Victoria Falls

Arguably the worlds largest waterfall, Victoria Falls in Southern Province never ceases to amaze visitors. This is Zambias and Zimbabwes biggest tourist attraction. It lives up to its local Tongan name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning The Smoke that Thunders. Most visitors stay in the nearby towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The upper falls is in Zambia, while the lower portion is on the Zimbabwe side. Both offer different and spectacular views of this natural wonder. Of special note are the two statues of the explorer and missionary David Livingstone 1813-73 locate on each side of the falls. Livingstone is still revered by many Zambians, and the City of Livingstone is named after him.

The best time of the year to visit the falls is between July and September, when the Zambezi River is aplomb with water. In November and December, the falls are almost dry and look like a canyon. Heavy rainfall fills the Zambezi between January and May, and its difficult to see the falls through a wall of mist created by falling water. For a few weeks in November, the water level is so low that visitors can swim in the Devils Pool. Its an experience of a lifetime and highly recommended if you visit at that time. The pool lies at the edge of the falls with a 105-meter 350 foot drop on the other side. Although it looks terrifying, the Devils Pool offers brave souls the sensation of swimming in a whirlpool bathtub. If youre an adventurous sort, theres also bungee jumping or zip lining from the Victoria Falls Bridge and whitewater rafting in some unruly rapids below the falls. Keep in mind that these activities can be dangerous.