Victoria Falls – The city of thundering smoke

The constant noise similar to thunder and the curtain of smoke that arises from the falls of the Zambezi River, on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, are perceptible from several kilometres away. It was these characteristics that led the Batonga people to call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders.” The falls were given a name that does justice to their grandeur long before Scottish missionary and explorer David Livingstone named them “Victoria Falls” in 1855 when he saw them for the first time.

On the Zimbabwe side, the majestic Victoria Falls give their name to the city and the National Park where they are located. It should be noted that the magic of this place is not only in Mosi-oa-Tunya, but in every metre that makes up the 23.4 km2 of the Victoria Falls National Park.

The starting point for exploring this piece of African paradise is certainly the falls, as it is impossible to postpone the visit. From various points in the city, and even at the moment of landing, the cloud of smoke formed by the falling water in the middle of the endless lush green forest is extremely inviting. Walking along the trail that passes through 16 observation points, one appreciates a unique spectacle of nature composed of the beauty of the immense waterfalls adorned by more than one rainbow.

Because the Victoria Falls National Park is home to the Big Five (leopard, elephant, rhinoceros, lion, and buffalo) and many other wild species, the safari seems like a treasure hunt to spot the five African giants. But the biggest surprise of this tour is discovering that humans and wild animals live in “harmony.”

Among the various restaurants, Lookout Café is one of the favourite places for both locals and tourists. The reason it’s so popular is its breathtaking view. Located on the edge of the Batoka Valley, Lookout Café is open to the cliff where the Zambezi River plunges into a depth of more than 100 metres. In addition, it has a panoramic view of Victoria Falls Bridge and the falls themselves. And, if we are here to be in contact with nature, why not take the spirit of adventure to the extreme and dine in the middle of the forest? This proposal, although scary, proves to be extraordinary.

But, because the beauty of the Zambezi River also deserves to be appreciated from other angles, it’s essential to take a late afternoon cruise to enjoy the sunset.

▶ How to get there

You can fly directly to Harare with LAM. Then, take a connecting flight to Victoria Falls National Park. Or you have the option of flying from Maputo to Johannesburg and then taking a connecting flight to the final destination.

▶ Where to stay

Victoria Falls National Park has several lodges with different themes. You can stay at Elephant Lodge, which is in the middle of the forest, or at Zambeze Lodge on the riverbank.

▶ Where to eat

Several restaurants serve local dishes and it is recommended to try them. An experience that should definitely be included in the agenda is visiting “The Lookout Café” restaurant.

▶ What to do

If you enjoy radical sports, you can try bungee jumping from Victoria Falls Bridge. But if you prefer something calmer, you can enjoy the falls by helicopter.

▶ Watch out for

The city, lodges and hotels are located within a park where animals roam freely, so it is important to read and follow the recommendations of the guides and information signs.

Edição 79 Maio/Junho| Download.