Must See Victoria Falls Africa

Considered the adrenalin capital of Africa, Victoria Falls is one of the biggest waterfalls in the world. It is found in the Zambezi River along the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia and aptly called by the locals as Mosi-oa-Tunya which literally means “the smoke that thunders.”

The waterfall, measuring 1,708 wide, is a gigantic curtain of falling water. Due to its size and height, it creates an almost permanent mist around it coupled with the thundering sound of rushing water.

Both of these factors combined give Victoria Falls an aura of danger and mystery, which perfectly complement the adrenalin pumping activities available in the surrounding area of the waterfall.

As a National Park and a World Heritage Site, the Victoria Falls and its natural ecosystem is remarkably preserved despite the annual surge of many tourists looking for fun and adventure.

The Zimbabwe side wins the battle of better panoramic views of the waterfall and its gorges. However, if it’s a case of which side offers the best adrenaline sports choices, its fair game between Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Whether you choose Zambia or Zimbabwe as your base, you will not be left without countless outdoor adventure options. Bungee jumping and zip-lining over the gorges, white water rafting on its rushing and turbulent waters, jungle exploration, game watching, horseback riding and elephant trekking along the waterfalls’ back trails are some of the most sought after activities in the region.

Even more daring is to stroll with lion cubs in their natural habitat. Take note, these lions are carefree and are not restrained in any way. Don’t worry though, visitors have nothing but praises for this activity. You can choose to walk with lions at Masuwe Estate, a mere 10 minutes drive from the town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe side. In Zambia, Thorntree Lodge at Mosi-Oa-Tunya, a mere 10 minutes from the town of Livingstone, also offers the same heart-pumping adventure.

For a bird’s eye view of the falls, you can take a ride with the Flights of Angels – a helicopter ride that will give you a perfect view of the Victoria Falls and its surroundings from high up in the sky.

A sunset river cruise is popular among young tourists, not so much because of the romantic ambience, but for the unlimited supply of booze that goes with it. These cruises are not a time for tranquil reflection of the beauty and color of sunsets but a wild ride of party people up for a good drunken time.

A visit to surrounding towns and villages should not be missed. It will not only give you a fascinating glimpse of their culture and everyday life, it will also give you the opportunity to shop for some local handicrafts and fresh farm produce.

The Livingstone market is one of the liveliest and most colorful of nearby markets and offers for sale, almost anything that may strike your fancy, from fruits and vegetables to wooden lions and elephants. It’s also a great place to buy some bright and colorful local fabrics known as chitenge.