The Victoria Falls, or 'mosi oa tunya' (smoke that thunders) as the Kololo people called it, is arguably the most spectacular of all the world's natural wonders. The volume of water that flows over the falls varies considerably, but during peak flow, between February and May the Zambezi River thunders over the 17808m (5604 ft) wide rim in a series of grand cataracts at the rate of 500,000m (17.6 million cu ft) per minute. The tumultuous waterfalls create a rising cloud of spray that, on clear day can be seen from 80 km (50 miles) away. at night during the full-moon phase, an eerie lunar rainbow arcs across the great gorge.
Visitors to the Victoria Falls can take in the awesome spectacle from a number of strategically sited viewing points, the best of which are accessible long winding paths cut through the fame 'rainforest', an enchanting place of subtropical birds, butterflies and secretive little animals, of tangled undergrowth and trees whose dense foliage glistens in the fine mist.
Above the falls is the Zambezi National Park, many of whose animals - together with a splendid array of birds - can be seen on the drive along the riverbank. Here, crocodiles bask in the sun, hippos snort and, among the high-tufted ilala palms, fish eagles cry as the sightseeing cruise vessels float gently by. These popular sundowner cruises are just one of the many ways to explore the Zambezi to either side of the Falls.
Highly recommended is the trip on a small outboard-driven pontoon that glides past the lush riverine reaches, skirting the rapids and islands (largest of which is Kandahar, 10 km, or 6 miles upstream) to offer superb game and bird-viewing. More adventurous are the canoeing and rafting safaris that ply the river both the relatively placid stretches from Kazungula eastwards to the falls, and the white waters that race through the 19 narrow gorges downstream. Other options include horseback and walking trails along the banks, and the 'Flight of Angels" a light-aircraft flips over the cataracts and their surrounds.
There's plenty to see and do in the immediate vicinity of the Falls. This is Zimbabwe's prime tourist destination, served by hotels of international standard, restaurants, a modern shopping centre, curio stalls, a busy airport, and superb golfing facilitates.
Special drawcards include the Crocodile Ranch and Nature Sanctuary which is home to over 2000 of the giant reptiles, and the multicultural craft village. The latter is a fascinating exposition of traditional life styles, customs, architecture, ornamentation, dance, music and drama
There are regular performances of Makishi folk dancing - the African Spectacular - at the elegant colonial-style Victoria Falls Hotel, which first opened its doors in 1904, and visitors can also listen to the vibrant sound of marimbas played on the hotel's patio every lunch time. Nearby is the plush splendour of the Makasa Sun Casino Hotel
Victoria J F M A M J J A S O N D Falls Average 75 75 82 70 64 59 59 64 72 77 77 75 Temp F Average 24 24 28 21 18 15 15 18 22 25 25 24 Temp C Hrs of Sun 7 7 8 9 10 10 10 10 10 9 7 7 Daily Rainfall 5 5 3 1 0 0 0 0 0 3 3 5 ins. Rainfall 125 138 71 23 2 1 0 1 2 24 77 138 mm Days of 14 13 7 3 1 0 0 0 1 3 10 14 rainfall
go back