If you plan to visit Africa and/or you are a waterfall lover, then a trip to see the spectacular sight that is Victoria Falls, is an absolute must.
Victoria Falls as seen from the Zambian side. Water level in August Photograph GRACIE
Forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, the Zambezi River cascades one hundred meters down a mile-wide chasm into the gorge below forming a curtain of falling water, colloquially referred to as ‘The Smoke that Thunders’.
Victoria Falls as seen from the Zambian side. View into the gorge. Water level in August Photograph GRACIE
July/August are the months when the Zambezi is flowing well and viewing is less impaired by the columns of spray and mist that result in June when the peak flow generates water falling at a rate of 3,000 tonnes per second. Jaw dropping in anyone’s language!
Victoria Falls as seen from the Zambian side. View of mid river flow Water level in August Photograph GRACIE
Flights to Livingstone Airport are available from most large cities in South Africa or travel by train is another option. Named after Dr David Livingstone, The Royal Livingstone Hotel located on the Zambia side, offers superb accommodation and easy access to the Falls. It’s elegant and luxurious and you can even see the fine spray of the Falls from the garden. It really does look like smoke from a bush fire.
View over The Royal Livingstone Hotel swimming pool, showing the Zambezi River flowing to the falls, with a column of spray visible centre background. Photograph GRACIE
It’s fun to find zebra and elephant casually strolling through the gardens of the hotel (where else would you find this?) or to be joined by cheeky monkeys while enjoying sundowners on the Zambezi river bank. This is Africa after all!
View from The Royal Livingstone Hotel with the sun setting over the Zambezi River. Elephants on an evening stroll checking out the foreshore trees Photograph: GRACIE
Whichever side of the Falls you may choose to stay, a visit to the other side is a must. Opinions vary as to which is the better, as both offer first class accommodation and sight seeing. It’s really a personal choice.
View from the Zimbabwe side looking up the gorge towards the Zambia side. Rainbows form regularly through the ever present mist. A glorious spectacle Photograph GRACIE
Walking tours along the chasm provide mesmerizing viewing.
Victoria Falls as seen from the Zambian side. Water level in August Photograph GRACIE
Victoria Falls as seen from the Zambian side. Water level in August Photograph GRACIE
The Victoria Falls Bridge was the inspiration of Cecil Rhodes. A railway, road and boot-bridge it forms the only rail link between Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as a launching pad for bungee jumping enthusiasts!
The rail bridge spanning the Zambezi River joining Zambia to Zimbabe. Photograph GRACIE
A helicopter ride is a real must and can be arranged via your hotel or travel agent. This is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity that will resonate with you long after your adventure. From the air, it’s possible to absorb the sheer magnitude of the Falls, the might of the Zambesi River itself, as well as the colossal gorge into which it pours. It really IS this good.
Aerial view from helicopter showing the Falls. Zambia side to the bottom of photograph – Zimbabwe side top of photograph. Border check point mid way along the ridge. Photo courtesy Fishki.net website
If possible, arrange to spend a few days here as there are many activities worth enjoying. One option is a cruise at sundown on the Zambesi. Africa offers up sunsets not seen anywhere else in the world. Experiencing one, while enjoying some bubbly on a leisurely cruise on this grand river, is almost mandatory.
Sunset on the Zambezi River. Photograph Courtesy Fottlestravels.com
From here you can venture into Botswana or Zimbabwe for sensational safari game viewing. Africa is a world unto itself. The breath taking beauty and grandeur of Victoria Falls is just one heart stopping part of it. Go see it if you can.