Victoria Falls June 2023
Zimbabwe.
My 4 day trip to Victoria Falls in June included 2 nights at elevation in the Elephant Hills Resort, where I could see the “Smoke” (Fall’s spray) from my balcony and 2 nights at A’Zambezi River Lodge situated on the peaceful Zambezi River. Both stays were relaxing as I watched warthogs and impalas graze on the lawns and monkeys play in the trees. This was a pleasant retreat after a visit to town where everyone is constantly hassled by venders selling their wares or wanting your shoes in exchange for some of their crafts.
Everyone travels to Victoria Falls to see “The Smoke that Thunders”. This includes a 2 hour walking tour around the National Park where there are 16 viewing stations to photograph the falls. I do not think a guide is necessary for this attraction as it is well signed, however you do get soaking wet at four of the stations when the falls are full. Entry cost foreigners USD $50. The Falls can also be viewed from Livingston in Zambia, however the expanse is greater from the Zimbabwe side. Another great experience when the water is really rushing is “The Flight of the Angels”, a helicopter ride over the falls lasting between 15 to 25 minutes.
A sunset cruise on the upper Zambezi is another must whilst in the area. This cruise includes drinks and snacks as you glide past hippos, crocs, birds, and islands. Zambia is on one side of the river and Zimbabwe the other. The cruise takes 2 hours and you can see the spray of the falls in the distance as you sail upstream towards the vivid sunset. There were at least 20 boats of all sizing cruising and basically you get what you pay for. I paid USD $70 to go on the luxury 250 seater Zambezi Explorer and enjoyed champagne as well as ample delicious hors d’oeuvres. I recommend this cruise.
Victoria Falls has many adrenalin activities including rafting, bungy jumping and zip lining. The newest attraction is walking with cheetahs Nikki and Suva. These beautiful cats are not yet 2 years old. The experience lasted 1 1/2 hours and included me holding their leash as I patted them and they led me around the bush. All the while their 4 loving carers explained cheetah’s behaviors'. It is hoped Nikki and Suva will mate, however to me the pretty girl showed no interest in her supposed older male partner. This experience including photos and a video cost AUD $210.00.