Walking to the Edge of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

There is always a rainbow, but where the rainbow will be depends on the time of day and your viewing angle.

The romance of Africa's past could be felt all around us, as our porter in a fine white uniform, greeted us and escorted us inside of the Victoria Falls Hotel. The hotel is pure old world grandeur. Various members of royalty have visited over the years, and the class of personal service here maintains even today. The hotel is a living piece of history, built in the early 1900's as a home for travelers on the Cape to Cairo Railway line.

The path that leads through Victoria Falls National Park starts just a short distance from the hotel. After paying the $50 entry fee, we followed our ears to the low rumble, that grew louder with each step. Our surroundings started to get lusher and greener, with mist falling from the sky like some 24/7 rain. We sped past a large group of slower Road Scholars, and under the statue of David Livinstone, I presume, and down 38 steps to our first view of the famous Victoria Falls.

This lower viewpoint, labeled #2 in the park, is one of my favorites. But with 16 viewpoints in all, we had some ground to cover. Each new viewpoint brought another perspective along the curtain of water tumbling down into the gorge below. The gorge separates two countries, Zambia and Zimbabwe. I think the most beautiful views of the falls are from this park on the Zimbabwe side. However, we did see some people across the way, swimming in the infamous Devil's Pool, an infinity-like pool at the very edge of the falls. That will be our plan for tomorrow morning! Before we left the falls, a rare trumpeter hornbill flew overhead, reminding us of the unique rainforest ecosystem the mist from the falls create.

Stepping back from the waterfall mist to the white marble and elegant piano music of the Victoria Falls Hotel felt almost cinematic. As we dined on the terrace we could still hear the distant sound of thunder from the falls. That is why the locals call it Mosi-oa-Tunya, or 'the smoke that thunders.' There are few places on Earth that combine the raw power of nature, with historical elegance quite like this.

Looking across at the main falls section of Victoria Falls. Even in the dry season, the falls are always spectacular here. This is also where the infamous 'Devil's Pool' is located...an infinity pool at the edge of the waterfall that some people boldly go into.

The movement of the water over the falls caught in all of its ethereal glory....not with fancy camera, filters, and a tripod, but with my iphone in 'Live View' mode, and long exposure selected. Not bad for a camera that slips easily into your pocket.

The Devil's Cataract is the name of the section at the far left of the falls.

We got to the park a little after 4pm, so as we walked to each of the waterfall overlooks, the sun got a little lower, and the sky got a little more beautiful. The constant mist in the air from the power of the falls helped bring that late afternoon glow to the photos.

Speaking of early evening glow...

Each new overlook brought a new vantage and a new perspective. There are 16 overlooks in the park. That is just how wide and big these falls are.

I like that the school group in their matching uniforms can be seen in the top right corner. It gives a size perspective to the falls.

Looking back at main falls.

The cocktail bar at the Victoria Falls Hotel.

The architect of the Victoria Falls Hotel, back in 1904, made sure that you could look through the main building and see the bridge spanning across the gorge. They said in the highest water flow season you can be standing by the flagpole while feeling water droplets from the mist of the falls.

This section of Victoria Falls drys up for a few months out of the year. Apparently this began with they started diverting water for a hydroelectric plant.

Many a member of Royal families have graced the Victoria Falls Hotel over the years, so it was fitting that we started our stay under the gaze of the King here in the Bulawayo room. This also became our private lounge for our stay, which we took full advantage of.

Kingsley!

We found this in our rooms. So of course, our plan is to meet up for high tea on the terrace before we head to the falls!

Greg and Sue in front of Victoria Falls.

Our first view of the Falls. This is viewpoint 2, where you take 38 steps down, near the Devil's Cataract. This is the only viewpoint from lower than the top edge.

Our last viewpoint, #16 gave us a view of this marvel of engineering. This bridge was originally built in 1904 as a railway bridge. Cecil Rhodes was attempting to combine all of Britain's Africa territories by rail, from Capetown to Cairo.

One of my favorite views of the falls, from 38 steps down.

High tea was enjoyed by all. Pinkies out.

View from the grounds of the Victoria Falls Hotel.

As always, keep traveling and keep posting!

• Dai Mar