Exploring the Majestic Victoria Falls: A Journey Through Nature’s Masterpiece.

 

Standing on the edge of one of the world’s most awe-inspiring natural wonders, I found myself mesmerised by the sheer power and beauty of Victoria Falls. Known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders”, this iconic waterfall straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, sending a torrent of water down a 108-metre drop that creates an unforgettable mist and roar.

During my visit, I experienced Victoria Falls from two incredible perspectives: walking along the escarpment on the Zimbabwean side and soaring above the Falls in a thrilling helicopter flight. Both vantage points offered unique views of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, and I’m excited to share the photos I captured and some fascinating facts about this natural marvel.

 

Interesting facts about Victoria Falls

• Victoria Falls is a waterfall on Africa’s Zambezi River, located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The Zambezi River is the fourth longest in Africa after the Nile, Congo, and Niger rivers.

 

• David Livingston was a Scottish missionary and explorer. In 1855, he was the first European to discover the falls, which he named after Queen Victoria.

• Victoria Falls is officially known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That Thunders” by the local Kalolo-Lozi people. This is an appropriate name, given that the ‘smoke’ (mist) from the Falls can be seen more than 20 kilometres away and sometimes up to 50 kilometres away.

• Victoria Falls is the world’s greatest sheet of falling water, spanning about 1,708 metres wide and pouring 500 million litres of water (200 Olympic-sized swimming pools) every minute over the falls. The average plunge is 100 metres into the gorges below and 108 metres at the highest.

• Victoria Falls comprises several waterfalls along its length: Devil’s Cataract, Main Falls (95 metres high), Horseshoe Falls (101 metres high), Rainbow Falls (the highest at 104 metres), and Eastern Cataract.

• In several places along the escarpment walk, the roar from the water cascading down the sheer cliff wall is so loud it makes it difficult to hold a conversation.

• Victoria Falls is among the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, making it a popular tourist destination. For me, it is second only to Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil.

• Around two-thirds of Victoria Falls is situated on the Zimbabwean side, with more viewpoints accessible. As the Zimbabwean side is slightly lower than the Zambian side, water still flows during the dry season even when the Zambian side has completely dried up.

• You can swim at Victoria Falls, in Devil’s Pool on the Zambian side of the Falls. Devil’s Pool is a deep natural rock pool created by thousands of years of erosion. It is literally right on the edge of Victoria Falls and accessible from Livingston Island.

• Victoria Falls is one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World and was designated UNESCO World Heritage in 1989 for its outstanding universal value.

• When to visit Victoria Falls.

I witnessed the power of Victoria Falls on a walk around the escarpment on the Zimbabwean side and from a helicopter flight providing aerial views of both sides of the falls.

Visit Victoria Falls on foot

The Victoria Falls Walk is a three-kilometre round trip along the escarpment opposite the Falls on the Zimbabwean side and back through the rainforest. It offers spectacular views of all five of Victoria Falls’ waterfalls from about 15 vantage points. It is generally an easy walk, but the mist makes some areas slippery.

I opted for a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls because I wanted to learn as much as possible about this magnificent landmark and the rainforest in which it is situated. I did the morning walk, which took about two hours, and I was back at my hotel before the day’s heat became unbearable.

 

 

 

 

 

See Victoria Falls from a helicopter

My 13-minute flight over Victoria Falls was my first experience in a helicopter. I sat in the front with the pilot. The floor in this section was glass, and I could see the ground between my feet. Taking off was a weird feeling – like going up in a high-speed lift while being able to see the ‘lift’ rising.

I loved the helicopter flight’s different perspective of Victoria Falls, but I found the Falls to be more spectacular and powerful from the ground. You be the judge!

 

 

 

 

A note on protecting your camera from spray

Walking along the escarpment, you and your camera will get wet from the spray spewed up by the sheer volume of water crashing down the cliff face to the floor below.

Whether or not you keep yourself dry is up to you. But it is essential to keep your camera dry if you want it to continue working.

I have a DSLR camera and have tried two different professional ‘raincoats’ for my camera. Each time, I revert to my tried and tested method of a plastic bag.

• I attach the lens hood to the camera to provide some protection for the lens glass and filters.
• Using a wide plastic bag that is longer than my camera body and extended lens, I make a hole in the bottom of the bag.
• I slip the lens through the hole and secure the plastic bag to the lens with a rubber band.
• Pulling the plastic bag up over the camera keeps it dry. I have good access to all the dials, can see through the viewfinder and the back of the camera, and have plenty of room for my hands. And the lens can still be extended and retracted!

My experience with professional camera raincoats is opposite to that of my plastic bag. They were restrictive, with poor visibility through their plastic window, and provided limited space for my hands.

I also carry a microfibre cloth to wipe the water droplets off the lens glass.

Where I stayed

While visiting Victoria Falls, I stayed at Ilala Lodge in the Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls.

Ilala Lodge is a luxury, family-run hotel set in landscaped gardens. It is the closest hotel to the magnificent Victoria Falls, and I could clearly see the mist rising from the Falls from my room. The hotel is within easy walking distance to the town’s souvenir shops, supermarket, and other amenities.

With 73 spacious, well-appointed rooms, Ilala Lodge is a large hotel but feels and looks more like a boutique safari lodge with its thatched roofs and wildlife roaming free and eating the manicured lawns.

The meals at Ilala Lodge’s Cassia Restaurant (formerly the Palm Restaurant), which serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner, were varied and delicious – a fine dining treat. I’m hooked on their iced coffees. Expect to pay Australian city prices for food and drinks.

The service throughout the hotel was excellent, with friendly, efficient, welcoming, and informative staff. The nightly jar of biscuits left by housekeeping when they turned my bed down was an appreciated treat.

I recommend staying at Ilala Lodge when visiting Victoria Falls.

 

Victoria Falls is more than just a destination – it’s a sensory experience that leaves a permanent mark. Whether standing at the edge of the escarpment, feeling the mist on your skin, or soaring above in a helicopter, marvelling at the thunderous beauty from the sky, it’s impossible not to be awestruck by the majesty of the Falls. This natural wonder invites exploration, from the raw power of the water to the surrounding landscapes. My time at Victoria Falls was nothing short of magical, and I hope these photos and insights inspire you to witness Mosi-oa-Tunya for yourself.

If you plan a trip to Southern Africa, I highly recommend adding Victoria Falls to your itinerary. It’s an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

 

Editor’s Note: I originally published this blog post in June 2019 and have updated it for accuracy, comprehensiveness, and relevance.

 

Disclaimer: This post contains no affiliate links. All views and opinions are my own and unsponsored. All photos are my own and remain the copyright of Joanna Rath/Just Me Travel.

© Just Me Travel 2018-2024. All rights reserved.

 

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