Victoria Falls
Here on the Zimbabwe side of the falls you’re in for a real treat. Some two-thirds of Victoria Falls are located here, including the main falls themselves, which flow spectacularly year-round. The walk is along the top of the gorge, following a path with various viewing points that open up to extraordinary front-on panoramas of these world-famous waterfalls. One of the most dramatic spots is the westernmost point known as Cataract View, where steps lead down to outlooks of Devil’s Cataract, a dramatic view of the falls often accompanied by a rainbow prism effect. Heading back eastwards takes you past multiples viewing points of the main falls, where you’ll witness the drama with full 180 degree views. Another track leads to the aptly named Danger Point, where a sheer, unfenced 100m drop-off will rattle your nerves. From there, you can follow a side track for a view of the Victoria Falls Bridge.
Devil’s Pool
The big exception is the Devil’s Pool, which you can only get to from the Zambian side of the falls. This activity starts gently enough with a boat trip out to Livingstone Island, famous as the spot where David Livingstone first saw the falls. Then it’s time to test your nerves as you’re guided through the running river to a rock pool right on the very lip of one of the tallest waterfalls in the world!
After thousands of years of erosion, many rock pools have formed near the great Victoria Falls – and one of them… right on the very edge! Devil’s Pool – with a sheer drop and a up-close-and-personal view of the sheer drop off the side of the falls – is indeed the ultimate infinity pool!
It takes a rocky walk and swim in the Zambezi to reach the pool before slipping into the adrenalin-pumping swimming hole. Those fearless enough leap into the pool and get pushed to the edge by the force of the river, with the rock lip bringing them to a halt as the raging waters of the Zambezi crash over the cliffs a few feet away. The view from the edge is totally exhilarating as you feel the force of the Zambezi flowing past you and crashing down over the precipice; a hundred-meter drop.
The over 500-million-litres of water that cascade over the falls every minute are not to be messed with, so as a safety precaution – guides are available at the entrance of the falls to accompany you to the pool.
Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
This park is divided into two sections: the Victoria Falls area and the wildlife sector. The latter is only 3km southwest of Livingstone, and most famous for its population of white rhino, which you can track on foot. For their protection, the rhino are accompanied by anti-poaching rangers round-the-clock. You can only see them as part of a pre-booked tour (US$80 per person, inclusive of park fees and hotel transfer), booked through Livingstone Rhino Walks or Savannah Southern Safaris. Other animals in the park include elephant, giraffe, zebra, buffalo and various species of antelope, some which you’ll be lucky to see when driving between town and the falls.
