After bidding farewell to the incredible wildlife of Chobe National Park in Botswana, our Southern African odyssey continued its eastward trajectory as we prepared to cross into Zimbabwe. This border crossing proved to be a bit more involved, requiring more “red tape” and a higher cost as we officially registered our trusty camper for its Zimbabwean adventures. But the administrative hurdles were a small price to pay for what lay ahead: first, a roughly 70 km desolate road stretching before us, and on the other side of that, something truly mighty and powerful!
That something was, of course, Victoria Falls. Located on the mighty Zambezi River, which forms the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is not only one of the world’s largest waterfalls but is also widely considered the largest single sheet of falling water globally. Spanning an astounding 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) in width, the sheer scale of the falls is almost impossible to comprehend until you stand before it. While the falls have a long and rich history within local African traditions, they were formally introduced to the European world when the renowned Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone identified them in 1855, famously naming them in honor of Queen Victoria.
Known by local names such as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke that Thunders) and “Boiling Water,” these powerful epithets perfectly capture the visceral experience of the falls. The immense column of spray, rising hundreds of meters into the air, resembles smoke, while the roar of the water plunging into the gorge truly thunders. The falls typically peak after the flood season, between February and May, when the Zambezi River is at its fullest. We strategically planned our visit for the shoulder season (early September), just before the dry season causes the water levels to drop significantly. This timing proved perfect, allowing us to witness magnificent views of the falls without the overwhelming, drenching spray of peak flow, yet still with substantial water volume.
Our visit allowed us to walk the span of over a mile along the Zimbabwean side, offering a multitude of perspectives on this natural marvel. It was fascinating to observe how the falls continuously change over geological time. The sheer power of the Zambezi has carved six major gorges over millennia, each one a testament to the falls’ enduring erosive force. There’s even evidence suggesting the river may have started another gorge on one side of the Devil’s Cataract, one of the falls’ main streams. The lip of the current falls is at its lowest point here, and it carries the greatest concentration of water at flood stage, showcasing immense power.
Standing before Victoria Falls, feeling the mist on our faces and hearing the thunderous roar, was a truly humbling experience. It was a spectacular culmination of our journey eastward, a vibrant natural wonder contrasting with the historical depths and wild plains we had traversed.
Our exploration of Victoria Falls wasn’t limited to just the Zimbabwean side. Next, we’ll delve into the “hidden gems” of the Zambian side, offering different perspectives and unique adventures!
Helpful Links
- Victoria Falls Backpackers Lodge – Camp Sites – We stayed in Zimbabwe and this place gave a great location to setup our tent and have some comforts and security.
- Victoria Falls UNESCO World Heritage Site
- History of David Livingstone and Victoria Falls
- Best Time to Visit Victoria Falls
- The Geology of Victoria Falls
- Activities at Victoria Falls
Stepping Thru Our Story:
- Exploring Southern Africa: A Journey Through Namibia and Botswana
- Understanding Johannesburg’s Complex Past and Present
- Exploring Soweto: A Walking Tour Through History
- A Journey through Windhoek: History and Highlights
- Camping Under the Stars in Botswana’s Kalahari Desert
- Discover Wildlife in the Okavango Delta: Canoe and Safari Experiences
- Exploring Wildlife in Chobe National Park
- Navigating Chobe’s Sand: A Journey Through Savuti
- Explore Chobe Riverfront: A Wildlife Paradise
- Victoria Falls: The Mighty Wonder Between Zimbabwe and Zambia
- Exploring Victoria Falls: A Guide to Zambia’s Hidden Gems
- Driving the Caprivi Strip
- Exploring Namibia’s Etosha National Park
- Exploring Etosha: Elephants and Conservation Stories
- A Scenic Journey to Swakopmund from Etosha National Park
- Exploring the Namib Desert: A Guide to Sossusvlei and Deadvlei
- Lost in Namibia: A Travel Experience to Remember
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