Victoria Falls
- Country: Between Zambia and Zimbabwe
- Language: English
- Currency: South African Rand
- Best Time To Travel: May to September
- Country Dialing Code: +27
About Victoria Falls
Victoria Falls presents a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, forming the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as ‘Mosi-oa-Tunya’ – ‘The Smoke that Thunders’. In more modern terms Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world.
- Clothing: Victoria Falls is a pretty casual destination and there are no specific restrictions on what you can and cannot wear, except for camouflage, which is prohibited. Opt for light, cotton clothing in neutral tones because these fabrics work best in a hot climate. Pack t-shirts and shorts and include long-sleeved shirt and trousers for the evenings. A lightweight waterproof jacket, a good pair of trainers or hiking shoes, a wide brimmed hat and shades are all also recommended.
Another way to experience the incredible power of the Zambezi below the Falls is to paddle the rapids with seasoned white water kayakers. The gorge itself varies from 140 metres to 250 metres deep, making for striking views to compliment the high level of raw excitement.
Considered one of the best stretches of commercially run river in the world, Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. Its twenty three whitewater rapids and striking scenery deep within the sheer black cliffs afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller-coaster ride along a route carved over millenia by the Great Zambezi.
This must be the ultimate adrenaline rush, as you leap into space, free as a bird, saved from the swirling water below by the rebound of the cord, then hurtled upwards again at great speed. It’s an indescribable feeling that will probably change your life !
Situated a little further back from the falls at 15 metres from the sheer 100-metre drop – Angel’s Pool is still a must-see, but offers visitors a bit more confidence, comfort and safety while still experience the epic view and thunderous roars of the falls.
The Victoria Falls Bridge was the inspiration of Cecil Rhodes, who was reported to have said: “build the Bridge across the Zambezi where the trains, as they pass, will catch the spray of the Falls”. This was part of Rhodes’ unfulfilled Cape to Cairo railway scheme, yet sadly, he never even got to visit the falls, and died before construction of the bridge began.
After thousands of years of erosion, many rock pools have formed near the great Victoria Falls – and one of them… right on the very edge! Devil’s Pool – with a sheer drop and a up-close-and-personal view of the sheer drop off the side of the falls – is indeed the ultimate infinity pool!