On the border between one of the poorest African countries, Zambia and the very controversial Zimbabwe thunders this wonder of the world. For many people this is a must-do adventure when travelling to Africa. It is difficult to decide which time of the year is the best to explore the waterfall. During the summer the spray from the water, plundering down, can be overwhelming and views can be restricted. During winter there is less water and you will be able to see the massive rock structure but without the spectacle of the thundering water. On the other hand, this can be a good motivation to visit this amazing sight more than once.
Accommodation in the Vicinity of the Victoria Falls
There is ample tourist accommodation on both sides of the Falls. Luxury hotels on the banks of the Zambezi River allow for unrestricted entrance to the Falls.For a less pricy option there are backpacker lodges with private rooms, dorm rooms and some also have camping facilities. Most of the backpacker lodges try to create a true African feeling by making use of natural products found in the surrounding areas. Guest houses and self catering accommodation are also available, but most are not as close to the Victoria Falls as the hotels are. The staff at the accommodation venues will usually be able to organise or provide transport to the Victoria Falls and other attractions in the vicinity. Car hire companies are also available for those who want the freedom to drive around on their own.
Victoria Falls Attractions
While there are many things to do at the Falls such as helicopter trips across the waterfall, bungee jumping and white water rafting on the Zambezi, there are also many other worthwhile attractions close by. The game parks are usually very popular and for those who want to travel a bit further, the Chobe National Park in Botswana hosts one of the largest elephant communities in the world. A Makoro (small boat) trip on the Chobe river gives tourists the opportunity to see the wild life inside the water such as the hippos and also herds of other animals coming down to the water to drink. Day and overnight trips to Chobe can be booked on the internet and also with some of the backpacker lodges and hotels. The short trip on the pont to cross the border between Zambia and Botswana is an experience in itself. Sunset boat trips or booze cruises on the Zambezi offer tourists a change to experience the amazing sunsets Africa is known for.
The many names of the Victoria Falls
The indigenous name for the Victoria Falls is “ Mosi-oa-Tunya” which means “the smoke that thunders”. The aptness of this description is only really understood once your senses experience the reality. No picture and no words can describe the wonder of this sight. Anyone who travels to the southern parts of Africa should make an effort to see this mystic phenomenon.
Annette Hendley - For many years I have spend my days in a classroom, attempting to open the minds of young people to the vast amount of information ...
Join the Conversation