Mosi-oa-Tunya.......the Smoke that Thunders

It appeared like a sudden puff of smoke rising up from the mighty river.  If our new safari friends hadn't requested (thanks Garry!) a flyover by our pilot Paul, we may have even missed it!  Later, for a big price tag, we could have bagged a sightseeing flight by small plane, helicopter, or micro-light (only the really brave on that last choice!), but this was certainly just as wonderful, probably a lot safer, and an opportunity to capture some great shots.

The flight from Botswana landed at Kasane where we cleared Customs, then re-boarded and flew on to Livingstone, Zambia where we'd spend two nights at another beautiful camp 12K up river from the town.

Paula has visited Victoria Falls several times, but never in May following the flood season which was coming to a close as Winter drifted into southern Africa.  She was immediately surprised at the terrific volume of water and height of the spray reaching into the blue sky 1,500 feet above the falls.

 

Getting closer it was easy to understand why this is considered one of the natural wonders of the world.  Located in southern Africa on the Zambezi River between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the falls are some of the largest in the world.

David Livingstone, Scottish missionary and explorer, is believed to be the first European to view the waterfall which he named 'Victoria Falls' in honor of his Queen.

The buildings in the above photo are the border crossing from Zambia into Zimbabwe.  We had to purchase visas and passed through here with a guide to visit the falls on the Zimbabwe side where the view is better.

While it is neither the highest or widest waterfall in the world, it is claimed to be the largest based on width and height forming the largest sheet of falling water in the world.  Above the falls the Zambezi flows through a shallow valley dotted with numerous tree-covered islands.  The falls are formed as the full width of the river plummets in a single vertical drop into a transverse chasm.

Next day we viewed the falls from the trail along the Zimbabwe side.  The sound was deafening, water pounded the ground, and the spray was so heavy we were immediately soaked to the skin despite wearing ponchos.  Trying to maneuver cameras protected in plastic bags made it very difficult to take photos.  As we progressed along the trail, dodging other dripping tourists from around the world, the many colors of ponchos, raincoats and umbrellas made it almost a circus atmosphere. I rolled up my safari pants and paddled through several inches of water.  Needless to say we just gave up, enjoyed the jungle-like atmosphere and awesome view.......and we four Brit broads sported brand new hairdos after the soaking!

This pic of the four of us was taken by another dripping 'smurf', and yes, I didn't take my hood off.  We were named 'the smurfs' by all who saw us posing at David Livingstone's statue!

A beautiful flowering vine along the Victoria Falls trail.

Like molten silver the mighty Zambezi River slides over the edge and forms Victoria Falls. 

Up river on the Zambian side (right bank) was our next camp, lovely Toka Leya.  Boating anyone?  Yes we were back on the water, this time spending not one but two memorable boat trips with Donald our river guide. Next time come join us floating down the 'river of life'.