Living the Southern Africa Dream: A Long Weekend in Victoria Falls
The Outlook autoreply is on, bags are packed, and Christmas around the corner: the perfect start to the holidays to Victoria Falls. These majestic falls were first spotted in 1855 by the British explorer David Livingstone who stumbled upon them during one of his expeditions across Southern Africa. Reaching Victoria Falls from Kenya is relatively easy with a direct 3-hour Kenya Airways flight that takes you right to the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, only a few kilometres from the falls. While descending, a vast, beautiful green and endless savannah opens up beneath you and just before landing, the smoke of the falls appears high in the air in the far distance.
Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe sleeps as we pass through. It is just a short car ride before we enter Zambia through a historical iron bridge where trucks, a train and cars regularly cross overlooking a canyon that has been shaped by water. Quick formalities at customs and we are in Zambia, a vast and diverse country stretching for hundreds of kilometres all the way up north towards Malawi and Tanzania. There is plenty of options to make your stay at Victoria Falls memorable. One of these is the Royal Livingstone Hotel, a wonderful luxurious accommodation with lush gardens, zebras, amazing staff, food, and facilities and built on the banks of the Zambezi River; the perfect spot to enjoy a breathtaking sunset.
There is plenty to do around Victoria Falls. A walk to see the falls either from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side is a must to feel the power of the water and admire this natural wonder up close. In the afternoon, a cruise on the Zambezi is a relaxing and pleasant way to enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of the river and watch the sunset while sipping on local beer or a glass of wine on the deck with other fellow travellers. For the adrenaline seeking visitors, there are plenty of options to satisfy the adventurous mind. Kayaking at the foot of the falls and bungee-jumping from over hundred meters are just two examples and there are plenty of reliable tour operators to help organize them.
The beauty of Victoria Falls also lies in its geographical position. Cutting two countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls are also just an hour drive away from Botswana. Chobe National Park is located close to the Botswanan town of Kasane famous for being one of the best safari spots in the region. Hills, bushes, and lush forests are the main features of this wonderful park that runs along the Zambezi River. Besides the usual land safaris, Chobe is also renowned for its boat safaris. While cruising on the calm waters of the river, it is very likely to spot large group of elephants and hippos.
One of the main attractions that remains is the Devil’s Pool. A natural pool right on the edge of the 111-meter waterfall where travellers flock to take pictures while swimming and sitting right by the end of the falls. After a good dose of adrenaline, it is time for a last activity this time from another perspective. A 15-minute helicopter ride overlooking the falls is a breathtaking experience to fly around the falls and see them in their entire beauty from both Zimbabwean and Zambian side. Similarly, a micro-flight is a super light, small flying kart that allow you to have an even more spectacular view, as the machine has no cabin or glass.
The sun is still high and hot as we leave Zambia to cross yet again into Zimbabwe. Many tourists are doing the same, while some of the locals are returning to Zimbabwe after a day spent in Zambia working and selling fresh fruits and vegetables. At the airport, the day is almost over, and the terminal feels very quiet compared to the roaring falls. Once in the air, the sunset arrives quickly leaving nothing but darkness out of the window. Memories of Victoria Falls will stay forever together with a unique feeling of having visited one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world, something every avid traveller should have on their bucket list.
This article has been modified and published by Nomad Africa on 9 July 2024 as “What to Do for a Long Weekend in Victoria Falls.”
PhotoStory: The Shape of Water
