The magic of Mosi-oa-Tunya
Glimmering droplets oddly floated upward as the force of the falls in front of us caused air pockets that carried them up, up and away. The magnificence of the Victoria Falls instantly had us spellbound.
We had just arrived at Minor Hotels’ AVANI Victoria Falls Resort. The earlyish Safair flight – a short hour and forty minutes from Joburg’s OR Tambo International Airport – allowed for us to still have a bit of the afternoon and we could barely wait to see the Victoria Falls in real life. The resort was a quick twenty minutes away from the Livingstone-based Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport, and after dropping our bags in our room, we followed the trail to the falls’ entrance. The Victoria Falls – locally known as Mosi-oa-Tunya – had been on our bucket list for ages and there we were, at a resort with unlimited access to one of the world’s largest waterfalls.
A short stroll among tall trees, outstretched lawns and interesting sculptures took us to the falls’ gate and from there, we could opt for any direction we chose. Since it was already after 16:00, the Boiling Pot trail had already been closed for the day and therefore we headed for the Knife Edge Bridge instead. The humidity was high and even the spray from the falls felt warm. As we walked down the pathway, the majestic falls lay to our right and we could not see the end of it. As the massive amounts of water from the Zambezi River gracefully flows over the Zambian edge and then catches momentum, it tumbles down, crashes into rocks halfway down and then transforms into hypnotising patterns that finally end in a grand finale of smoking thunder down below.
Knife Edge Bridge
We crossed the 40m-long Knife Edge Bridge (which connects the main land with the head land) with relatively dry clothes and bravado and reached the end drenched and beyond excitement. “Again!” we wanted to exclaim. “Again, again, again!” While possibly not as exciting to those scared of heights, we could not get enough of the views from the bridge. As we walked across, rainbows romantically played between bright yellow Gladiolus daleniis, palm trees and misty falls, forming full circles from top to bottom. Continuing on the pathway, we stopped at every view point, engraving every paint-worthy picture in our minds to be able to recall the memories of these moments as vividly and accurately as possible in future.
Victoria Falls Bridge
Having not had enough yet, we returned to the entrance via a detour, where we stumbled upon brilliant views of the historic Victoria Falls Bridge. It is here where those braver than us get their adrenaline fix, bungy jumping from the 128m-high bridge. The Victoria Falls Bridge was constructed between 1904 and 1905 and serves as one of the highest bungy jumping spots in the world. It was officially opened by Professor George Darwin, Sir Charles Darwin’s grandson, and had apparently been part of John Cecil Rhodes’ vision of connecting a railway line from Cape Town in South Africa to Cairo in Egypt.
A photographic trail
Then, instead of heading back into the resort, we decided to take the photographic trail while we’re at it. We’d been so in awe of the falls, that nothing could stop us. As we entered the trail, we nervously noticed how many baboons had made it their home. We treaded lightly as we did not want to intrude, but quite frankly, the Victoria Falls’ baboons did not seem bothered in the least by our presence. We found that by ignoring them and merely walking past, they continued to mind their own business and we could respectfully pass through. We sneakily snapped a picture or two of the mommies with their big-eared babies and then escaped their gaze to rather snap pictures of the fairytale falls in the distance. The photographic trail gives you a good vantage point to see the falls from, with dark rocks and glorious greenery framing it beautifully.
The Boiling Pot
The next day, we returned to The Boiling Pot. This trail – a little more challenging than the others – takes those keen on some exercise down to where the falls’ final splashes unite into a twirling river stream akin to a pot of boiling water. It is above this bubbling mass of water that adventurers get into their bungy jumping gear and this section of river is also perfect for adrenaline junkies who enjoy white river rafting.
These activities, as well as helicopter trips, microlight flights and more can be booked through local travel companies, or the hotel you’re staying at. We opted for a less adventurous, yet rather romantic activity instead, which we booked through Chris Travel & Tours.
Sunset River Cruise
After considering the different activities (which can cost an arm and a leg if you want to do it all) we opted for a blissful Sunset River Cruise. Our hope was to experience the vastness of the Zambezi River and perhaps spot some hippos, or even elephants. The newly built Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, which is located 6km upstream from the Victoria Falls, boasts its own river cruiser, perfect for sunset cruises and looking back, it was one of the highlights of our visit to Zambia. The two-hour cruise included snacks and drinks amidst incredibly scenic views and in the end, although from afar, we did get to spot a hippo or two. After disembarking, we lingered a little longer and had dinner at the hotel’s trendy restaurant – a space that boasts modern touches that blend in with its riverside environment effortlessly.
A stay next to the falls
Our stay at AVANI Victoria Falls Resort was tranquil and convenient, especially with it being located right next to the falls. While our room seemed a little dated, we loved the mix of regal Moroccan and humble African details displayed through their designs and interiors. A large swimming pool lured guests from their rooms, inviting them to relax on poolside loungers. The tented bar and restaurant served delightful drinks and light meals to guests, with some guests spending most of the day around the pool. We also appreciated the fact that the resort pool was perfect for families, with a large section being shallow enough for toddlers to splash around and gain their swimming confidence in.
The resort’s lunch and dinner menus were rather limited. Still, we got to taste whole Bream – a local, freshwater fish that the locals either deep fry or cook in the pizza oven. Our stay included breakfast, which came in the form of a large continental buffet, a similarly impressive hot breakfast buffet and an array of pastries and breads. Their African brewed coffee was definitely a highlight every morning.
The Victoria Falls and its magical allure has certainly captured many a heart. It now also has ours.
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