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Going to Africa? Victoria Falls is a must see Attraction

By Honey B. Wackx

Want to see many of Africa’s animals and birds? Many can be seen in the immediate vicinity of Victoria Falls, and Africa’s range of river fish is well represented in the Zambezi, enabling wildlife viewing and sport fishing to be combined with sightseeing. Victoria Falls is, by some measures, the largest waterfall in the world.

Tourism
Almost 300,000 people were visiting the falls annually by the end of the 1990s. This was expected to rise to over a million in the first decade of the 2000’s. Unlike the game parks, Victoria Falls has more Zimbabwean and Zambian visitors than international tourists as they are accessible by bus and train and therefore comparatively inexpensive to reach.

Victoria Falls is one of Africa’s major tourist attractions, and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The falls are shared between the countries of Zambia and Zimbabwe. Each country has a national park to protect them and a town serving as a tourism center. In Zambia: Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park and Livingstone, and Victoria Falls National Park and the town of Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe.

The two countries permit tourists to make day trips from one side to the other without the necessity of obtaining a visa in advance, but visas issued at the border are expensive, particularly upon entering Zimbabwe.

The number of tourists visiting Zimbabwe began to decline in the early 2000’s as political tensions increased. In 2006, hotel occupancy on the Zimbabwean side hovered at around 30%, while the Zambian side was at near-capacity, with rates reaching over US$600 per night. This rapid development has prompted the United Nations to consider revoking the Falls’ status as a World Heritage Site.

The Parks and Wildlife
The national parks of the two Victoria Falls neighboring countries contain abundant wildlife including sizable populations of elephant, buffalo, giraffe, zebra, and a variety of antelope. Lions and leopards are only occasionally seen. Vervet monkeys and baboons are common. The river above the falls contains large populations of hippopotamus and crocodile. Elephants cross the river in the dry season at particular crossing points.

Klipspringers and clawless otters can be glimpsed in the gorges, but the gorges are mainly known for its 35 species of raptors. The Taita Falcon, Black Eagle, Peregrine Falcon and Augur Buzzard breed there. Above Victoria Falls, herons, Fish Eagles and numerous kinds of waterfowl are common.

Fish
The river is home to some 39 species of fish below the falls and 89 species above it, illustrating the effectiveness of the falls as a dividing barrier between the upper and lower Zambezi River.

The famous Dr. Livingstone may have been the first to discover the amazing beauty of Victoria Falls, but it is something which you too can enjoy. There are several travel companies that have a number of tour packages to offer you an unforgettable safari vacation. You can also participate in a custom safari or tour of the Victoria Falls area.

Vegetation
Mopane woodland Savannah predominates in the area. Riverine forest with palm trees lines the banks and islands above the falls. However, the most notable aspect of the area’s vegetation is the rainforest. It is nurtured by the spray from the falls and contains plants rare for the area such as pod mahogany, ebony, ivory palm, wild date palm and a number of creepers and lianas.

Depending on the climate and when you go to Victoria Falls, you might notice the lack of vegetation or the color of the vegetation. Vegetation has suffered in recent droughts. So along with that the animals that depend on it, particularly antelope, have suffered too. Unless we live near such areas we never think so much of the effects of nature in such beautiful and scenic places.

Tour and Safari packages
Designed to accommodate all personal tastes and budgets, there are ready-made tour packages for Victoria Falls; or a special personalized package can be arranged for you at your request. Currently the shorter time period packages range from $595- $695 per person sharing hotel accommodations, and about $1695 for a longer tour package. Check these prices, however, before you make your plans to be sure of the exact cost.

If you like camping, you might enjoy a canoe safari, located on the Zambezi River. This is a great way to get in touch with the outdoors, as you will sleep in tents and your meals will be prepared by your tour guide. On this trip you will be an active participant, assisting in preparing the campsites and the clean-up details. The canoe safaris range from the most basic to deluxe ten-day tours. In addition to camping and canoeing, the canoe safari is excellent for fishing and photography.

The ultimate Victoria Falls adventure can be found in Zambezi whitewater rafting. There are several trip packages available from slightly over $100 per person, one day, to slightly over $500 for a five-day expedition; other packages can be specially arranged. Considered to be the best whitewater rafting in the world, it is also the most dangerous whitewater rafting; therefore it is important for those who choose this exciting activity to be in relatively good health.

If you wish adventure of a less-dangerous nature, Victoria Falls has many other options to consider. These activities may be combined for a custom-designed tour. One delightful excursion is the African Lion Encounter. At only about $100 per person for a morning or an afternoon encounter, you can have a once-in-a-lifetime experience of personally interacting with lion cubs on the Masuwe Estate. Although this is carefully supervised by trained personnel for the safety of both the lions and guests, only guests who are over sixteen years of age are allowed to participate in the lion encounter.

You may also be interested in an Elephant Back Safari, where you will have the opportunity to interact with these animals as well as ride them through areas where you can view other wildlife, such as zebra, buffalo, crocodile, and a wide range of bird species. With this type of hands-on approach to the elephants, you will learn much about their intelligence and means of interacting.

The Victoria Falls Game Drives take place at the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, which is home to white rhino, wildebeest, zebra, antelope, buffalo and giraffe. Each 2 1/2-hour game drive is supervised by experienced guides, and is available year-round for about $50 per person.

Victoria Falls - an exciting vacation spot
Victoria Falls has much more to offer than its wildlife. If you truly seek adventure, other activities you can take part in include bungee jumps, river boarding, micro-light flights, helicopter rides, kayaking, and tours of the area’s museums, markets, and cultural village.

When considering your trip to Victoria Falls, it would be best to keep the seasons in mind. Although the presence and activities of its wildlife is essentially consistent, April is usually the optimum time for viewing the Falls themselves. April is also the best time for bird-viewing. By going then you will arrive prior to the birds’ northbound migration.

From viewing and interacting with endangered and protected wildlife, to participating in a wide assortment of challenging activities such as safaris and several day tours, Victoria Falls makes a wonderful and must see vacation stopping point. You will also have the opportunity to photograph one of the most beautiful natural wonders of the world. Victoria Falls offers you a most memorable trip, one you will never forget.

 

Copyright © Honey B. Wackx

 

Honey B. Wackx is an aspiring author and software developer. She writes many articles for herself and other website owners. One of her favorite interests is hot cars and sports cars. Another is online dating. Honey B. is interested in internet marketing profits.