Activities from Victoria Falls
 

I've been looking at the activities commonly offered by the falls, and finding them generally not to be to my taste. So I thought I was ask for some advice here. I have most of an afternoon, arriving a bit after 1PM into the airport, and then the entire next day.

I will definitely want to go to the park and see the falls by foot, but presumably that's only a few hours, maybe filling up my first afternoon. Throw in a helicopter trip, perhaps. But I'm not a shopper by nature, so I don't expect to be very interested in the towns, and besides I'm going to be fighting strict baggage weight restrictions and so can't take any souvenirs with me anyway.

I also don't tend to be an adrenaline junkie, so the bungee-drops are right out. And I'm not comfortable with canoeing and white water rafting in an area where safety enforcement, not to mention insurance and quality health care, is so lacking. An evening cruise sounds pleasant enough, but again I'm not interested in a booze-cruise as I've seen others here describe them.

So, any suggestions? Any whole-day trips that would take me away from the falls proper? I would love to be inspired by something.

Finally, two side-questions:

1. Any opinions on use of a laptop while in a hotel, such as by the pool or lobby? I know I'm assumed rich just by being western but I don't know if a laptop is pushing it too far, given the state Zimbabwe is in.

2. Who has the best meals in VicFalls?

Thanks!
-- Ethan

The evening raft cruise I went on did not focus on drinking and I don't recall even what was served. We enjoyed the surrounding scenery and sunset going at a slow pace and even saw an elephant.

I spent a few hours at a crocodile farm once.

On the Zim side there was quite a bit of non-predatory wildlife roaming freely in the falls area that was fun to watch and photograph. I've never been to the Zam side.

On the Zam side is Mosi-O-Tunya National Park (translates to Smoke that thunders). You can do drives and I think escorted walks there for wildlife viewing. I never went, but might consider it, if I had extra time.

I'm no help on the side ?s.

There are some alternate activities in the Livingstone section on this page http://tinyurl.com/5twsv7

We went to lunch on Livingstone Island and joined that a lot. You get to walk right to the edge of the falls.

First, given your preferences, you could see the Falls the afternoon you arrive and move on to your next destination the following day (assuming your schedule permits). Personally one night in Vic Falls was enough for me.

If you stay in Zimbabwe to see the Falls I can recommend the Ilala Lodge (http://www.ilalalodge.com/). I thought it was a good hotel. My wife and I booked a Zambezi sunset cruise through the hotel and lucked out by having only one other couple on the boat. The cruise, during which you get fairly close to hippos and flocks of birds skimming the water as the sun goes down, actually was the highlight of our stay at the Falls. Alcoholic drinks were available, but were not the focus. I had my fair share of Zambezi beer, the national beer of Zimbabwe, because it was included in the fare and I was feeling nationalistic.

I really see no reason not to use your laptop at the hotel---you'll primarily be among westerners there at any rate. And I'm not sure I see the difference between having a laptop while many of us sport very expensive cameras and other gear.

Perhaps a day-long trip to Chobe would pass the second day for you? For example: http://www.safpar.com/chobe.htm

Best of luck, Steve

Not too sure which airport you are flying into, Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe or Livingstone, Zambia.

I would recommend staying on the Zambia side, given the political situation in Zimbabwe. Check the Royal Livingstone, excellent location, right next to the falls. There are two properties in the same compound, the Royal Livingstone and the Zambezi Sun. I remember being able to the mist from the falls from the hotel. The park in just a short walk from the hotel.

For a day trip, I recommend Chobe in Botswana.

Not sure when you are going, but I just heard from my TA that Livingstone Island is flooded, and therefore closed due to the heavy rains. i am going to be there beginning of June and tey don't expect the island to be open.

So I am now looking for something else to do in the afternoon of my full day there. My son and I are doing a half day canoe trip ( thou perhaps we may change that to a full day.

Is the helicopter ride worth it, or do you see the falls from the air as you depart Livingstone??

amy

Sorry about the typo in my last post, it should read I remember being able to see the mist [the smoke] of the falls from the hotel.


amycyma, yes, do the helicopter ride, make sure you get a window seat, or even better the seat next to the pilot. Book this early as spaces for excursions are limited. When I was in Victoria Falls alot of people I spoke to were disappointed that they couldn't go on the excursions they'd wanted to. The Elephant rides and helicopter were most popular. I know one person who went in the lightweight open aircraft, sorry I don't know the correct name, since she couldn't book the helicopter. I saw the Falls on the way from the plane, (remember this a hit or miss) seeing them from the helicopter was much much better.

Thanks for the replies, everyone. Yes, I'm staying on the Zim side at Ilala. Visiting Livingstone Island might have been nice, except I'm also going in very early June. And I'll already be seeing plenty of the Chobe later on in my visit. Maybe a day trip to Hwange or Mosi-O-Tunya.

The evening cruise was fantastic...all animals going to water.

My husband and I each took an ultra light flight right over the falls. Fabulous!

We went to the island and swimming in the Devils Hole as well, but the ultra light flight was the best.

We flew into Livingston. The pilot was anxious to show off the falls and flew back and forth so both sides of the plane could get a good view. No need for the helicopter ride.

As I am not flying directly into Livingstone, but flying into Kasane, Botswana and then going by car.
I will look at the light aircraft /helicopter flights, and see if I can book a good seat.
I will also consider the river cruise, as well, but as we are doing the half day canoe, i am not sure.
But thanks for your input all
amy

Any thoughts on whether a day-trip to Matobo / Matopos would be possible? I don't think I'd want to do it on my own, so someone reputable would have to be organizing.