Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Wonders in Zimbabwe, Africa

When I visit one of the Seven Wonders of the Natural World that is also UNESCO World Heritage Site, I usually don’t expect to have the place to myself. When we went to view Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe, Africa, that is almost exactly what happened.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

Victoria Falls borders both Zambia and Zimbabwe. We were staying on the Zimbabwe side and our friends and us decided to wake up early together in hopes of catching the sunrise at the falls.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

We were not disappointed. Part of the reason for Victoria Falls to be listed as UNESCO site reads as follows: this waterfall is among the most impressive to be found anywhere in the world. If one is judging the highest waterfall in the world on continually falling water, Victoria Falls is it.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

This view point staring down into the Batokda Gorge with no barriers was mesmerizing and a once in a life time experience. It’s not often one can stand face to face with a force of nature like this without a dozen warning signs, chain link fences, barb wire, razor wire, etc., holding you back. There was a warning sign, and then the visitor was left to themselves to enjoy the vantage point using their own judgement to not fall off the cliff. And we had this spot for half an hour before any one else even came along!  How lucky was that!?

victoria falls africa vagabond way

The morning light show was out of this world and we just kept thinking, where were all the people?! The average depth of the Zambezi River above the falls is 3-5 meters. Below the falls in the Batoka Gorge the water lever can fluctuate between 30-50 meters!

victoria falls africa vagabond way

Our friends left and we decided to have a leisurely breakfast at the Rainforest Cafe with the biggest plates we have ever seen. You can see a picture of the plate here.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

After breakfast we went to walk by the falls again. The whole atmosphere changed completely from the calm morning. Warmer air temperatures were pushing misty water up from the gorge. A lot of rainbows and double rainbows were glistening in the rays.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

But boy was it wet! We had stood in this same exact spot a few hours ago with barely a drop of water on us.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

We crossed paths with two more of our friends and together got completely soaked.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

Except me. I was prepared for the mistiness. During the falls peak flow in April and May, the annual water consumption of New York City goes over the falls in just three and a half days! Crazy right!?

victoria falls africa vagabond way

No matter how prepared though, we still had to go out into the sun and wave our lens cleaning cloth around a bunch to get it dry so we could keep cleaning our lenses.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

One thing I liked about Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side was we could, more or less, walk along the top and see how much the falls and gorge changed at each vantage point. From this photo above, one would keep walking to the right and keep going past fall after fall.

victoria falls africa vagabond way

I walked away from Victoria Falls in awe of the beauty (of course), but more so I walked away in more awe that hardly any one was there. If there is one thing I learned from this Africa trip: people that have not yet been to Africa are scared of the continent. People that have been to Africa are in constant awe and wonder that not everyone is flocking to these amazing places. So if you’ve ever thought about how wonderful it would be to see Victoria Falls for yourself, book a ticket now! It’s amazing. It’s wonderful. It’s awe inspiring and it’s waiting for you.

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If you go:

We stayed at Victoria Falls Rest Camp. It is conveniently located (you can walk to the falls), secure and had clean facilities.

Here’s a link to the Seven Wonders of the Natural World and UNESCO listing for Victoria Falls.  If you are not familiar, UNESCO is specialized agency of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization which helps to preserve and protect spectacular features all over the world.

We were so pleased to wake up early and be at the falls for 6 a.m. open time. The falls were significantly different from early morning and then walking around again around 11 a.m. We splurged a bit and went to breakfast the Rainforest Cafe (no actual link to restaurant, this link gives you a good idea about both these restaurants) but it was so worth it. Really nice breakfast and coffee. Perfect re-energizer after getting up early. Across the road from the campground, was also Shearwater Cafe. We got coffees there everyday and they had good, free wifi.

Lots of tour operators in town and an adrenaline junkie’s paradise. Shop around for the best deal.

Town has pretty much everything you may need, although it’s pleasantly small. There is a large craft market, and it can be a little pushy compared to what one might be used to. Don’t get put off and miss going in the entrance by the rhino made out of recycled pop cans. There are some really nice displays inside. And that’s where I traded that hat for a bag!

tiff trading bag at market

Need a little more help planning?

The gear listed in this post is the same exact gear we use to travel the world or our back yard.
These same booking resources are the same exact ones we use to find deals and acquire points for more travel.
I will never recommend to get a credit card unless you are 100% solid to pay it off in full every month. If you will and are going to be making some big purchases, this Chase card is the same exact card we use and it offers great travel points and perks.
Finally, if you have not used AirBnB before, use this special link to sign up and get $40 off your first booking.

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8 Responses to “Victoria Falls: One of the Seven Wonders in Zimbabwe, Africa

  • WOW!!! Now THAT”S a waterfall! Beautiful photos! Hard to believe no one was there.

    • tiffany
      9 years ago

      Oh my gosh, you’re telling me! There were people there, just not so much at 6 a.m. Overall, there was not a crowd of people. Tourism was down a lot while we were there. But, wow! After seeing the falls, what a wonder of the world. So thankful we could go there first hand.

  • Beautiful post. Pristine and powerful. How I wish I could here the roar of the mighty waters and lay on the ground to feel the vibrations and feel the mist on my face. So
    glad to be at least to visualize it. Nice going.

    • tiffany
      9 years ago

      Pristine and powerful – those are good words to describe. It is such an outstanding waterfall. Thanks. 🙂

  • Laura Shephard
    9 years ago

    Jolly. That is spectacular! I can’t imagine how amazing it must have looked there. Although your photography is exceptional, a picture can never do a place like that justice. Nice post!

    PS- I like the umbrella. Some one special must have given that to you! =)

    • tiffany
      9 years ago

      When one is in a place like Vic Falls, it’s hard not to take a good picture. Glad you enjoyed. And yes, the umbrella was a life saver. We always travel with an umbrella and they are one of the most useful, but often forgotten travel items.

  • Jenness Ide
    9 years ago

    Dear Tiff,
    I was a 30 y.o. vagabond for a year– but only in Europe. Now, at 70 y.o. I’m best at “armchair travel” and I’ve found the PERFECT site!! Thank you so much. I’ve just been to Victoria Falls. Tiff, no need to reply; save your energy for your beautiful work– every facet of your work is wonderful, from food presentation to photography to writing to living your life! xoxo

    • tiffany
      9 years ago

      Jenness, Thank you so much for your touching words! It has made my day and given me a boost of energy. So glad you had some time traveling around Europe. With the internet nowadays, so very glad you will be able to come with us on our adventures. Thank you for your encouragement and support. It will give me warm fuzzy feelings just to know you will be following along with us. 🙂

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