We were brave and ventured to the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls for 3 days after visiting Chobe National Park. We were initially unsure as to our safety and security due to the instability there at the moment, however it was fine.
The day we visited the National Park on Zim side right next to falls it absolutely poured with rain. Luckily it didn't really matter as we would have gotten wet by the spray anyway. The roar of the falls is incredibly loud.
As you approach the town mist reveals the existence of the waterfall. Rainy season has only just started and the mist (and waterflow) still seemed incredibly impressive. I can't imagine what it would be like at the end of rainy season! Apparently 550,000 cubic metres of water hurtles over each minute, and falls to depths over 100m resulting in spray that can raise 500m above! Vic Falls is comprised of 5 separate falls and due to the spray and mist has resulted in a rainforest area surrounding the falls.
We had a helicopter ride over the falls. Not only was it exciting to have a helicopter ride (first time for us all), it gave stunning views of the falls and gave us a better understanding of the size and magnitude of the falls.
The day we visited the National Park on Zim side right next to falls it absolutely poured with rain. Luckily it didn't really matter as we would have gotten wet by the spray anyway. The roar of the falls is incredibly loud.
We also went on an elephant ride through the surrounding forests of the town. Tatu, our elephant, was more concerned with eating grass and leaves than keeping up with the rest of the elephants. Luckily they weren't spooked by a leopard as they were the previous week. There is a lot of game surrounding the area, I guess this is Africa!
The gorges surrounding the town are also stunning. We white water rafted one day and had an awesome time. Not only was it fun and exhilerating, the scenery was stunning. We rafted in a canyon a distance of 14km and dropped 800m in altitude. We even all managed to stay in the raft. A 35 y/o American was rafting with us who has been teaching in Harare (capital city of Zim) for the past 12 years. He said that the political situation is not as bad as news reports. He believes Harare would be a safer place to live than Joburg- there is very little violence! The only issue with day to day living is the requirement to queue constantly for food and money. We witnessed the queues at the bank in Victoria Falls. Each day by 6.30am there would already be at least 20 people queuing for access to the bank.
We could also see evidence of the policital situation by the shortage of food in supermarkets and supplies in shops. A shoe shop was full of shelves/racks, however there was less than 10 pairs of shoes on sale. A small supermarket we passed had a sign out the front "In store today: tuna, rice, vodka and tobacco". Interesting meal! The only restaurants in town were attached to hotels. The menu was like any expected menu- at least 6 choices for entree and main. Prices were reasonable. Whilst the official currency still remains the Zim dollar foreigners are only able to pay using USD, SA Rand or Botswanan Pula.
Our last dinner was at The Boma, a traditional African restaurant. They drape everyone in a printed sarong and paint their faces (very kitch). Food was a braai of impala and BBQ meat of every imaginable kind including warthog, kudu and ostrich. There was also an African fortune teller and entertainment of African singers and drummers. Stunning sound!
It is truly a stunning area of Zimbabwe. We would recommend everyone to visit at some stage in their lives!