There is no sight quite like Victoria Falls. This massive waterfall in Southern Africa already has quite the reputation, but I will add just a bit here for you.
First off, the falls are called Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local dialect, which means, “The Smoke that Thunders,” which is a very appropriate name. Second, not only are the falls big, but the width is something that is hard to grasp: 5,604 feet long (or 1,704 meters). There are falls in the world that are taller and wider, but none combine such great heights and widths; Victoria Falls has the world’s largest sheet of falling water due to these factors.
The volume of water differs throughout the year, as the Zambezi River experiences a rainy season and a dry season that affect the flow. The spray from the falls reaches great heights (over 1,300 feet but can be double that) and can be visible from up to 50 kilometers away. When the falls are in full force, you will: a) not be able to see the bottom of the gorge, b) get pretty wet on your tour, and c) understand why the small area around the falls is considered a rainforest.Victoria Falls (Jason Maynard)Victoria Falls (Jason Maynard)
When it is time to take your tour of the falls, please opt for the private tour. You’ve probably traveled a great distance to get yourself to Zimbabwe; the extra thirty bucks for the private tour is well worth it so you can set your own pace inside the national park and have the full attention of your guide. Yes, the Falls (on the Zimbabwe side) must be visited by entering Victoria Falls National Park. Inside, not only is there multiple viewing options for the falls, but the rainforest allows for great bird watching (a birder in our group was hoping to spot Livingstone’s Tauraco while I enjoyed seeing the trumpeter hornbill). Of course, you can run across other animals while in the park (from monkeys to elephants) so always listen to your guide.
Depending on when you visit, you might need to prepare to get wet. The spray during certain months (the rainy season) will soak you even if it does not rain. The falls are impressive, and so is the mist they generate. Also, the stone paths can get slippery, so wear solid footwear. If you have a fancy camera, take the necessary precautions to keep it from getting too wet.
I would recommend you schedule your visit to Victoria Falls in the morning (the earlier the better). You’ll find it less crowded where you can appreciate the spectacular views and the awesome power of nature roaring in your ears and filling your eyes. Plus, once you are done, you can head to The Lookout Cafe for lunch overlooking the spectacular Batonka Gorge and views of the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Me at the Lookout Cafe overlooking the Batonka Gorge (Jason Maynard)
Adventure Life is always an excellent choice when planning complicated, extreme, or exotic vacations or expeditions. They provide friendly professional services and advice and are enthusiastic and encouraging in helping us to prepare and thoroughly enjoy our trip. They handle all the details which greatly reduces the stress of planning a difficult trip. I'm very impressed with Adventure Life and definitely recommend them to friends and family.
Scott Trochim
2 days ago
The response from Adventure Life to my first inquiry was prompt and promising. I worked with Jamie Broeckel, Trip Planner, via text, email, and phone calls- always extremely responsive and thorough with information and explaining the process to arrange a private tour for me to Malaysia Borneo. Within about week, the booking was complete and I made decisions because of Jamie's great customer service , friendly manner, and overall competence on behalf of the company's travel expertise. Now I have an itinerary, additional Trip Planner Assistants, several links for vital information for traveling to Maylasia, etc. Still many details for Sept. trip, but now the heavy lifting is done and I can enjoy the rest of the anticipation and research!! Thanks Jamie- you are amazing!!!!
Susan Campo
4 days ago
The trip was not only memorable for the amount of animals we saw but also for the people and accommodations at the two camps where we stayed. Our first guide, BK, was a wealth of information about the animals, landscape and down to the plants and what they were used for. Everyday out was a learning experience with him. All the people at the camps were gracious and the food was excellent.
Our second camp in the Okavanga was just as good as the first as far as the staff, accommodations, food and animals. After our experience at the first camp we amazed that the high quality remained the same. Our guide, G, made sure we were able to enjoy every experience including a rush through the bush to witness a cheetah and an ensuing hunt that he heard over his radio.
In both camps there were enough guides out that if they saw something the other guides were informed which helped in seeing as much as possible. It was also nice that the concessions were large enough that we did not have vehicles following each other throughout the day.
Normally there is always something in a trip of this length that we think could be improved upon but this is the rare case where we cannot think of anything. From the time we left the States to when we returned it was one of the most hassle free vacations we took.
Perhaps emphasizing the use of the laundry facilities at the camps would be useful because of the luggage restrictions would be the only thing I can think of as an improvement to future clients.
Kenneth Dropek
5 days ago
Mary was so pleasant and professional. She made sure all of our questions were answered.
