The best reason to see Victoria Falls is its sheer overwhelming beauty. In 1855, the first recorded European to see the Falls, the Scottish missionary, David Livingstone wrote, “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”
Five individual falls make up the mighty Victoria Falls. Four are on the Zimbabwean side, with the fifth fall being on the Zambian side. On the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites as well as being one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is the major waterfall on the African Zambezi River.
The Power behind the Falls and the Angels that hover over it
Both the spray and the roar of Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya, The Smoke That Thunders’ can be seen, and heard, 40kms away. The spray is so heavy there is a tropical rainforest growing on the basalt cliff facing the Falls. This one-and-a-half kilometre long, and approximately 108-meter-high drop of 550 million liters of water per minute is overwhelming. Its intense power has gouged a 70m deep hollow, the Devil’s Catract, at the cliffs’ base.
One of the best ways to see the Falls is via the Flight of the Angels – a helicopter ride that soars high above the flood plain, revealing not only the power and majesty of the Falls but also the beauty of the land through which it flows.
The Bridge, the Bunjee and other adventures
Despite its length, only four bridges cross the Zambezi River and one of those is the legendary bridge high over the second gorge of the Victoria Falls. With a road, walkway and railway, it is the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe. An historical guided tour is a fascinating way to learn more about the bridge’s history. Afterwards, a 111m bungee jump, a gorge swing or zip-lining adventure will get your heart racing and ready for the next adventure.
Ride the wild water
The low water season, August to January, is the best time for water-based adventures, like seven hours of white-water rafting and canoeing over some of the most dangerous water in the world – Class VI and V rapids. July to August, Safari season, is the best time to combine a safari, a decent fall of water and be able to ride the water.
Stand with the Saint, swim with the Devil
Experience the Falls from the same spot as David Livingstone, on Livingstone Island in the middle of the Falls. On the edge of Falls, is Devil’s Pool. It’s an adventure only for the brave and only in low-water season. For safety reasons it is out of bounds at any other time.
Sunset Cruises
There is nothing better than watching the sun go down from the deck of a houseboat, with a cold G&T tinkling with ice. It’s also the perfect way to the see wildlife as the animals come down to the edge of the Zambesi River to drink. It’s a magical way to experience the natural drama of Africa.
