Victoria Falls Safari

Plunging down gorges and cataracts on one of Africa's great rivers is the magnificent spectacle of the "Smoke that Thunders" - the awesome Victoria Falls. This is Zimbabwe's greatest natural attraction and one of the Wonders of the World. It is the magnet that draws many travelers to the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, to stop and gaze in awe through rainbow mists at this most beautiful sight.

For the more adventurous traveler, the ultimate reason for going to Victoria Falls is a white-water rafting trip down the gorges, or the 111 meter high bungi jump from the grand old railway bridge that spans the gorge and links Zimbabwe to her neighbor Zambia.

There are magnificent walks through the Rain Forest, resplendent with Acacias, lianas, strangler figs, ferns and orchids, while sunbirds, paradise flycatchers, bulbuls and finches are among the many birds that can be seen. In the canopy above, vervet monkeys play in their own glorious Eden.

Known also by the African name Mosi-oa-Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders), this great waterway was named by the English explorer, David Livingstone, who declared that "scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight", and promptly named them after his beloved queen. Ever since, the falls have become an object of fascination for Africa-bound travelers.

Today's visitor reaches Victoria Falls by scheduled flight from Johannesburg, Harare, Maun or Windhoek, or by charter flight from virtually anywhere in Zimbabwe or Southern Africa.

The town boasts many fine hotels, from establishments steeped in colonial grandeur to casinos and lodges along the banks of the river.

There is game viewing in Zambezi National Park, walking and horseback safaris, canoeing and boat cruises on the wide and gentle upper Zambezi or a celebrated "Flight of Angels" by plane or microlight above the great falls.

Victoria Falls has subsequently become known as the adrenaline capital of the world because of the vast array of exciting activities on offer: from white water rafting on the Zambezi to the world-famous bungi jump into the breathtaking gorge.

The local Batonga people had known about Mosi-Oa-Tunya for many years, but it was after David Livingstone "discovered" them that people from all over the world travelled to Zimbabwe to see the stunning attraction. Livingstone named the falls after the British Queen Victoria and was enchanted by "scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." The current "Flight of the Angels flight over the falls, took their name from this entry in his diary.

Victoria Falls is also a favourite with honeymooners from around the world. The sundowner cruises, nearby game farms and additional safari opportunities have firmly ensured that Victoria Falls has become one of Africa's most visited attractions.