Visiting Victoria Falls – what to expect to come out of your mouth!

Victoria Falls ranks as one of my top travel destinations. There are few places on Earth that will stop you in the middle of your tracks in wonderment. The range of emotions you’ll feel on your visit, no matter how short, is as wide as the falls are. Here are six exclamations you’ll be sure to say.

‘Hmmm’

There’s only one way to get to Victoria Falls from Livingstone – follow the main road downtown. You’ll be miles away and off in the distance this curious, towering cloud formation will make you pause. ‘Hmmmm. There’s not another cloud in the sky, except for this one. What could it be?’

As this ethereal vapour beckons you closer, you’ll soon realise that what you’re seeing is a rain cloud created by millions of gallons of water plummeting 360 feet down below; the strength and power of this waterfall is communicated instantly.

‘Whoa’

Upon entry into the national park you have several options of discovery. Most travellers will proceed to the hiking trails in front of the falls, but be sure to follow the paths on your right that lead up towards the lip of Vic Falls and the Zambezi River beyond it.

Signs along the shore warn you to watch your step. Stepping into the water here could mean a big splash and long fall over the edge. There are no fences or barriers to protect you. You’re literally feet away from the cascading water. What a thrill to be so close to something so magnificent. Watch your step… ‘Whoa!’

‘Wow’

Plan to spend at least an hour or so walking to the various lookout points in front of ‘The Smoke that Thunders’ (locally called Mosi-oa-Tunya). Your experience will differ depending on the time of year you visit. In the wet season, prepare for slightly obstructed views of the falls, due to the vapour cloud in front of you. In the dry season, Mother Nature’s faucet has been dialled down to a trickle, exposing the rock behind it. Either way, you’re staring at a wall of water over a mile long… ‘Wow’.

‘Yippee’

Be sure to bring a plastic bag to protect your gear. While the lookout points are several hundred feet from the falls, it will be raining cats and dogs where you are! Now you know how Victoria Falls got its nickname! Sure you could rent ponchos and shoes from the local vendors who are standing by, but why bother? Stand tall and proud and let this natural wonder of the world rain down upon you. Soaked to the bone, you’ll shriek in glee… ‘Yippee!’

‘Mmmmm’

A quick border crossing into neighbouring Zimbabwe is the perfect place for a break. The luxurious Victoria Falls Hotel offers truly delicious meals with a view of the falls for less than $20. It’s a mini indulgence during your once-in-a-lifetime visit. Keep your eyes peeled for wild elephants in the distance… ‘Mmmmm’.

‘Aaaaaaah!’

Release the adventurer in you and consider finishing your trip with a bungee jump from the bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia. When the water level is low, you can go white-water rafting on the Zambezi River or even jump into the Devil’s Pool at the edge of the falls itself. Whatever adrenaline rush you choose, you’ll surely scream in delight… ‘Aaaaaaah!’

The destinations I remember the most, from travelling across six continents, are the ones that tell a story. A story not told through words or pictures… but through emotions, and Victoria Falls is one of the best storytellers that exist.

Have you ever been to Victoria Falls? What exclamations did you make while you were there?
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About the Author

Ben Reed of Adventures with Ben writes about making travelling fun. An award-winning travel blogger, Ben has been featured by the Tourism Authority of Thailand and FoxNews.com. You can follow adventures with Ben on Facebook and Twitter.

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