Before I talk about my time in Victoria Falls I need to mention my change of plans. I guess one of the advantages of solo travel is that if you change your mind about doing something or going somewhere, you are not effecting anyone else. At some point in my planning, I had decided that I wanted to go overland from Victoria Falls to Nairobi (Kenya). I had wanted to do a similar trip to the one I had just finished, taking in Malawi, Tanzania and Kenya. However, the dates with ‘accommodated’ trips didn’t coincide with the finish of my Cape Town to Victoria Falls one. ‘Not a problem’ I had thought….I have an adventurous spirit, so I booked myself on to a ‘camping’ trip ??♀️ Very soon on my 1st trip, it became apparent how ‘difficult’ life on the road was. Long days travelling, doing the daily activities, moving accommodation nearly every day, luggage and being nice to people I’d been forced together with ??. The camping trip would have been on a whole other level. I would have to do all the above, plus put up and take down a tent every day, trips to shower blocks, the toilet in the night, help with the cooking and cleaning and most importantly, NO AIR-CONDITIONING. After discussing with my fellow travellers on trip 1, we all agreed I should cancel the trip and do something else instead. The decision was made easier by the fact that although I would be losing some money by cancelling, I was in fact expected to hand over $1400 on the 1st day of the trip for my food and activities whilst on it. That money could be put towards a very lovely, air conditioned alternative, instead.
Anyway, decision was made, trip cancelled and so back to my time spent at Victoria Falls.
My new accommodation in Vic falls was very nice. I once again had a lovely little thatched room, with air conditioning and brilliant WiFi to plan my time until I get to Nairobi. I had some ideas in mind but needed to do a little research. That 1st morning, I had a lie-in (hurray) and because I had missed breakfast, walked into the town, dropped off my laundry and had lunch. The only problem with Vic Falls is the relentless ’selling’ by the lads, on the streets. I understand that they are trying to make a living, but they will follow you down the road for miles never taking no for an answer. It unfortunately got to the point, I would get in a taxi for a very short journey, just to avoid the endless sales pitches. Such a shame because everything was within a walkable distance. That evening a had a final drink with Steve and Claire as they were off the next day to Nairobi.
The following day was my day to visit the actual Victoria Falls. I had put it off until I was rested and my ‘jobs’ had been done, so that I could enjoy it fully. I walked to entrance of the National park, which took me about 20 minutes (I hadn’t been completely put off by walking at this point). I had read several things in the media about how empty of water the Falls was, but I was pleasantly surprised. Yes there were areas where their wasn’t much water, but this is the dry season and usual for the waterfall not to be so fierce. I think the advantage of coming at this time of the year is that without the huge spray coming off, you can see the rock face and river at the bottom easily. I think at high water season, its all spray. I even managed to get a famous rainbow picture ??
There is a monument to Dr David Livingstone, who discovered the Falls and appears to be highly thought of in this area. Although Livingstone’s body is buried in Westminster Abbey, in the explorers part, his heart is buried in Africa where he loved.
There are 16 view points altogether on the Zimbabwe side of Vic Falls. When I got to what I thought was number 11, I felt I’d had enough and was going to head back to the exit…. however my inner ‘Norman Voice’ told me to not give up and see it through. I did and was pleasantly surprised to find I had actually reached point 13..woohoo. When I reach point 16, I got chatting with a really nice couple from Sweden, one of who was actually from Wales originally. We chatted all the way back to the exit and I made them laugh when I said the actual Swedish one, spoke English with a welsh accent. It made the welsh partner, very happy. Got me in the mood for the Gavin and Stacey Christmas special.
Bridge between Zimbabwe and Zambia
After my walk around the rain forest I stopped at the Falls cafe for lunch. At this point I had not noticed any wildlife, and the cafe had no warning signs that anything untoward could happen. Oh how innocent I was. My cheese sandwich turns up and very quickly half of it disappears into a tree….I still have no idea where this particular monkey came from. The waiter left me a catapult to scare any more monkeys off, so it must be an ongoing problem. Most upset that the monkey didn’t pay half of the bill ???
The final thing of note about Victoria Falls, is that from the Zambia side you can go into something called the devils pool, which is right on the edge….I know someone who has done this, and after seeing it, sent her a message to tell her she was crazy. As I’m very clumsy I chose to give it a miss!!!
Another of the days I was at Victoria Falls, I decided to have a little trip back into Zambia and visit Livingstone. I took a taxi to the border, I do love a border, got more stamps in my passport and took another taxi across no mans land into Zambia. Into another taxi and I headed to museum in Livingstone. It was a lovely little museum, very similar to the one in Lusaka, but had a section on David Livingstone. Some of Livingstone’s original letters home are on display there.
I wandered around the town for a while, and then got a taxi back to the border, I do love a border….more stamps for my passport ??
For my return trip, I decided to walk back across the bridge and watch crazy people bungy jumping etc.
⬆️Zambia ⬆️Zimbabwe
My last day at Victoria Falls was basically taking it easy by the pool and packing for my next adventure….. Where too…..Zanzibar for Christmas and the new year. This will be the real test….away from everyone and everything I know at this time of year. One thing is certain though…..I AM NOT WORKING…..WOOHOO ?