While the Victoria falls is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world it is classified as the largest based on its width of 1,708 meters and a height of 108m. This size gives it an average flow of 1 million liters per second!
It`s freaking HUGE. And size does matter!
The Victoria Falls are considered the boundary between the upper and middle Zambezi river, Africa’s fourth largest river.
“History, like beauty, depends largely on the beholder, so when you read that, for example, David Livingstone discovered the Victoria Falls, you might be forgiven for thinking that there was nobody around the Falls until Livingstone arrived on the scene.” – Desmond Tutu.
The falls are so big it’s actually difficult to appreciate when you’re walking around on the footpaths. The smoke and mists raising from the falls add to this difficulty, it’s very easy to understand the origin of its nickname “smoke that thunders”.
Can´t complain about the view
The sound of the falls is so deafeningly loud that you will have problems hearing your friend stood right next to you complaining that his iPhone just died from the moisture in the air.
There are man-made footpaths on the opposite side of the waterfall, but the mist from the falls makes it very difficult to even see the falls from the paths. Also, you will you be from top to toe, there wasn’t a single dry spot on my body or in my backpack while walking around…
Soit might be a good thing to keep all your valuables in a 101% waterproof bag/backpack.
The best way to get a full feeling for Victoria Falls is to take a micro flight. It’s certainly not cheap but it’s definitely worth it to get up, up and away.
Can´t complain about the view.
The airfield is just a short 5-minute flight from the falls.
Final safety preparations before taking off.
And we are off.
Getting Closer, can see the waterfalls now.
We were circling above the mighty Victoria Falls for about 15-20 minutes, enough time to get a proper feeling of how amazing this place is. You might even be lucky enough to see some wildlife on your way to the waterfall.
If your lucky, will you be able to see some wildlife on the way to the waterfall.
This has to bee what you would call a million dollar view?
Even better view.
You will get some amazing panoramic view, while in the air. The bridge on the left side of the photo is the border bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe where you can do the famous bungee jump.
Additional Information about Micro Flight above the Victoria Falls.
Because of safety will you not be able to use your own camera to take pictures during the flight. Why? So you don’t lose your camera while flying. I really don’t understand why this rule is in place. Naturally I am not a fan of it.
The Microlight has a camera attached to the edge of one of the wings, so the pilot will take the photos for you during the flight, and you will receive a CD with them on when you’re safely back on the ground.
Weight limit.
There´s a weight limit of 100 kg (220 lbs) per passenger.
Price.
There´s a few different companies offering the flight, and the price does vary between them.
15min flight, 155 USD to 180 USD.
30min flight, 310 USD to 350 USD.
Is it worth it?
One of the most overused phrases for journeys these days is life changing experience. I don’t want to call it that but its a hell of a lot of fun and it’s definitely worth doing. It’s also by far one of the best things you can spend money on during a trip to Africa.
As you can see on the wing on the Micro flight I used Batoka Sky and I was very happy with their service and I can highly recommend them.
This blog was originally published on 'Unusual Traveler'