The name Victoria Falls (“Vic Falls”) was originally coined by explorer and missionary, David Livingstone. But the local people, both in Zimbabwe and Zambia, refer to them as Mosi-oa-Tunya which means Smoke That Thunders. Due to the constant mist above the Falls which is created by the down-plummet of millions of litres of water, a small rainforest has developed. Batoka Gorge, below the Victoria Falls, is a haven for a variety of raptors including the rare Taita Falcons.
The Victoria Falls are not the highest falls, but they are certainly the largest and most beautiful in the world! Besides the awesome sight that these Falls offer, the Zambezi river is sought-after by serious anglers in hunt for Tiger Fish (up to 6 kg). The town on the Zimbabwe side is called Victoria Falls and the little settlement on the Zambia side Livingstone. As the Falls are better seen from the Zimbabwe side and all the activities depart from this side, we recommend staying there. A walk and/or guided half day tour to Livingstone (get your Zambia stamp in your passport too!) can be added – the Livingstone Museum is a gem for those interested in the early explorers. Although the country Zimbabwe is going through problematic times, Victoria Falls is relatively untouched and a safe destination.
A tour to the falls is of course a must when in Vic Falls. Other things to do are dinner and/or sundowner cruise on the Zambezi river, helicopter flights over the Falls, there are trails for hiking, birding, elephant back riding, mountain biking or horse riding, rafting, river boarding, canoeing or the exhilarating bungi jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge, one of the highest jumps in the world. An adventurer's paradise! The old fashioned English High Tea at the colonial hotel The Victoria Falls Hotel will take you back a century and a special treat.
Apart from the historial and colonial monument of The Victoria Falls Hotel, there are other hotels and safari lodges around of which Ilala Lodge is our favorite, small enough to give personal service and closest to the Falls.
Rainbows occurring at night, known as lunar rainbows or moon bows, can be viewed at the Victoria Falls. These occur on the following dates between 19h00 and 00h00 2007: August 27, 28, 29, September 25, 26, 27, October 25, 26, 27, November 23, 24, 25 and December 23, 24, 25.
Although Vic Falls is a destination on its own, the majestic Chobe National Park through to in the North Eastern corner of Botswana is only 2 hour by road away and offers a most convenient safari combination. Most safari lodges are situated on the Chobe River banks and offers safaris by boat - see one of the world's greatest herds of elephants cross the river, crocodiles and water birds - and safari drives in open 4x4s type Land Rover. For an exclusive stay, we recommend Chobe Marina Lodge and for luxury and families Chobe Safari Lodge is our choice.
A 5-day Luxury Combination including 2 nights in Vic Falls/Ilala Lodge and 2 nights in Chobe Marina Lodge including all transfers, Vic Falls sundowner cruise, tour of the Falls and safaris will cost you from USD1132 per person sharing.
For the nature lovers and adventurous - the new exciting Chobe Wildlife Tented Safari is a unique outdoor camping experience in private sites inside Chobe. Spend 3 days in the wild with game rangers. You stay in walk-in safari tents and the luxury bush catering and camp set-up is taken care of by the staff. This adventure includes five game drives and one river cruise, from USD390 per person sharing a tent. |
