Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, alongside Earth’s other treasures like the Great Barrier Reef, Aurora Borealis, Mount Everest, Grand Canyon, Harbor of Rio de Janeiro, and Parícutin Volcano.

And while it is not the highest waterfall in the world — that honor goes to Angel Falls in Venezuela — it’s nonetheless a visual spectacle of epic proportions.

I snapped that photo while walking on the very edge of Vic Falls. This activity is possible to do on both the Zambia and Zimbabwe sides (the Falls straddle both countries) for a fee of $30-40 USD per person to enter each park. And it’s the best way to experience the Falls — there are a dozen activities to do here, but a simple walk around the rim should be number one on any visitor’s itinerary.

Here’s an overview of the path on the Zimbabwe side:

During my visit in August, water flow on the Zambezi River is rather low. But that’s not a bad thing because at peak flow the Falls are difficult to view up close — and anyone walking around the rim will get completely soaked by rising mist. Not great conditions for photography!

Here’s a statue and dugout canoe at the far end of the Falls. (I believe this is David Livingstone, an early Scottish explorer who is credited with extensive missionary travel throughout Africa — the city of Livingstone, Zambia, was named after him and is located just across the Falls.)

A look at the calm water just before it the free fall…

Our first view of the Falls off in the distance:

This is the first section of the waterfall we encounter, all the way down on the southwest end of the Falls:

Even this isolated section is thunderously loud. I can’t imagine the roar during peak season.

Depending on which way the wind blows, rising mist can change course and drench tourists. I keep my camera tucked away in my dry bag anytime I’m not using it.

A swarm of bees gathers around this rock:

The mist comes and goes, at times obscuring our view of the Falls.

At this point, there’s still a simple fence between me and the cliff drop.

The drop is around 350 feet.

This spot below is the best vantage point of the entire walk — visitors congregate close to the edge for sweeping views up and down the entire length of the Falls.

As you can see, there is no longer any barrier between us and the cliffs. And the whole area is slippery from the ever-present mist… it’s an accident waiting to happen. (I just googled “Victoria Falls deaths per year” but it didn’t yield any conclusive numbers. Though I did find this Buzzfeed post featuring crazy images of people near the top of the Falls that will quicken your pulse.)

That’s the Zambia side of the park over there:

Looking at the Zambia side of the Falls from a wider angle:

I’m exuberant to be here. The edge of Victoria Falls is one of the most thrilling places I’ve ever set foot.

One more selfie (sorry) with the entire scope of the Falls behind me:

And here are my Vic Falls partners-in-crime, Klaus and Renate from Germany.

A few more shots from the edge…

A closer look at the chaos below:

A final look back at the end of our loop, back near where we started:

More adrenaline-inducing fun at Vic Falls coming tomorrow!

I visited Zimbabwe on a 30-day Nairobi to Joburg tour with Nomad Tours. They discounted my tour in exchange for blogging and photography; opinions are my own.