Breathtaking scenery from Livingstone

In China it is often said that you really have not seen the country properly unless you have stood on the Great Wall. In Africa they say no visit is complete without seeing the Victoria Falls.

The falls lie on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe and can be viewed from both banks. However the unstable political situation in Zimbabwe has put tourists off and pushed prices up, allowing its lesser-known neighbor, Livingstone, the chance to revive its historical past. Back in the colonial days, Livingstone was a central stop over in Southern Africa with the world’s tallest bridge, the world’s longest railway line and a thriving town.

There are many ways to experience the Victoria Falls and you can easily spend two days taking in their splendor. Paths take you around the side of the falls to a variety of viewpoints all of which are extremely wet, so come prepared for a soaking. The more adventurous can walk down to the Devil's Cataract at the bottom of the falls and gaze up. However the spray makes viewing from land a selective process as only small sections can be seen from any one spot. The better alternative is to view them from the air, either by helicopter or better still from the back seat of a microlight. It’s an expensive option with tickets starting around $100 each for a 15-minute ride but an experience that will stay with you for a long time.Hotels in the town are plentiful and cater for all tastes and budgets but for those who can afford it there are some very distinctive options. The Royal Livingstone Hotel, voted best hotel in Zambia and temporary home to many a president and movie star, takes you back in history to Livingstone’s heyday. The 176 old style rooms all have views of the river, some of the falls, and the lounge and bar seem a fitting place for any would be 19th Century explorer. For those prepared to skip a little luxury and experience the bush in style, the Tongabezi Lodge and the River Club both offer open air rooms right on the river with just a mosquito net between you and the water. The eco friendly Tongabezi even owns an island with five rooms, and offers dawn and dusk boat rides to view the wide life. The River club boasts “the world’s best” infinity swimming pool, that melts into the Zambezi river and the perfect place to finish the day.

Related story: Soak up the splendor of the white thunder

Video & text: D J Clark