About Victoria Falls Sunset Cruises

Sunset on the Zambezi River

On the Zimbabwe side of the Zambezi River, there has been a growth in the number and type of river cruise products, all within a wide range of prices from $25 to over $100 per person per cruise. With so much to choose from, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Jess White sheds light on the different river safaris and how to make a decision on which cruise to choose.

New Developments with the KAZA UniVisa

It has been reported that the KAZA visa stickers will return to Zambia and Zimbabwe ports of entry where they have previously been issued - namely Victoria Falls border, Kazungula borders, and Lusaka, Livingstone, Harare and Victoria Falls airports.

According to the KAZA Liason officer for Zimbabwe, the stickers are being dispatched within the next few days, and issuance should resume next week.

New developments with the univisa is the printing of the stickers within both Zimbabwe and Zambia as opposed to having them printed outside of the countries, as well as the integration of the univisa into both countries' immigration systems, which is expected to be completed at the end of the year or in early 2018.

The return of the KAZA univisa stickers is is great news after the stickers ran out towards mid September this year, forcing tourist to rearrange itineraries and some even cancelling some activities in either Zimbabwe or Zambia. But the new developments by KAZA and the immigration departments should add some efficiency, and have the stickers available at all times.

Source: www.victoriafalls-guide.net

How to Survive a Walking Safari

Written by James Bailey  

Credit: Camp Hwange

I’ve spent a good amount of time in the bush conducting walking safaris. The general aim is to get closer to the bush and really appreciate the smaller things. But it also allows you to approach dangerous game, which is something that gives me an incredible kick.

It’s not because it’s risky. In fact, if done properly the risk can be all but negated. However, things can go wrong and for that reason there are five simple rules that we talk guests through before each walk.

What's New in Victoria Falls

Since our last update, a few new and improved projects have taken root here in The Falls, and we thought it was time we shared them with you.

Art of Africa

Art of Africa workshops have diversified and we are certain that you will find at least one that you will be interested in. They started off with river cruise art workshops (where you go out on the river and paint, or learn to paint, what is out there on the Zambezi River), and cultural village workshops (where you mix a visit to a local village with a tour led by the village chief himself, and a soothing art session plus so much more).

They have now added a guided safari and riverside picnic session which takes place in the Zambezi National Park. Take a ride through the largest nature reserve in Victoria Falls with an expert guide, then have a picnic by the Zambezi River and be inspired by the beautiful landscape and the wildlife that surrounds you. In the Victoria Falls Rainforest, you can feel the thunder of the Victoria Falls and take home with you your own unique depiction of the Victoria Falls. On the edge of the Batoka Gorge, you can enjoy a unique sunset experience with a year-round fantastic view - paint and sip and dine. But our favourite Art of Africa experience has to be the "Painting with Elephants" session at The Wallow. Start with a heart-melting elephant interaction and then try painting these magnificent giants while they go about their business wallowing in the mud and grazing in the nearby bushes.

Painting with Elephants

So apart from the Sunset Bridge Run on the Bushtracks Express steam train which was launched early last year, they have added a Dinner trip as well as a High Tea trip. This year, there are set dates for the Sunset Bridge Run and the Dinner run on Tuesdays and Fridays, but the High Tea trip is always on Saturdays.

We are excited about the reopening of Masuwe Lodge, a secluded safari lodge just 7 kms from the Victoria Falls. Masuwe Lodge has undergone refurbishments, and offer an alternative from other lodges dotted around town. It is an option for those who want the quiet and tranquility of the African bush, but don't want to be too far from exciting Victoria Falls activities.

Simpli Simbi creations. Credit: Simpli Simbi

For those who would like to do a little shopping, Simpli Simbi opened it's doors in Victoria Falls in June. Their home store is actually in Harare, but we are certain that their style will fit right in on the corner of Livingstone Way and Adam Stander in Victoria Falls, and they will probably have something special for you to take home. They specialise in home decor and gift creations made of recycled aluminium.

Victoria Falls has seen the opening of two more eating places, because we can never have enough. The Kingdom Hotel have been moving things around and have now opened a new steakhouse - Big Chief Steak & Grill.

Zambezi House

Out in the bush and by the riverside, Zambezi House opened it's doors in July with a bang. Their uniquely designed building a beautifully located restaurant is a must-go-to when in Victoria Falls. And apparently, they have the best pizzas in town, so we've heard.

For the clubbers who love loud music with their drinks, Nitrus Club is right in the middle of town. They don't usually have a cover charge unless they have a special guest, and their drink prices are quite reasonable.

The owners of Nitrus have began a new outdoor cinema experience in Victoria Falls where they screen one of the latest movies (for Vic Falls standards anyway), in different locations under the African sky. Follow their Facebook page to see when and where their next screening will be.

For more of what is on in Victoria Falls, you can also follow our Facebook Page.

New on the Zambian side of the Zambezi River are intimate river safaris. A small propeller-free boat for up to 22 people can take you as close as 200 metres from the edge of the Victoria Falls, as well as through places on the upper Zambezi that cruise boats cannot take you. Wander along narrow channels in between the islands on the Zambezi, speed through rapids, and cruise the river while enjoying the wildlife, scenery and a bit of education on the history, the river and so much more.

Zambezi River safaris

Not so new anymore, but well worth mentioning is the award-winning Elephant Cafe - also on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls. This fabulous experience begins with a boat transfer (much like the River Safari boat), up the Zambezi River, and then an elephant interaction at the Elephant Sanctuary, topped off with a unique dining experience in a beautiful location. This is definitely one of our highly recommended things to do while you're in Victoria Falls.

The Elephant Cafe

Coming soon...

Victoria Falls will be getting a new accommodation option in the Low Density area of town. We will update as more information comes in. Check out the work so far on Pamarah Lodge on Facebook.

Another riverside lodge in the Zambezi National Park is expected to be open in January 2018. Old Drift Lodge will be the closest within the park to the Victoria Falls (just 4.5kms).

Little Known Secrets About Victoria Falls

You may know all the facts about Victoria Falls and some of the things that surround this mighty waterfall, but we've found out a few secrets about the history of this place and we thought we'd share them with you.