Victoria Falls National Park

The Vitoria Falls is an unbelievable curtain of falling water. I have had he opportunity to be there in high, medium and low water seasons and each season has its own advantages. The thundering roar of the water in the high season is majestic. The beautiful rainbows in the low season a marvel to watch. The number of activities around the town are amazing. In terms of accommodation you will be spoilt for choice as there are hotels/ lodges to suit all budgets. This a place you can visit as many times as you can afford and still find it exciting.

Home to one of the seven wonders of the world - Victoria Falls. This vibrant little town is not to be missed during a trip to Zimbabwe. With its fiery energy, the National Park and all its wildlife as well as the obvious breathtaking views of the Falls - you’ll leave with a new found zest for life. There’s an array of activities to get your adrenaline pumping. From bungee jumping to white water rafting, gorge swinging to enjoying the nightlife in town and all the local talent that infests this exciting place, to relaxing at any one of the bed and breakfasts or lodges sprawled all over. Vic Falls caters for everyone, no matter what age, budget or interests. There is always fun to be had by all. The more luxurious, exclusive lodges that are dotted along the Zambezi river are the perfect locations to rejuvenate and spend your days watching life go by in the park, relaxing and enjoying the more peaceful activities such as boat cruises, fishing and walking safari’s. In town you’ll find a range of hotels and other places to stay that will allow you to get involved with the locals and enjoy the buzzing energy that Vic Falls is so famous for!

While on our honeymoon in South Africa, my husband and I made a trip up to Zambia / Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls and we are so glad we did! My husband and I felt it was well deserving of "the seven natural wonders of the world" placement and were amazed by the amount of water that rushes over the falls. On our first day in Zambia, we took a boat over to Livingstone Island, where we were able to walk and sit on the very edge of the falls, in Angel's Pool. We visited in July, when the water was quite full, so Devil's Pool was not an option for us...thankfully (!). It will be an experience neither me nor my husband will ever forget, and luckily, our tour guide took several pictures of our terrified faces sitting on the edge! We also ventured to the park area on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides. Clouds of heavy mist abound from the rushing waters and you can see dozens of rainbows as you look at the falls, which is really incredible. Both sides of the falls are worth seeing, although I felt we were able to get closer to the falls on the Zimbabwe side, evidenced by how wet we were when we left the park (come prepared with a rain slicker if you don't want to be soaked)! The Zambia side is incredible and was a worthwhile view to see. It was also fun to meander through the park seeing monkeys, warthogs, and tons of wildlife. If you have the time, we definitely recommend seeing both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides! Lastly, we were absolutely blown away by our hotel, The Royal Livingstone. The Royal Livingstone is a luxurious 5 star hotel situated on the Zambian side of Victoria Falls along the banks of the Zambezi River, just a short walk to the entrance of the falls. You are so close to the falls, you can hear the roar of the falls and see the midst as you sit on the deck by the river sipping cocktails. It was our favorite hotel of our entire trip and it was such a treat to stay in such beautiful and comfortable surroundings while visiting such an incredible natural wonder. We were sad to leave when our trip was over!

This is the most famous of the mighty waters. At the height of the wet-season, five hundred and fifty million cubic meters of water roars over the edge of a cliff into the dramatic gorge, over one hundred meters below. What a sight to see!! This area is becoming known for adventure-sports. White-water rafting and bungie jumping are both available for those seeking an adrenaline rush. Or, you can simply take a relaxing canoe trip. There is an excellent craft village nearby where you can buy beautiful green malachite which the Zambians use to create intricate jewelry. Wood carvings and other curios and crafts can be bought or even bartered for. * In the 19th, the local Kololo tribe, called the Victoria Falls "the smoke that thunders", as their immense scale was so breathtaking.

I'm a bit of a waterfall fanatic. I've been to Iguazu, Niagra Falls and Khone Falls in Laos. I found the falls impressive, but would rank them after Iguazu, which to me was absolutely amazing. There was a lot of water going over but it was also very misty and hard to see. Also, beware of the baboons, who can be very aggressive!

Victoria Falls can be viewed from two different countries (Zambia and Zimbabwe). I happened to be working on an African lion research project at the time, and had some time off to take a side trip somewhere near Livingstone. I had briefly seen the falls on my way up on an overland tour, but I hadn't visited the park itself. I'd heard conflicting opinions about which country had the best views of the falls, and for the most part, residents said the view from Zimbabwe was the best. They were right. The only unfortunate aspect of my visit to the park was that it was the dry season, so the falls were not as impressive as they could have been. However, the downside to coming here in the wet season, so I've heard, is there is so much mist and moisture, it's difficult to see. So that's something to think about. The park was teeming with birds, and we came across a hilarious family of warthogs that didn't seem to mind we were so nearby. The park was almost devoid of people completely, save for a few backpackers, which was kind of nice. There are several paths that snake around the park, with signage along the way explaining the ecology of the park and facts about the 'Falls' themselves. There were plenty of fabulous look-out spots, and even though the Fall weren't as full, you could get a clear sense of their majesty in the wet season. All in all, I would definitely go back and visit them during the wet season.

I have been to Victoria Falls a couple of times. Each visit has left me awestruck. Being Norwegian, I am used to waterfalls, but the power and beauty of the Victoria Falls is stunning. The best way to experience the falls is by walking the trail in the national park on the Zimbabwean side. The path takes you along the gorge, and lets you get glimpses of different sections as you walk along. There are 16 viewing points, each with breathtaking sights. The path also leads you through a spectacular tropical rainforest. If you stroll along leisurely, the walk will take about two hours. The best time to visit is early afternoon, when the sun shines on the water and you can see multiple rainbows over the gorge. When I visited in December 2013, entrance to the national park was $30. I observed a frustrated family who had to go back to town to get cash, as they were not able to use VISA or American Express. So be sure to carry enough paper money with you! The spray from the falls will leave your clothes, your shoes, and everything you carry with you, soaked. You can buy umbrellas and raincoats from hawkers at the entrance. Even if you don’t mind getting wet yourself, you will need some kind of protection for your camera and phone. And wear sandals or flip flops if you want your hiking boots to be dry the next morning. A few minutes from the main entrance to the park is "The Big Tree", a Baobab estimated to be 1500 years old. It's a Victoria Falls landmark, and worthwhile having a look at if you have some spare time after visiting the falls.

I initially planned on just seeing the falls from the Zambian side, since that's where I was staying and it was expensive to cross over a bridge, into another country, so I could see the same water only from a different angle. I eventually decided that we're only going to be here once, so I did it. I really recommend doing both sides. Yes, it's expensive, but the Zimbabwe side is markedly different and you do get a completely different perspective. I also recommend the bungee jumping! :)

Victoria Falls is impressive on the worst of days. Catch the falls over a full moon, when the park stays open in the evening (Zam side), and prepare to have your mind blown. The power, the noise, and the beauty is exponentially increased when you sit beside the rushing Zambezi under the light of the moon. It costs a little extra to extend your day into the evening, but its worth every cent. A typical visit to Vic Falls has walk around the top of the falls and across the bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia. In the dry season, I understand the bridge offers a great view. In the wet season, its a bit tough to process as sheets of water dump over you. Vic Falls from these vantage points are just as spectacular as you'd imagine. It is worth however spending a few extra hours at the falls however to break out of this loop and walk to the bottom on the Zambian side. A slightly slippery hike down takes you to what feels like a vortex at the bottom of the falls, with a few safe swimming spots! Its an excellent location for a picnic before clambering back up to the top. There are additional hiking trails around the Zimbabwe side, offering more views with less crows. The trade off is that the town of Vic Falls in Zimbabwe is not quite as lively as Livingstone on the Zambian side. If you can swing it, spend a few nights at both to get the full picture! Also - if you're there in the dry season it is possible to take a cruise down the Zambezi to Livingstone Island in the middle of the falls! Unfortunately it is inaccessible in the rainy season so I couldn't make it but - it sounds spectacular.

To my right the sign says “Welcome to Zimbabwe.” To my left “Welcome to Zambia.” Behind me, the Victoria Falls. Waterfalls can be higher, wider, and longer. But this is the officially most powerful in the world. It's estimated that 1000 tonnes of water drop over the edge, every second. I can hear the crash of the water from almost 10 kilometres away and it more than deserves its place as one of the new seven wonders of the world. The water rises above the viewing platform, above the waterfall, and comes down on everyone who stands nearby. It's like standing underneath a fire hose. While visually beautiful, it’s the power that is most unforgettable. Crossing to the Zimbabwe side I find better views. More of the falls are on this side, and it’s from here that I get the trademark photos of rainbows and falling water. From Zambia you get the unstoppable power, but in Zimbabwe you get 10% of the tourists and can get closer without coming out drenched. Livingstone is undoubtedly a nicer base than the Victoria Falls town, but if you have time and money it’s worth crossing the bridge and seeing the differences between these two nations. Or maybe I was just caught up in wonder, desperate not to leave without experiencing every angle…