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VICTORIA FALLS: TWO INCREDIBLE DAYS TO SEE MOSI-OA-TUNYA "THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS"

If you can add just two days onto your Southern Africa itinerary you can experience amazing Victoria Falls.


If you’re lucky enough to be planning a trip to Southern Africa (Botswana, Namibia or South Africa) you’re probably having a hard time trying to fit all that you want to do into your allotted travel days. Those countries offer so many sights and experiences that you will remember for the rest of your life. From epic scenery to iconic safaris, you have more than enough to fill even the most generous of itineraries. I’m here to make that task more difficult.

Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa

If you’re heading all the way to that part of the globe, I implore you to include a side trip to Victoria Falls. I can’t recommend this experience enough. Victoria Falls aka Mosi-oa-Tunya is the largest waterfall in the world, it’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. In other words, it is a must see. If you have four or five days, great. If you’re pressed for time it’s possible to have a pretty great visit in only two days.


Victoria Falls straddles the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. You can base yourself in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia. Both cities offer access to all of the activities described below.



DAY 1


Zambezi River at Sunset in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Africa

I took an early morning flight from Cape Town to Victoria Falls. Upon arrival at the airport they offer a visa that allows you entrance to BOTH Zimbabwe and Zambia. This will come in very handy later if you plan on crossing back and forth between the countries. After checking into my guest house, I went to the tourist office and booked some activities (both of which I recommend).


For day one I booked a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. The Zambezi is the river that acts as the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and is the water that flows over Victoria Falls. It is also the place where many animals congregate. If you’ve ever done the jungle cruise at a Disney park, this is the real deal. I saw exotic birds, crocodiles, monkeys, elephants and hippos. I drank sundowners while watching a gorgeous sunset. I got to meet and talk to a lot of interesting fellow travelers as we shared this wonderful boat ride.


Crocodiles in Zambezi River Cruise in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Africa
Hippos in Zambezi River Cruise in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Africa
Hippos in the Zambezi River
Elephants on Zambezi River Cruise in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Africa
Elephants on the Zambezi River

Africa, on a boat, on the Zambezi River, drinking a Zambezi beer, at sunset was an experience I’ll always cherish. It was a low cost/high reward activity full of pinch-me moments. Try to do this and then after the cruise get a good night’s sleep- tomorrow is your big waterfall day.


Zambezi River in Zambia, Zimbabwe, Africa
Sunset on Zambezi River




DAY 2


Victoria Falls as seen from above from a helicopter tour in Zambia and Zimbabwe, Africa
Aerial View of Victoria Falls from a Helicopter

My day two started with the other activity I had booked, an early morning helicopter flight over the falls. This is not super cheap and it may be a little scary for some people (including me), but I wanted to see Victoria Falls from above. That desire won out over my fear. The basic ride is kind of short but still allows you plenty of time to view the falls, take in their immensity and snap some good photos. If you can afford it, go for it.


Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Victoria Falls from above
Helicopter Tour of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa

Afterwards head to the National Park on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. This is where you’ll have the up close, front view of the falls. I went during the dry season and heard some people lament over how little water there was…it was still an incredible amount of water. The mist (“smoke”) that rises from the crashing water will inevitably soak you as you walk the trails of the park and stop at one astonishing viewpoint after another. Watch out for rainbows and watch your step!


Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa

After spending hours in the park, I made my way to the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge. There is a pedestrian lane on the bridge so you can walk across it and take photos of the gorge before crossing into Zambia. It’s too far to walk all the way to Livingstone, but getting a car to take you there is inexpensive.


Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Victoria Falls Bridge
Entering Zambia in Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa

I finished my second day at the Victoria Falls Hotel - one of the world’s classic 5-star hotels. This luxury hotel has hosted the rich and famous for over a century. While it was not in my budget to stay there, I could manage a cocktail at the bar and then was able to walk around the grounds of this magnificently located hotel. It offers sweeping views of the bridge and gorge from its manicured lawn. I thought it was fun to pretend I was rich for a little while as well as a nice way to say goodbye to Victoria Falls.


Victoria Falls Hotel in Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa
Victoria Falls Hotel in Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa


I should mention that Victoria Falls is famous for a few high adrenaline activities that I had no interest in attempting: the lower Zambezi River is a magnet for white water rafting, you can bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge or if the water flow is at certain levels you can visit the Devil’s Pool. The Devil’s Pool is a natural infinity pool on the very edge of the falls where you can take a dip. I watched people doing this and couldn’t believe it.


I had no interest in dying during my brief visit so I did not participate in any of those options, but best of luck to you if you do.


Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa


As, I mentioned earlier, more time is always preferable but it is possible to experience the best of Victoria Falls in just a couple of days. Why not cross two countries and a World Wonder off of your bucket list in under 48 hours? You won’t regret it.



Rainbow at Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls National Park in Zimbabwe and Zambia, Africa




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