Travel Agent Equestria

Victoria Falls - a country filled with natural beauty, friendly people and warthogs in the streets!

We began our first day with a half day White River Rafting experience - a "must do" if you are fit enough as the steep walk out of the gorge at the end left me with aching legs for 3 days. I arrived in Vic Falls with no intention to do any adrenalin activities but got caught up in the adventure atmosphere and was so happy that I actually braved the great Zambezi. The company - Shockwave - took such good care of us, our lives were in their hands but they were so confident and in complete control, even when we got thrown off the boat at Rapid 8 – called Midnight Dinner.

We concluded this day with a calm Sunset Cruise where we saw elephants, hippo, crocodile and some lovely birdlife.

Day 2 - A trip to the Victoria Falls itself where you pay US$20 (by South African residents) to enter the National Park after which you follow paved footpaths to 16 viewpoints; this can take 2 to 3 hours. At some of them we got soaked from the mist from the falls; it is quite refreshing as this time of year is very hot in Zimbabwe. The Falls are at full levels in March and April but during this time there is so much "smoke that thunders" that you cannot actually see the Falls because of all the mist/spray.

Also, at this time of year the rapids flow too fast so it is too dangerous to do the white water rafting but you will be able to bungi jump - if you are really brave!

There are a variety of hotel types in Victoria Falls town - we stayed at The Kingdom Hotel which is a larger hotel with a more "resort" feel but for a more colonial atmosphere you can stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel or for a more "bush" feel you can chose Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. For a smaller quainter hotel, Ilala Lodge is lovely so there really is something to suit all needs.

Various dinner choices are available at the nearby hotels; a free shuttle runs between the hotels at certain times. You can enjoy a meal at The Boma where you eat the local foods like Mopani worms and Kapenta fish, or a smarter menu at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, or a huge buffet menu at Jungle Junction (Victoria Falls Hotel) - to name just a few.

For cheap souvenir shopping, you can visit the locals at their craft market but be prepared to barter; they will even accept your old clothes in exchange for their goods. I left the market feeling quite sad, the Zimbabwe people are so poor and desperate for anything, I just wish I could help them all. Tourism to Victoria Falls can at least help them a little thus while you enjoy your holiday to this beautiful country, you are also helping the local community.

Safety and crime is of no worry at Victoria Falls, there are tourist police in all the streets to give you directions and advice but the locals realise that Tourism is their only income, thus they look after the tourists - I never felt afraid or nervous once, even when walking from one hotel to another at night.

What a fantastic holiday - a true African experience!