Cliff hanger in the Devils Pool, Livingstone, Zambia
Livingstone Island is declared open for 2008/2009 season
The Victoria Falls are the largest waterfalls in the world. This claim is based on the width (1.7km/1 mi) and height (108m/360ft) which forms the largest sheet of falling water. There is also a great diversity of wildlife to be seen here and having World Heritage status it is one of the few remaining non commercialised nature sights in the world. It is a definite “must see” sight on any intrepid travellers top ten list of places to visit in a lifetime.
Livingstone Island is a small island in the middle of the Zambezi River and is undoubtedly the best place to view this immense mass of water. It is where David Livingstone first viewed the Mosi-Oa-Tunya (The Smoke That Thunders) which he subsequently named after Queen Victoria.
You can take a boat trip to Livingstone Island; subject to water levels, and although you will be in a twin engine speed boat and not a mekoro (dug out canoe) as was David Livingstone’s mode of transport, you will be able to experience this thrilling journey as he did through the mighty Zambezi’s fast moving channels.
Once on the island you will be rewarded with the most sensational view of this ancient wonder; the mighty roar of the thundering water forming cumulus clouds and vapour that fragment the sunlight into multi coloured rainbows. Unforgettable, breathtaking scenery that will make you realise that a reality much larger than our own does exist. Nature is a truly humbling experience.
If you are planning a trip to Zambia, it is advisable to book your visit to the island in advance as the numbers are limited to sixty visitors per day.
If you are planning a trip between September and December you may want to take the opportunity to swim in the Devils Pool, a small current free rock pool on the rim of the Falls. You will be able to stand in shallow water, two inches from where the water drops over the edge.
