16 May 2025

Victoria Falls, locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" (The Smoke That Thunders), stands as one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders. Straddling the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia, this magnificent waterfall offers visitors an unforgettable experience, so it's not surprising that so many people have added it to their travel bucket list. Having recently completed a visit to Vic Falls (my third) with an itinerary that really resonated with all of us, I thought I'd add my suggestions here so you can make the most of a suggested 4 night visit to Vic Falls. Where to Stay The accommodation you choose will significantly impact your Victoria Falls experience. There are options on both the Zimbabwean and Zambian sides of the falls. Zimbabwe Side Victoria Falls Hotel: This colonial-era luxury hotel offers stunning views and is just a short walk from the falls. The afternoon high tea on the terrace overlooking the Victoria Falls Bridge is a must and is a recommended must do regardless of where you choose to stay. Ilala Lodge: A boutique hotel within walking distance of the falls, offering excellent dining and comfortable rooms. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge: Set on a plateau overlooking the Zambezi National Park, this lodge provides a more immersive wildlife experience while still being close to the falls. Zambia Side Royal Livingstone Hotel: A 5-star hotel with direct access to the falls and resident zebras and giraffes wandering the grounds. David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Hotel: A 4 star river bank based lodge that is a fantastic alternative to the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Situated approximately 10km from the falls on a beautiful stretch of the Zambezi River, the hotel offers complimentary shuttles to the Falls and back. We stayed here and absolutely LOVED it - from it's riverside situation to the incredibly comfortable beds, friendly staff and epic situation for photo opportunities along the Zambezi. The hotel offers complimentary shuttles to the falls. Suggested Day-by-Day Itinerary Day 1: Arrival & First Glimpse Morning/Afternoon: Arrive and check into your accommodation Afternoon: Free time to explore your surroundings and relax. Late afternoon/Evening: Enjoy a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, complete with drinks and snacks while spotting hippos, crocodiles, and elephants Day 2: Victoria Falls Day Morning: Head out for a guided tour of the Falls and make the most of your time by crossing the bridge (don't forget your passport and visa) to view the falls from the other side. At high water season, the view is often less obscured from the Zambian side so well worth checking out. Afternoon: Visit the Victoria Falls Bridge for bungee jumping or the swing (if you're daring). Or just to observe the craziness. Late afternoon: Dust yourself off and indulge in the decadent afternoon high tea on offer at the Victoria Falls Hotel Day 3: Wildlife Encounters Full day: Add a third country stamp to your passport with either a full day or half day excursion to nearby Chobe National Park in Botswana. These tours pick up guests from hotels in both Victoria Falls as well as Livingstone and the full day tour includes a river cruise on the Chobe River, lunch and an afternoon game drive. Evening: Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your accommodation or try one of the local restaurants in town Day 4: Cultural Immersion and further exploration Morning: Visit local craft markets for souvenirs, we hopped into Livingstone, Zambia for this experience, again enjoying the complimentary use of the hotel shuttle. Afternoon: Take a guided tour of a nearby village to learn about local culture and traditions or take a helicopter flight over the falls (the "Flight of Angels") for breathtaking aerial views (if your budget stretches to this, I can highly highly recommend it). Evening: Splurge on a fine dining experience at one of the luxury hotels for your final night or try a boma dinner for a continuation of your cultural experience. Must-Do Activities Viewing the Falls The falls can be viewed from numerous vantage points. The Zimbabwean side offers more comprehensive views with about 16 viewing points, while the Zambian side allows you to get closer to the thundering water, especially at the Knife-Edge Bridge. Tip: Visit during different times of day for varied experiences. Early morning offers rainbows in the mist, while sunset paints the spray golden. The Devil's Pool (Seasonal) When water levels are lower (typically August to January), brave visitors can swim to the edge of the falls in this natural infinity pool on the Zambian side. It's perfectly safe when guided but certainly not for the faint-hearted! Wildlife Experiences Elephant Encounters: Interact with rescued elephants at sanctuaries near the falls River Safaris: Spot wildlife along the Zambezi from a boat Birding Tours: The area is home to over 400 bird species Practical Tips Best Time to Visit High-water season (February to July): Spectacular volume but prepare to get soaked! Some activities like Devil's Pool and white-water rafting may be unavailable when water levels are extremely high. Low-water season (August to January): Better for adventure activities and photography, though the falls aren't quite as thunderous. Border Crossing If you're staying on one side but want to visit the other, plan for border crossings, take your passport and remember to apply for your visas and complete your online immigration forms before you travel. What to Pack Quick-dry clothing Waterproof camera/phone case Comfortable walking shoes Sun protection Cash for park fees and small purchases (small denomination US$ are the most practical). Health Precautions The area is in a malaria zone, so take appropriate precautions Keep hydrated, especially if participating in adventure activities Victoria Falls offers an incredible blend of natural wonder, adventure, wildlife, and cultural experiences. With proper planning, your 4-night stay will give you a taste of everything this magnificent destination has to offer, leaving you with memories to last a lifetime—and likely planning your return visit before you've even left!

08 May 2025

There's something about Namibia that defies ordinary description – a place where vastness becomes intimate and silence speaks volumes. Born between its desert and the chilly Atlantic, I've always defined it as "soul country" to curious travelers. This ancient land doesn't merely host visitors; it seeps into your essence, nourishing something deep within. My recent journey through southern Namibia reaffirmed why self-driving remains the perfect way to experience this extraordinary landscape. The endless horizons, network of gravel roads, and breathtaking destinations create a symphony of experiences that awaken all senses. Crossing from South Africa, we followed the Orange River to Fish River Lodge, perched dramatically on the canyon's edge away from typical viewpoints. Here, guided walks revealed the canyon's secrets – textures of stone shaped by millennia, resilient flora defying harsh conditions, and that special quality of silence found nowhere else. Journeying northward through Aus, we paused to witness Namibia's legendary wild horses roaming freely. The Helmeringhausen Hotel's homemade apple pie with fresh cream remains an unforgettable desert oasis tradition – simple pleasures magnified by extraordinary surroundings. Sossusvlei Lodge became our gateway to the Namib's iconic red dunes. Dining beneath diamond-scattered skies while desert wildlife wandered freely nearby, we prepared for dawn expeditions into this ancient landscape. Dead Vlei revealed its haunting beauty – ancient camel thorn trees frozen in time against ochre sand and cobalt sky. The pinnacle experience came with our pre-dawn hot air balloon safari. Standing in the chilly winter air as the night sky transformed from green to fiery red, the balloon inflated with a mesmerizing glow. Then silence – pure, profound silence – as we floated above fairy circles and ancient dunes, our whispered reverence the only sound. A champagne breakfast against a dune backdrop completed this bucket-list experience. Our journey continued along the spectacular C14, spotting gemsbok against dramatic landscapes before turning westward to Swakopmund. This German-colonial town charmed us with its unique character and the luxurious Hansa Hotel (their colonial coffee is a must-try ritual). A living desert tour revealed hidden treasures – specially adapted creatures surviving in seemingly barren dunes. Afternoons were spent wandering the streets, savouring ice cream from Ice 'n Spice and exquisite German pastries from Cafe Anton. Our final leg took us along the scenic C28 dirt road over the Khomas Hochland mountains to a family farm outside Windhoek before reluctantly returning to South Africa. What makes Namibia special isn't just the destinations but the journey itself – gravel roads stretching toward infinite horizons, the meditative rhythm of wheels on earth, and the profound solitude that allows your thoughts to breathe and expand. This is a land that doesn't just enter your travel diary; it etches itself into your being. Namibia isn't somewhere you merely visit – it's somewhere that forever visits you.