AFRICA

VICTORIA FALLS

LIVINGSTONE, ZAMBIA VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE. AFRICA

The Victoria Falls are one of the greatest natural wonders of the world. If you're planning a trip to Southern Africa, you simple have to witness this mile-long curtain of falling water. As the explorer David Livingstone remarked when he first saw them "scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight".

The Victoria Falls lie in between Zambia and Zimbabwe in Southern Africa. The falls are part of two national parks, Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia and Vistoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe.

The Victoria Falls are just 1 mile wide (1.7 km) and 335 feet (108 m) high. During the wet season over 500 million liters (19 million cubic feet) of water plummets over the edge into the Zimbezi River. This incredible amount of water generates a huge amount of spray which shoots 1000 feet into the sky and can be seen 30 miles away, hence the name Mosi-oa-Tunya (Smoke that thunders).

The unique geography of the falls means you can watch them face-on and get to enjoy the full force of the spray, noise and spectacular rainbows that are always present. The best time to view the Victoria Falls is during the rainy season from March to May, when they are at their most impressive.

Up until about 10 years ago, Zimbabwe was by the far most popular country to visit Victoria Falls from. There are plenty of luxury hotels and the infrastructure is good. you can walk to the falls from the town along well marked paths and the view is certainly the best from this side because you can stand opposite the falls and see them head on. 

ACTIVITIES AT THE VICTORIA FALLS

VIEWING THE FALLS

1) Bungee Jumping

Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge is a highlight of many people's visit to the falls. Jumps usually run just under $100 and can be arranged from most hotels in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, or at any travel agency in town.

2) Jet Boating

A jet boat ride allows you to experience the Victoria Falls from below. The Very fast (and scenic) ride takes you to the "boiling pot" at the foot of the falls, with some hair raising turns route.

3) White-water Rafting

Rafting down the rapids of the Zambezi River is incredible adventure. These are Grade 5 rapids, not a leisurely float down the river, so be prepared to get wet and work hard at staying upright. Trips usually include lunch at a beautiful spot along the river once you've clambered back up the gorge.

SUNDOWNER CRUISE

Sunset cruises are a popular pastime in this part of the world, and there's something extremely pleasant about enjoying a drinks while watching hippos cavort in the Zambezi under a spectacular sunset. Cruises can be organized through the various travel agencies around the town in both Livingstone and Victoria Falls. 

WILDLIFE VIEWING

There's a surprising amount of wildlife to see just walking around the vicinity of the Victoria Falls on both sides. Baboons and warthogs are very common. Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park in Zambia is small but packs a punch with white rhinos, buffaloes, elephants and giraffe. Elephant safaris and a "walk with lions" are becoming popular activities. both offer less adrenalin- loving folks a chance at a little adventure and many enjoy getting close to these great animals.

MORE EXTREME ADVENTURES

The Victoria Falls are an adventurers dream given the amount of activities available. You can Kayak, canoe, abseil, river board, swing through the gorge, and horse ride.