vultures’ food diminishes.
Poachers poison vultures to avoid alerting rangers of the location of a poached animal.
Farmers may use poisoned bait for predators that prey on their herds of livestock.
Livestock treated with diclofenac will kill vultures if the animal dies and is consumed.
Traditional healers believe different body parts of a vulture can cure diseases and provide foresight through dreams.
Vultures are mistakenly perceived as pests by certain cultures.
Things To Do
Planning a trip to Victoria Falls? Discover expert travel tips on the best time to visit, where to stay, top attractions, budgeting, and adventure activities. This complete guide will help you organize an unforgettable Victoria Falls experience like a travel professional.
Read More →
Things To Do
Victoria Falls, known by the locals as “Mosi oa-Tunya” (“the smoke that thunders”) lies almost half-way along the Mighty Zambezi Rivers’ 2700 km journey from its source in north-western Zambia to its entry into the Indian Ocean on the coast of Mozambique. Spanning nearly 2 Kilometres the Zambezi River plunges approximately 108 meters into the depths of the Batoka Gorge, creating the biggest curtain of falling water in the world. Listed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is a year round destination with each season offering different experiences. The Falls usually reaches its peak in late April to May which provides the spectacle of of the huge volumes of water cascading over the precipice, which can hamper viewing due to the dense spray, but provides a wet but thrilling show to its spectators. Dryer months of the Year, July to December usually offer fantastic wildlife and game viewing as the animals are drawn to the life giving water of the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls is shared by the Town of the Same Name, and Livingstone in Zambia, and the combined area is regarded as the Adventure Capital of Africa, and there are literally hundreds of activities you can do depending on your preferences.
Read More →
Things To Do
Victoria Falls, known by the locals as “Mosi oa-Tunya” (“the smoke that thunders”) lies almost half-way along the Mighty Zambezi Rivers’ 2700 km journey from its source in north-western Zambia to its entry into the Indian Ocean on the coast of Mozambique. Spanning nearly 2 Kilometres the Zambezi River plunges approximately 108 meters into the depths of the Batoka Gorge, creating the biggest curtain of falling water in the world. Listed as a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site, Victoria Falls is a year round destination with each season offering different experiences. The Falls usually reaches its peak in late April to May which provides the spectacle of of the huge volumes of water cascading over the precipice, which can hamper viewing due to the dense spray, but provides a wet but thrilling show to its spectators. Dryer months of the Year, July to December usually offer fantastic wildlife and game viewing as the animals are drawn to the life giving water of the Zambezi River. Victoria Falls is the Adventure Capital of Africa, and there are literally hundreds of activities you can do depending on your preferences.
Read More →
Things To Do
For those who are new to high tea, and for those who are frequent acquaintances, high tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel will not disappoint. The British tradition of ‘high tea’ stretches back to the mid-1700s as an afternoon meal, usually served between 3 and 4 o’clock and served at the dining room table. Opposed to the ‘afternoon tea’, often served in comfort, around chairs or sofas. Over the years the term ‘high tea’ was developed and to this day is still formally known in a wide selection of hotels around the world.
Read More →
Things To Do
Situated 5-kilometers from the magnificent Victoria Falls is The Boma, a restaurant renowned for giving it’s customers a truly unforgettable African Experience. Below are just a few points on why The Boma is a must, whilst visiting the Falls.
Read More →Reviews
On our first African Safari, I booked our Zimbabwe portion through Where To Africa Experiences - this was one of the best decisions I made on the entire trip.
Everything from booking to our safari experience was smooth and professional. Highly recommend Where To Africa for anyone planning an African adventure.
I took 13 people to Victoria Falls for 3 nights and had a trip with Where To Africa. They made everything very easy, and the payment process was straightforward.
I thoroughly enjoyed my African Safari experience from start to finish with Where to Africa. Everything went smoothly. I would recommend this company to any of my friends, colleagues, or family.
Get Started
Talk with our team and start planning your African journey
Help Me Planor call us on: +27(0)315352811
LION
ELEPHANT
ZEBRA
Our Partners
Our Partners In Africa Will Make Your Dream Trip, A Trip To Never Forget
