So, you’re heading to Victoria Falls! Properly, you’re in for a deal with!
Victoria Falls – often known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (actually “The Smoke That Thunders”) — is likely one of the Seven Pure Wonders of the World for a cause. It’s an absolute must-visit when you’re itching for wildlife encounters, cheeky sundowners, jaw-dropping views, and slightly little bit of adrenaline rush!
We’ve simply wrapped up a five-day keep on this nook of Zimbabwe and Zambia, and I can confidently proclaim it as one in every of our most unforgettable journeys to at the present time. On this article, we’ll take you to waterfalls that roar, wildlife that wow, languages that click on, and actions that’ll have you ever questioning, ‘Wait, why did I join this once more?’ From the epic Victoria Falls Nationwide Park to the wild Zambezi River, we’re overlaying the perfect issues to do, the hidden gems, and some heart-pounding moments that you simply simply can’t miss! (This checklist shouldn’t be in any specific order.)
Victoria Falls Bridge
Straddling the Zambezi River under, the Victoria Falls Bridge hyperlinks Zambia and Zimbabwe. It was the very first thing that greeted us once we visited Zimbabwe. You see, we entered the area through Livingstone Airport on the Zambian facet, so we needed to cross this bridge to get to the Victoria Falls city. Save for the view, the bridge itself appeared unassuming, considerably underwhelming once we had been crossing it. However when seen from afar, its magnificence turns into extra apparent as a lot of its charming options are beneath.
Accomplished in 1905, it hangs at 128 meters above the Second Gorge of the mighty Victoria Falls. My first thought was, “At this top, it’s an awesome spot for bungy leaping.” Clearly, I wasn’t the primary individual to have that thought as a result of it is really a bungy leaping spot. Simply think about standing on the sting with the thundering rapids under you and pondering, “Properly, it is a life selection.” After which, off you go, free-falling towards the Zambezi River in essentially the most adrenaline-pumping seconds of your life.
In the event you’re not into excessive sports activities, crossing the bridge on foot remains to be an awesome expertise. You may casually stroll from Zimbabwe to Zambia (as a result of why not), snap some selfies with the border indicators, and really feel very worldwide. Simply don’t neglect your passport if you wish to cross over! And visa, too.
RELATED POSTS: Tips on how to Get Zimbabwe eVisa, Tips on how to Get Zambia eVisa
Victoria Falls Nationwide Park
In fact, the one place most vacationers come right here for — Victoria Falls Nationwide Park. That is the place it is best to go to rise up shut and private with the biggest liquid curtain on Earth. It’s simple to really feel awestruck and insignificant in its presence, and awestruck and insignificant we felt once we visited. It’s a sensory bombardment. Your eyes are flooded with majestic views, your ears are overwhelmed by its fixed rumbling, and your face is sprinkled with chilly water often. You’re drenched earlier than you even realize it.
Upon coming into the park, we discovered a map scribbled with a strolling path and marked with all 16 viewpoints. Sure, sixteen! However as an alternative of doing it chronologically like most conventional vacationers, our information Arthur satisfied us to do it the opposite means round. The very best lookouts, he claimed, had been the primary few and we’d discover the remaining underwhelming if we went there first. And he was proper! Doing it backwards was like constructing it up and getting ready ourselves for the climax.
As we wandered alongside the strolling trails, we had been met with jaw-dropping vistas of the cascades, the gorge, and Zambia on the opposite facet. With double rainbows every so often, no biggie. However critically, it’s fairly magical. Messy and noisy, sure, however magical.
And oh, there’s loads of wildlife right here, too! As we had been following a path, a bushbuck abruptly jumped and dashed in entrance of us. It someway made our information nervous, not as a result of he was afraid of a bushbuck however as a result of the final time it occurred (just some days prior), the poor antelope was being chased by a leopard. Apparently, leopard sightings inside the park aren’t unparalleled in any respect. The next day, we met one other information who additionally had a current leopard sighting within the space.
VICTORIA FALLS NATIONAL PARK
Entrance Price: USD 50
Guided Tour: extra USD 25
Working hours: Summer time, 6:00 AM-6:00 PM; Winter, 6:30 AM-6:00PM
Lookout Café Gorge Swing and Zipline
One thing in regards to the title Lookout Cafe paints an image of tranquility, and it’s tranquil, for essentially the most half. This cafe-slash-restaurant serves tasty meals and occasional however when you so please, with a facet of adrenaline rush!
You see, Lookout Cafe is perched on a cliff, overlooking Batoka Gorge. Whereas it’s a excellent place to sit back out whereas admiring a stunning view of the encircling rugged panorama, you’ll additionally hear the screams of daredevils every so often. Right here, you’ll be able to strap in for the gorge swing or zipline proper over the sting. It’s not for the faint-hearted, however the rush is 100% price it.
When you’re accomplished swinging over the gorge like a superhero, seize a chew to eat, chill out, and soak in these unreal views with out your toes dangling in mid-air. We did it the opposite means round. We had a meal first as a result of we had been a bit famished once we arrived, after which went loopy with the actions after. Not essentially the most supreme order of issues, however yeah.
The gorge swing, particularly, was the wildest swing we’ve ever been on. WILDEST. After a nerve-wreckingly transient, er, briefing, we had been instructed to carry on to some rope and bounce off the cliff. I don’t know what we had been pondering again then, however we did it.
A zipline additionally runs throughout the gorge, however sure, we did it, too. One thing in regards to the air right here in Zimbabwe that made us attempt insane issues that we’d by no means attempt elsewhere.
As soon as your coronary heart price has settled, sit again on the café and luxuriate in a cocktail since you’ll in all probability want it. However critically, don’t miss this place. It’s the proper stability of chill and ballsy. Plus, it makes for nice bragging rights if you get dwelling.
LOOK OUT CAFE ACTIVITIES
Gorge Swing: USD 110
Tandem Gorge Swing: USD 166
Zipline: USD 88
Flying Fox: USD 56
Zambezi River Sundown Cruise
Not each journey has to contain dangling off a bridge or swinging right into a gorge. The Zambezi River additionally affords a way more laid-back approach to expertise Victoria Falls. And I’ve solely three phrases: BEST. SUNSET. EVER.
And after 14 years of touring and 60 international locations, we’ve seen greater than our fair proportion of sunsets! It has the standard celestial spectacle — the sky turning all pastel after which vibrant orange because the solar calls it a day. However what the Zambezi phases isn’t only a present for the eyes. It’s the entire manufacturing — props, sound results, and an unpredictable solid of characters.
You may see elephants on the banks going for a drink, hippos lurking within the water, and flocks of native birds zooming above. And when the solar begins to set, you’ll really feel that unmistakable African magic settle in.
All this whereas munching on a parade of hors d’oeuvres and sipping limitless cocktails. My poison of selection was the aptly-named Zambezi Sundown.
Only a informal night in Africa, no massive deal. 😅
ZAMBEZI RIVER SUNSET CRUISE
Worth: USD 52 per pax
Inclusions: Cruise, refreshments, finger snacks, lodge transfers if inside 5km radius
Length: 2 hours
‘The Flight of Angels’ Helicopter Tour
Why settle with simply strolling round with birds overhead when you can too be the chook? Take to the skies for the well-known Flight of Angels helicopter tour, operated by the Zambezi Helicopter Firm, which provides you an unbeatable birds-eye view (or angel’s-eye) view of Victoria Falls. That is a type of bucket-list experiences that’ll have you ever grinning from ear to ear—and snapping a couple of thousand pictures, particularly if it’s your first time to trip a helicopter like us. And we couldn’t consider a greater, extra memorable chopper debut!
We began the day with a fast briefing and got headsets so we may block the deafening roar of the engines and in addition hear our pilot higher. We waited a bit, and when it was lastly our flip, we had our telephones prepared. All this was taking place with a digital camera crew following us.
Seeing it from this attitude will make you higher recognize the sheer scale of the falls, the swirling Zambezi River, and all of the pure and man-made landmarks that punctuate it together with the well-known Victoria Falls Bridge. In the event you can, attempt to snag the entrance seat for a wider view.
Relying on what you guide, the chopper will comply with one in every of three routes:
- Flight of Angels (13-Quarter-hour): USD 150
- Scenic Gorge Flight (22 minutes): USD 235
- Zambezi Spectacular (25 minutes): USD 285
On the finish of the trip, you’ll watch a mini-documentary incorporating clips of you and the helicopter. Determine whether or not or not you prefer it sufficient to buy a replica of it for USD 25.
It’s a brief trip, but it surely packs in numerous wow-factor. Plus, you get to say you’ve flown over one of many Seven Pure Wonders of the World. Not a nasty story in your subsequent feast!
Elecrew Elephant Sanctuary
In the event you’ve ever dreamed of getting up shut with elephants (with out them being on the opposite facet of a fence), the Elecrew Elephant Sanctuary is the place it’s at. This isn’t your typical zoo expertise. This isn’t a zoo in any respect. Right here, you’ll find out about elephant conservation and get to know these unimaginable animals up shut. The sanctuary is all about moral interplay, so that you’ll be studying about their habits, food plan, and the way they’re being protected.
Our information Tijan led our group on our morning stroll with the light giants. The elephant assigned to us was this magnificence, Kariba, named after a dam alongside the Zambezi. Like her friends right here, she was rescued. Her caretaker Want allowed us to work together along with her.
Whether or not you’re a wildlife lover or simply wish to hang around with a number of the coolest animals on the planet, this sanctuary is an expertise that’ll go away you with some heat, fuzzy emotions (and doubtless numerous elephant selfies).
Safari Sport Drives
Victoria Falls is likely to be well-known for its waterfalls, however let’s not neglect you’re nonetheless in safari nation. Many camps supply free recreation drives throughout the various recreation reserves within the space like this one, Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary, the place you’ll be able to spot three of the Massive 5: the lion, the leopard, and the African bush elephant. However there are a lot of different wildlife right here. Barely a minute into the property, as we had been coming into, we already noticed an enormous male kudu with its elegant spiral horns catching our consideration for a full minute.
You may hop on a 4×4 and set off on a dawn or sundown recreation drive to see them. I significantly loved sundown recreation drives. Within the late afternoon, our driver-guide Beki took us throughout the reserve to see the animals. The great thing about these sundown drives is that the animals are extra energetic because the day cools off, and the panorama turns right into a photographer’s dream.
However simply earlier than sunset, he pulled over subsequent to this cliff and arrange a drinks and canape desk. They bought bite-size pastries, all kinds of nuts, and a wide range of drinks — cocktails included — and we may have as a lot as we needed. There have been cheers and quiet conversations whereas admiring the view of Batoka Gorge because the African solar was diving under the horizon.
On the best way again, we nonetheless tried to catch a glimpse of extra wildlife, particularly leopards. Evening recreation drives had a special vibe to it. It’s a tiny bit extra thrilling — or horrifying — however that’s a part of the enjoyable.
Victoria Falls City Tour
Sure, the city was named after the close by waterfall.
It is likely to be small, but it surely’s filled with attraction. The city has some cool cafés and eating places the place you’ll be able to chill with a espresso or seize a chew to eat. The tempo right here is chill, making it an awesome spot to chill out and soak within the native vibe. It’s additionally very secure. Some may discover it exhausting to consider as a result of we solely hear about Zimbabwe within the information when there’s political unrest or one thing terrible that occurs, however Victoria Falls could be very totally different. Petty crimes do exist and even these numbers are fairly low. However as our guides all stated, heinous crimes are very uncommon.
So sure, be at liberty to wander via the native markets, however observe the standard commonsense precautions.
Listed below are a number of the spots within the city heart we paid a go to to:
- Shoestrings Backpackers Lodge. Established in 1997, this family-run property is a favourite amongst finances vacationers, but it surely affords greater than lodging. It additionally has a restaurant and cocktail bar by the pool, and sure non-guests are very welcome. On some weekends, it additionally hosts a bazaar the place you’ll discover handmade crafts, jewellery, and textiles. It’s the proper place to select up a novel memento or two. It’s additionally well-known — or infamous — for its nightlife!
- Elephant’s Stroll Buying and Artist Village. It’s not an actual village however a stylish mall! It’s not that obvious when you decide it by its cowl, and by cowl I imply its title and facade. It’s extra like a chill, artsy hub the place you will discover stunning handcrafted souvenirs, native artwork, and quirky African curios. You’ll really feel such as you’re wandering via an outside gallery, with sculptures and crafts made by proficient Zimbabwean artists at each flip. From intricate jewellery to vibrant work, it’s an awesome place to seize a novel memento of your journey or simply soak in some inventive vibes. Plus, there are cafés round when you want a snack in spite of everything that procuring!
- The Three Monkeys Restaurant and Bar. This open-air eating spot has a cool, rustic-chic vibe with its quirky decor. The menu’s bought one thing for everybody, whether or not you’re within the temper for a juicy burger, wood-fired pizza, or their legendary towering cocktails. We had its Parma pizza, which is skinny crust topped with tomato base, mozarella, prosciutto, and contemporary arugula or rocket. It was wonderful, with the rocket chopping the richness of the cheese and the umami of the meat. We additionally ordered grilled half-chicken with fries. However we needed to ship this one again to the kitchen as a result of the hen was severely undercooked. When it got here again, I feel it was deep-fried as a result of it’s a lot greasier. However the flavors and seasoning had been on level! We may nonetheless detect the smokiness. That hiccup apart, we had a good time right here. It’s the sort of spot the place you’ll be able to pig out after a day of adventures, take pleasure in some reside music, and swap tales whereas digging right into a hearty meal. The parts are not any joke, both. You positively received’t go away hungry! Plus, the service was topnotch.
The city additionally has a number of different crafts market and small museums that you simply may wish to try, however we weren’t capable of due to time constraints.
Monde Village (Native Dwelling)
Need to get an actual really feel for all times in Zimbabwe? Head 10 km outdoors of city to Monde Village and go to a neighborhood household. However please don’t go by yourself and knock on a random home with out advance discover. Be sure to have a information or guide a tour as a result of they’ve preparations with sure households.
It’s an genuine and humbling approach to see how the individuals on this area reside, work, and rejoice their tradition. It’s dwelling to individuals from 5 tribes: Ndebele, Tonga, Nambya, Nyanja and Shona. And these backgrounds are seen even within the format of their dwelling and design of their roofs.
Our hosts had been Mr. Ncube and household, who graciously welcomed us into their dwelling. Ncube means “monkey” within the vernacular. They shared some fascinating bits about their lifestyle together with their names. Enjoyable reality: Their surnames are literally their totem or an animal which serves as an emblem for his or her household or lineage. Like our final names, it additionally will get handed on to the subsequent era. And they aren’t allowed to eat that particular animal because it’s thought of taboo. His household is predicted to guard the animal that serves as their totem. On this case, the monkey.
He additionally toured us across the kitchen and confirmed us how they cook dinner and put together their meals. He additionally taught us a bit about their native tongue. Many African languages make use of the click sound, and we tried our darnedest to be taught it. I feel I succeeded. I feel.
That is the sort of expertise that sticks with you lengthy after your journey. It’s uncooked, actual, and offers you a complete new perspective on life on this a part of the world.
Monde Village Tour
Worth: USD 48
Inclusions: Transfers, Information
Length: 3 hours
Satan’s Pool (Livingstone Island)
In fact, we saved the perfect for final.
For the final merchandise on this checklist, we needed to cross over to Zambia on the first light. That’s proper, if you wish to expertise the last word thrill of swimming proper on the sting of Victoria Falls, you’ve bought to be an early chook. And belief me, it’s price each bleary-eyed minute.
After a fast briefing and outfit change — swimming apparel is greatest — we hopped onto a ship and headed out to Livingstone Island. The air was chilly sufficient, however then comes the true kicker — the water. Now, I want I may let you know “It’s so chilly, it’s refreshing”. However the actuality is extra like “It’s so chilly, I can’t really feel my toes!”. However it’s a part of the journey, proper?
Hand-in-hand, we then crossed the water to this rock on the sting of the waterfall. Thoughts you, we had been solely in swimming trunks. The chilly was hitting us from all instructions, and the sight was continually reminding us that we’re actually on the sting of a 100-meter drop. However don’t fear, it’s utterly secure, so long as you comply with your guides’ directions. There have been no fatalities right here. None. Nil. Nadah. Zilch. Zero. The guides had been professionals and really attentive, however that doesn’t cease your mind from screaming, “What am I doing?!”
After braving the freezing water and getting a number of heart-stopping pictures on the very edge, you’ll be able to formally say you’ve taken a swim on the planet’s craziest infinity pool. If I’ve by no means felt a combination of exhilaration and terror earlier than, effectively, this was it.
Our information had our telephones and took on videography duties for each single one on the group.
After a reasonably edgy photograph session, we had been then led to this lookout for look of a close-by waterfall.
Simply ensure you convey your bravery—and a change of garments. You’ll want it. We had been additionally served breakfast at a small camp close by. Vins had porridge whereas I selected this smoky pulled pork wrap with salad on the facet.
The pool is accessible solely from August to December, in the course of the dry season. Outdoors this era, the rain and water stage render the positioning inaccessible, so if that is in your bucket checklist, thoughts your timing.
DEVIL’S POOL (Livingstone Island Tour)
Worth: USD 130 per individual (when booked immediately, with out transfers). However when you’re becoming a member of a tour from Victoria Falls City, it’s often round USD 200 together with transfers
Length: 2 hours
Inclusions: Guided tour, boat switch from launch web site in Livingstone, connoisseur meal on the island, espresso and different drinks
Availability: August to December
Tips on how to Discover Victoria Falls
Though it’s attainable to discover the Victoria Falls space DIY-style, it’s not one thing I may advocate particularly when you’re not driving your individual automotive. Taxis can be found however there appear to be not numerous public transportation choices within the space.
To get to the Victoria Falls Nationwide Park, most motels and lodges supply free shuttle transfers. However for different sights, the easiest way is to actually be part of a tour. As a result of these excursions are guided, you additionally find yourself with higher appreciation of every cease.
In the event you’re coming from the Philippines and also you want to go to each Victoria Falls and South Africa, guide an all-in package deal tour with Constellation Travels. They provide South Africa tour packages and you could decide to have a Victoria Falls cease as an add-on. It will will let you discover the southern area of Africa higher!
Be aware that when you’re availing of a tour package deal, visa utility for South Africa, Zambia, and Zimbabwe are already included! That is nice for individuals who don’t have the time, power or bandwidth to take care of the entire journey planning and on-line utility course of.
Get in contact with Constellation Travels via these contact numbers and electronic mail deal with, or go to their official web site at constellationtravels.com.ph.
Victoria Falls isn’t only a waterfall. It’s a thrill-seekers’ haven, a wildlife sanctuary, and a cultural gem all rolled into one. So whether or not you’re leaping off bridges or sipping cocktails on the river, there’s one thing right here for everybody. However keep in mind: plan sensible, journey secure, and make each journey WORTH IT!
Our current Victoria Falls journey was made attainable by Constellation Travels. In the event you loved this text and our different journey guides, think about reserving a package deal with them as additionally they help us expertise new adventures!
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