Joanna James
Breathtaking as it is expansive; Victoria Falls is not just the world's largest waterfall. Victoria a popular recreational hotspot in Zambia, here are some of the best things to see and do during a tour of this iconic cascade.
The first and most important thing to do at Victoria Falls is to admire its captivating beauty with one's own eyes. As the largest waterfall on the planet, this mammoth cascade is twice the size of Niagara Falls and is the single biggest sheet of water to gush towards the earth from such impressive heights. Called "the smoke that thunders" by Zambian locals, this iconic waterfall is best seen between the months of February and May when it is at its frothiest and loudest.
Located within metres of the point where Victoria Falls plummets to the earth, the Devil's Pool is a natural pool located at the lip of the waterfall. During the dry season, typically from September to December, the flow of the Zambezi River is reduced, allowing visitors to swim in the Devil's Pool without being swept over the edge of the falls.
One of the most interesting things that one will spot during a visit to the Victoria Falls is the many wildlife inhabitants that occupy either side of the Zambezi River. Whether you embark on a boat ride or a tour of the Upper Zambezi with its Savannah forests, the sights of elephants enjoying a dip in the water, crocodiles sunning themselves and fish eagles whizzing above one's head are not sights visitors will easily forget.
Livingstone Island is the only piece of land that's located on the fringes of Victoria Falls, and a tour of Livingstone Island is a must for those who wish to explore this unique palm-fringed paradise. Discovered by Scottish explorer David Livingstone in 1855, the island is a UNESCO World Heritage Site of truly idyllic proportions.
Tourists based at Avani Victoria Falls Resort will find that enjoying yacht cruises and other sailing adventures are popular activities in Livingstone. The African Queen is a particularly well-loved sailboat where one can enjoy a sunset cruise with a glass of bubbly in hand.
Due to its proximity to Hwange National Park and countless other game parks, Victoria Falls also affords visitors a chance to enjoy a safari adventure of a lifetime.
Bungee jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge is widely considered as the ultimate way to immerse oneself in the journey of the cascading waterfall, which tumbles from its summit to the depths of the Zambezi River, as thrill-seekers take the plunge from a vertigo-inducing height of 111 metres before experiencing an adrenaline-pumping zip-lining adventure.
Don't forget to drop by the Livingstone’s Maramba Markets and the Livingstone Museum on your visit to Victoria Falls as both of these cultural highlights offer visitors a rare glimpse into the local way of life.
White water rafting is another fun and engaging activity that's available through local tour operators.
Those with a passion for fishing will also find fishing expeditions along the river.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
