I spent 5 days in Livingstone after working in schools in the north of the country for 3 weeks. I went in May, which is considered winter time, buti t was dry and as hot as a good day in the English summer (but very cold at night).
The rainbow from the falls can be seen from the road leading to it, about a mile away, but nothing can prepare you for the sound of the water crashing down! It cost around $10 to go to the falls, but you can pay the equivalent in kwacha.
There are several viewing points where you can see the falls, which are astounding. It can be tricky getting the perfect photo if it is busy, as the viewing areas are quite small, but that is the nature of this beautiful area.They made me feel very humble, and closer to nature-away from our materialistic world.
You can carry on past the falls and walk alongside the edge of the Zambezi river, which boasts blue waters, hippos and fantastic sunsets. If you get the chance, go on the African Queen for a sunset cruise along the Zambezi, where you can experience more of the wildlife.
You can walk across the Zambezi bridge, and get totally soaked from the spray, which is well worth it, just so you can say that you have done it! You can hire or buy waterproofs and camera cases, in case you want to take photos, but dont have suitable protection for them.
The views are better in some respects, as you can see the falls from the front rather than the side, but because of the spray, it isn't as clear to see. Despite this, there are still some areas where you can take good photos away from the spray.
There is also a trail leading down to the boiling pot at the bottom of the falls. Because of the spray from the falls, lush vegetation grows, with large vines and beautiful flowers, almost like a rainforest. There are baboons around so you need to be careful, as they are not afraid to follow tourists, and will happily sit down on the narrow 'path' .
The path starts as a series of steps, before it becomes more rocky. Towards the bottom, the terrain consists of large boulders, so you have to climb over them, which can be a bit tricky, but the views are worth it. You will need a good pair of walking boots or trainers and a large bottle of water, as it's a long way back to the top and it can get very hot, even late afternoon shortly before sunset.
If you visit during full moon, go to the falls from sundown (6pm ish) onwards, where you can see the spectacular lunar rainbow. This is a white light, projecting down the falls, as a rainbow would from the sun. It is stunning yet very eerie. Don't waste too much time taking photos unless you are an expert, with a very slow shutter speed, as pictures often don't come out. Again as this only occurs once a month, it is very busy, so you may have to wait for others to move along to see the falls properly. Make sure you take a torch and wear decent footwear as there is no artificial light, and snakes may cross the pathways.
On the way out you can buy local handicrafts from a large market, made up of lots of stalls. Protect your valuables, and haggle like mad. you usually only need to pay half their original asking price. If you feel too pressured, walk away.
Overall, the Falls are an amazing sight to behold and I thoroughly recommend it!
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Hi Dan, I've heard the Zambian side is better, although my friend from Zimbabwe strongly disagrees! We went to Zimbabwe to go on an elephant ride, but we didn't have time to see the falls while we were there. Didn't go white water rafting either because I'm a bit of a wimp, but one of my group did and absolubtley loved it. (He's over there at the moment and I'm insanely jealous!) Cheers, Sharon
Dan_ep 26.05.2006 00:47
Ive also been to vic falls and agree its fantastic! They Zambian side is better than the ZImbabwe side. Did you go white water rafting? I love Africa. Dan.
Bollinger28 25.05.2006 21:39
The lunar rainbow sounds really magical. Nice insight, Lexy
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Advantages: superb setting, great food, easy access, private (max. 18 people) Disadvantages: I haven't found any yet, but read the guide I have written below for some possible problem areas.
Geoffpetter 18.05.2006 ·
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