Helicopter Ride 2 - over Zambezi River and Victoria Falls

The Zambezi River gets really wide as it approaches the falls

Viewing the Falls from both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides is straightforward. Islands perched on the lip of the Falls have divided them into several cataracts which, starting from the Zambian side, are Eastern Cataract, Armchair Falls, Rainbow Falls, Horseshoe Falls, Main Falls and Devil’s Cataract. When walking to the various viewpoints, remember to wear shoes with good grips (paths and steps may be slippery from the spray), take a light raincoat or poncho and pack cameras in moisture-proof bags.

View of the entire falls - the Zambezi river, the falls, the gorge bridge and the first cataract

views of the cataracts of Victoria Falls

Smoke that Thunders

‘After twenty minutes’ sail from Kalai, we came in sight, for the first time, of the columns of vapour, appropriately called ‘smoke’… Five columns now arose, and bending in the direction of the wind, they seemed placed against a low ridge covered with trees; the tops of the columns at this distance appeared to mingle with the clouds. They were white below, and higher up became dark, so as to simulate smoke very closely. the whole scene was extremely beautiful; the banks and islands dotted over the river are adorned with sylvan vegetation of great variety.’
David Livingstone, Missionary Travels, 1857.

 

Darrell exiting the helicopter - back safe on the ground!

Helicopter Ride over Victoria Falls

Shearwater helicopter

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WNVuMqZAQaw&feature=youtu.be
 

One of the world's most astonishing sights

The Victoria Falls are without doubt one of the world's most remarkable sights. They occur where the enormous Zambezi (over a mile wide at this stage) plummets 350 feet into a steep gorge sending up swirls of spray to a background of thunderous noise.
With an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water passing over the falls every minute, it is the largest curtain of water in the world.
The Falls are actually split into a number of separate waterfalls owing to the small islands dotted along the top of the Falls that interrupt the curtain of water.
From west to east, they are called the Devil's Cataract, the Main Falls, the Horseshoe Falls, the Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract.

 

We can see the cataracts - the zig zag path the river has chewed out of the solid rock in the area.  The falls have now moved to the 7th cataract.

The Zimbabwean Side
Viewing the Falls is more regulated south of the Zambezi. A fee is payable at the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park, after which you can wander the network of trails on your own. Start at the westernmost point where there is a stoic-looking statue of Dr Livingstone, inscribed with the words ‘Explorer, Missionary and Liberator’. Nearby, a steep, and often slippery, stone stairway descends through dripping vegetation into the chasm of Victoria Falls. Senses take a pummelling when you reach Cataract View at the base of the stairs, with its awesome views along the length of the Falls. Climbing back towards Livingstone’s statue, there is a choice of trails. Turn right to follow a path alongside the Zambezi where you may glimpse a variety of animals, including hippos and crocodiles.
Do not be tempted to go for a swim! After around 2km (1.25 miles) the trail reaches The Big Tree, a giant baobab which once served as a camp site for early settlers waiting to cross the river to Old Drift. The left-hand path from Livingstone’s statue leads directly in front of Victoria Falls, threading through a unique rainforest sustained by the constant spray. It is a fragile ecosystem, home to rare plants, such as ebony, ivory palm, African olive, strangler fig and many types of fern. Shy bushbuck are sometimes seen here, while vigilant bird-watchers may spot Taita falcons, black storks, black eagles and augur buzzards – all of which nest in the gorges downstream. At frequent intervals, loops in the trail lead to viewpoints opposite the Falls.
Don’t rush! Not only are the barriers scant or non-existent, but the spray and sunlight conditions are constantly changing, providing a beautiful sequence of rainbows and light effects. The trail ends at Danger Point, a popular place to watch the spray turn gold at sunset. Returning to the park entrance gate, a small detour leads to a clearing from which views of Victoria Falls Bridge and the screaming antics of bungee jumpers can be quite entertaining.

Victoria Falls town and our hotel

VICTORIA FALLS TOWN The Zimbabwean town of Victoria Falls is less than 2km (1.25 miles) south of the Zambezi. Unlike Livingstone, it is within easy walking distance of the Falls. A major crossroads for travellers, Victoria Falls has excellent hotels, restaurants, shops and tour operators. Political unrest in Zimbabwe hasn’t helped the town’s tourism – just as Livingstone’s tourism booom has tempted many visitors to the Zambian side of the Falls. There is no denying, however, that Victoria Falls can cater to just about every tourist whim – whether it’s an action-packed day on the river or a game drive in nearby Zambezi National Park. Needless to say, shoppers are well catered for at the Victoria Falls Craft Village on Livingstone Way, as well as the Elephant’s Walk Shopping Complex. No visit to Victoria Falls would be complete without sampling the excellent cuisine of the historical Victoria Falls Hotel. If the formal attire required for dinner in the Livingstone Room is off-putting, try instead the more casual buffet breakfast or their delicious afternoon tea served on the sun terrace.

 

Rainbow is a stylish hotel within walking distance from the Victoria Falls, the town centre, close to the railway station as well as the commercial district. 

Lesser Kudu

 

Giraffes grazing the bush near the hotel

Boma Restaurant - An African experience

The courtyard performance area of the Boma Restaurant

Traditional dance at the Boma

Roasted goat



Elaine is wearing a "Chitenges"

 

An essentially African experience not to be missed. The Boma is a celebration of the continents tastes, vibrant song, dance & time-honoured customs." So prepare yourself for a nights feast of fabulous food and cultural entertainment.

The Boma --Guests are welcomed with a traditional greeting in the local languages, Shona and Ndebele. The guests are then dressed in ‘chitenges’ (traditional robes) and prepared to enter the main enclosure. They are invited to take part in a hand washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer and snacks, as a prelude to dinner.
A feast of nightly entertainment incorporates Amakwezi traditional dancers, a local story teller and a witchdoctor. After dinner, guests are invited to join in the drumming extravaganza from 21h00. This is the highlight of the evening and all are invited to participate in the drumming and dancing show with our renowned drummers - Amazulu.

Hike along the rim of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side

Where is he taking off to?

We can see people across the river - they have accessed this point by taking a pedestrian bridge

We hiked all along the Zimbabwe side of the falls until the view of the Gorge bridge

Views of The Devil's Pool along the edge of the falls on the Zambia side

People could actually walk along the top of the falls from the Zambia side because the water levels are low this time of year.

Beautiful view of the Zambia side of the falls

 Darrell and I made an effort to see both sides of the falls from both Zimbabwe and Zambia.  (Zim and Zam).  The views are extremely different.  The Zimbabwe side offers panoramic views.  The Zambia side is more close up and approachable to the water.

Devil's pool - tourists actually take a boat to Livingstone island from the Zambia side

And yes - Elaine went to Devil's pool.  We both rode a boat from the Zambia side out to Livingstone Island and then walked across the rocks to get to Devil's Pool

This guy is standing at the very edge of the 300 plus foot drop of the falls.  But the views are really cool

Tourists climbing into Devil's pool

Zimbabwe view of Victoria Falls - UNESCO Natural Wonder of the World

http://youtu.be/rtbmbM2eY1E

 

 

Darrell and Elaine at Victoria Falls in Livingstone,  Zimbabwe

Devil's Cataract

Hammerkop bird

The Devil's pool on the Zambia side

Zimbabwe - The panoramic views of the falls. Rainbows!

The rainbows were amazing over the falls.

Dr. Livingstone I presume

Victoria Falls - Visitor Center tour with interesting facts

Entrance to the Victoria Falls National Park.
Mosi-oa-tunya - the water that thunders

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Victoria Falls is one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World

Map of the Zambezi River

The amount of water flow depends on the season.  We are actually visiting during the dry season.  The guide estimated that we were at about 10% of the flow at the peak of the rainy season

Victoria Falls compared to other famous falls in the world.  We have also visited Iguazu Falls at the border of Brazil and Argentia.  And also Niagara Falls