Top Best Places To Visit in Zimbabwe: Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya) With Photos!

Victoria Falls, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Zimbabwe

Based on my experience last December 2024, this blog is your travel guide to one of Zimbabwe's magnificent national heritage sites. It covers what you can expect, especially when visiting for the first time. So, here we go, talking about the best places to visit in Zimbabwe - my wonderful visit to Mosi-oa-Tunya, Victoria Falls.

Welcome to Mosi-oa-Tunya Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Ready and waiting at the hotel - Cresta Spray View

Introduction

During my holiday in the Motherland, Zimbabwe, I was incredibly fortunate to witness the awe-inspiring beauty of Victoria Falls, known as Mosi-oa-Tunya - The Smoke That Thunders. The falls are also recognised by their ancient monikers, Seongo, Chongwe, and Shungu Namutitima.

Situated at the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, Mosi-oa-Tunya, Victoria Falls is one of the world's seven natural wonders and largest waterfalls, doubling the height of Niagara Falls and is half a kilometre wide. During the wet season, the spray from Victoria Falls can rise to 400 metres and can be seen from as far as 48 kilometres away. And I, for one, could not wait to view this wonder.

Getting Ready

To prepare for the visit to the best place in Zimbabwe, I slept early so that I could be well-rested for the 12-hour tour. I also set my alarm for 6 am to avoid being late for the 7:30 am pick-up.

At 7:15 am, I was already seated by the reception, my stomach somersaulting with excitement - I was about to embark on one of the best adventures in Zimbabwe, after all.

The driver arrived at the hotel dead on time. We quickly hopped into the white minibus and drove to the official pick-up point for a few minutes.

Mild and sunny, the weather couldn't be more perfect for this occasion. A word of caution: it got a bit warmer later in the day, so if you're not too keen on the heat, wear a sunhat and shades and carry plenty of drinking water. The tour guides will provide bottled water and snacks during the tour.

At the official pick-up point, not too far from the falls, a few local sculptors sat under the shade, displaying their artwork. Right across the road was a giant Baobab tree, which was a pretty good start to the tour.

The Giant Baobab tree not far from Victoria Falls

Zimbabwe is known for its savannah and generous tree growth enlivened by the wet season. Since my trip was in December, the rainy season, the giant tree was a testament to the abundance of life in the region. Just looking at the tree, it was evident that it had been standing there for centuries, weathering countless storms and bearing witness to the ebb and flow of life in the forest (estimated to be about 2000 years old).

As a side note, The Big Tree is of the species Adansonia digitata and is considered unusually large for a baobab, measuring 22.40 meters (~73 ft) in circumference and24 metres)~79 ft) tall. Perhaps it explains why I felt like a tiny dot standing beside it.

One of the Top Best Places to Visit in Zimbabwe 2024: Victoria Falls (Mosi-oa-Tunya)

Arriving At Victoria Falls

Treasures at the Art Gallery, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Across the road from the Falls's entrance are art galleries and more displays of Zimbabwe's finest artwork in the form of sculptures, paintings, furniture carvings, dresses, handbags, kitchen utensils and accessories.

As I scoured the stalls, soaking in the merchandise, I was in awe at the creativity surrounding me, and I got the chance to put my haggling skill to good use and came out with a beautiful handmade handbag.

The handbag I bought in Victoria Falls now hangs proudly on my wall.

Doing A Dance

It became apparent that the day was just getting started when, as I continued to browse through the merchandise, a sweet, familiar melody tore the atmosphere. As I raised my head and looked ahead, I saw what I instinctively expected to see: a group of traditional Zimbabwean dancers adorned in beautiful attire. They beckoned me to join them. But they need not have asked because I was already on my way, ready to join in.

Let me pause here and say that Zimbabwe is a colourful place. Life flows to the rhythm of its people. The atmosphere, especially during ceremonies and the festive season, tends to be a riot of colour and dance. And I always say that there is no rush in Africa. Even though I was itching to see the falls, who was I to disrupt the flow of the spirit of the African people? So, I did the most natural thing to do.

Our Tour Guide explaining the formation of Mosi-oa-Tunya

Tour Guide

Moments before entering the Falls, the tour guide, a lovely, friendly lady, gave us a summary overview of the Falls, history and formation. During this time, she reassured us we could take as many photos as we wanted and ask as many questions as possible.

Entering The Falls

As we finally proceeded towards the falls in the company of our friendly and knowledgeable guide, I heard the rumble of the falls coming through the forest. Then, the reality of what I was about to witness set in.

For years, I dreamt of witnessing this nature's wonder, and to think I was now mere seconds away from seeing it with my own eyes. I had to take a deep breath.

There are 19 viewpoints of the Falls: 1-16 are on the Zimbabwean side, and only 17-19 are on the Zambian side. The layout can be seen on display at the entrance, where the tour guide summarises everything about the falls.

A breathtaking view at View Point 2.

After navigating the flight of steps (73 of them), known as the Chain Walk, down the bottom of the Gorge, I finally saw it. Mosi-oa-Tunya. I can't believe I'm finally here, I exclaimed.

Indeed, The Thunderous Smoke was doing its thing. I took my time to feast my eyes at the beginning of the Gorge. No one, and I mean no one, was going to rush me off this spot.

It took the tour guide to convince me there was better to come.

Oh, how I dreamt of standing on the very ground our ancestors walked those hundreds of years ago. Finally, seeing Mosi-oa-Tunya, its beauty and sheer power up close, feeling the refreshing mist on my face and hearing the thunderous roar of the water as it plunged was simply out of this world.

I'm reliably informed that depending on the season, the Main Falls can be seen from this point. This is where you will get to feel the nourishing sprays of Mosi-oa-Tunya and breathe the fresh earthly air.

Without a shadow of a doubt, the best view is on the Zimbabwean side, with spectacular displays of rainbows, even though the river flows from the Zambian side, with its source, a burbling spring in the woods.

I'm sorry, Zambia, it is what it is. You got the river, but we got the Falls.

When you think the views cannot get any better, they do.

Tears filled my eyes as I stood at each viewpoint, soaking in nature's spectacular show. There were moments during this tour when I became completely oblivious to those around me. These were moments when it felt as if Mosi-oa-Tunya was whispering magical utterances to me. Utterances only meant for my ears.

All my life, I had never witnessed such stunning views of Mother Nature. The whole experience took my breath away.

Yet another view point of the Main Falls

Stunning. What a view of the Main Falls

I've always believed that if you want to

experience God's miracles, go to Africa. The place moves to a different beat, and everything slows right down as if to say rest. Just rest.

Indeed, I experienced a miracle at Victoria Falls and felt closer to God. Furthermore, The experience left me with a deep appreciation for Zimbabwe's rich heritage.

And if anyone asks, tell them that visiting Victoria Falls is one of the top best places you will ever visit in Zimbabwe.

The Perfect View of the Main Falls - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

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