Victoria Falls borders Zambia and is one of Zimbabwe’s most popular destinations – for good reason. The falls are an awe-inspiring display of the areas fascinating geology; here the mighty Zambezi River cuts through five dramatic gorges and results in the biggest waterfall in the world in terms of combined width and height. This is despite the fact that there are no mountains for many miles but only a flat plateau that extends as far as the eye can see. The main falls, menacingly named the Devil’s Cataract, funnels over 500 million litres of water per minute in the peak season.
Zimbabwe enjoys some of the best views of the spectacular Victoria Falls because it faces the majority of the towering basalt curtain of water. The falls are known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya or “Smoke That Thunders” and the vast sheets of water form a unique micro climate on the opposing basalt cliffs of lush rain forest.
The Town of Victoria Falls is a short walk away from the viewing points which allows visitors to explore the falls at their leisure. Bungee jumping and river rafting along the mighty Zambezi have secured the area’s reputation as Zimbabwe’s adventure capital. Elephant and horseback safaris offer an unforgettable way to explore the surrounding areas. When David Livingstone first laid his eyes on the curtain of falling water he famously wrote down, ‘scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in flight’. Fortunately this aerial viewpoint is no longer the sole preserve of Livingstone’s angels with local helicopter charters offering unparalleled view of the falls and game in the surrounding Victoria Falls National Park.
