Victoria Falls: The Smoke That Thunders

Guess the Natural Wonder: Victoria Falls

In our last blog, we asked if you could guess one of the most iconic natural wonders in the world. If you said Victoria Falls, you were absolutely right. Often listed among the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Victoria Falls is celebrated as the largest sheet of falling water on Earth, known for its breathtaking rainbows, dramatic geology, and rich biodiversity—so extraordinary that it has earned UNESCO World Heritage status.

Where Zimbabwe and Zambia Meet

Located along the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls takes your breath away the moment you arrive. The mighty Zambezi River plunges more than a mile wide into a deep gorge below, sending mist high into the sky and giving the falls their local name, Mosi-oa-Tunya—“The Smoke That Thunders.” Standing there with Wayne, Denise, Uncle Charles, Margaret, Alexander, and Pius, we were completely overwhelmed by its beauty. We simply stood in awe.

Walking the Zimbabwe Side of the Falls

On the Zimbabwe side, rainforest paths wind through lush, mist-cooled greenery before opening suddenly to dramatic viewpoints. From these overlooks, shimmering curtains of water pour into the gorge below, often crowned by glowing rainbows. The experience felt deeply spiritual and humbling—a reminder of nature’s ancient power and God’s magnificent creation.

At one point, Wayne stopped all of us right there at the falls, and we prayed. That was the impact this place had on us. We stayed far longer than planned, mesmerized by the roar of the water, the drifting mist, and the overwhelming beauty surrounding us.

The Legend of Devil’s Pool

Victoria Falls is also home to a famous spot known as Devil’s Pool—a natural rock-formed pool right at the edge of the falls where adventurous visitors can swim during the dry season when water levels are lower. The dramatic name comes from its thrilling location, perched at the brink of one of the world’s most powerful waterfalls. While fascinating to learn about, none of us was brave enough to consider taking the plunge.

Viewing the Falls from Zambia

Although we spent most of our time on the Zimbabwe side, we eventually crossed into Zambia to view the falls from another angle. Since Victoria Falls belongs to both countries, seeing it from multiple perspectives only deepened our appreciation. Of course, there were plenty of photos—first the men, then the women, and then countless shots of the falls themselves. Even now, the memory feels just as vivid.

Visitor Information and Park Fees

If you’re planning a visit, here are a few helpful things to know. On the Zimbabwe side, international visitors typically pay around US $50 per person to enter Victoria Falls National Park. SADC residents pay approximately US $30, and Zimbabwean citizens pay about US $7. Children ages 6–12 are usually half price, while those under 6 enter free. Tickets are valid for one continuous visit, so re-entry later the same day may require an additional fee.

The park fee includes access to the rainforest walk and viewpoints, while experiences such as helicopter flights or river cruises are priced separately. On the Zambia side, park entry is generally lower, around US $20 for international visitors.

Even so, Victoria Falls is worth every single dime.

Reflections Before Moving On

Have you ever visited Victoria Falls? Were you just as awestruck as we were? We’d love to hear your experience.

Next, come see how we wrapped up our final days in Zimbabwe with our ancestral family—and a very special surprise dinner. 🌍✨