The Sunday News
Isdore Guvamombe
It is natural, spectacular, awesome and outstanding! It is undisputed that Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Statistically speaking, it is the largest waterfall in the world. This recognition comes from combining the height and width together to create the largest single sheet of flowing water of all times.
Located on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, the Victoria Falls can been accessed by travellers through either Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe or Livingstone town in Zambia. The falls are also close to the border with Botswana. Mighty Zambezi River — Africa’s largest river after Nile, Niger and Congo rivers — which originates in northern Zambia, serves as the fall’s water source.
The name Victoria Falls was given to the falls by the Scottish explorer Dr David Livingstone. He named the falls after the then Queen Victoria of England. The local autochthons, the Tonga and Nambya people, called the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning “smoke that thunders.” Many people still refer to this original name, which accurately defines the falls.
When Zambia gained independence in 1964, officials went through the entire country and changed the streets, cities and buildings from British names to African names except for the city of Livingstone and Victoria Falls. This reflected the deep respect and appreciation the people of Zambia had for the Scottish missionary.
Zimbabwe established a sister city to Livingstone, the Victoria Falls, which mirrors the name of the falls. The Government of Zimbabwe has retained the name Victoria Falls since independence in 1980.
Best ways to see and experience victoria falls
There is a multifarious array of activities that adds to excitement and adventure to a trip to Victoria Falls. But, when it comes to viewing the falls, there are two unique and distinctive views of the falls that should both be explored to capture the true splendour, grandeur and amazement of this wonder of nature.
The first, and potentially the most impressive view of the falls comes from the air. You can accomplish this by leveraging a flight over the falls using either a helicopter or microlite. The microlite is the more adventurous route, but either will provide you with a breathtaking and spectacular aerial view of the falls and the surrounding area. You will have a fair chance of seeing elephants or other wildlife while taking in the awe inspiring view of the falls. Although there are no guarantees, witnessing wildlife along the way will enhance your natural wonders experience.
The second and almost equally impressive view of the falls comes from the various trails that follow alongside the falls. This unique trail places you face-to-face with the top of the falls. The falls are head on and only about 60 meters below. As you enter the park and turn the corner you are instantly presented with the magnificence and glory of the falls. As you take the path and hear the water pounding and witness the vapor rising, you quickly understand the name, “smoke that thunders.”
The majority of trails occur on the Zambian side of the Falls, however the Zimbabwean side of the falls provides visitors with the greater panoramic view of the falls. Sightseers and photographers can see approximately 80 percent of the falls as compared to about 25 to 30 percent from the Zambian side.
Best times to explore victoria falls
There are basically two seasons for the Victoria Falls. The rainy season runs from late November to early April with the remaining months accounting for the dry season. One would imagine that the rainy season with more water would make the falls more spectacular, however, the additional water and subsequent mist in the air makes it nearly impossible to see the base of the falls. June and July are the best time to view the falls. The water levels are still high enough to showcase the splendour of the falls, but the amount of water is less creating less spray and more visibility of the falls.
As you move into the later part of the dry season, August through October, it is quite possible you will see more rock face than falls. However, this also opens the door for walking across the top of the falls which can be a unique and exhilarating experience as well.
Victoria Falls Photography Tips
During the rainy season and high water, Victoria Falls can be a challenge to capture with a camera because of all of the mist in the air. It is also a challenge to navigate the trails along the gorge with the constant and heavy falling spray from the falls. It is important to have rain gear and something to protect your camera.
The high water levels creates a greater amount of mist in the air. This increases the probabilities that you will be able to capture rainbow images around the falls. More than likely you will want to use a polarising filter which will help with the reflecting light from the sun and mist in the air.
The lower water levels can create more dramatic pictures with the various rocks cropping out between the falls. You should also be able to see the canyon and base of the falls. You will also be able to walk across the top of the falls and take images down the face of the falls. You can view a series of Victoria Falls.
Places to Stay
There are several hotels and lodges to choose from for a great stay at Victoria Falls. Lodges and hotels are available on both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of the falls.
Travel Tips
Daily flights are offered from Johannesburg, South Africa to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe which provides easy access to the falls.
Easy access is also provided with flights from Windhoek, Namibia. Less inviting options include flights to Lusaka, Zambia or Livingstone.
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