Zimbabwe : Victoria Falls

The local name for the falls is 'Mosi-oa-tunya' or 'the smoke that thunders'. It is a spectacular sight and even though Victoria Falls town has grown enormously over the past years into an adrenaline fuelled town of white water rafters and Bungee jumpers it is a wonder of the world which cannot be missed. At certain times of the year up to a hundred million gallons of water a minute plunges over 100 meters into a 1700m chasm below and the spray can be seen up to 70km away. The water is then forced through a narrow gorge, creating the best and most dramatic white water rafting in the world. You can view the falls by taking paths through an exotic rainforest, which is watered by the spray, but prepare to get wet. An unusual lunch spot can be arranged on the Zambian side on Livingstone Island right at the top of the falls. You can stay up river away from the bustle of town in one of the lodges in or around the Upper Zambezi National Park and enjoy game viewing, sunset cruises and canoeing on the gentler waters of the upper Zambezi.

click on the photos for a larger version

Victoria Falls aerial	Victoria Falls

bungee jumping	white water rafting

You can also visit Victoria Falls in Zambia

Victoria Falls Hotel
The hotel originally opened in 1904 and has kept its elegance with manicured lawns and tastefully refurbished rooms and suites and an ambience of gracious living from the past. It is set in acres of private gardens and has excellent views of the falls and Livingstone Bridge. There is a choice of 3 restaurants including Jungle Junction overlooking the gorge, a swimming pool and tennis courts. All the rooms and suites have air conditioning, television and radios. As the hotel is only a 15-minute walk along the private path to the falls themselves there is no better place to appreciate them.

click on the photos for a larger version

hotel	dining room	pool

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
The thatched roofs and brightly hued fabrics combine to create a distinctly African ambience at the popular Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Situated in the Zambezi bush but only 5 minutes by courtesy minibus to the falls, its restaurant and swimming pool overlook a waterhole regularly visited by game including elephant. The lodge has 66 rooms and 6 suites all front facing with air-conditioning and private balcony. Excellent a la carte cuisine and fine wines are served in the candlelit restaurant whilst nearby the Boma restaurant offers a unique African dining experience with entertainment provided by traditional dancers.

click on the photos for a larger version

lodge	bedroom	swimming pool

The Elephant Camp
For a different kind of experience and only 25km from the Victoria Falls is Elephant Camp where guests have the opportunity to get amongst game from the back of an elephant. The elephants are very well trained and you are able to feed and swim with them ensuring a memorable experience. The camp caters for a maximum of 8 guests in spacious, tastefully decorated chalets built under thatch. There is a relaxed and homely atmosphere and wholesome meals and a selection of fine wines are provided.

click on the photos for a larger version

bedroom	visitors to the pool	game viewing by elephant