Victoria Falls: Zambia Side

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A Dream Come True

Let me start off by saying this trip to Victoria Falls was the realization of a lifelong dream. Over the course of six trips to South Africa for 4 years, I’ve been trying to reach this incredible natural wonder. I knew that my most recent trip to South Africa would be my last for a long time, so no matter the cost I was determined to add a trip to Victoria Falls – and I did. Check out this YouTube video to discover what there is to do at Victoria Falls:

Zambia or Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls can be seen from either Zambia or Zimbabwe. It bisects the two countries. I started my day from the Zambian Side and would later cross over into the Zimbabwean side; A story I’ll save for a future post. Each offers their own advantages and disadvantages. Zambia has a lot more walking trails to discover, while the view is arguably better from Zimbabwe.

What is there to do at the falls?

There’s plenty to keep you occupied for several hours. Hiking trails along the Zambezi River, down into the gorge and across the rock islands in front of the falls are easy to follow, but a bit wet. I ran into some fellow travelers from California who suggested following the path on the right, middle and left – in that order. You’ll see the top of the falls, front of the falls and bottom.

What can I expect?

Expect to get wet!

Beyond that, expect to have memories that will last you a lifetime. For one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, the entrance is pretty non-descript. A chain-link fence followed by a small wooden office is all that separates you from Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders).

Walking trails are well marked, but don’t expect signs with factual information – a small detail that would have made this trip just a bit more impressive. Nonetheless, you’ll be in awe watching 38,000 cubic feet of water fall down 360 feet of rocky cliff, 5,604 feet wide. It’s simply breathtaking.

Have you ever been to Victoria Falls? Comment with your experience.

While it was tough to see the complete vista of the falls through all the mist, I’ll forever remember this special moment. It didn’t matter that Victoria Falls (so named by Dr. David Livingstone after Queen Victoria), was nearly invisible, experiencing the power of nature rain down was enough to remind me how magical our planet Earth truly is.

The Essentials

For More Information: If you’re planning a trip to Victoria Falls in the near future, you may be interested in reading my Victoria Falls Travel Guide. Zambia Tourism has also put together a comprehensive travel guide accessible here. I’ve also uploaded some photos from my trip to Victoria Falls on the Zambia side to my Facebook Fan Page.

Attraction Costs: $20.00 – less if you’re from Zambia. Your ticket is valid all day. If you want to see the falls from Zimbabwe, you’ll need to purchase a separate ticket for Zimbabwe’s National Park

How to get there: Taxi’s will take you to the park entrance, a 10-minute ride from downtown Livingstone. Stop along the banks of the Zambezi for a quick photo on the way.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: This is an easy two-hour trip if you just walk across the rock island at a leisurely pace and stop for photos. If you want to journey down to the Boiling Pot, add an additional 90-minutes to 2 hours.

Best Time to Visit: Depends on what you’re looking for. The falls are at their peak in March and April. During the dry season, November and December, the falls seem to just trickle over. I say, visit once each season for a new perspective

Ben Recommends: Skip the poncho, umbrella and croc rentals and feel the mist of Victoria Falls rain down.

I’ll see you out there…! Soaked to the bone of course!

This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Considering a trip to Livingstone? Click the photo to book your accommodation at Chanters Lodge.

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