THE SPECTACULAR VICTORIA FALLS
April is a lovely time to visit the remarkable Victoria Falls. I had no idea that there were so many activities you could do, two nights is definitely not enough. The weather was perfect, it was very hot and the main attraction the Victoria Falls was gushing, as this is also when water levels are at its peak. The rainforest was extremely refreshing and slippery. It is advisable to wear waterproof shoes or slippers with a non-slip sole and ensure that if you are carrying expensive gadgets that they are packed away in a waterproof bag, because believe me you are bound to get completely drenched out there.
Fly Africa
The fairly new low cost carrier, is quite a spacious plane. The flight times are quite restrictive, as the flight leaving Harare is an afternoon flight and the flight leaving Victoria Falls is a mid-morning one, however check in time at the lodge was only 4pm and check out was 10am, so it all worked out well. Something to note, if you are sitting on the right hand side of the plane on your way there you will be able to get an aerial view of the Victoria Falls. Most exciting start to the adventure I would say.
Victoria Falls Safari lodge
This lodge and I am quite certain after my stay, that this group of lodges is simply spectacular. Our transfer was waiting when we landed, a big bus for just 3 of us. The driver drove smoothly and introduced us to the little town of Victoria Falls. Most of the tour operators are grouped in one place, such as Shearwater and Wild Horizons (where you can book your tours if you have not already done so). It took approximately 25 Minutes to the lodge with one stopover. We were warmly welcomed and then briefed on the hotel courtesy shuttle (available on the hour every hour), breakfast, lunch and supper times at their superb restaurants (The Boma - Place of Eating, MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant and Buffalo Bar). Lunches and dinners were upon appointment and because we had an early 6 am start every morning, breakfast was pre-packed for us to take along on the bus ride to our tours. They also come into your rooms around 6pm to let your nets down and spray the room for mosquitoes, so you know you going to have a peaceful night’s sleep.
The lodge is simply amazing overlooking the waterhole. It’s such a serene atmosphere out on your balcony in the evenings and mornings and I was lucky to have seen a baby impala just below on arrival. However beware of the naughty monkeys. The room was very tidy and had all the necessities. If you’re looking for a television set this is definitely not a place for you, besides in my opinion it is not necessary to have this.
The Boma experience is something everyone needs to do whether they are staying at the Victoria falls Safari Lodges or not. The buffet dinner (all sorts of delightful game meats), first time experiences (traditional home brewed beer) and entertainment is extremely fulfilling. I will not go into detail about it because you have to experience it for yourself, a true African experience. The view from the MaKuwa-Kuwa restaurant at night is breath taking and the food delicious, definitely a romantic scenario.
There is a tours desk at the lodge and the lovely lady was very helpful with helping us arrange our tours. I would advise that if you are to stay here with intention of doing a lot of activities and a tight flight schedule, that you leave at least some time free to enjoy the beauty and comfort of the lodge itself as we would always miss the game at the waterhole during the day. Besides, there is the refreshing pool and showers to enjoy. We managed to fit in 5 activities given the time we had. The Elephant Safari, the Tandem Gorge Swing, The Bungee Jump and a Sunset Cruise all at one go on the first day, and we also had a stroll in the rainforest in between. The morning before the flight we managed to squeeze in The Lion Encounter, cutting it quite close. It was quite tiring having to do all these activities at one go, considering the early mornings and the adrenaline rush. So, it would probably be wise to space the activities out and leave some time to catch your breath and relax, because we had almost missed our transfer to the Sunset Cruise.
Victoria Falls is certainly a destination to be visited, there is just so much to do for adrenaline junkies, animal lovers, or even just for a peaceful holiday. Some information that might be helpful to you when planning your trip, would be to carry lots of change, because during your activities you will be expected to tip your guides. I would definitely stay at the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge again, because of its apt location, friendly and helpful staff members and great food, highly recommended.
Dalisha Patel
