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VICTORIA FALLS |
Victoria Falls is
one of the world’s most spectacular natural wonders.

The
world-renowned landmark offers a wide variety of activities from white
water rafting, to shopping, to abseiling in from the cliffs above the Zambezi.
Overfly these glorious Falls before landing at Livingstone. On a one-night
stopover you will just have time to visit the Falls before returning to the
airport and flying to your next destination. Two nights offers many more
options, and is recommended. White water rafting generally takes a whole day. (Bungi
Jumping, also an option here, takes seconds!) To view the falls you can walk
though the National Park or cross the footbridge to the Zimbabwean side for
another perspective. There are many craft shops to visit. Or, bargain directly
with artisans on the street. You can canoe on the Zambezi or take a river
cruise and have drinks as the sun goes down.
Bring plenty of film.
Straddling the mighty Zambezi River, the Falls are called Musi-o-Tunya ("Smoke that
Thunders") by the Kololo people. They are almost twice as deep and wide as Niagara
Falls and at peak they flow at 545 million liters a minute.
CLICK ON ANY LODGE THAT IS UNDERLINED AND BLUE TO VISIT THE LODGE'S WEB SITE
SONGWE VILLAGE Lodge
Perched 120 meters or 400 feet above the Zambezi gorge just a few miles
downriver from Victoria Falls is Songwe Village. Your accommodations are
traditional styled huts, but designed with comfortable beds and modern
amenities. A visit to Songwe Village focuses on experiencing the Falls and
learning something about the communities in the area. Nearby is Mukuni village,
where David Livingston met the present chief’s ancestors 150 years ago. A tour
introduces you to the community. An oxcart trip will take you to the Songwe
Museum to learn about evidence of early man in the region. If you prefer white
water rafting, a day or half-day trip will be arranged. Great experience.
Wonderful staff.
RIVER CLUB, Zambezi River
The River Club is built in a colonial, Victorian-era style with
individual split level chalets built on high stilts overlooking the wide, slow
flowing Zambezi. You’ll be met at the Livingstone airport and drive through
town before turning west to follow the Zambezi River upstream 15 miles. There’s
plenty to do but it may be best as a tranquil setting and an ideal place to
relax and watch the hippos and birds that live by the river. A trip to the
Falls can be arranged. Boat to islands in midstream, take a picnic, and have
cocktails as the sun sets. Horseback riding. Visit the neighboring African
village. Go fishing with River Club’s expert guides. The “Club House”, where
meals are served on the verandah, has a lounge, pub, and library. A rewarding
stop.
TONGABEZI LODGE, Zambezi River
One of the best, anywhere. You’ll be met at the Livingstone airport and drive
through town before turning west to follow the Zambezi River upstream 15 miles.
Tongabezi Lodge is a fantasy creation of African charm. Each chalet is
individually designed with walls of rock or rough-hewn timber, a private deck,
sunken bathtub with a water-level view of the river, and an open-air shower.
Dinner is served by candlelight under a grove of ebony trees. If that is not
enough, the more adventurous can (in low water season and prior arrangement)
dine and camp on Livingston Island in full view of the dramatic gorge! A
romantic hideaway never to be forgotten.
ZAMBEZI SUN HOTELS
For accommodations right at the Falls select the Three-Star Zambezi Sun
or the Five-Star Royal Livingston Sun. At either one you are just minutes
walk from the thundering cascade known locally as Musi-o-Tunya (Smoke that
Thunders). Best for one-night stopovers. For more than one night we recommend
staying out of town at one of several luxury river lodges upstream from the
Falls.