As the biggest waterfall on this planet, Victoria Falls wants little in the way in which of introduction – over one million vacationers and thrill-seekers flock right here yearly. Even to the uninitiated, the title Victoria Falls conjures up visions of thundering cascading water, mist-soaked rainforests, and towering columns of spray seen from kilometres away. At 1.7km huge and over 100m tall, the falls are spectacular whichever manner you have a look at them – you actually need to see them for your self to know their enormity.
Full of life Victoria Falls city, on the Zimbabwean facet of the Falls, is a enjoyable city, full of actions and experiences for each kind of traveller – younger and outdated, adrenaline seekers, budget-strapped backpackers, solo travellers, {couples} and households. There’s a myriad of issues to do and see right here, some higher recognized than others. Let’s dive into the extra secret facet of this tiny vacationer city and uncover a couple of of the particular experiences you possibly can have whilst you’re right here.
1. Dusty Highway Township Expertise
Within the coronary heart of the buzzing Chinotimba township, simply 2km from city, Dusty Highway affords a eating expertise like no different in Victoria Falls – introducing worldwide vacationers to conventional Zimbabwean delicacies.
The meals right here is not only a meal, it’s a cultural journey that makes use of indigenous elements, some acquainted and others shocking, to create an expertise that provides a style of Zimbabwe’s culinary heritage. For these ‘tamer tummies’, there’s hen in peanut butter sauce, or bream with native greens and lemon, however for the extra adventurous, there are the surprising delights of mopane worms and cricket and cornflake crunchies.
Meals just isn’t the one distinctive aspect at Dusty Highway; the funky upcycled and recycled décor is an actual winner. Every little thing from doorways to cable reels, tins, pots and extra is repurposed into furnishings – tub tubs develop into chairs, tin cups develop into chandeliers, recycled bottles develop into glasses. Importantly, Dusty Highway helps native ladies via employment and small-scale craft gross sales, in addition to empowering the area people by sourcing elements from native farmers and markets. Each meal here’s a style and a celebration of Zimbabwean tradition.
2. Chef Simba’s Bakery
Within the coronary heart of Victoria Falls is the newest culinary gem remodeling the city’s meals scene. Based by Chef Simba Musiyiwa, the bakery affords a scrumptious vary of artisanal breads, pies, pastries, and mouthwatering desserts. With a pleasant ambiance and a useful out of doors seating space, that is the proper spot to cease to take pleasure in freshly baked treats, whereas doing a bit of individuals watching.
3. Excessive Tea on the Stanley & Livingstone
Within the tranquil environment of the Victoria Falls Personal Sport Reserve, 20 minutes from city, the Stanley & Livingstone Lodge affords afternoon tea day by day on the resort’s terrace, overlooking manicured gardens and a waterhole the place wildlife can typically be noticed having a drink of their very own.
Towering cake stands, laden with scrumptious truffles and savoury treats, quite a lot of teas and a glass of champagne. Whether or not you’re staying at one of many resort’s luxurious suites or visiting for the day, the excessive tea on the Stanley & Livingstone is a should and the proper option to unwind after a day spent exploring one of many Seven Pure Wonders of the World.
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4. Dinner at Pure Africa
On the banks of the Zambezi River, you’ll discover The Eatery on the Pure Africa Waterfront. Whether or not you’ve began your night with a sundown cruise on the river, otherwise you’re in search of someplace particular to have dinner, observe the lantern-lit path to the Eatery, the place a three-course African-flavour-infused meal awaits. Perched on the riverbank, this open-air eating spot has a stunning ambiance – the distant roar of the Victoria Falls, the grunting of close by hippos, and the calls of nightjars all accompany your meal.
5. The Vulture Tradition Expertise
For a totally totally different eating expertise, head to the ‘vulture restaurant’ at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, simply 4km from city. Each day at 1pm guests can witness lots of of endangered vultures swooping right down to feed on leftover meat scraps from the lodge’s kitchens. This free expertise showcases quite a lot of vulture species and begins off with a briefing on the ecological significance of vultures, in addition to the risks they face, together with poisoning, electrocution, and using physique components in conventional medication.
This supplementary feeding program performs a vital function in serving to maintain native vulture populations, that are in decline on account of human impression. The Vulture Tradition Expertise is a family-friendly exercise that’s not solely an exhilarating spectacle but additionally helps vulture conservation.
6. Sundowners on the Shongwe Lookout
On the Shongwe Lookout Visitor Lodge a spotlight for company and guests alike is the lookout itself, an elevated viewing tower with panoramic views of the encircling panorama, the Zambezi River and the distant spray of the Victoria Falls. Whether or not it’s a gin and tonic, a neighborhood Zambezi Lager, or a cocktail, that is the proper spot for a sundowner because the day winds down – what an incredible spot to toast one other unimaginable day in Victoria Falls.
As you ascend the four-storey tower, take your time to admire the placing artworks of Nicole Sanderson that line the partitions, spiralling upwards. Nicole is a Zimbabwean-born artist, famend for the colourful designs, daring colors and complex element in her work of native birds and flora. The Shongwe Lookout is dwelling to Nicole’s gallery, and a shocking choice of her work could be bought right here. (They simply roll up for transport).
7. Simunye – the spirit of Africa
The Simunye present, on the Victoria Fall’s Ndlovu Theatre, is a fascinating efficiency designed to showcase Zimbabwe’s cultural heritage via dance, storytelling, and beautiful visuals. That includes a proficient native forged, a tremendous set, beautiful costumes, intelligent puppets, and a few spectacular and immersive lighting and sound results, the present emphasises themes of cultural concord, battle decision, and wealthy African traditions.
Simunye is appropriate for all ages, making it an incredible family-friendly exercise, and after the present, company can meet, mingle and take photographs with the forged. Simunye – the spirit of Africa is assured to depart an enduring impression.
8. Victoria Falls Safari Spa
For some rest and pampering, the Victoria Falls Safari Spa is a serene retreat positioned inside the grounds of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. That is the primary purpose-built spa property in Victoria Falls and is tucked away amongst indigenous woodland and designed to mix into the pure environment – fortunate guests would possibly even spot warthogs or bushbucks wandering close by.
There are some fairly luxurious services right here, together with therapeutic massage remedy rooms, manicure and pedicure stations, a hair and make-up studio, a rest lounge, and a splash pool with a scenic deck. Visitors can bask in a spread of remedies from therapeutic massage, to facials, physique waxing and even bridal get together make-up. A tranquil escape with uninterrupted views of the bush, it is a great spot to unwind after a safari journey.
9. Victoria Falls Boxing Academy
The Victoria Falls Boxing Academy is greater than only a place to coach; it’s a supply of hope and alternative for a few of Zimbabwe’s orphaned youth. Based by Tobius Mupfuti, himself as soon as an deserted baby, lots of the youngsters who come to the academy had been as soon as homeless.
The Academy affords boxing classes and private coaching periods to the general public, nevertheless it additionally it gives a secure haven and alternatives for youngsters who want it essentially the most. By boxing, Tobius teaches self-discipline, perseverance and life values to his college students, shaping them as athletes and as people. At its core, the Victoria Falls Boxing Academy is a narrative of resilience and group, the place boxing serves as each a sport and a path to a brighter future for Zimbabwe’s deprived youth.
10. Bamba Bikes
Probably the greatest methods to discover Victoria Falls is on a Bamba Bike – a enjoyable and eco-friendly option to expertise this iconic vacation spot. The retro-style e-bikes, with their balloon tyres, are a straightforward and reasonably priced option to get round, and the peddle-assist characteristic means even on the most well liked of days you possibly can glide round city with out elevating a sweat.
Bamba Bike could be rented for half days or full days, or you possibly can take a customized guided tour. Widespread stops embody Dusty Highway, the Large Baobab Tree, the Vulture Feeding Expertise, the bustling native market, and scenic viewpoints alongside the Zambezi River. Bamba Bikes is a versatile and thrilling option to see the sights of Victoria Falls and free supply to your lodging makes it handy for everybody.
The place to remain in Victoria Falls
For a quiet and comfy keep simply minutes from the falls, proprietor run Pamarah Lodge is a trendy boutique possibility tucked away, on half an acre, within the leafy suburbs of Victoria Falls.
With simply 14 thoughtfully designed rooms—together with a non-public honeymoon suite and spacious household models—it affords a peaceable base with fashionable comforts, heat service, and quick access to native sights.
Whether or not you’re ending a day of adrenaline adventures or cultural explorations, the lodge’s tranquil gardens and relaxed ambiance make it a great place to unwind.
Whether or not it’s eating below the celebrities beside the Zambezi River, watching vultures swoop in for a noon feast, or biking previous native landmarks on an e-bike, Victoria Falls affords extra than simply its iconic waterfall. These lesser-known experiences reveal the city’s cultural character, group spirit, and the numerous inventive methods locals are sharing their city. Past the roar of the falls, a secret facet of Victoria Falls awaits—one that may linger in your reminiscence lengthy after the mist has settled.
Sarah Kingdom
Sarah Kingdom is a journey author from Sydney, Australia. When she just isn’t climbing or touring, she lives on a cattle ranch in central Zambia.
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