Zambia: | Victoria Falls - Feature Story
One of the seven natural wonders of the world
Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At 2.5 kms wide, it is also the largest waterfall in the world. Every minute 550 million litres of water plunge 100 metres into a narrow gorge, and the spray can be seen nearly 30 km away. The falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side, and the town of Victoria Falls caters to the tourists who come to visit the falls.
Stay in one of the many hotels at the falls. You can wake up to the sound of "the smoke that thunders" and experience the majesty of a bygone era at the famous Victoria Falls Hotel. Or stay at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, situated on a hill with a great view of a watering hole located on a private reserve. Sip a gin and tonic at the Buffalo Bar and watch antelope, water buffalo, warthogs, elephants and numerous birds visit the waterhole for a drink. Located 4 kms from the town, the Lodge offers a shuttle service to the falls, the town and the craft market.
Eat at the Boma, "place of eating". Enjoy a fabulous buffet that offers exotic game and other African specialties. Or enjoy a meal at your hotel. At the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge the menu features impala and warthog. During the day the warthogs roam the grounds of the lodge and dine on the lawn, in the evening the hotel guests dine on the warthogs!
A trip to the falls is mandatory. Enjoy the 3 km walk along the falls. Victoria Falls is really several smaller water falls and cataracts all located in the same area. Some have more water than others. Dr. David Livingstone was one of the first Europeans to see the falls, in November 1855. Describing them as "the most wonderful sight I have seen in Africa," he measured their height by lowering a weighted rope over the edge. A statue of this great explorer is located at the entrance to the falls.
Go from dry, savannah like vegetation to a tropical rainforest in just a few steps. The area around the falls where the water flow is the strongest is covered in a fine mist that turns the banks of the river into a lush rainforest. It seems like you are crossing an invisible line from the African plain into a tropical garden. Then the rainforest disappears as fast as it appeared. Bring a rain poncho or jacket with you on your walk, unless you want to get drenched.
See the falls from the air. Take a helicopter flight over the falls, or if you are more daring try a micro flight or an ultra light flight. A bird's eye view of the falls is truly breathtaking.
Victoria Falls is not just about the falls. You can take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, the fourth largest river in Africa. Sip wine and munch on finger food while crocodiles swim beside the boat, and hippos and elephants enjoy the water. The river is also a bird watchers paradise - a variety of birds can be seen nesting on the banks or one of the many islands that dot the river.
Whitewater rafting is very popular at the falls. Several tour companies offer full and half day rafting trips. There's a wide range of adrenalin activities available to satisfy even the most adventurous traveller. Go on a canoeing trip, take a jet boat safari on the upper river, parasail, bungi jump or zip line along the gorge.
Victoria Falls is located near the Zambezi National Park. Go on an elephant safari where you ride through the park on the back of an elephant. Or a lion walk, to see lions close up. Have your photo taken with a lion cub. Do a horseback riding safari or a walking safari. There are also day and night game drives available. Try and spot the "big five" - elephant, water buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. There's even a golf course. Visit the craft market where local artists sell their carvings, jewellery, baskets and other handiwork. If you're prepared to bargain you'll come away with a wonderful souvenir of your trip to the falls that is reasonably priced.
Zimbabwe is currently suffering from an economic depression. Their currency is greatly devalued, there is high unemployment and a drought is affecting the country. Foreigners are required to use hard currency, preferably the American dollar. Victoria Falls is no exception, with all prices quoted in US dollars. Although they accept other currencies, such as the South African Rand and the Euro, the exchange rate isn't favourable.
Victoria Falls is strictly a tourist destination and the town of nearly 50,000 survives on the tourist industry. It is very safe and the people are friendly. Service at the hotels is first class. The variety of activities, the spectacular view of the falls and the friendly atmosphere of the town make Victoria Falls a must see destination in Africa.
In Summary
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| Travel Experience: | Nature, Wildlife & Safari |
| Reference: | GEN004 |
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