When David Livingston, the seasoned Scottish missionary and explorer, first came upon these roaring falls, one of the largest in the world, he was so impressed he named it after Queen Victoria, England’s long reigning monarch. To the natives of the region, however, the falls were Mosi-oa-Tunya, or “Thundering Smoke.”
I tried, I really did. This was supposed to be my last post on our African Safari. But when I looked through the last thousand photos of scenery, people, and a catch-all-miscellaneous that I considered blog worthy, I just couldn’t do it. Eventually, I got the thousand down to 82. I’ve divided them into three posts. Today I will focus on Victoria Falls and the surrounding area. The second post will wrap-up Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park and Lake Kariba. The last post will feature South Africa.
We arrived at Victoria Falls at the end of dry season when the water flow was close to its lowest. Imagine what this looks like at the height of rainy season! Based on its combined width, 5,604 ft (1,708 meters) and height, 354 feet (108 meters), Victoria Falls is considered the largest waterfall in the world. In April, when the river flow is at its peak, the spray sometimes reaches a height of over 2600 feet (800 meters) and can be seen from 30 miles (50k) away.A trail leads along the Zambezi River showing the main falls and several others such as this one that are part of the complex.Same falls, different view.Peggy absolutely loves falls. Whenever we are near one, we detour from our selected route. She was one one happy camper.Another view from where we were sitting. During rainy season, this view would be wiped out by the spray.And a close up. Can you hear the roar?Walking along the trail, we came on these jewels.The Zambezi River continues to cut a canyon. Eventually, this may be an island. For now, the river flows out, around this promontory, and on.We went on a dinner cruise on the Zambezi River above the falls. Clouds were threatening a beginning to the rainy season. You have already seen crocodiles, hippos, and various birds from this cruise on earlier posts.Peggy and I really liked the contrast created by this dead tree and the greenery behind it.Another view of the trees along the Zambezi.Our evening cruise also brought us a spectacular, ethereal sunset. It was one of many we experienced while we were in Africa. We will be featuring more of them in our final two posts.A view of the hotel we stayed at in Victoria Falls. This is the hotel where I was visited by the mongoose.The trees surrounding the hotel were bursting in color.We traveled with a great group of people on our safari through Botswana and Zambia. These are three of the friends we made along with Peggy’s brother John and his wife Frances joining us for a final photo in our Victoria Falls hotel. On our way to the airport to fly to South Africa, our guide, Samatha, took us to see this huge baobab tree on the outskirts of Victoria Falls. Peggy provides perspective on its size. This tree is estimated to be around 1200 years old. Its circumference is 73 feet and height 78 feet. A tree this size can hold over 120,000 liters of water, over 31,000 gallons.Another large baobab tree stood next to the giant.I took a photo from the base of the tree up. The scarification is likely caused by elephants that love to feed on its bark. That’s it for today. Our next post will feature final scenes from Chobe National Park, Hwange National Park and Lake Kariba.View along the Chobe River in Chobe National Park, Botswana.
Just think: I’m still searching for a waterfall taller than two feet in Texas! I’ve never had any desire to visit Niagara Falls, but these would be worth seeing. I especially enjoyed the view of the island-to-be.
That island speaks to the power of water to carve rock, Linda. So what if it takes a few million years. Part of my fascination with Victoria Falls was the variety. I’d love to see the falls at their peak. Unfortunately, there wouldn’t be much to see given the spray.
As for Texas, I did a quick search for waterfalls and found a number of what looked like beauties to me. Capote Falls, in western Presidio County, is the tallest in Texas at 175 feet.
I’m a big fan of waterfalls too, Curt. Always detour-worthy! And Victoria Falls would be a sight to behold. Beautiful big trees too. Thanks for extending the Africa posts too. I’ve enjoyed the Safari. 🙂
Hard not to appreciate waterfalls, D— their beauty, power, and sound! When I backpack, I like to camp close to them. It’s like going to sleep with heavy rain on an aluminum roof. Laughing about the posts. I just couldn’t cram what I had left into one. My goal was (and is) to finish up Africa by the time I get to Big Sur so I can start my Pacific Coast series!
I vote for more Africa posts! I’ve loved all of them. This one was fun in a new way for me, because you were showing some of the tourist life. Even though I’ve never been to any of these places, it felt familiar to me as someone who has been a tourist. It’s a reminder that you were on a dedicated vacation schedule; enjoying the sights for enjoyment’s sake, meeting new people, seeing new trees and animals and waterfalls. This whole post brought up those memories for me. 🙂 What a couple of magnificent Baobabs! and that falls is outstanding. Now that I’ve seen it in this form, I think I may prefer it at low water – lots more to see I think.
Thanks, Crystal. Obviously, we enjoyed the trip immensely. But we also enjoyed blogging about and sharing our adventures. We were well taken care of in each of the four different locations. Great guides and comfortable lodging made our journey easy. The people, the scenery and the wildlife made it special. One more post on South Africa and it will be a wrap. Then it is on to our thousand mile journey up the West coast!
I enjoyed this section of your safari, Curt, and it brought back great memories of my visits to Victoria Falls. I know the glory in being up so close to these magnificent waterfalls. Great to see the cruise photos, and also the mammoth baobab.
I love waterfalls too, Curt, and I could hear the roar! 🙂 The sunset is gorgeous and I love the perspective of the base of the tree. Fabulous photos as always! Thanks for taking us along on this safari!
Of course I can hear Peggy roar at the waterfall and I see why you had to post more pics lucky us, Curt. Your pictures make me feel like I was there so life like and love the group shots of all of you. It was a gift and I loved it..💕💓💕
Wandering through Time and Place 
I just can’t even comprehend how large the waterfall is. I suppose I’ll just have to see it for myself someday.
Absolutely, Diana! 😁
I can hear the falls and remember shooting the rapids on the river.
Well that would have been a kick, Peggy!
Just think: I’m still searching for a waterfall taller than two feet in Texas! I’ve never had any desire to visit Niagara Falls, but these would be worth seeing. I especially enjoyed the view of the island-to-be.
That island speaks to the power of water to carve rock, Linda. So what if it takes a few million years. Part of my fascination with Victoria Falls was the variety. I’d love to see the falls at their peak. Unfortunately, there wouldn’t be much to see given the spray.
As for Texas, I did a quick search for waterfalls and found a number of what looked like beauties to me. Capote Falls, in western Presidio County, is the tallest in Texas at 175 feet.
I’m a big fan of waterfalls too, Curt. Always detour-worthy! And Victoria Falls would be a sight to behold. Beautiful big trees too. Thanks for extending the Africa posts too. I’ve enjoyed the Safari. 🙂
Hard not to appreciate waterfalls, D— their beauty, power, and sound! When I backpack, I like to camp close to them. It’s like going to sleep with heavy rain on an aluminum roof. Laughing about the posts. I just couldn’t cram what I had left into one. My goal was (and is) to finish up Africa by the time I get to Big Sur so I can start my Pacific Coast series!
Looking forward to it all, Curt. Happy Travels.
I love all the waterfalls, such a treat🙂
Laughing, I not sure I ever met a waterfall I didn’t like, Christie.
So true!!
I vote for more Africa posts! I’ve loved all of them. This one was fun in a new way for me, because you were showing some of the tourist life. Even though I’ve never been to any of these places, it felt familiar to me as someone who has been a tourist. It’s a reminder that you were on a dedicated vacation schedule; enjoying the sights for enjoyment’s sake, meeting new people, seeing new trees and animals and waterfalls. This whole post brought up those memories for me. 🙂 What a couple of magnificent Baobabs! and that falls is outstanding. Now that I’ve seen it in this form, I think I may prefer it at low water – lots more to see I think.
Thanks, Crystal. Obviously, we enjoyed the trip immensely. But we also enjoyed blogging about and sharing our adventures. We were well taken care of in each of the four different locations. Great guides and comfortable lodging made our journey easy. The people, the scenery and the wildlife made it special. One more post on South Africa and it will be a wrap. Then it is on to our thousand mile journey up the West coast!
I enjoyed this section of your safari, Curt, and it brought back great memories of my visits to Victoria Falls. I know the glory in being up so close to these magnificent waterfalls. Great to see the cruise photos, and also the mammoth baobab.
Thanks, Jet. The falls will be playing over in my head for a long time. I noticed you said ‘visits’ to the falls. When were you there?
I visited there twice in 2008. I love Africa.
I love waterfalls too, Curt, and I could hear the roar! 🙂 The sunset is gorgeous and I love the perspective of the base of the tree. Fabulous photos as always! Thanks for taking us along on this safari!
Of course I can hear Peggy roar at the waterfall and I see why you had to post more pics lucky us, Curt. Your pictures make me feel like I was there so life like and love the group shots of all of you. It was a gift and I loved it..💕💓💕