The Smoke that Thunders - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)

A Scottish missionary and explorer named David Livingstone, is believed to have been the first European to view Victoria Falls on 16 November 1855, from what is now known as Livingstone Island, one of two land masses in the middle of the river. Livingstone named his discovery in honor of Queen Victoria of Britain, but the indigenous Tonga name, Mosi-oa-Tunya—"The Smoke That Thunders" continues in common usage as well. The nearby national park in Zambia is named Mosi-oa-Tunya, whereas the national park and town on the Zimbabwean shore are both named Victoria Falls.

The Victoria Falls has been named one of the 7 Natural Wonders of the World and offers multiple tourist activities. From the top of the gorge, you are able to view the Zambezi river flow to the waterfall itself. The view is one of a kind and is a popular spot for many tourists and locals to pop the question. If you are adventurous and fearless, you may be inclined to try and do the adrenaline rushing gorge swing down & across or bungee jump off the bridge, down 111 meters (364 feet). While at the base of the cascading waterfall, you and your friends or family may participate in a white water rafting course, which is both challenging but enjoyable. If these activities do not spark your interest, you could always enjoy a safari tour during a beautiful African sunset where you will see many beautiful animals in their natural habitat.

 

After a full day of fun, there is only one place worth going to for an authentic Zimbabwean dinner and drinks in the city of Victoria Falls, “The Boma.” This restaurant has an outdoor dinning setting, with a wide variety of food and drink to choose from. Zimbabwean meals are generally loaded with lots of meat and the buffet offers a variety of over 8 different types on a standard night such as; Beef, Warthog, Kudu and Ostrich. They also offer multiple international and locally brewed beers and cocktails for your refreshment. If the food and drink do not leave you with a story to tell, the entertainment surely will. While you eat you will have a group of singers and dancers perform traditional dances and songs. Friendly warning, it will get loud but leave you astonished and begging for more. The entertainment goes on all night and once you are finished eating, you are encouraged to join in on the festivities and you will be taught how to drum and even dance like a Zimbabwean.

 

Zimbabwe uses the American Dollar as its currency so you do not have to even worry about an exchange rate, and it is great as prices or cost of living there is much cheaper. All in all, this is a destination for you to go on with either your friends or family and enjoy life to the fullest. It is a non-stop party in Victoria Falls and the phrase, “The Smoke That Thunders” will be embedded in your memory forever.