The Cultural Connoisseur

On the Zambezi river, where Zambia and Zimbabwe meet, lies the stunning Mosi-oa-Tunya waterfalls. The indigenous name translates to ‘The Smoke That Thunders’ but is more widely known as Victoria Falls.

On the Zambian side you will find Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park located in Livingstone which is designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Described as one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, I’m sure you can imagine how excited I was to visit.

You have to understand, I love a waterfall, I grew up less than 2 hours away from Niagara Falls (Canada side) and it’s an attraction I’ve never grown tired of seeing. I spent 2 weeks in Zambia, mostly in Lusaka, so this recap is from the starting point of Lusaka as your base.

Travelers reach Livingstone through various methods, so you will have plenty of choice to fit your itinerary and budget. Buses run from Lusaka to Livingstone daily but will take you a full day of travel to arrive. Flying in is a great option as Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport is situated only 5km from Livingstone town, 15 km from the falls.

B and I drove from Lusaka early Friday morning to our apartment in Livingstone, taking roughly 8 1/2 to 9 hours, including a few short stops for food and to stretch. The journey is mostly smooth but there is a very bumpy section of road closer to Livingstone that requires a lot of skill to navigate so you don’t damage your tires or the vehicle. Road trips are also a love of mine so I enjoyed seeing village life, animals and the countryside.

LIVINGSTONE

While spoiled for choice with accommodation, as a tourist town it is best to book as soon as you know your dates. We went with Sally Springs Apartments and were happy. Up early Saturday morning we had a meal then headed straight to the falls. We pulled over to get a first look at the mist in the distance and my anticipation began to build.

Back on the road and right into the National Park where parking is free. Entrance is one time only so if you leave you will have to pay again to enter. Ticket prices for visitors are roughly $27 CAD/$20 USD and around $2.80 CAD/$2 USD for Zambians.

I suggest you bring comfortable runners that you don’t mind getting absolutely soaked because the flimsy sandals I thought would be okay definitely would not have been. We also ended up renting rain ponchos but if you don’t mind and aren’t wearing white like I did then go for it. Many people didn’t opt for it.

June is winter in Zambia so it was pleasantly warm and never too hot. Finally sorted with our ponchos we started walking towards the falls. The sound of rain was the first thing I noticed. As you creep closer and closer you get tiny peaks through the woods that give way to a rushing sheets of water. The sheer power of the water tumbling over the cliffs edge was so strong that at times I could only make out a wall of mist.

You will come to a small bridge that even though, sturdy you might hesitate like I did just before crossing. Once you cross over there is no getting away from a cool shower if you want a good view near the fence. We took our time to explore, take in our surroundings and snap memories from the day. I loved seeing people’s reactions when they’d get to the edge and the wind and water sent a lashing of heavy mist.

We would have crossed over to Zimbabwe but I forgot to bring my passport. Instead we did the Photographer’s Walk where you get equally amazing and dry views of the falls. If you want to get even closer to the base you can hike down to the Boiling Pot.

There is a small market there if you are looking for keepsakes after you’re done with the falls, you will have some decent choice. The prices are slightly inflated but not too bad. I picked up a few gifts to bring home. Mosi-os-Tunya was so magical and with out question completely worth the trip. I will be back.

The Rundown:

• The spot: Livingstone, Zambia – Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park
• The cost: $$ Reasonable
• Key tips: I recommend you stay at least 2 days/1 night to have a full day to explore the falls. Wear runners and expect to get soaked if you don’t want to rent a poncho
• Is it Worth It: Absolutely!