When the Victoria Falls are fed by a well-filled Zambezi River, they plunge into the depths with thunderous force. A spectacle that should only be experienced with a rain cape.
Long before Africa's most famous waterfalls come into view, we hear and feel them. A loud thunderous roar can be heard, growing louder as we approach. Mist rises and water droplets wet our faces. Although it is not raining, the air is full of moisture.
In 1851, explorer David Livingstone followed the Makolos along the course of the Zambezi River to the gigantic waterfalls. He named them "Victoria Falls" in honor of the Queen. They have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1989. We take it in stride that the spray from the falls wets us as we hike along them. After all, it is also responsible for the surrounding rainforest, which is home to incredible flora and fauna and provides a charming backdrop along the course of the river. The widest waterfall on earth measures 1,708 meters and plunges 110 meters into the narrow gorge.
From above, there are always new views of the canyon – the most famous photo motif is the ever-present rainbow that spans the bubbling water. If the view isn't thrilling enough for you, you can go on a rafting tour below the falls and tackle category 5 rapids. It's an adventure I tried on one of my last visits here. "Did you do a flip?" is a question you're regularly asked when people find out you took part in the adrenaline-fueled rubber dinghy ride. "Me? No way!" I reply with a grin. And in fact, my girlfriend and I were the only ones who didn't take a "dip" in the floods.
Today, we content ourselves with walking through the jungle along the falls early in the morning—before the hordes of tourists arrive—to simply enjoy this special place and let it work its magic on us.
