The Victoria Falls -

The awe-inspiring Victoria Falls doubtlessly rank among the world’s greatest natural wonders. The British explorer Dr. David Livingston wrote in his diary: November, 16th 1855: "On sights as beautiful as this, angels in their flight must have gazed!" He had just discovered the largest (widest) waterfall in the world. His patriotic streak stirred by the amazing sight, he named it in honour of the British Queen Victoria. The natives had formerly referred to the gigantic falls as "Mosi-oa-Tunya", which translates into “smoke that thunders”. They had a point: The Victoria Falls’ mighty thunder can be heard from a long distance and mist rises like smoke above the drop. It is a must-see-sight in South Africa, wedged in between the four countries Namibia, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. On a breathtaking width of 1700 metres, the powerful Zambezi River takes a 100 meter tumble. The figures are astounding: About 10,000,000 litres per second rush into a gap no more than 50 metres wide during the rainy season. In the early days, visiting the mighty falls presented quite a challenge. Visitors had to undergo the hardships of a strenuous and dangerous journey leading them through the heart of the African wilderness. Everything changed in 1905, when the railway bridge that spectacularly spans the gap just below the falls was completed. The new train service that connected Cape Town (South Africa) with Lumbumbashi (South Congo) boosted visitor numbers, creating a popular attraction even in those days. Business picked up in the nearby city Livingstone, named after its explorer. Hotels, markets, restaurants and bars sprang into existence and many tours and excursions are now being offered. Adventure-Tourism became a boom market in Livingstone. The activities range from canoeing the Zambezi and elephant-back safaris to bungee-Jumping from the old railway bridge. Two of the most popular activities that impressively demonstrate the power of the river are white water rafting on the Zambezi and scenic flights out over the Victoria Falls. Those not afraid of the churning water will enjoy the rafting tours. Many claim that the Zambezi offers the wildest white-water ride in the world. One day or multi-day tours can be arranged, all of them an unforgettable experience. Power yourself out, spending an entire day on the river and facing rapids that sport ominous names like Stairway to Heaven, Gulliver’s Travel, Midnight Dinner and the Terminator. Many rapids have been classified level 5, the highest level of difficulty, which strictly requires an experienced and trained rafting tour guide. The rapid “Commercial Suicide” is outside the rating system and even the bravest need to walk around it. Depending on the season and the tour booked, the entry points vary and might be straight beneath the falls or further down. Another attraction that should be fitted into every itinerary is a walk through the Victoria Falls National Park. A network of paths takes you to different lookout points commanding spectacular views of the falls. However, not only the nature and the activity options impress. First-class hotels like the Sun International or Wilderness Safaris offers supreme luxuries and finest comforts. It is a great pleasure for us to assist you in the planning of your holiday. Ask us about options to combine the Victoria Falls with a South Africa, Botswana or Namibia holiday. The INTOSOL team intimately knows these magical places. We are happy to share our knowledge and are looking forward to hearing from you.

* price per person/week including flight