Zimbabwe safari Reports 2013

Page 4

Zimbabwe Trip Report 2013

The actual Falls themselves
The following morning was set aside for our visit to the actual Falls and Curio Markets situated right on the edge of town. The Falls Walk is well laid out and requires some 2 to 3 hours to complete fully. Personally, especially at this time of the year when levels are relatively low, about halfway is fair enough for me as the majority of the Falls lie at the start of the walk. Dependent on the time of the year and the consequent water volumes the air can be full of spray and sometimes a water-proof is necessary at some of the closer viewing points. At the time of our visit - late Sept - this was not necessary as the rains have not, at that time, begun so that water levels, though still spectacular, were nowhere near maximum. This pleased the photographers amongst us enormously as, at full spate, most photographs are just of a wall of mist. As it was our almost clear views incorporated a number of strategically placed rainbows. (Images 22-23)

Luxury River Cruise

That evening we took a river cruise on a newly commissioned luxury cruise boat, the price of which included a never ending supply of canapés and drinks. The very scenic trip of some two to three hours allowed us some prime game viewing as a number of animals came dow to drink. The "Birders" were delighted by the variety of birds on offer both on the banks and swooping overhead. Full of canapés we nevertheless made room for dinner back at our Hotel where we were regaled by the musical and dance routines of a group of local entertainers dressed in full Matabele regalia. (Image 24)

The following day was allocated to activities of choice - and what a choice there was. We ended up with dinner at a luxury Hotel where a thatched roof dining room overlooked an illuminated waterhole with a succession of animals coming in to drink.

On to Lake Kariba

Moving on to our next port of call, Kariba, some opted to fly whilst others chose to travel by road. Although a fairly lengthy trip of some 300 miles it passes through varied landscapes and is the route that I always choose to take. (Image 25)