Although neither the highest or widest on the planet, Victoria Falls is considered to be the largest waterfall in the world based on its combined height & width and sheer water volume. The falls span 5,604 ft. and range in depth from 260-354 ft., with the spray rising an estimated 1,300 ft. from river level. The name of the falls as we know it was given by the British settlers in honor of their Queen, but the indigenous people refer to this force of nature more poetically: “Mosi-oa-tunya”… which means “the smoke that thunders”. And thunder it does! The sound & the fury of Victoria Falls are truly awesome!!
After entering through the park gates, signage directs visitors to a mile-long path offering the best views of the falls as you look across the river canyon. The trail is easy to navigate with markers pointing out the named- sections of the falls, but the constant spray creates puddles & slippery conditions along steep ravine’s edges where the best photo ops are. With few guard rails in place, caution is in order! And as shown on one of the photos below, most visitors were wisely wearing rain gear to protect their clothing & cameras. Another historical note: there are a few islands in the river below which are usually obscured by all the air-borne water. One is ‘Livingston Island’, named (I presume) after this region’s famous explorer.
The path to the end of the trail eventually turns away from the falls, where we then gained a view of a high bridge across the mighty Zambezi. This impressive gorge-spanning structure also doubles as the staging site for thrill-seeking bungee-jumpers. Below were raging rapids where other equally impetuous tourists launch their rafts for a wet & wild whitewater experience they may live to regret!
My roommate & I opted to have a cup of tea at the park’s café instead (ho, hum), before meeting our driver as arranged. Our timing to leave the falls area was fortuitous as a troupe of native dancers clad in animal skins was putting on quite a show right there in the parking lot. Talk about your aerobic exercise- wow!
Then it was back to the “Sprayview “, our aptly-named hotel, to check out the exhibit of Shona-style stone sculpture there.. and then to relax around the pool a bit before dinner. Having so much fun can be tiring!
Dab's Travelogue 