In a place between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia, a waterfall forms a rainbow, constituting one of the most amazing natural spectacles not only in Africa, but also in the world. Let yourself be splashed by the life that emanates Victoria Falls through this exciting journey. Are you coming with us?
Brief introduction to Victoria Falls
Africa is a continent whose natural proposals make it one of the most fascinating in the world. A group of countries where safaris, dormant volcanoes or their jungles make up a unique mosaic of experiences. But if there is a place to visit at least once in your life, that is undoubtedly the Victoria Falls, waterfall up to 108 meters high and 1.7 kilometers wide by way of jumping the woven Zambezi river between the countries of Zimbabwe and Zambia.
A natural gem that has become the main attraction during a trip to one of the two previous countries or the nearby Botswana, Namibia or South Africa, the latter being the one that offers the best combination of flights when it comes to diverting to this wonder of water and life .
Discovered in the West by the Scottish explorer David Livingstone, who decided to name them in honor of Queen Victoria, the falls are locally called Mosi-oa-Tunya, better known as "the smoke that thunders." A place that after being declared World Heritage Site by Unesco In 1989, it began its projection onto a tourist map in which the Victoria Falls was also consolidated as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Would you like to know what it feels like when you approach this gigantic tongue of water?
Visiting Victoria Falls
The starting points when visiting the Falls are the cities of Victoria Falls, in Zimbabwe, and Livingstone, capital of Zambia. Both places can be perfectly approached as an extension during a trip to South Africa, for example, or in a concentrated way during an experience on the African continent.
Two places that dispute which is the best when it comes to obtaining the best panoramic views of the waterfalls, Zambia is considered superior as it offers better views while the sighting from Zimbabwe is more difficult due to the amount of steam clouds that form on the adjoining cliffs. However, both countries are ideal for opting for accommodation in one of their nearby cities and deciding how you want to visit the waterfalls, either by helicopter or on foot.
If you decide on this last way, you will drive through the 20 kilometers that separate Livingstone from the falls and walk until you reach what is known as «Devil's Piscinta«, A natural pool in which you can bathe when the flow is lower, since in the rainy season, you can easily reach levels of one meter in just a few minutes. The best way to start in this paradise where you can look out to contemplate the rainbow that you have seen before enjoying the many activities that revolve around the Victoria Falls.
One is practice bungee from the famous Iron Bridge, suspended more than 100 meters above the river. A different way of experiencing the impact of the falls for a reasonable price, since if you prefer to fly over the waterfall aboard a plane or helicopter, the price can reach up to 300 euros for a journey that involves crossing from one side to the other. another in a matter of minutes. Afterwards, nothing better than having a beer in one of the bars overlooking the river before trying to take photos from the 16 viewpoints who meet in the abyss.
There is also the possibility of crossing the aforementioned bridge that connects Zambia and Zimbabwe, but in order to do so you will need to have a multiple visa. Ideal if you want to experience the contrast between both countries defined by the perspectives of the waterfall.
But if there is one attraction that you must experience when visiting Victoria Falls, that is undoubtedly the possibility of taking a cruise on the Zambezi River, especially at sunset. Ideal for enjoying the natural potential of waterfalls, the cruise costs about $ 60 but is well worth it when it comes to spotting rhinos or zebras peeking out to drink.
At the time of choosing the best time to travel to Victoria Falls it is always good to know that the rainy season takes place from December to April. During this period the flow of the Zambezi River is much higher, so bathing in The Devil's Pool is impossible and the overflow itself causes such clouds of steam that it is even more difficult to clearly contemplate this natural spectacle. For this reason, we recommend that you visit the falls in June or July, since during the dry season that takes place from August to November, the flow may be reduced. However, and despite the peculiarities, any time is good to visit the Victoria Falls.
Enjoy a day in paradise and revel in the chance to explore the charm of cities like Livingstone or even book a night to stay at one of the many hotels in the area. Can you imagine hearing the sound of the falls at night before sleeping? If possible.
The Victoria Falls are one of the great natural delights of Africa and become the best way to link with other attractions in the southern half of the continent. Take advantage of and connect with the Chobe National Park, the place that brings together the largest number of elephants in the world in Botswana, continues until Okavango Delta and their swimming lions or continue until Namibia, that country where the Namib Desert it forms a unique place.
Otherwise, you can always take the opportunity to better discover South Africa, that country where parks like the Kruger and its Big Five become the best way to link with Victoria Falls in order to experience the trip of a lifetime.
Would you like to visit the Victoria Falls?