The dream to visit Victoria falls and to see the Zambezi River started when I read about David Livingstone's journey in search of the
falls. My brother and sister were
equally excited as travel warriors! Planned
to visit the falls during the July 4th holidays in 2018. We took a
flight direct to the Victoria Falls airport in Zimbabwe. Our journey
to the heart of Southern Africa took us to the majestic lands of Zimbabwe and
Zambia—a region where nature reigns supreme, and the mighty Zambezi River
carves through deep gorges, creating one of the most breathtaking wonders of
the world: Victoria Falls.The Smoke That Thunders
Locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke That
Thunders”, Victoria Falls is a spectacular sight that defies description. We
had the rare treat of experiencing the Falls from both the Zimbabwean and
Zambian sides. From Zimbabwe, the view is panoramic—an unbroken curtain of
water plunging into the gorge below, sending up mist that drenches and
delights. Zambia offers a more intimate, immersive perspective, especially when
walking along the Knife Edge Bridge, where the spray feels like rain and the roar
of the Falls vibrates through your body.
To cross into Zambia from Victoria Falls town in Zimbabwe,
we walked across the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, which spans the Zambezi
River. This historic bridge not only connects the two countries but also offers
a stunning mid-air vantage point of the Falls and the gorge. The brief walk,
filled with mist and rainbows, was one of the most memorable border crossings
we’ve ever experienced, leading us into Livingstone, Zambia for another
incredible perspective of the natural wonder.
Zambezi River Cruise
A highlight of our trip was the serene yet exhilarating
Zambezi River sunset cruise. As the boat gently glided along the river’s wide
expanse, we were treated to scenes straight out of a nature documentary—hippos
grunting in the water, crocodiles sunning themselves on the banks, and
elephants meandering along the shore. The golden hues of the African sunset
painted the river in brilliant oranges and purples, making for a surreal and
peaceful end to the day.
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Stay at Elephant Hills Resort
Our base was the beautiful Elephant Hills Resort, perched
above the Zambezi River with lush greenery and sweeping views. The hospitality
was exceptional, and the food was a true culinary fusion. As vegetarians, we
were delighted to find a rich mix of ethnic African vegetables—flavorful stews,
pumpkin leaves, and okra—served alongside Indian-style curries, rice dishes,
and fresh chapatis. Every meal was a celebration of taste and culture.
Our Wonderful Guide, Brighton
A special mention must go to our guide, Brighton, whose
knowledge, warmth, and professionalism enriched every moment of our journey. He
not only navigated logistics seamlessly but also shared stories, local customs,
and wildlife insights that deepened our appreciation for the region. His
passion for his homeland was contagious and made our trip all the more
meaningful.
From the thunderous power of Victoria Falls to the quiet
majesty of the Zambezi at sunset, from unforgettable wildlife interactions to
warm hospitality and flavorful cuisine, our trip to Zimbabwe and Zambia was an
adventure for the soul. We left with hearts full of gratitude and minds filled
with awe, already dreaming of returning to this magical part of Africa.
