Swept away by the Victoria Falls

The Victoria Falls, or "Vic Falls" as the locals call them, is one of the great wonders of the world and one of Zimbabwe's best- known attractions.

Located outside the town of Victoria Falls in the country's Matebeland North Province, millions of gallons of water plunge over 1.6 kilometer-wide cliff into a narrow gorge below. The best way to view the falls is from the air, by helicopter. With its many attractions like white-water rafting, big game drives, bungy jumping and hot air ballooning, the town of Victoria Falls is dubbed the "Adventure Capital of Africa".

Near the falls is the Hwange National Park, the biggest animal sanctuary in Zimbabwe. Elephants, giraffes, buffaloes and other animals would guarantee you a great time -- however the pressure from the country's economic crisis and a prolonged drought mean many of these animals are starving and are being poached for food.

Photos by P.J. Leo and text by Veeramalla Anjaiah