Zimbabwe is surrounded
by other countries, and so it has no coast on the sea. This type of country
is called landlocked. The countries that surround Zimbabwe are Zambia,
Botswana, South Africa and Mozambique. Zimbabwe is home to the famous
waterfall, Victoria Falls, which are a feature of the river Zambezi.
Zimbabwe was known as Rhodesia when it was a colony of Great Britain,
but it took the ancient name of "Zimbabwe" in 1980 when it became an independent
country.
Victoria Falls - A Phenomenon
To Behold by Felix Koskei
A distance aerial view of
Victoria Falls as my flight approached Victoria Falls International Airport
is a field on fire with white smoke bellowing into the skies. As you close
in on the falls itself, you realize that the 'smoke' is actually a cloud
of water rising up as the Zambezi River pours down the falls with amazing
force and power.
Once
on the ground, the 24 km drive from the airport to Victoria Falls town
is an extremely smooth highway. Both sides of the road are lined up with
beautiful trees. Victoria Falls town can easily be confused with a small
modern city in the developed world. It is clean; the buildings are modern
and very well maintained. The roads are very well paved and marked. The
flower beds and gardens well nurtured. The town does not have so much traffic
apart from the hordes of buses and minibuses shuttling tourists from the
falls to various lodges in the town.
Park entrance fee is paid
at the falls entrance. Please note that park entrance fees is paid in United
States dollars, cash. This is the most preferred mode of payment. Any other
mode of payment may be a big hassle and give you unprecedented complications.
A lady ahead of me on the queue had US travelers cheques of 50 dollars
denominations and had to go away because she could not be given back her
change. Zimbabwe dollars cannot be used by foreigners to pay park entrance
fees.
Before you arrive at Victoria
Falls, it is very important to prepare for a 'rainy' day. It is guaranteed
that you will be rained on as you view the falls. This will not be rain
water but from the cloud of 'smoke' I mentioned early. The best item to
protect you from the rain is a poncho. A raincoat will also do. Also have
shorts if possible because long trouser will definitely get wet from your
knee downwards. Non-leather open shoes would be the best option for footwear.
First stop would be at the Livingstone statue. This is a relatively big
statue that was put under immense security guard when the locals wanted
to destroy it due to political differences between Zimbabwe and Great Britain
several years back. Next stop would be a view of the Devil's Cataract and
Cataract Island. The Devil's Cataract is the western end of the falls and
there is a huge force of water flowing down the Devil's Cataract. From
the Cataract Island, the next stop is the Main Falls. This is where one
might experience the heaviest rainfall though this is the best sight of
viewing the falls. From the main falls, I head to the Livingstone Island.
It is said that Dr. Livingstone docked at Livingstone Island and spent
the night there oblivious of the falls right after that. As I continue
eastwards, the next stop is Horseshoe Falls followed by the Rainbow Falls
and finally the Eastern Cataract. Words cannot express the sight at Victoria
Falls as the scene is never static. The width of Victoria Falls from the
Devil's Cataract to the Eastern Cataract is 1,700 metres. The mean height
of the Main Falls is 83 metres. The mean height of the Rainbow Falls is
99 metres. The mean height for the whole falls is 93 metres. The average
flow of water over the falls is 34,000 cubic metres a minute.
The best time to see the
falls is between February and June. This is the time the falls is full
and complete from the Devil's Cataract to the Eastern Cataract. During
the other months when there is less rainfall experienced, the Horseshoe
Falls, Rainbow Falls and Eastern Cataract have no water flowing on them.
The paved walkways along the entire falls are well maintained and accessible
by wheel chair.
Immediately preceding the
falls, the Zambezi River has 4 rapids that zigzag one after the other.
The current falls is the first rapid and it is in favour of Zimbabwe. The
best country to view the falls now is from the Zimbabwe side and not the
Zambia side. However, several centuries ago, Rapid 4, which formed the
first ever falls along the Zambezi was in favour of Zambia. Rapid 3 was
then created and it was in favour of Zimbabwe. When Rapid 2 was created,
it was in favour of Zambia. The Zimbabwe/Zambia famous bungi jump bridge
is located on Rapid 2. The current falls and Rapid 1 is in favour of Zimbabwe.
Judging from the amount of water flowing down the Devil's Cataract, it
is predicted that the Zambezi River is already cutting its new path heading
towards the Zambia side. This will create a new falls and rapid which will
be in favour of Zambia. This will however take hundreds of years to form.
As we exit the falls after
the Eastern Cataract, we head to the famous bridge joining Zimbabwe and
Zambia on Rapid 2. This is the bridge where bungi jumping is done. Water
rafting is also done from Rapid 2 downstream. River cruises are done upstream
before the falls.
The best method to view the
falls is by helicopter. The Flight Of Angels provides one with the perfect
experience and excellent view of the falls.
Victoria Falls has all kinds
of lodgings and hotels to cater for all classes of travelers. These include
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, A'Zambezi River Lodge, Elephant Hills Hotel,
Nyati Lodge, Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls Hotel, The Kingdom Hotel
and Casino among others.
Some of the activities available
at Victoria Falls is a Sundowner Cruise which provides a very good experience.
A visit to Victoria Falls will not be complete without a visit to The Boma
- The Place of Eating. This is a wonderful dinner location with traditional
dances. One can also do elephant rides and visit the crocodile farm. There
is also canoeing and white water rafting along the Zambezi.
Botswana is just an hour's
drive away from Victoria Falls, if one has more time, consider visiting
Chobe in Botswana for a night or two.
My flight back to Harare
stopped over at Bulawayo. I could not miss noticing that Bulawayo International
Airport seemed to have been expanding the airport with a modern massive
airport building. This building however seems to have stalled several years
back.
Harare is a modern city with
well paved and maintained roads. As I traveled around Zimbabwe, it is evidently
notable that this is a country that previously had enormous economic growth
and focused development which now seems to have hit a brick wall.
About the Author
Felix Koskei is the editor of http://www.safariafrika.com
and an experienced tour operator offering safari vacations to various African
countries. Travel Connections has provided hundreds of travelers with highly
personalized safari packages. For more details visit Travel Connections
Ltd.
Holiday
Inn, Bulawayo *** The Holiday Inn offers guests
the perfect location for a visit to Bulawayo. Situated 3km from the city
centre adjacent to the Ascot Race course, the hotel offers a range of sporting
facilities. Whether your stay is for business or pleasure, our superb location
is the ideal place to stay. The hotel has 4 executive suites which have
recently been redecorated, now guests can book suites according to their
preferred colour scheme. The hotel offers spacious onsite parking and our
state of art conference centre hosts weddings, cooperate functions, dinners,
workshops, press conferences and interviews. For those who keep to routine
social activities, the outdoor swimming pool, international squash and
tennis courts, the gym and beauty parlour, we offer that satisfaction.
guests can enjoy a varied cuisines with quality and delicious dishes from
the Panarottis Restaurant, Arizona Spur, Kobulawayo Bar and coffee bar.
Crowne
Plaza Monomatapa, Harare *** With views of Harare's Central
Park, Crowne Plaza Monomatapa is located in the center of the city, two
miles from the train station, and approximately nine miles from Harare
International Airport. Hotel amenities include the swimming pool,
exercise room, sauna, Parkview Brasserie, and Le Francais Restaurant. The
hotel also offers room service, concierge services, currency exchange,
valet laundry service, and a gift shop.
Holiday
Inn, Harare *** Holiday Inn Harare is ideally
situated in the centre of Harare, making it the perfect place for your
business or pleasure stay. It is minutes away from Harare's shopping and
business district with beautiful parks, markets and curio shops also within
easy reach. The hotel has 201 rooms and 4 suites. The hotel has conference
facilities that cater for all business needs with facilities for up to
300 guests. The hotel has a relaxed atmosphere with two restaurants and
a pool terrace.
Meikles
Hotel, Harare ***** Since 1915, Meikles Hotel
has been regarded as Zimbabwe’s premier hotel. Gracious charm and a vibrant
culture are showcased to perfection at this legendary and internationally
acclaimed establishment. Meikles Hotel is situated in Harare’s Central
Business District, overlooking Africa Unity Square gardens, flower and
curio markets. Award-winning La Fontaine Grill Room, for dining and
dancing. The Pavilion, overlooking the hotel's Terrace Garden, for casual
indoor and outdoor dining. The rooftop pool deck features a heated
swimming pool and gymnasium. Beauty center with massage and sauna baths.
Three top golf courses are within a five-kilometer radius.
Protea
Hotel Harare Safari Lodge, Harare Visitors can arrange daily
excursions to Larvon Bird Gardens, the Lion and Cheetah park, Horse Riding
Safaris and game walks. GUESTS wishing to view wildlife from Lake Kariba,
the only place in the world where the Big 5 can be viewed aboard the luxury
of a floating hotel, can make use of the Protea Hotel Harare Safari Lodge`s
own houseboat, the Lady Jacqueline.
Gache
Gache Lodge, Safari Lodge, Kariba, Mashonaland West GACHE GACHE LODGE offers
a true wilderness experience. Situated across Lake Kariba, the Gache
Gache LODGE is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the pleasures of
Kariba. Surrounded by big game, a variety of bird life and magnificent
sunsets, your visit to Gache Gache Lodge will be a wonderful experience.
If it is a total break you need, just relax around the swimming pool and
soak up the splendor of the Zimbabwe sunshine. Otherwise, let our
Professional Guide take you by boat along the shores of the lake, where
you can experience close encounters with hippo, crocodile and elephant.
You can also choose a game drive in our open vehicle and to add to your
excitement, you may be able to follow on foot if you find lion or elephant
spoor…
Big
Cave Camp, Safari Lodge, Matobo Hills Big Cave Camp reposes atop
an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the
famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates
colossal boulders into a luxuriously appointed thatch lodge positioned
amidst ancient Khoisan rock art. Retire at day’s end to the natural rock-pool
and sundeck, the Leopard’s Lair Lounge & Bar, a cave-style boma for
pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library. Big Cave Camp resides on
a 2000 acre private wilderness area that borders Matobo National Park and
is included in a World Heritage Area. Accommodation: The seven thatched
A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate
African creative flair. Find solitude within an intimate retreat as secluded
as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle amongst the rocks. Included
is a honeymoon suite as well as family rooms for those with small children.
Camp
Amalinda, Lodge, Matobo Hills Tucked away into an ancient
bushman's shelter, Camp Amalinda's charm will leave an indelible impression
on every visitor. Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world
is found in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations
of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art. Mammal and bird
species are prolific and include the highest concentration of Leopard and
Black Eagle in the world. Rated one of Africa's top ten boutique
lodges by Conde Naste Traveller in 1998. Camp Amalinda consists of
9 individually thatched rooms including two romantic Honeymoon suites.
You'll notice when entering your 'cave' like suite, the stark contrast
between rough granite and uncompromisingly high levels of comfort, style
and class - all in the keeping with its surrounds. Each suite has been
individually designed around great boulders and each differs in ambience
in order to create a romantic feel without losing the vital soul of Africa
herself.
Leopard
Rock Hotel, Mutare, Manicaland, Zimbabwe At Leopard Rock Hotel, visitors
can enjoy as much peace and beauty - or action and adventure - as they
wish. It is a tournament golf venue, a holiday base, a conference hotel,
a night out with a chance to win in the casino, a romantic indulgence or
a home from home. With an adjacent game reserve where game drives or walks
can be taken into the forest. Visits from royalty, celebrities and
golf enthusiasts from all over the world. The 18 hole championship golf
course previously voted the best golf course in Africa boasts some of the
worlds best views that will take your breath away. Direct fly in
packages available.
VICTORIA
FALLS ACCOMMODATION (WORLD HERITAGE SITE), ZIMBABWE
Drifters
Inn, Victoria Falls, Matabeleland North, Zimbabwe Situated on the outskirts
of “Africa’s adventure capital”, this Inn is the ideal place to spend your
holiday, or to relax after one of our safaris. Victoria Falls has much
to offer, from the world’s best white-water rafting to one of the highest
bungi jumps at 111m. For the less active, the surrounding game parks are
hard to beat, as are the river cruises and aircraft flips over the Falls.
The Drifters Inn is well located, overlooking a wilderness area, and within
easy walking distance of all activities. Accommodation is in twin rooms,
some sharing bathrooms, and breakfast is included. For other meals, a choice
of nearby restaurants is available. A swimming pool, garden bar, T.V. lounge,
and laundry facility are provided for guests’ convenience.
Masuwe
Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls MASUWE SAFARI LODGE is situated
15 minutes from the centre of Victoria Falls, in a private 1000 acre concession
which lies adjacent to the Zambezi National park. The lodge accommodates
up to twenty people in ten large, en suite safari tents, which are elevated
on wooden decks. The thatched main area houses a bar, dining and lounge
area and overlooks an active waterhole. Daily elephant back safaris
and exiting lion encounters take place from the grounds of the lodge.
Sekuti's
Drift, Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Situated 11 km’s from the
majestic Victoria Falls and bordering the Chomabonda Game Reserve and Zambezi
National Park lies Sekuti’s Drift. The lodge comprises 10 luxury en-suite
rooms all with private verandahs which afford guests unsurpassed views
of the magnificent African bush. Savour mouthwatering meals overlooking
the private watering hole which is regularly visited by elephant, lion
and several species of plains game or cool down with a cold drink at the
pool deck. Victoria Falls offers a host of activities from a relaxing
sunset cruise down the mighty Zambezi River to the hair raising experience
of bungi jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge. It is also possible to
ride on elephants or for a truly unique experience walk with lions to mention
just a few.
Victoria
Falls Safari Lodge (Three Cities Group) Set high on a plateau, which
forms a natural boundary to the adjacent Zambezi National Park, Victoria
Falls Safari Lodge is ideally located just four kilometres from the majestic
Victoria Falls. The lodge is westward facing with an onsite waterhole,
which attracts a wide variety of game throughout the year, ensuring year-round
stunning sunsets and magical views of unspoilt bushveld. Rising up around
existing trees and natural landscape, this 72-bedroomed newly refurbished
Lodge is a testament to eco-friendly design and prides itself on exceptional
hospitality and food. Perfectly positioned as a central hub for the
surrounding African experiences, excursions and adrenaline-pumping activities,
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is the preferred host in Victoria Falls.
Big
Cave Camp, Safari Lodge, Matobo Hills Big Cave Camp reposes atop
an enormous granite whaleback commanding inspirational views across the
famous Matobo National Park. Sophisticated African architecture incorporates
colossal boulders into a luxuriously appointed thatch lodge positioned
amidst ancient Khoisan rock art. Retire at day’s end to the natural rock-pool
and sundeck, the Leopard’s Lair Lounge & Bar, a cave-style boma for
pre-dinner drinks or the popular lodge library. Big Cave Camp resides on
a 2000 acre private wilderness area that borders Matobo National Park and
is included in a World Heritage Area. Accommodation: The seven thatched
A-frame cottages, each with en-suite bathroom and private balcony, resonate
African creative flair. Find solitude within an intimate retreat as secluded
as the original Kalanga grain bins that nestle amongst the rocks. Included
is a honeymoon suite as well as family rooms for those with small children.
Camp
Amalinda, Lodge, Matobo Hills Tucked away into an ancient
bushman's shelter, Camp Amalinda's charm will leave an indelible impression
on every visitor. Some of the most majestic granite scenery in the world
is found in the Matobo Hills. It is here that the hopes, trials and tribulations
of the San Bushmen are recorded in the ancient rock art. Mammal and bird
species are prolific and include the highest concentration of Leopard and
Black Eagle in the world. Rated one of Africa's top ten boutique
lodges by Conde Naste Traveller in 1998. Camp Amalinda consists of
9 individually thatched rooms including two romantic Honeymoon suites.
You'll notice when entering your 'cave' like suite, the stark contrast
between rough granite and uncompromisingly high levels of comfort, style
and class - all in the keeping with its surrounds. Each suite has been
individually designed around great boulders and each differs in ambience
in order to create a romantic feel without losing the vital soul of Africa
herself.
Gache
Gache Lodge, Safari Lodge, Kariba GACHE GACHE LODGE offers
a true wilderness experience. Situated across Lake Kariba, the Gache
Gache LODGE is the perfect place to immerse oneself in the pleasures of
Kariba. Surrounded by big game, a variety of bird life and magnificent
sunsets, your visit to Gache Gache Lodge will be a wonderful experience.
If it is a total break you need, just relax around the swimming pool and
soak up the splendor of the Zimbabwe sunshine. Otherwise, let our
Professional Guide take you by boat along the shores of the lake, where
you can experience close encounters with hippo, crocodile and elephant.
You can also choose a game drive in our open vehicle and to add to your
excitement, you may be able to follow on foot if you find lion or elephant
spoor…
Ivory
Lodge, Safari Lodge, Hwange National Park, Matabeleland North Ivory Lodge - a small intimate
lodge featuring 6 luxurious suites set on elevated platforms amongst the
indigenous flora of Hwange Game Park. Deep in the mystical teak forests
of Hwange is this unobtrusive camp, bathed in the tales of pioneering hunters
and explorers. Lumbering giants drift around your stilted platforms , their
tusks glinting in salute to the sanctuary of shade offered up by these
massive trees. This is Ivory Lodge - place of elephants. It
is here that great herds of elephants are found - sometimes over 100 strong.
It is also here that the famous presidential herd drinks. Hwange is famous
for its huge tuskers - big old bulls with magnificent tusks. The
elephants move in seasonal migration from Botswana's dense feeding areas,
to Hwange Game Park where they find refuge from the scorching heat at Ivory's
water hole.
Masuwe
Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls MASUWE SAFARI LODGE is situated
15 minutes from the centre of Victoria Falls, in a private 1000 acre concession
which lies adjacent to the Zambezi National park. The lodge accommodates
up to twenty people in ten large, en suite safari tents, which are elevated
on wooden decks. The thatched main area houses a bar, dining and lounge
area and overlooks an active waterhole. Daily elephant back safaris
and exiting lion encounters take place from the grounds of the lodge.
Sekuti's
Drift, Victoria Falls Situated 11 km’s from the
majestic Victoria Falls and bordering the Chomabonda Game Reserve and Zambezi
National Park lies Sekuti’s Drift. The lodge comprises 10 luxury en-suite
rooms all with private verandahs which afford guests unsurpassed views
of the magnificent African bush. Savour mouthwatering meals overlooking
the private watering hole which is regularly visited by elephant, lion
and several species of plains game or cool down with a cold drink at the
pool deck. Victoria Falls offers a host of activities from a relaxing
sunset cruise down the mighty Zambezi River to the hair raising experience
of bungi jumping off the Victoria Falls Bridge. It is also possible to
ride on elephants or for a truly unique experience walk with lions to mention
just a few.
Victoria
Falls Safari Lodge (Three Cities Group) Set high on a plateau, which
forms a natural boundary to the adjacent Zambezi National Park, Victoria
Falls Safari Lodge is ideally located just four kilometres from the majestic
Victoria Falls. The lodge is westward facing with an onsite waterhole,
which attracts a wide variety of game throughout the year, ensuring year-round
stunning sunsets and magical views of unspoilt bushveld. Rising up around
existing trees and natural landscape, this 72-bedroomed newly refurbished
Lodge is a testament to eco-friendly design and prides itself on exceptional
hospitality and food. Perfectly positioned as a central hub for the
surrounding African experiences, excursions and adrenaline-pumping activities,
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is the preferred host in Victoria Falls.
Jetaround
Tours and Safaris, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe Handling conferences, incentives
and tailor made individual itineraries anywhere in Zimbabwe, Botswana,
Zambia and Namibia. Victoria Falls is one of the seven wonders of the world.
The Kololo called it – Mosi-oa-Tunya meaning The smoke that Thunders. It
is the world’s spectacular, largest and certainly the most majestic waterfalls
in the world. The falls were made famous to the world in the 1950’s and
named by David Livingstone The Victoria Falls after Queen Victoria. He
proclaimed –“so lovely that they must be seen by Angels on their flight”.
They are 1708 meters wide and depth of 92 meters high. In November when
the falls are in their lowest 20 000 cubic meters of water flows over them
each minute, but during heavy rains, this can rise to around 500 000 cubic
meters.