Private Reflections on a Short Victoria Falls Trip in Zambia
The beautiful Victoria Falls is always on top of the list of visitors on a Southern Africa Safaris, either if you are traveling alone, as a couple or with a family. Following the recent introduction of direct flights from South Africa to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Livingstone in Zambia has made the falls an irresistible choice.
The iconic Victoria Falls are no longer a remote wonder accessible only after arduous travel, the falls have become a convenient escape just under 3 hours away from Cape Town, South Africa.
The magic of witnessing one of the world’s most stunning natural spectacles and the wide list of Victoria Falls adventurous activities coupled with the ease of flight options has made visiting the Victoria Falls effortless. I just a couple of hours, you could be transported from the hustle and bustle of the daily life to a place where adventure beckons, with plenty to amuse you.
On our Victoria Falls Holiday, we choose to visit the Zambia side, flying into Livingstone Airport. On arrival we were greeted by a friendly representative of African Vacation Safaris with our name on his visible board. It was a short transfer to our hotel, Victoria Falls Waterfront which boasts a stunning location on the Zambezi riverbank above Victoria Falls.
We traveled as a family and upon arrival, we checked into our chalets featuring comfortable beds, bedside tables and electric fans. These would be invaluable in the stuffy summer months, but the July evenings are decidedly chilly so the fans were not necessary but the extra blankets on the beds were welcome.
After our long weekend at Victoria Falls, we continue with our adventure to Botswana on a 5 Days Botswana Safari, check out our packages for more details.
Close-up Encounter with Victoria Falls in Zambia
After a delicious breakfast at the restaurant, enjoying its beautiful location overlooking the serene Zambezi, our guide collected us for a first look at Victoria Falls.
The Victoria Falls in Zambia are viewed from the network of walkways within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. The entrance is US$ 20 for both international and SADC visitors (on the Zimbabwe side Victoria Falls National Park entrance fee is US$ 50/US$ 30 for SADC).
The site was bustling when we arrived, we had stumbled on a traditional ceremony for the “Greeting of the Chief”. Large groups of traditionally dressed performers did elaborate dances, a head of a parade of the chief and his dignitaries. We left the excitement to explore the Victoria Falls and encountered crowds of the chief’s well-wishers along the paths, in good spirits and keep to pose with my elderly father and daughter in pictures of the falls.
The year has been a dry years for the area around Victoria Falls and I was apprehensive about how much water would be there. But we were not disappointed. The falls are magnificent and each vantage point provides a different perspective of the cliffs and the falling wall of water. A beautiful rainbow is formed by the sunlight shining through the rising mist.
Locally, Victoria Falls has always been known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means “The Smoke That Thunders,” and aptly describes the sight and sounds before you. As we ventured further along the pathways, the falling mist dampened our clothes and I noticed that some tour gropus were wearing raincoats to keep themselves dry – a sensible idea.
The perpetual spray from the falls has created a unique rainforest in the area adjacent to the falls. The constant moisture has given rise to a diverse array of unique plants not found elsewhere in the region. Towering trees, thick undergrowth, ferns and orchids create a dense, green canopy attracting numerous birds, insects, and small mammals. It makes a perfect backdrop to the waterfall and starkly contrasts the dry terrain just a short distance away.
Rafting and Sunset Cruise Experience
Day 2 of our short Victoria Falls Trip commenced with a delicious buffet breakfast. Today we opted for the great value for money “Rafting and Cruise” combo deal which entails a half-day white-water rafting on the rapids in Batoka Gorge below the falls, and Zambezi sunset cruise on the river upstream later.
July is usually low water season, so rapids #11 to #25 are on the agenda to be ridden. The rapids have been numbered from the early days of river navigation in the 1980s, starting from #1 right under the falls and covering 25 kilometers of exhilarating white water running through Batoka Gorge, carved out by the river through fault lines in the basalt rock beneath the falls. High water and low water months mean different rapids are navigable.
To reach the river and the boast, you have to descend the steep sides into the gorge and ascend once more at the end. The Zambezi, affectionately known as the “Slambezi” is famous for its big water flips on these rafting trips and the staff are expertly ready for any eventuality. Luckily, we avoided major dunks, but the thrill was undeniable as we held on to the boat for dear life.
After an exhilarating ride on the rapids, we hiked the 200 meters out of the gorge, which was a bit challenging in the midday heat but we took our time to check out the stunning views on the way. Back at base, we were treated to post-trip burgers and viewed the complimentary video and picture package professionally filmed and narrated by the rafting team, capturing every dramatic moment of our river rafting journey.
Just after 3 pm, it was time for a more sedate experience of the Zambezi River – above the falls. We boarded our sunset cruise boat from the hotel’s slipway and headed along the riverbanks in search of wildlife. The friendly crew welcomed us with a bar full of sundowner drinks and snacks. The next two hours passed in a pleasant blur of gin and tonic, spotting hippos, crocodiles and varied birdlife as we wove between riverbanks and an uninhabited island in the middle of the wide Zambezi.
Later we were invited to help ourselves to dinner – a selection of meat cooked on a braai (barbeque) and some lovely salads. The driver chose a prime spot to stop to watch the sunset over the horizon, the sky painted in bright orange, pink and red as only an African sunset can. We return to base serene and content in the wild beauty of this special place.
History of Livingstone
The next day we took our short Victoria Falls Trips at a slower pace, a much – needed tonic for the excitement of the day before. The hotel’s setting overlooking the river is perfect for hanging out and watching the view.
Head to Livingstone Town to wander the streets and browse the curio shops. Also, visit to the Livingstone Museum, exploring the displays that offer insights into the origins of the Zambian people, early chiefdoms and kingdoms, European explorations, and missionary activities, colonization, the Federation of Rhodesia and Nyasaland, and the struggle for independence achieved in 1964. The renowned collection of David Livingstone’s letters and memorabilia, showcasing the life and work of the first European to see, and name Victoria Falls is the highlight.
The extensive display of personal relics, documents, and photographs narrates Livingstone’s legacy as a medical doctor, missionary and explorer and is a fascinating insight into his life and work.
Enjoy View from Above Victoria Falls – Gorge Helicopter Flight
You will collected from Livingstone Town and head out for a helicopter flight in the afternoon.
The sky above the Victoria Falls had been alive with helicopters and microlights since we arrive and it was our turn to experience Victoria Falls from the air. We opted for a 22 minute ride, over not just Victoria Falls but taking a low-level swoop into the Batoka Gorge below to shadow the rapids as we had seen done the day before. Needless to say, this was an exhilarating highlight of our Victoria Falls Trip.
The view of the ledge of the falls from above is incredible and you can see the twists and turns of Batoka Gorge and its thundering waters. The current site of Victoria Falls is its seventh. The gorge twists and turns are the previous six cliffs faces that formed the falls and subsequently collapsed. There is a fissure in the current falls, slowly being expanded with the pressure of the water that will eventually become the new site of the falls in the geological feature when the current cliff face collapses.
Zip-lining over the Victoria Falls
The day started early, this is the last day at Victoria Falls and head for our final activity before the flight home. Leaving the lodge, passports in hand, to catch the activity centre opening at 9 am for the first Zip-line of the day.
The excursion is centre is located on the Zambia side of the Zambezi River, close to the historic Victoria Falls Bridge, below the Victoria Falls. We were strapped in and took the leap, zip-lining across the chasm to the other side. The bridge whizzes past and the churning rapids seem very far beneath your feet. You reach firm land on the other side and walk across the bridge back to activity centre. Technically you have been in Zimbabwe but avoid having to cross the border crossing on the other side of the bridge.
Family Adventure at Victoria Falls in Zambia
A long weekend holiday at Victoria Falls is more than just a trip, it is an adventure for a whole family to enjoy leaving memories to last a lifetime. From the thunderous roar of Victoria Falls to the serene beauty of the Zambezi River, this weekend getaway will be an unforgettable escape into nature’s grandeur that you will remember forever.
