Located on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is considered one of the seven natural wonders of the world. At 2.5 kms (1.5 miles) wide, it is also the largest waterfall in the world. Every minute 550 million litres (121 million imperial gallons) of water plunge 100 meters (330 feet) into a narrow gorge. The spray can be seen nearly 30 km (20 miles) away. The falls are best viewed from the Zimbabwe side and the town of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe caters to the tourists who come to visit the falls.

Stay in one of the many hotels at the falls. The Kingdom Hotel is located in town and is a short walk to the falls and the craft market. Or stay at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, located 4 kms (2.5 miles) from the town. They offer a shuttle service to the town, the falls and the craft market. Situated on a hill, they have a great view of a local watering hole located on a private reserve. Sip a gin and tonic at the Buffalo Bar and watch antelope, water buffalo, warthogs, elephants and numerous birds visit the water hole for a drink.

Eat at the Boma, “place of eating”. Enjoy a fabulous buffet that offers exotic game and other African specialties. Or enjoy a meal at your hotel. At the Victoria Falls safari lodge the menu features impala and warthog. During the day the warthogs roam the grounds of the lodge and dine on the lawn, in the evening the hotel guests dine on the warthogs.

A trip to the falls is mandatory. Enjoy the 3 km (2 mile) walk along the falls. Victoria Falls is really several smaller water falls and cataracts all located in the same area. Some have more water than others. Dr. David Livingstone was one of the first European to see the falls in November, 1855. He measured the height of the falls by lowering a weighed rope over the edge. He described the falls as “the most wonderful sight I have seen in Africa.” A statue of this great explorer is located at the entrance to the falls.

Go from dry, savannah like vegetation to a tropical rain forest in just a few steps. The area around the falls where the water flow is the strongest is covered in a fine mist that turns the banks of the river into a tropical rain forest. It appears that you are crossing an invisible line from the African plain into a tropical garden. Then the rain forest disappears as fast as it appeared.  Bring a rain poncho or jacket with you on your walk as you will get wet.

See the falls from the air. Take a helicopter flight over the falls. Or if you are more daring try a micro flight or and ultra light flight. A birds eye view of the falls is truly breathtaking.

Victoria Falls is not just about the falls. You can take a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River. Sip wine and munch on finger food while crocodiles swim beside the boat. See hippos and elephants enjoying the water. The river is a bird watchers paradise. Several species of birds can be seen nesting on the banks of the river or one of the many islands that dot the river.

Whitewater rafting is very popular at the falls. Several tour companies offer full and half day rafting trips. Go on a canoeing trip, take a jet boat safari on the upper river, bungi jump or zip line along the gorge, parasail. There is a wide range of adrenalin activities available to satisfy even the most adventurous traveler.

Victoria Falls is located near the Zambezi National Park. Go on an elephant safari where you ride through the park on the back of an elephant. Or a lion walk, see lions close up. Have your photo taken with a lion cub. Do a horseback riding safari or a walking safari. There are day and night game drives available. Try and spot the “big five”; elephant, water buffalo, lion, leopard and rhino. There is even a golf course. Visit the craft market where local artists sell their carvings, jewelry, baskets and other handiwork. If you are prepared to bargain you will come away with a wonderful souvenir of your trip to the falls that is reasonably priced.

Zimbabwe is currently suffering from an economic depression. Their currency is greatly devalued, there is high unemployment and a drought is affecting the country. Foreigners are required to use hard currency, preferably the American dollar, when they are in Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls is no exception. All prices are quoted in US dollars. They do accept other currencies such as the South African Rand and the Euro dollar but the exchange rate is not favorable. Victoria Falls is strictly a tourist destination and the town of nearly 50,000 survives on the tourist industry. It is very safe and the people are friendly. Service at the hotels is first class. The variety of activities, the spectacular view of the falls and the friendly atmosphere of the town, make Victoria Falls a must see destination in Africa.

Getting there:
There are daily flights from Johannesburg, South Africa to Victoria Falls on Comair (a British Airways partner) and South African Air. Flying time is approximately 1 ½ hours.
http://www.farecompare.com/flights/Victoria_Falls-VFA/city.HTML

Stay at one of the many hotels at Victoria falls:
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge  www.vfsl.com
Kingdom Hotel and Casino
http://www.e-gnu.com/the_kingdom_victoria_falls_zimbabwe.HTML
Other hotels on the Zimbabwe side
http://www.southtravels.com/africa/zimbabwe/victoria.HTML
http://www.afrizim.com/Places/Victoria_Falls/Accommodation/Hotels_&_Lodges/Default.ASP

For all your day tours, safaris and adrenalin activities try
Shearwater: http://www.shearwateradventures.com/
http://www.victoriafalls.biz/zimbabwe_activities/
http://www.safpar.com/victoria_falls.htm
www.wildhorizons.co.zw
Zimbabwe tourism web site:
www.zimbabwetourism.co.zw