Mosi-oa-Tunya
VICTORIA FALLS
Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s greatest treasures. This immense waterfall is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and is one of the most visited destinations in Africa. Victoria Falls was introduced to the Western World by explorer David Livingstone and is Africa’s Adventure Captial with its numerous and exhilarating activities.
Victoria Falls is located in both Zimbabwe and Zambia, in Africa. The Zambezi River forms a border between Zimbabwe and Zambia before it tumbles down 360ft (108 m) of sheer vertical cliffs into the zigzagging gorges below. As the Zambezi River spills over Victoria Falls, it churns up a mist, which inspired the local tribe’s name: Mosi oa-Tunya (translated as “the smoke that thunders”). When the Victoria Falls is at high water from April through to July, the entire cliff face is covered in cascading torrents of water, the power and force of the river pushing up so much mist that you will be drenched while enjoying your tour around the viewing points. You can hear the thunder from all over the town of Victoria Falls and Livingstone.
We go into detail about Victoria Falls and how to get there in our Travel Guide, along with some interesting facts and info on the walking tour of the Falls. Below is a typical time spent in Victoria Falls, as told by our director Michelle who visited at low water in December. Most visitors to Victoria Falls will do the walking tour of the Falls on the Zimbabwe Zide with a guide, and if they have time, a walk on their own on the Zambia side. Lunch at The Look Out Cafe is a must, as is a sunset cruise. There is a myriad of activities to enjoy on a Victoria Falls Safari, including a zipline adventure, helicopter flip, bungee jumping or bridge swinging, shopping at the various markets, village tours and even game drives in the local national parks.
Below is an account of the first time our director, Michelle, visited the area.
“It had never been seen before by European eyes, but scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight” ~ David Livingstone
Monthly Aerial Photos of Victoria Falls
Showing the water levels throughout the year.
MY SAFARI TO VICTORIA FALLS
I first visited Victoria Falls in early December 2018, which is when the water levels of the Zambezi are at their annual lowest and it was at the height of the crippling drought that the region was experiencing. Even then, I was still blown away by the sheer size and majesty of Victoria Falls. My friendly local guide from Wild Horizons was waiting for me at the modern Victoria Falls Airport. First stop to check into the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for the night. Lush green gardens greeted me along with that famous Zimbabwe hospitality. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is a lovely property, perched on a hill overlooking the Zambezi National Park. With its own waterhole and viewing hide, do not be surprised to have elephants and more visiting for a drink.
After check-in and a light lunch, I was collected for the first of my two sunset cruises. This one was a Wild Horizons standard cruise, where I was given a table with other solo travellers giving us the opportunity to chat and share the experience. This cruise is a typical booze cruise and ideal if you are on a budget, in a group or want a fun afternoon activity.
The next morning my guide collected me for a day of learning, experiencing and enjoying. We started off on a walking tour of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side. We spent the 2 hours ambling through the 15 viewpoints, getting soaking wet at the first few and then drying out by the time we got to the incredible Victoria Falls Bridge.
Read: Victoria Falls Travel Guide
VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE
After our tour, we had lunch at the Lookout Café, which has spectacular views of the bridge and the Batoka Gorge. The Lookout Cafe is in a beautiful spot that enhances the spectacular views.
Right next to the cafe is the Zip Line excursion from the café. Harnessed up to the cables above you jump out into the narrow Batoka Gorge above the turmoil of the Zambezi River below and hurtle across the longest zip line in the world. Going faster and faster as you descend, you slowly come to a stop near the bottom.
As you are winched back up to the top you can enjoy the incredible views of the surrounding gorges, the Victoria Falls Bridge above you and the cliff faces of the gorge covered in plants that thrive in the damp warm conditions.
Once my adrenaline levels had returned to a normal level I checked into the lovely Ilala Lodge, perfectly located in the centre of town, within walking distances of The Falls and many other attractions like restaurants and shopping! Ilala Lodge has lovely rooms all overlooking the gardens and you can see the spray from the Victoria Falls. Their award-winning Palms Restaurant has a delectable menu for lunch and dinner so be sure to check it out. Their buffet breakfast was a real treat as well.
Late afternoon saw me on a small bus heading to the jetty on the Upper Zambezi River about to board one of 3 small cruising boats called the Ra-Ikane I, II, and III, offering one of the best luxury Zambezi river cruises in Victoria Falls. Catering for a maximum of 16 guests, the Ra-Ikane team know the river, the birds and animals that come down and take you cruising along peacefully for breakfast, lunch and sunset cruises. Speciality bird watching cruises are also available.
Plentiful and delicious snacks and a great bar service rounded off my Zambezi River Sunset cruise perfectly. I loved the intimate nature of this cruise and will always sell this to my clients, in spite of the higher price tag, who always come back to me after their trip to thank me for the choice!
Read: The 10 Best Victoria Falls Hotels in Zimbabwe
Let’s talk about a trip to Victoria Falls today!
VICTORIA FALLS, ZAMBIA
After breakfast the next morning I wandered around the large craft market, viewing the incredible stone carvings on offer. Zimbabwe is well known for its stonework, out of various types of local stone. I also explored the old Dame, The Victoria Falls Hotel. Gorgeous gardens and a perfect view of Victoria Falls, The Victoria Falls Hotel is a treat to visit, either in their luxurious colonial-inspired rooms, or high tea on Stanley’s Terrace or even dinner at The Livingstone Room.
My next stop was over the border into Zambia and the incredibly located Royal Livingstone Hotel. This opulent and stunning hotel is so close to the falls you can hear the roar and see the spray. Set in lush gardens the rooms have a classical luxury feel with a touch of colonial influence. I was lucky enough to have a glass-enclosed sitting area that felt like you were in the garden. A beautiful pool and lots of small sitting areas in the gardens makes Royal Livingstone a great place to be based while exploring Victoria Falls. The grounds have a private entrance to the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and this is where I viewed the Zambia side of the Victoria Falls. This is an easy walk to do on your own, however, there are many steps so not for everyone.
That afternoon I set off from the banks of the Zambezi River at Royal Livingstone for my most adventurous adventure to date – a swim in Devil’s Pool on David Livingstone Island! A speedboat ride across the Zambezi River had us on the island in no time. We left our bags at the main area and set off across the rocks and shallow pools of water, one pool had a guiding rope to hold while walking across, to the incredible spot where you can swim to the edge of the Victoria Falls.
Top Tip: The Devil’s Pool swimming activity is only available when the Zambezi River is at low water from late August to early January. Access to Livingstone Island is only possible from late June till early March.
It is terrifying jumping into that pool of water and feeling the gentle but relentless water pushing you to the edge. But as you reach the edge you connect with the wide rock lip is protecting you from going any further. Once you realise that you are not going to fall over, you can start to enjoy this infinity pool with a difference! Fish nibble at your toes and the thunder of the Zambezi River cascading off on the far side of the falls was ever-present. Once in the pool, the experience is so incredible and exhilarating! The guides are good-natured and will take a few photos for you if you give them your phone or camera! After the swim, we wandered back slowly to the island, this time closer to the cliff face, but on the dry rocks, and were given a well deserved ice-cold drink and some snacks.
After the substantial snacks and drinks, we were dropped back at the jetty at The Royal Livingstone, conveniently located next to a bar elevated over the Zambezi River. The riverside bar is perfect for a sundowner and the Royal Livingstone main restaurant offers delectable fare.
I spent my last morning in the beautiful gardens of the Royal Livingstone, enjoying a delectable breakfast, with zebra’s grazing on the grass in front of me and Victoria Falls thundering in the background.
