Victoria Falls
Resident Kololo tribe members in the 1800’s called it “Mosi-oa-Tunya”, which means, “The Smoke that Thunders.” In more modern terms, it is known as The Greatest Curtain of Falling Water on the planet. One of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls is unrivaled in its majesty. With 1,700 meters of roaring whitewater cascades, the falls form a spectacular border on the Zambezi River between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Since both countries share the falls, you can see them from either one. Zimbabwe boasts the lion’s share of the frontage, and numerous lookouts from Victoria Falls National Park include dramatic views of the Devil’s Cataract, Danger Point, and the Main Falls, the largest single sheet of water in the world.
You can take a guided tour through the park’s rainforest for more awe-inspiring sights while learning about the geology, wildlife, and history of Africa’s most famous landmark. The rainforest is lush and dense from the constant spray of the falls.
The nearby town of Victoria Falls is dotted with local colorful markets, galleries, and curio shops. The Elephant's Walk Shopping & Artist Village has some great specialty boutiques where you'll find Zimbabwean jewelry designers, tribal arts, basket ware, and pottery. The town is also replete with restaurants, cafés, and bars.
On the Zambian side, your lookout points are from Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. Here, Knife-Edge Bridge takes you up-close-and-personal to the plummeting water, and a steep footpath leads to the Boiling Pot – an immense whirlpool at the base of the falls.
The town of Livingstone in Zambia is relaxed and friendly, with the Livingstone Museum being a major draw. Livingstone’s culture and history are intriguing – as is evidenced by the arts and craft producers, museums, colonial architecture, traditional village life, local food and the general African lifestyle.
Both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls are worth a visit, which, happily, is easy to do. There is a border crossing that connects each country’s national parks, both of which host huge numbers of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and antelope, among its resident wildlife.
When not being awestruck by the grandeur of the falls, you can choose from a range of other activities, from heart-pounding abseiling and bungee jumping to a peaceful sunset game-viewing cruise.
