At the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia sits one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World - Victoria Falls. Formed from a drop in the gorge in the Zambezi River, the falls are one of the most impressive in the world. They rival that of Niagara Falls in size - just depends on which way you measure!
View of the mist coming off the falls.
As we flew into the Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe, the views out the windows were breathtaking. You could see the mist from the falls soaring into the sky - it almost looked like smoke, until it clicked in what it was. We spent two days actually visiting the falls, one day on the Zimbabwe side and one day on the Zambia side. If you're traveling to the area, I'd definitely recommend visiting both sides, because they have completely different feels.
Our first day was spent on the Zimbabwe side, where you get to see more horizontal footage of the falls, but don't get as wet. We stayed at The Kingdom at Victoria Falls. We chose the hotel primarily based upon location, as it was walkable to the falls. Outside of that, it's nothing to rave about.
From the park on the Zimbabwe side, you can see four of the five "falls" - The Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Rainbow Falls and Horseshoe Falls. Whereas the last one, the East Falls is located in Zambia. The walk through the park is a meandering trail, where you get some spray from the falls (depending on the wind), so you'll want to bring a rain jacket, but can definitely tuck your camera inside. You'll have the opportunity to take a meandering walk along the west side of the falls, then along the rather flat trail opposite the long edge of the falls.
On our walk back from the falls, we stopped at The Lookout Cafe. It's a definite place on my "must-stop" list just for the views alone. We just had an afternoon cocktail, but they also have adventure activities such as zip lining and a gorge jump.
Our second day was spent on the Zambia side, staying at the AVANI Victoria Falls Resort. Again, we chose this hotel for its location and that is has free access to the falls, but it turned out to be one of the most beautiful and unique grounds. Zebras and impalas run loose on the property - and they're semi-used to humans near them, that they'll share the sidewalks with you. But be careful or you may get kicked by a zebra! (Sam, I'm looking at you!) The rooms were also cutely decorated and the restaurant was enjoyable - boasting an outdoor sitting area with live music during the day.
About a 10 minute walk from the resort, you enter the national park. Though smaller in area, there is a lot of hiking to be done around the park grounds. The main path goes along the gorge opposite the Eastern Falls then across a bridge to almost an island surrounded by the falls. Crossing the bridge, you're sure to get drenched by the spray from the falls - but then again, you're almost guaranteed to see a rainbow!
Now, go on chasing those rainbows and waterfalls!
View of the one-lane bridge connecting Zimbabwe and Zambia.
View of the Eastern Falls from the Zambia side.
