Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls
"Mosi Oa Tunya", or "The Smoke That Thunders", Victoria Falls are as magnificent on the 10th visit as they are on the 1st, and their thundering roar makes everything else seem strangely quiet once you leave them behind.
As the mighty Zambezi flows over a chasm of 1 mile wide, and 110 metres high, to violently crash on the rocks below, the resultant spray is sent tens of metres up into the air, before it lands back down in a continuous rainfall. The water then rushes through an opening of only 50 metres, as the Zambezi races further along, over churning rapids and through the deep Batoka Gorge.
While the Falls are the major drawcard, there is a thriving tourist industry developed around them, with adventure activities of all forms being available.
Tourism has been evident here ever since David Livingstone was the first European guided by the local tribes to this remarkable natural wonder.
Bungy Jump and Gorge Swing
Bring together a railway bridge, an enormous waterfall, a 110 meter high canyon, and some mad Africans, and what you find is one of the world famous bungy jumps and gorge swings.
While it takes a huge amount of courage to make it to the edge of the bridge, or cliff, the local instructors will be more than willing to assist you with the final leap! Hanging upside down with Victoria Falls in your sight is probably not one of the views Livingstone would have considered.
Flight of Angels
When David Livingstone first saw Victoria Falls, his opinion was that they are so beautiful, that angels must choose to fly above them to enjoy the views. 150 years on, we mere mortals are able to join these angels while taking a helicopter flight above the Falls and the Botaka Gorge.
This is the best way to understand that remarkable geology of the land which has resulted in the Falls, and you are able to see far into the distance, over 4 countries, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia.
Sunset Cruises
The Zambezi River is home to countless crocodiles and heaps of hippos, and is the drinking hole of numerous wild animals, including elephants, giraffe, kudu, zebra and many more. It is often in the evening that many of these creatures make their way down for a sundowner, and you can enjoy your very own while relaxing on one of the Zambezi river boats.
A Zambezi sunset is a highlight of any African safari, with the waters of the river being the perfect canvas for the sun to paint its vivid red, orange and yellow reflections.
Viewing the Falls
Remember to take wet weather gear, even on the driest of days! Victoria Falls can be viewed from walkways running parallel with the rock face over which the mighty Zambezi Rivers flows in thousands of litres of water per second.
The narrow gorge into which the water cascades causes spray to be thrown up high into the air, and creates a perpetual rainfall which feeds the rain forest situated all along the walkways. Guided tours of the Falls can be arranged on which you can learn more about the history and geology of the area.
Village and School Visits
The towns of Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) and Livingstone (Zambia) each offer the opportunity to engage with some of the locals on guided visits to some of the surrounding villages.
Spend some time at a local school and gain insights into the lifestyle and cultures of the area.
White Water Rafting
With some of the roughest white water tackled by tourists anywhere in the world, the Zambezi rafting guides have etched their names into world folklore with their skills, strength, and daring in taking on the Zambezi's rapids everyday.
With many grade 5's, and even a grade 6 (for guides only), a full day of rafting is one of the most exhilirating experiences available. And seeing crocs lazing on the rocks as you tumble past just adds to the thrills!
