Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

You might know Mosi-oa-Tunya, ‘the smoke that thunders’ in the local Tonga language, as the legendary Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site considered to be one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Located almost exactly halfway along the Zambezi River’s 2,700 km journey to the Indian Ocean, it’s one of the world's largest waterfalls, formed over time by the powerful currents of the Zambezi which cut through the rock fissures and resulted in the eight impressive precipes we see today. With a span of almost 2km and a drop of 108m it makes Niagara look small in comparison. The surrounding rainforest benefits from the never-ending spray from the falls and consequently enjoys a unique ecosystem which makes it a botanist and bird-lover’s paradise. Stretching from Angola through Zambia to Victoria Falls, travelling east to form the border with Zimbabwe, filling Lake Kariba before crossing Mozambique and emptying into the Indian Ocean, the Zambezi is Africa’s fourth largest river and is undoubtedly mighty in every sense of the word.

Like the Falls, the bustling nearby town is also called Victoria Falls. The waterfall is slightly outside the town, whilst most accommodation, restaurants and everything else are within the town. The airport of the same name is about 20 minutes outside town. It acts as a natural springboard for all that the area has to offer in terms of adventure and nature-based activities. Take your pick from helicopter flights, river-rafting (seasonal), bungee-jumping, fishing, river cruises, hiking and canoeing. For the very daring there is even croc-cage diving. If you prefer something more serene and less strenuous opt for a memorable sunset cruise along the Zambezi.