Postcards from Zimbabwe

Majestic Victoria Falls

When and Where: 03/2023 – Victoria Falls

69^th Country Visited; 6^th African Country Visited

Interesting Facts:

- Zimbabwe has the most official languages in the world.

- Zimbabwe has multiple currencies.

- Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world.

During my third day in Botswana, I took a day trip to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe with my three travel companions (Dan, Roxanne and Nancy) from the ship. We met at 6:30am in the Lodge’s main dining area and had a light breakfast. Our guide picked us up at 7:00 am and within 15 minutes, we were at the Botswana-Zimbabwe border. Immigration on the Botswanan side was quick and easy. We then walked into Zimbabwe and queued for Passport Control. The militant looking soldiers were wearing camouflage and were a bit intimidating. Once we got to the front of the visa line, we were informed that they would not take credit cards for the visa; just US dollars, Euros or South African Rand. Fortunately, I had enough Euros to pay the visa fee. Leaving the border, we drove on decent roads for the hour drive to Victoria Falls. There wasn’t much to see on the way as there was brush on both sides. Other than seeing a few random animals, it was a boring ride. As we approached the town of Victoria Falls, it was apparent that people living near the falls had some wealth. The houses were modern and nice, unlike the homes in the townships in and around Johannesburg. We arrived at Victoria Falls National Park after a short walk from our van. There were many aggressive vendors showing their handicrafts and carvings. As a rule, I don’t touch anything unless I’m fairly certain I want to purchase it. Vendors often try to put things in your hand and consider it sold once you touch the item. Also, in craft markets in Africa, prices are always negotiable. I’m not a good negotiator. In many African countries, there is high unemployment and abject poverty yet wealthy Americans will fight, rather than spending an extra dollar or two. And by dollar, I mean US dollars, which are accepted almost everywhere.

Once in the park, there were a dozen viewing points of the falls. Each viewing area offered a different view of the many falls. I’ve seen dozens of waterfalls during my lifetime, but I have never seen one so magnificent or powerful. Water was gushing over the falls at such a rapid rate. No one could survive falling into the water. As we walked from point to point along the path, the mist began to get heavier. By the ninth stop, it was a deluge of rain generated by the falls. The skies near the falls were perfectly clear, but the falls created a drenching rain. Thank God I had ponchos. Joe always criticizes me for bringing ponchos and refuses to wear one. Despite my wearing an ugly yellow poncho, I was completely drenched. The warm rain felt refreshing. At the last point, the rain had cleared and there was a railroad bridge linking Zimbabwe with Zambia. We could have taken a short train ride across the Zambezi River to Zambia, but we opted not to do that. With our phones and iPads, we headed back to the main gate. After a stop at the for a Zambezi beer, we met up with our tour guide.

The day before we went to Victoria Falls, a Dutch couple at the Lodge gave us some advice about a restaurant at the falls. Our guide had phoned ahead to make a reservation for us. The Lookout Café was charming and had spectacular views of the falls, the Zambezi River, and across the river to Zambia. I had a burger, but Dan insisted I try his roasted crocodile. Much to my surprise, I liked it. Despite it being an upscale restaurant, the food along with a drink came to about $15 US per person. The Zambezi beer was $3 a bottle and a nice glass of South African sauvignon blanc was roughly $4. We sat, relaxed, dried off and took in the spectacular views. After a few photos from the restaurant balcony, we went to the gift shop which featured expensive African art. A gift shop across the way had tourist items such as hats, magnets, etc. I opted for a colorful Zimbabwe ballcap. Our guide then brought us to another market for shopping. I was fixated on this vibrant table runner made from African mud cloth. It was $130 and the shop owner didn’t take credit cards, so I wasn’t able to buy it.

Around 3pm, we headed back to our lodge in Botswana. Again, the drive was long and boring. On the way back through immigration, we had to dip our shoes in a murky solution which is used to kill bacteria which could spread hoof and mouth disease. Other than that, the immigration process returning to Botswana was less complicated.

Had I not planned the safari, I likely would have never traveled to Zimbabwe. I’m so glad I went. Zimbabwe was a country which pleasantly surprised me. The areas we visited were clean and safe. Victoria Falls was well worth the visit. I hope to make it there again someday!