A trip to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe befits both lovers of nature’s wonders and adrenaline junkies.
By: Zaza Motha
Here are 10 ways to experience this wonderful destination.
10 Must-Do Experiences in Victoria Falls
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
This lodge has been voted the Best Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe for 18 years running. The view from my room allowed me to spot game at a nearby watering hole, while overlooking a magnificent stretch of the Zambezi National Park. The lodge faces the sunset – a sundowner from the deck of your room is awe-inspiring!
The view from Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Picture courtesy of Take Note Reputation Management.
Get up and close with vultures when they commune at 1pm daily to feed on the bones and remnants of meat beneath the deck of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s Buffalo Bar. This is done to conserve the endangered species. They are given enough food so that they retain the natural instincts of finding food in the wild.
Makuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, Zimbabwe
This award-winning split-level à la carte restaurant has a diverse menu, with both continental and African dishes. Book a table close to the watering hole, where you can view game. Popular dishes include the Pumba Fillet and Impala Loin.
A trip on a two-person canoe will make you appreciate the tranquility of the Zambezi River. Try a different kind of water safari, which will have you gliding past past wildlife and spotting numerous elephants, buffalos and hippos.
This luxurious cruise offers elevated views, allowing you to spot the “smoke” from the thundering Victoria Falls while enjoying sundowners.
A guided tour of Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke that Thunders”), has to be in your itinerary. Named as one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, about three-quarters of Victoria Falls lies on the Zimbabwe side, so the walk allows you a view of the magnitude of its stretch.
Zip line, flying fox and gorge swing (Wild Horizons)
Get your adrenaline pumping with the Flying Fox as you run and jump off a ramp to a bird’s eye view of the Batoka Gorge. The zip-line is a high-speed ride down a cable angled at 45 degrees into the gorge.
Freefall with the gorge swing, which ends in a 90-degree wide pendulum swing above the turbulent Zambezi waters.
Picnics at Hwange National Park
This is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe and offers picnic sites in Shumba, Kapula, Mandavu Dam, Masuma, Ngwesha, Jambile, Kennedy 1, Guvalala and Detema. These are also camping sites.
Dinner at The Boma is a feast for the senses and within walking distance from Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. You’ll enjoy a plethora of performances from traditional dancers, drummers and a choir, who serenade you at your table. Make sure you eat a light lunch.
Helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls (Bonisair)
The helicopter ride over the Victoria Falls is a memorable experience that’ll leave you appreciating the splendour of the falls. Make sure you take pictures and videos, as the views are unbelievable.
by Zaza Motha
