Destinations
Moremi Game Reserve
Experience the stunning beauty, the unimaginable vastness, the isolation and worldliness, and the astoundingly prolific wildlife of the best-kept African secret – Botswana, Moremi Game Reserve.
This gem of a National Park has garnered a number of important distinctions. in 2008, it was voted the ‘best game reserve in Africa’ by the prestigious African Travel and Tourism Association at South Africa’s premier tourism fair, Indaba.
It is the first reserve in Africa that was established by local residents. Concerned about the rapid depletion of wildlife in their ancestral lands – due to uncontrolled hunting and cattle encroachment – the Batawana people of Ngamiland, under the leadership of the deceased Chief Moremi III’s wife, Mrs. Moremi, took the bold initiative to proclaim Moremi a game reserve in 1963.
It is the only officially protected area of the Okavango Delta, and as such holds tremendous scientific, environmental and conservation importance.
And, undoubtedly, Moremi ranks as one of the most beautiful reserves in Africa, possibly in the world
Moremi Game Reserve is situated in the central and eastern areas of the Okavango, and includes the Moremi Tongue and chief’s island, boasting one of the richest and most diverse ecosystems on the continent.
This makes for spectacular game viewing and bird watching, including all major naturally occurring herbivore and carnivore species in the region, and over 400 species of birds, many migratory and some endangered. Both Black and White Rhino have recently been re-introduced, now making the reserve a ‘Big Five’ destination.
Contained within an area of approximately 3900 sq kms, here land and Delta meet to create an exceedingly picturesque preserve of floodplains – either seasonally or perennially wet, waterways, lagoons, pools, pans, grasslands and riparian, riverine and mophane forests. This terrain makes driving Moremi’s many loops and trails both delightful and, at times, totally inspiring.
The rustic Third Bridge campsite, situated near the pretty Sekiri River, flanked with thick stands of papyrus, is a favourite, creating lasting memories of resplendent Okavango sunsets.
Central Kalahari Game Reserve
Nothing prepares you for the immensity of this reserve, nor its wild, mysterious beauty. There is the immediate impression of unending space, and having the entire reserve to yourself.
Waist-high golden grasses seem to stretch interminably, punctuated by dwarfed trees and scrub bushes. Wide and empty pans appear as vast white stretches of saucer-flat earth, meeting a soft, blue-white sky. At night the stars utterly dominate the land; their brilliance and immediacy are totally arresting.
The Central Kalahari game Reserve (CKGR) is the largest, most remotely situated reserve in Southern Africa, and the second largest wildlife reserve in the world, encompassing 52 800 sq kms.
During and shortly after good summer rains, the flat grasslands of the reserve’s northern reaches teem with wildlife, which gather at the best grazing areas. These include large herds of springbok and gemsbok, as well as wildebeest, hartebeest, eland and giraffe.
At other times of the year, when the animals are more sparsely distributed, the experience of travelling through truly untouched wilderness, of seemingly unending dimensions, is the draw.
The landscape is dominated by silver terminalia sandveldt, Kalahari sand acacias, and Kalahari appleleaf, interspersed with grasslands, and dotted with occasional sand dunes, pans and shallow fossil river valleys.
CKGR is unique in that it was originally established (in 1961) with the intention of serving as a place of sanctuary for the San, in the heart of the Kalahari (and Botswana), where they could live their traditional hunter/ gatherer way of life, without intrusion, or influence, from the outside world.
The reserve was closed for about 30 years, until in the 1980s and 1990s, both self-drive and organised tours were allowed in, albeit in small, tightly controlled numbers.
The Botswana government has initiated plans to develop tourism away from the Okavango and Chobe areas, and has allocated concessions for lodge construction, both at the peripheries of and inside the reserve, allowing for fly-in tourists.
The northern deception valley is one of the highlights, principally because of the dense concentrations of herbivores its sweet grasses attract during and after the rainy season (and of course the accompanying predators). It is also the most travelled area of the reserve, with a number of public campsites, and proximity to the eastern Matswere Gate. The other two gates are completely at the other side of the reserve, at Xade and Tsau, where public campsites are also available.
Other worthwhile areas to drive are Sunday and Leopard Pans, north of Deception Valley, Passarge Valley and further south, Piper’s Pan
Okavango Delta
Experience the stunning beauty, the unimaginable vastness, the isolation and worldliness, the astoundingly prolific wildlife of the best-kept African secret – Botswana’s Okavango Delta
One of the most sought-after wilderness destinations in the world, the Okavango Delta gives entrance to the spectacle of wild Africa such as dreams are made of – the heart-stopping excitement of big game viewing, the supreme tranquillity and serenity of an untouched delta, and evocative scenes of extraordinary natural beauty.
A journey to the Okavango Delta – deep into Africa’s untouched interior – is like no other. Moving from wetland to dryland – traversing the meandering palm and papyrus fringed waterways, passing palm-fringed islands, and thick woodland, resplendent with lush vegetation, and rich in wildlife – reveals the many facets of this unique ecosystem, the largest intact inland delta in the world.
The Okavango Delta is situated deep within the Kalahari Basin, and is often referred to as the ‘jewel’ of the Kalahari.
That the Okavango exists at all – deep within this thirstland – seems remarkable. Shaped like a fan, the Delta is fed by the Okavango River, the third largest in southern Africa. It has been steadily developed over the millennia by millions of tonnes of sand carried down the river from Angola
There are three main geographical areas:
the Panhandle
the Delta
dryland
The Panhandle begins at the Okavango’s northern reaches, at Mohembo, extending down for approximately 80 kilometres. Its corridor-like shape is contained within two parallel faults in the Earth’s crust. Here the river runs deep and wide and the swamps are perennially flooded. The dominant vegetation is vast papyrus beds and large stands of phoenix palms. The main tourist attractions of the Panhandle are fishing, birding and visiting the colourful villages that line its western fringes.
At Seronga, the fan-shaped Delta emerges, and the waters spill over the Delta, rejuvenating the landscape and creating stunning mosaics of channels, lagoons, ox-bow lakes, flooded grasslands and thousands upon thousands of islands of an endless variety of shapes and sizes. Many of the smaller islands are grandiose termitaria built by fungus-growing termites, one of 400 termite species in Africa, whose fantastic structures are a source of refuge and food for many animals.
The Delta region of the Okavango can vary in size from 15 000 square kilometres during drier periods to a staggering 22 000 square kilometres during wetter periods. Its dominant plant species are reeds, mokolwane palms, acacia, sycamore fig, sausage trees, rain trees and African mangosteen.
At the Delta’s lower reaches, the perennial swamps give way to seasonal swamps and flooded grasslands. To the southeast the third vegetation region becomes evident, as it changes to true dryland. There are three major land masses here: the Matsebi Ridge, Chief’s Island and the Moremi tongue. Here the vegetation is predominantly mophane, acacia and scrub bush and the land is dotted with pans. It is to this region that large numbers of mammals retreat during the dry winter months.
Major tourist attractions in the Delta and the dryland areas are game viewing, birding and boating, often in the traditional mokoro. The diversity and numbers of animals and birds can be staggering. A recent overview of the Okavango records 122 species of mammals, 71 species of fish, 444 species of birds, 64 species of reptiles and 1300 species of flowering plants. A successful rhino reintroduction programme in the Okavango now puts the population of White Rhino at approximately 35, and Black Rhino at 4.
Things to do in Okavango Delta
Mokoro Safaris (Traditional Canoeing)
Enjoy a day of traditional canoeing and blending with the wildlife in the Delta. Relax and appreciate the scenery as your guide silently navigates your mokoro exploring the magnificence and ecological intricacy of the Okavango Delta. You will witness the flourishing flora lining the edges of the waterways and the lush vegetation encompassed by diversity of African fauna from birdlife, aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. You can explore the delta channels with a mokoro canoe under the guidance of native and experienced mokoro guides and polers.
Game Driving And Boating Safaris:
Guests can explore the abundant animals surrounding the Okavango Delta on morning and afternoon game drives in open 4 X 4 vehicles or on motorised boats. The landscape traversed on game viewing includes open floodplains, dense mopane bushveld, swamps, lakes, and lagoons with numerous islands offering spectacular game viewing and birding opportunities all year round.
Okavango Nightlife:
Sleeping in the wilderness can be an exhilarating experience. You will be treated to sounds of the night in the wilderness of the delta and a watching spree of the nocturnal game that roams the delta. A game drive into the wilderness of the Delta at night is a rare experience as you are welcomed into the backwoods with different nocturnal sounds and enveloped in total darkness only with the guidance of your guide’s spotlight. You can observe the life of night game in your own comfort zone. Share your day’s safari experience with people around or your friends as you sit by the campfire. You will also have the chance to listen to other people’s accounts of their day around the delta.
Nature Walks / Walking Safaris:
Nature walks and walking safaris with a guide within the Delta is one experience that you will surely treasure. You can walk the grassy and luxuriant grounds of the Delta with varied flora species surrounding you. Guests can observe plants and insect life they have never seen before. Also, there is wildlife roaming around the arid land that you could encounter on foot while in the delta maze thus embracing all sights including tracks, smells and sounds around you.
Fishing Excursions:
The Okavango Delta offers excellent tiger-fishing, bream, pike, catfish and other species. The standard policy is “catch and release” with an option of having a single catch for dinner or lunch. When staying at a water-based camp, guests can enjoy fishing while basked in the spectacular scenery. Roll into the still waters and feel the morning or evening breeze on your skin. An experienced guide stays with you during the fishing trip and can also train you to cast.
Okavango Life And Culture:
Have a first-hand experience of the culture and tradition of the people of Okavango. Although this is not a standard tourist attraction or activity, sometimes guests get invited to village homes when visiting concessions close to the villages e.g. Khwai. You may want to interact with the locals and be exposed to the traditional lives of the people of Okavango.
Helicopter Safaris:
Aerial Viewing The aerial view of the Delta is fantastic. As the copter rises, you are treated to the vast green of flourishing flora that covers the arid land of the Delta. You can see the remotest portions that cannot be easily toured when you are on the ground and spot wildlife from a bird eye view. The fan shape delta with its many islands, ornamented maze of water channels and waterways will definitely catch your eye.
Okavango Heavenly Watching:
Another interesting activity to do while in the Okavango Delta is to experience watching the changing of the color of the skies as the sun sets and rises. The sky color is majestic, especially towards the evening after a sunny day. Also, in the comfort of your lodge or camp, you can gain enlightenment from your guide who can circumnavigate you through the swarming heavens and theme out the most remarkable sights.
Makgadikgadi Pans National Park
Imagine – if you will – an area the size of Portugal, largely uninhabited by humans. Its stark, flat, featureless terrain stretches – it would seem – to eternity, meeting and fusing with a milky-blue horizon. This is the Makgadikgadi – an area of 12 000 sq kms, part of the Kalahari Basin, yet unique to it – one of the largest salt pans in the world.
For much of the year, most of this desolate area remains waterless and extremely arid; and large mammals are thus absent. But during and following years of good rain, the two largest pans – Sowa to the east and Ntwetwe to the west – flood, attracting wildlife – zebra and wildebeest on the grassy plains – and most spectacularly flamingos at Sowa and Nata Sanctuary. Flamingo numbers can run into the tens – and sometimes – hundreds of thousands, and the spectacle can be completely overwhelming.
The rainwater that pours down on the pans is supplemented by seasonal river flows – the Nata, Tutume, Semowane and Mosetse Rivers in the east, and in years of exceptional rains, the Okavango via the Boteti River in the west.
During this time, the pans can be transformed into a powder blue lake, the waters gently lapping the shorelines, and flowing over the pebble beaches – a clear indication of the gigantic, prehistoric lake the Makgadikgadi once was. Research suggests that the Makgadikgadi is a relic of what was once one of the biggest inland lakes Africa has ever had. Africa’s most famous explorer, Dr. David Livingstone, crossed these pans in the 19th century, guided by a massive baobab, Chapman’s Tree – believed to be 3,000 to 4,000 years old, and the only landmark for hundreds of miles around. Seeing this amazing tree today, you are given entry to an era when much of the continent was uncharted, and explorers often risked their lives navigating the wilderness on oxcarts through rough and gruelling terrain.
The Makgadikgadi is in fact a series of pans, the largest of which are Sowa and Ntwetwe, both of which are surrounded by a myriad of smaller pans. North of these two pans are Kudiakam Pan, Nxai Pan and Kaucaca Pan. Interspersed between the pans are sand dunes, rocky islands and peninsulas, and desert terrain vegetation that can grow on the salty surface of the pans, but the fringes are covered with grasslands. Massive baobab trees populate some fringe areas – and their silhouettes create dramatic landscapes against a setting sun. The Makgadikgadi Pans Game Reserve – with an area of 3 900 sq kms – incorporates the western end of Ntwetwe, extensive grasslands and acacia woodland. At its northern boundary, it meets the Nxai Pan National Park, separated only by the Nata- Maun Road. In the wet season, this reserve can offer good wildlife viewing, particularly when large herds of zebra and wildebeest begin their westward migration to the Boteti region. other species include gemsbok, eland and red hartebeest, as well as kudu, bushbuck, duiker, giraffe, springbok, steenbok, and even elephant, with all the accompanying predators, as well as the rare brown hyena. Humans have inhabited areas of the pans since the Stone Age, and have adapted to geographical and climatic changes as they have occurred. Archaeological sites on the pans are rich with Early Man’s tools and the bones of the fish and animals he ate. Human inhabitation has continued to the present day; and a number of villages, including Mopipi, Mmatshumo, Nata, Gweta and Rakops, are situated on the fringes of the pans.
Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park is Botswana’s first national park declared in 1967 covering around 11700 square kilometers. Famous as the elephant capital of Africa, the park derived its name from the Chobe River and located on the northern part of Botswana near Zambia, Zimbabwe and Namibia.The Chobe River is the main source of water for the park and comprises of mopane woodland, floodplains, grasslands and combretum offering diversity in its ecosystem. It has one of the largest concentrations of African elephants. General game viewing and birdlife are superb all year around with the elephant, buffalo and zebra masses being seasonally migratory based on accessibility to water and food.
Things to do in Chobe National Park
Chobe National Park boasts of its renowned game driving and boating safaris (riverfront areas).
Chobe Game Driving Safari In Botswana, Africa. The game drive into the Chobe National Park gives visitors the most rewarding experience with nature. During your game drive, you can encounter enormous herds of elephant and buffalo with various predators. Plains game and bird species on offer is astonishing. You will have a chance to view the fascinating biodiversity and dense population of its wild residents. Game drives are done in 4×4 vehicles making it accessible to reach further grounds while your guide shares his knowledge and enlightens you with wildlife behaviors and its symbiotic relationship with its habitat.
Chobe Boating Safari In Africa, Botswana A boating safari on the Chobe riverfront provides another fantastic way to see wildlife up, close and personal either when bathing or drinking from the river or hanging around the river bank. Herds of trumpeting elephants can generally be seen while grunting hippo pods, water birds, and prehistoric crocodile can be best viewed in their natural wet habitat. The boating safari offers a perfect way to end your day watching the African sunset closing down on the Chobe River while sipping your cocktail.
Linyanti Game Reserve
Linyanti is a faultless natural oasis in Botswana with an air of untouched beauty teeming with wildlife. This undiluted environment brings a magical feeling of peace and tranquility and the overpowering feeling of nearness to earthly evolution. The Linyanti River traces its origin from Cuando River in South Central Africa flowing from Angola into Namibia and then Botswana as Kwando River and finally turning into the Linyanti. The Linyanti region is sandwiched between the Okavango Delta to the south and Chobe to the east. The area is generally composed of two sectors:
1. The Northern Linyanti area consists of a private concession area outside the western Chobe National Park boundary and a public one within the Chobe park boundary. There are couple permanent camps in the Northern Linyanti private area such as Linyanti Bush Camp and Linyanti Ebony. Part of the Northern Linyanti Ecosystem extension also includes Kwando Reserve covering 573000 acres (232000 hectares) of open Linyanti wilderness. It boasts of the Lagoon area in northern Kwando and Lebala in the southern Kwando based on the location and names of its two camps.
2. The Southern Linyanti also referred as Linyanti Wildlife Reserve or simply the Linyanti Concession is shared by three main camps i.e. DumaTau, Kings Pool and Savuti Camp. There is also the enthralling Selinda Reserve part of Southern Linyanti Ecosystem extension covering 320000 acres of pristine Linyanti wilderness. The reserve is centered on the Selinda Spillway, a primordial waterway that was normally dry for many years. Selinda has 2 main camps: Selinda Camp and Zarafa Camp for traditional safaris and specialist horse riding safari camp – Motswiri Camp.
SAFARI ACTIVITIES
The Linyanti boasts of varied Africa safari adventure that attracts multitudes of visitors. Some activities are dependent on the location of your accommodation and seasonal availability.
Game Driving Safari: During the game driving safari, guests are exposed to the large concentration of the game of varied species. You can opt for a morning, afternoon or night time game driving on an open 4×4 vehicle that will let feel the African wilderness breeze and enjoy uninterrupted views of ecosystem.
Boating Safari: Boating on the Linyanti River or The Savuti Channel is an excellent way to see the game up, close and personal. Viewing the behaviours of aquatic and bird life is best accessible on a boat. The boating is done in the network of waterways traversing swamps, lakes, and lagoons with small islands offering spectacular game viewing and birding opportunities all year round. The boating safari offers a picture-perfect way to end your day observing the African sunset concluding its day down on the waterway while sipping your cocktail.
Fishing Excursions: The Linyanti offers superb bream, pike, tiger-fishing, catfish and other species. The normal policy is “catch and release” with a preference of having a single catch for dinner or lunch.
Walking Safari / Nature Walks: In the Linyanti, you can experience a nature walk safari escorted by an armed guide. Walking safari allows you to observe, whiff and hear the flora and fauna surrounding you.
Canoeing Safari: Canoeing safari is different from mokoro safari on offer at the Okavango Delta. The mokoro safaris are normally done on shallow water while canoeing safaris are done on deep channels. The activity is offered seasonally at selected camps and water level permitting and subject to elephant concentration. You will witness the thriving flora lining the boundaries of the waterways and the lush foliage embraced by diversity of African fauna from birdlife, aquatic and terrestrial wildlife. You can explore the Linyanti River or The Savuti Channel on a canoe under the guidance of an experienced canoe guide.
Introduction To Nxai Pan National Park
Nxai Pan National Park
Nxai Pan National Park is located on the north eastern part of Botswana specifically at the northern periphery of the ancient Makgadikgadi basin. Thousands of years back, Nxai Pan, Lake Ngami, Xau, Mababe Depression, Ntwetwe Pan, Sua Pan and the Okavango Delta were all a collective part of the enormous Makgadikgadi lake which is now dried up. This African safari park in Botswana covered about 2578 sq. km in 1992 when it was officially declared as a national park from its original reserve designation serving an area of 1676 sq. km in 1970 with the now an extension inclusion of Baines’s Baobabs area. To this day, the Baines’s Baobabs remained painted as they were over 150 years ago and continue to be one of the main attractions of the park and serves as an excellent Botswana safari destination for the artists, celebrities, royals such as Prince Charles who have painted there. The Baines’s Baobabs were named after Thomas Baines who painted them in May 1862. The Nxai Pan and Kgama-Kgama Pan at the northeast, and Baines’ Baobabs and Kudiakam Pan to the south constitute the Nxai Pan National Park.
Baines Baobabs
Baines Baobabs is situated approximately 30 kilometres from the Nxai Pan National Park entrance, and it is a highlight for any visitor travelling to this area of Botswana.The centre of attraction are the seven huge, gnarled baobab trees, which are situated on an island overlooking and surrounded by the white, crusty Kudiakam Pan. Baines stood and painted this otherworldly scene over a hundred years ago and the Baobabs were named after explorer Thomas Baines. This scene has remained unchanged over centuries.Thomas Baines was an explorer, artist, naturalist and cartographer. He and fellow explorer James Chapman travelled through this area during their two-year journey from Namibia to Victoria Falls (1861-63).Baines’ account of his journey is filled with appreciation of the beauty of africa. ‘I confess,’ he wrote, ‘I can never quite get over the feeling that the wonderful products of nature are objects to be admired rather than destroyed; and this, I am afraid, sometimes keeps me looking at a buck when I ought to be minding my hindsights.’Baines’ painting of the small island of baobabs shows covered wagons, people tending their horses, and a huge baobab bursting with leaves. ‘We walked forward to the big tree, the Mowana at Mamu ka Hoorie, and found the country much improved,’ Baines wrote of the gloriously shaded area.
Safari Activities
Nxai Pan safari activities include game drives, historical tours to Baines’s Baobabs and nature walks around the park. The game drives to the interiors of the park gives you an unrivaled experience with natural beauty and wildlife. The safari drive gives you opportunity to come at close range with predators that dominate the wilderness of the park and other plains game residents. Historical tours and nature walks at Nxai are an exhilarating African safari activity that brings you to the famous Baines’s Baobabs that have been there centuries ago and are still there to this day without so much a change. In the nature walk, you will have the opportunity to smell, observe, touch, and listen to sounds of the wilderness.The Nxai Pan safari would probably be one of your most rewarding experiences with nature. You will witness the magnetism and allure of the park untainted by massive human intrusion. The Nxai Pan is undoubtedly a seasoned Africa safari park, and with careful safari planning offers a captivating and life changing travel Eden for any nature lover.
Nata Bird Sanctuary
Botswana’s first community-based conservation project is managed and staffed by residents of four local communities – Nata, Maphosa, Sepako and Manxotae. It is a good example of a non-consumptive means of wildlife utilisation that brings direct financial benefit to local communities. Proceeds from tourism activities in the sanctuary are shared by the four communities for whatever development projects they decide they want and need.
About 3 000 head of cattle belonging to members of these four communities were voluntarily moved out of the area for the establishment of the sanctuary. Nata Sanctuary opened its gates to the public in 1993, and in the same year was awarded the Tourism for Tomorrow award for the southern hemisphere.
Covering an area of 250 sq kms – comprising both grasslands and pans, in an important environmentally sensitive area – the sanctuary offers easy access to the pans, and pleasant, reasonably priced camping facilities.
In the peak season, birding, and even game viewing, can be good. When there is water in the pans, thousands of flamingos, pelicans, ducks and geese congregate, and the scene is indeed awe-inspiring. an elevated hide provides an unbeatable panorama of the pans.
Khwai Concession
With unfenced neighbours such as the Moremi Game Reserve and Chobe National Park, the 180,000-hectare Khwai Concession is considered one of the prime safari destinations on the fertile north-eastern fringes of the Okavango Delta. A community-run eco-tourism initiative, Khwai is a superb example of conservation tourism at its best, with all proceeds going back into the Khwai Village for community upliftment and community projects.
The Okavango Delta has many unique ecosystems but none more dramatic than the Khwai River, the northern-most overflow, with the dry season providing some of Africa’s most spectacular wildlife viewing as the animals concentrate on the river’s edge.
In October the water from the delta has pushed as far up the Khwai channel as it will go for the season, the temperatures soar during the day, what little vegetation left is lifeless – but the waters of the Khwai are a lifeline for wildlife. Elephant herds, lions and massive flocks of quelea gather for the encore. It is a time of great dramas where the fight for survival is at its extreme.
The vegetation in the vicinity of the river has all but disappeared – stripped, trampled or simply dried brittle by the season – and the air is infused with a potpourri of dust and dung from the thousands of creatures that are part of this masterpiece of nature.
The Khwai River is the northern overflow of the Okavango Delta, with the water level in the channel depending on the extent of the flood of the delta. With the drying of the bush during the dry season the wildlife begins to concentrate on the permanent water sources. With its reliance on the Okavango floodwaters, and its location on the extreme edge of the delta, the Khwai fills as the dry season wears on. It is this phenomenon that attracts the wildlife and provides one of nature’s most dramatic tableaus.
Savuti
Savute is tucked away within the spectacular Chobe National Park in Botswana, and stretches all along the northern boundaries of the park to the Linyanti River. Savute was dry and waterless for almost 3 decades, and artificial waterholes nourished the wildlife. Now up and running again, it offers an excellent base for Botswana safari tours.
Savute’s spectacular landscapes are covered with lush vegetation and marshlands, where an abundance of wildlife freely roam. The highlights of Savute includes the majestic zebra migration from the northern sections of Botswana, the rocky outcrops of the Gubatsa Hills, a myriad of birds and incredible wildlife. Among the species of wildlife that can be spotted throughout Savute includes lion, hyena, buffalo, elephant and zebra.
Activities in Savute includes game drives and birdwatching.
Victoria Falls
One of the greatest attractions in Africa and one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the world, Victoria Falls is located on the Zambezi River, the fourth largest river in Africa, which is also defining the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe.
Victoria Falls is the only waterfall in the world with a length of more than a kilometer and a height of more than hundred meters. It is also considered to be the largest fall in the world.
The noise of Victoria Falls can be heard from a distance of 40 kilometers, while the spray and mist from the falling water is rising to a height of over 400 meters and can be seen from a distance of 50 kilometers. No wonder that the local tribes used to call the waterfall Mosi-o-Tunya “The smoke that thunders”.
Scottish missionary and famous Victoria Falls is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the citizens of both Zambia and Zimbabwe no longer have fear of the “the smoke that thunders”, and are successfully developing the tourism on both sides of the river.
The falls were formed in a zone of crustal faults.
Interestingly, during the dry season the water level in the Zambezi River drops sharply, and it becomes possible to walk through some parts of the waterfall. However, during the rest of the year Victoria Falls is a roaring machine that strikes anyone with its power
