Our next stop in Africa was an unforgettable journey to Zimbabwe, a land of incredible landscapes, rich history, and wonders.With scale, drama, power and beauty!
Located in the southern part of the African continent, Zimbabwe boasts a vibrant tapestry of diverse cultures, wildlife, and natural beauty. It’s nestled between Zambia to the northwest, Mozambique to the northeast, South Africa to the south, and Botswana to the west.
Our visit was centered around the charming town of Victoria Falls, where we would be spending three nights at the lovely Llala Lodge Hotel. Situated right by one of the world’s most spectacular sights, Victoria Falls, this lodge provides a perfect base for exploring the wonders of this region.
Exploring Victoria Falls
The best way to begin a trip to Victoria Falls is to take a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi River, and that is exactly what we did! We were booked on a luxury cruise that included food and drinks but when we were dropped off we realized there was miscommunication. While the standard sunset cruise will give you all the same views, it won’t give you the feels. The mistake was quickly remedied and we were escorted a couple of miles down the road to the correct tour company. The cruise itself was relaxing and we had reserved seats on the second level deck. Not only will you get to cruise the Zambezi River and get to see the spray from the Falls, you will also get to see lots of wildlife along the way. But the best part is catching the sun setting over the river. It was absolutely beautiful! And if you ask us if it was worth the extra cost of the luxury sunset cruise the answer is YES! After boarding both boats, we can tell you the cost difference is minimal but the ambiance and experience is vastly different.
The next thing on the agenda was to head to the Falls! And there is no better way to get an introduction than a helicopter ride! To have a bird’s-eye view over this natural marvel will leave you speechless. It is easy to see why the Victoria Falls has been accredited as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the world! When you visit the falls up close you don’t have the perspective of how large and expansive this natural wonder really is.
After finishing our helicopter ride we headed over to have a historical tour along the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, complemented by an enthralling theatrical performance, narrating the gripping tales of its past. We had no idea what this tour would include but this was so entertaining. Our guide gave an Oscar worthy performance in my opinion! And we knew we would have a walking tour under the bridge but when they handed us body harnesses we were a little confused. Pete, who is not a fan of heights by the way, buckled up and left his fears behind as we continued our historic tour while walking along the catwalk under the bridge!
And, of course, the highlight of our trip—strolling along the Zimbabwe side of the falls! There are over 16 viewpoints along the trail, each greeting you with a sensational view of nature’s grandeur.
Victoria Falls is often referred to as “the smoke that thunders” due to the immense amount of mist and spray generated by the cascading waters as they plunge over the cliffs. The waterfall’s indigenous name, “Mosi-oa-Tunya,” in the Tonga language, directly translates to “the smoke that thunders.”
This name perfectly encapsulates the breathtaking visual created by the falls. The tremendous volume of water crashing down into the gorge creates a continuous cloud of mist that rises high above the falls, resembling billowing smoke. The force of the water hitting the rocks below generates an echoing roar and a deep rumbling sound that can be heard and felt from a considerable distance, resembling the thunderous reverberations of a storm.
Seeing Victoria Falls up close and in person is an unforgettable encounter with nature that combines raw power and majestic. The first glimpse is that of a veil of mist rising skyward that can be seen from miles away. Then as you approach, you can almost feel the rumble to your core. Then as you draw nearer, the sight is nothing short of breathtaking. The mighty Zambezi River cascades over the edge, plunging into the depths below, creating a dramatic curtain of mist and spray that blankets the surroundings.
Now is a good time to note that Zimbabwe seasons dramatically alter the appearance of Victoria Falls. November signifies the tail end of the dry season, presenting a striking view of the falls with less mist, allowing for a clearer and closer experience of this natural wonder. We can only imagine how different this experience would be during the rainy season. Our guide gave us some perspective as she described it and there is so much water and mist during that time of year you will need to wear rain gear to get anywhere near the falls.
Another feature that you will surely enjoy is the vibrant rainbows that dance amidst the mist of these mighty falls. While the best time to see these is during the rainy season, you can find these beauties anytime of year. As the seasons change, so does the scenery; the water levels fluctuate, creating distinct vistas—each offering its own mesmerizing charm.
There are many other things to do in this area that we didn’t include on our list, and depending on the season, some would probably be a must do! There is bungee jumping, white water rafting as well as full day safari trips! Since we had just left Kenya we didn’t include any of those activities but Victoria Falls is full of adventure!
Did you know?
Victoria Falls stands as one of the most remarkable waterfalls on the planet, earning its place among the world’s largest and most magnificent cascades. Spanning approximately 1,708 meters (5,604 feet) in width and plummeting to depths of about 108 meters (354 feet), Victoria Falls boasts the title of the largest curtain of falling water globally. Its immense volume of water, especially during the peak flow season, solidifies its status as one of Earth’s most powerful waterfalls. This breathtaking natural wonder, shared by Zambia and Zimbabwe, offers an unparalleled display of nature’s force and beauty, consistently captivating visitors with its sheer size and grandeur.
The Modern Nomads 
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