Scenes so wonderful must have been gazed upon by Angels in their flight.
These are the words written in the diary of the Scottish missionary and explorer of Africa, Dr. David Livingstone; describing the magical Victoria Falls.
Photo taken from a helicopter ride over the Falls by Pat
Although it is neither the highest nor the widest waterfall in the world, Victoria Falls is classified as the largest, taking into consideration its combined height and width, which creates the world’s greatest curtain of water crashing down on its pathway to the mighty Zambezi River which eventually flows into the Indian Ocean at Mozambique.
Local tribes used to call the waterfall Mosi-oa-Tunya, which means the smoke that thunders; and I will be journeying there with my magical $1000, courtesy of Mr @Pinmapple, who is welcome to join me on my dream trip.
A very good friend and my brother waxed lyrical after their respective trips to the majestic Victoria Falls; one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
So...I was tempted and gave in, and am sharing another trip on my bucket list as my second entry into the Pinmapple "If I had $1000 Contest".
Thank you Pat and Roelof for the inspiration and for giving me the nod to use your photos!
Roelof's view of the massive curtain of water
Victoria Falls forms the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and although both countries have been experiencing major political turmoil for many years, tourism still is alive and well, with the magnet being Vic Falls and the game parks.
Road Trip or a Flight?
I would possibly consider a road trip if I had more time as we had guests do a self-drive to Zimbabwe about two years ago; a non-stop drive would take over 21 hours and I'd have to do some stopovers which would cut into my limited budget.
Our guests were most impressed with the roads and the tourism officials from that country; sad to say crossing the border back into South Africa took a while longer so the roles have now been reversed; Zimbabwe have realized the value that tourism brings to their country!
However, my budget of $1000 would allow a flight to Livingstone plus I would not need to hire a car as most of the hotels offer pickups as do all the major attractions.
This quaint mode of transport is also offered if one needs to go places.
Victoria Falls World Heritage Site Look Out Tree
Where to Stay?
It would be a toss-up whether to stay in Zambia or Zimbabwe as resorts in both countries currently offer low accommodation rates for South African residents and the Falls are within easy reach by pathways from both sides.
The Zebras are quite tame and are quite at home grazing on the lawns of the Zambezi Sun Hotel.
This is the kind of view I would be looking for when I visit the Falls.
Mosi-oa-Tunya/ Victoria Falls
I cannot wait to hear the roar of the thundering water cascading over the cliffs, in a cloud of smoke, but for now have to be satisfied with these wonderful photographs.
My friend did not wear a raincoat and eventually was totally drenched, and said it felt truly magical; like she was in paradise in the presence of God!
My sister in law wore a raincoat at first, but eventually took it off as she also wanted to experience the spray; I definitely want to feel that shower from Mosi-oa-Tunya on my skin!
Helicopter ride over the Falls
This experience would certainly be on my itinerary as one could really appreciate the majesty and the size of the Falls from the air.
The Zambezi has a transparent floor so one can see below, but I think I'd rather look through the window to see the amazing sights!
These photos were taken by Pat who described it as a truly magical ride.
Royal Livingstone Express
A roaring twenties style outfit will be in my baggage for the ride on the Royal Livingstone Express steam train to the middle of the bridge over the Zambezi River. It stops precisely on the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, and one can dine in style, like they did in the grand old colonial era.
As Mighty as the Mosi-Oa-Tunya, Mosi Premium Lager - Thunderous Refreshment - an authentic Zambian Beer.
Sunset cruise on the Zambezi River
It's starting to sound like I'm only thinking of food, but one has to eat not so;)
Having cocktails and dining in style on a river boat with Crocodiles and Hippos around, sounds really exciting. I can just imagine the scenery and hearing the sound of the waterfall as background music with the setting sun; an absolutely perfect end to the day.
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park
One half of the park is part of the Victoria Falls while the other half is a game reserve.
Nothing beats a game drive through the African bush, and this is one thing I will be doing especially after hearing the odd sound of nocturnal animals at night.
This park is home to Elephants, Giraffes, Zebras, Buffalo, Kudu, Impala, White Rhino, Hippos, Wildebeest and many more animal species; plus a feast for bird lovers.
Things I will NOT be doing...
River Rafting
Definitely for the younger crowd and something my brother and his wife did, but I'm sharing it here as I know some of my fellow Hiveans are real adventurers.
The boat they were on over-turned, and my brother got stuck underneath for a while; quite scary I would imagine, and even if I was younger, I would be too much of a ninny to undertake this kind of activity!
Swimming on the edge at Angel's Pool or Devil's Pool at Livingstone Island
Another activity I will give a miss!
My brother did swim at Angel's Pool, not too bad, but Devil's Pool as shown in the video below is just plain crazy and something I will not do even if you pay me a massive load of Hive!
Devil's pool is a natural rock pool on the edge of Vic Falls next to Livingstone Island where Dr. Livingstone first saw the Falls.
Adventurers can enjoy an exhilarating swim and sit right on the edge under the watchful eyes of experienced guides with rigid safety measures in place.
Devil's Pool is featured first in this video entitled Mystery Places; absolutely exhilarating just watching it, no need to watch the entire documentary if you don't have the time; insane and mind-boggling is the best way I can describe this crazy activity!
Video Credit to Free Documentary
A fellow traveler
I was quite excited to see that 
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