Victoria Falls, a Thrill of a Lifetime!
Victoria Falls on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe is without a doubt one of the world’s most magnificent destinations and an absolute “thrill of a lifetime.”
Getting there is a challenge, but one that is rewarded on a monumental scale. Â Oregon’s Multnomah Falls and Niagara Falls are magnificent, but they don’t hold a candle to their African cousin, Victoria Falls! Â A visit to Victoria Falls is right up there with “Walking with Lions!”
How can I get to Victoria Falls?Â
Victoria Falls is near the city of Livingstone which has a lovely new airport, so it’s possible to fly to Livingstone from anywhere in Africa. You can drive there from any African
country, but know this: Many of the roads in Zambia are bad! Sorry, but that’s the truth.  Some potholes are so large that all four tires were in ONE pothole at the same time. I know you can drive there, because I’ve done. But fly if you can.
What is the best country from which to enter?
My recommendation is to enter from Zambia. Why? Regardless of the length of your stay, you will need a visa. Zambia’s visa is $50.00, and Zimbabwe’s visa is $30.00, but these can change so check first. Fortunately, for either of those countries you can purchase your visa on arrival. You will need a current passport, AND a Yellow Fever shot card. (If you are past 65, Yellow Fever shots are NOT recommended, but you will need a notice from a doctor saying you are exempt).  Unless you are with a tour, it’s less expensive to rent a car at the airport than to hire a cab. My recommendation is to make those plans before you arrive.
What to expect at Victoria Falls:
Your GPS will get you there easily. Look to the sky; you will see the falls’ mist from MILES away.  When you arrive, you will need to go the entrance building and pay a small fee. There will be MANY hawkers attempting to sell you anything or “help” you, etc. They are a nuisance, and although it’s good to be kind, these hawkers are NOT necessary, and you do not need their help.
At the falls’ entrance, they will give you a plastic cover-up. Wear it and begin your walk across the face of the falls. Regardless of the cover-up, I promise, you will be soaked to the skin; it’s impossible to avoid. Watch your camera because it, too, will get wet. The walkway in front of the falls is slippery so watch your step but do the whole thing! You are experiencing a wonder that only a fraction ever see so cherish it.
After your walk to the falls’ face, retrace your steps, and walk to the bridge that connects Zimbabwe and Zambia. This walk will take you by more hawkers and kiosks selling African souvenirs. Here again, you will be bombarded with hawkers, etc. Use your own discretion as to how to handle this, but if you don’t do something, their persistence can ruin your experience.  It’s good to buy one thing from one hawker, and then simply hold it up to the others to indicate that you have made a purchase.
If you’re adventuresome, you can bungee jump from the bridge. Whatever you do at Victoria Falls, it will become one of your life’s cherished memories right along with Walking with Lions or visiting the Lemurs of Madagascar!
