THE MIGHTY VICTORIA FALLS, ZIMBABWE - JULY 2017

10/4/2017

Nothing says travel bucket list quite like a Unesco World Heritage Site. Our recent visit to the mighty Victoria Falls was quite an experience, and yes, a definite tick in that bucket list box. Though the falls can also be accessed from Zambia, we visited from the Zimbabwe side of the falls. We tagged two days in Victoria Falls on to the front end of our family safari holiday in South Africa (more on that here). It was a quick flight from Johannesburg to the fairly recently opened Victoria Falls International Airport, and then a short transfer from the airport to the town of Victoria Falls by car.

There are quite a few accommodation choices in the town of Victoria Falls, which is obviously very close to the access gate to the National Park. We decided to stay and the lovely Victoria Falls Hotel, lovingly referred to locally at The Vic Falls Hotel. A gorgeous colonial grand dame with tons of charm and character. Also conveniently situated just 10 minutes walk from the entrance to the park, and within walking distance of the town and it's curio shops and eateries.

THE UNASSUMING FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE VIC FALLS HOTEL

VIC FALLS HOTEL RECEPTION

The jaw dropping Stanley Terrace at the Vic Falls Hotel, with it's view of the Falls and the Bridge that spans the Zambezi River, linking Zimbabwe with Zambia, is the perfect spot to sit and relax. They also do an amazing afternoon tea, highly recommended.

THE STANLEY TERRACE AT THE VIC FALLS HOTEL

THE FALLS AND THE VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE FROM THE STANLEY TERRACE

We were so glad we picked this lovely Hotel. Such a throwback to Colonial times, but with lovely comfortable rooms, great restaurants and a relaxing pool area. All surrounded by sweeping gardens and those amazing views.

But the main event is obviously those incredible waterfalls. You need to allow at least 3 hours to see all the falls. You enter the park, which is open from 6am to 6pm, cost around $30 (USD) per person. There are 16 marked spots, you walk from 1 to 16 seeing different aspects of the falls along the way. You then do need to walk back the way you have come to exit the park. The falls can be accessed from Zambia too, there is some debate as to which side of the falls is best. This article from African Budget Safaris give a good explanation, and details of what you need to do if you want to access the falls from both Zambia and Zimbabwe in one trip.

The water levels, and therefore the spray and visibility of the falls changes depending on the season and the flow of the Zambezi River. From February to June, the water levels are high, causing that amazing spray and probably the necessity for a poncho to protect yourself from getting wet (these are sold at the entrance to the park). From October to December the water level is lower.