Mosi-Oa-Tunya (AKA Victoria Falls) is known by locals as ‘the smoke that thunders’.
Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight....
David Livingston, 1855
Victoria Falls.
Muna-oa-tunya , or worlds most majestic falls, is located at the intersection of Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana and Namibia. This world wonder is truly a sight to behold and a once in a lifetime experience. All of our experiences, accommodation and tours were arranged through Peter at Zimtrek Travel (amazing!).
We stayed a little back from Victoria falls town at a small hotel; Shongwe Lookout. It boasts magnificent food and a small pool- good enough for our needs. The most fun aspect of this hotel is the Lookout at which you can order drinks and food via the intercom to be hauled up on a pulley system whilst gazing at the falls in the distance.
This beautiful elephant was so close to our car - no zoom required!
Chobe National Park, Botswana.
The bus to the Botswanian border left at a decent hour- around 7am. We were ready in our hiking boots and natural-toned clothing (although it seemed some others weren’t; they were wearing flip-flops and a bright pink dress). Once the border formalities were complete, we were on our way to the first half of the tour- a river cruise. Our tour was led by Sam from Kalahari Tours- he was friendly and knowledgeable with just the right amount of humour. We sighted plenty of birds as well as hippos, crocs and water buffalos.
Our lunch was at the lovely Mowana Safari Lodge. It was a buffet with great options including Impala steaks (which Archie devoured) and carrot cake (which I devoured) and pomegranate (which Rob devoured).
Then we jumped back in the landcruiser for the second half of our safari- land! It was bumpy and I lamented not wearing a sports bra, but that was all part of the authentic experience. We sighted hippos, water buffalo and crocs first. We’re saw many impalas (no wonder the lions weren’t interested in us) and baboons. As we turned a corner, an elephant cow and her calf were standing roadside as if waiting for us… we could have reached out and touched them. Just when we thought we’d seen the last of the African beasts, word came in the radio that there was a pride of lions under a tree nearby and we sped over- although they were very much asleep, they were delightful.
We’re drove away heading for the exit only to be surprised by a lone giraffe grazing the trees and bushes- he/she was truly magnificent and it topped off the experience perfectly. We left the park, cleared the border and drove back to Shongwe.
This marvellous day was again organised by Zimtrek Travel.
Play.
Despite the fact that there aren’t many kids around, there’s heaps to do in Victoria Falls. There are also great places to eat.
NB. We had a private tour of the falls which I would recommend or a DIY would work fine but this is an experience you’ll want to do at your own pace. Be prepared to get wet with the mist by bringing a rain coat and/or an umbrella. Comfortable shoes, hat and sunscreen are wise options as well. There’s a cafe with lunch options as well.
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We did the Pure Africa Dinner Cruise on our very first night and it was the perfect introduction to the Zambezi. The boat itself was sophisticatedly yet understatedly decorated. The menu and drink options were tastefully (get it?!) put together. We enjoyed steak with the pinotage and Archie loved the local tilapia fish. Along the way, we spotted hippos and crocs and enjoyed seeing how life by the banks of the Zambezi is lived.
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I’m still not certain of the difference between the Shearwater zipline, swing and slide at the falls; they all seem to be the same thing. But Africans have long been zipping between Zambia and Zimbabwe via The Blondin, before the bridge that is. The longest part of the 1/2 day trip was spent at the Zim/Zam border in which passports only require a cursory glance as we’re staying in the bridge. The whole activity seemed very legit and safe with all of us feeling confident before taking the leap. Archie and I went tandem and Rob went solo. Once you’re hooked into the pulley, the staff also give you a go pro to use and the footage is part of the media package that you can purchase for $25. The experience is ‘… only a little scary,’ as Archie would say, and doesn’t seem as high as it should. It was well worth the experience.
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The Bamba Tram experience required us to get up very early in the morning as the tram takes you to the bridge for the sunrise! This was a complimentary offering from Shongwe Lookout because we were staying more than 4 nights and it was a lovely experience. The tram is driven by Mr Moses and our guide was Matthew. The team takes guests through the Vic Falls National park before arriving at the border post and then into the bridge for the sunrise. Along the way, you’ll hear history of the tram, the bridge and the WWII bunker still present on the Zambian side. You’ll also be provided with tea, coffee and biscuits that Mr Moses will guard with his slingshot from the roaming baboons. You’ll be done by 7.30 and back to your hotel for breakfast.