Friday, December 25, 2009

Victoria Falls : Rightfully Zambia's Most Popular Safari Destination

By Andrew Muigai

Victoria Falls in Zambia, also known as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya (meaning the smoke that thunders),is the most attractive feature on River Zambezi. As the water flows down its 1708 meters wide cliff, a blanket of mist covers the neighbourhood making a magnificent scenery.

The blanket of mist becomes so thick that it becomes difficult to view the Victoria Falls during the rainy season. The Falls becomes dull and is not the best time to visit during the peak of the dry season. A helicopter ride or a bird's eye view of the falls is preferred, although most people like the experience from the ground where they can feel the spray on their faces from the falls. A raincoat is recommended if you plan to view the falls from the ground because you are bound to get soaked.

The famous Victoria Falls Bridge is situated a stone throw away from the falls. The bridge joins Zambia and Zimbabwe and it offers excellent views of River Zambezi and the adjacent forests. Most visitors to the site take part in Bunjee jumping activity - a popular leisure activity at the bridge. At 111 metres long, Victoria Falls is the world's longest bungee distance. Other interesting sites that can be spotted from the bridge include Cahora Bassa and Kariba dams.

The massive Kariba dam in Zambia covers a total of 300km while Cahora Bassa dam in Mozambique is 280 km wide. Sport fishing is a popular activity in both dams. Tiger fish, which grows up to 10kg, is the most common fish in the dams. Other fish species that can be tagged include the red-breated bream and the yellow-belly bream among others.

River Zambia has some of the most fascinating wildlife viewing opportunities in Southern Africa and this is due to the large number of national parks positioned along its course. They include Mana pools park, Zambezi and of course the Victoria Falls National Park.

Besides boasting a huge number of attractions, the Zambezi offers unlimited accommodation options. These range from luxury hotels to outdoor tents, hence the destination suits travellers of all budgets. Victoria Falls, Royal Livingstone and Thorn Tree Lodge are the most preferred hotels in the area.

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