Good morning, everyone:

I know that this question has come up again and again; however, after searching and reading all the posts I can find, my confusion still abounds!

We plan to spend two nights in Vic Falls, around the third week in March, and will be sandwiching it between safaris in Kwazulu Natal and Botswana. The two activities in which we are most interested, aside from viewing the Falls, is to enjoy sundowners on the Zambezi and to take the elephant back safari ride.

From what I understand, one can take the elephant back safari from either side of the Falls? Are these two separate offerings, or are they the same company? And, what are the diferences between the safari experience on either side of the Falls?

Some of the info I've read is a few years old, so I'm very interested in the experiences of those who have been there very recently; i.e., how safe is it to walk about on either side of the Falls, how easy is it to travel from one side to the other, etc.

Thank you so much for any info or experience you are able to share.

There is still a US State Dept. warning about travel in Zimbabwe due to the economic conditions (inflation rate of 1000%) leading to high crime levels.

Zimbabwe Side - Ilala Lodge, Victoria Falls Hotel, Matetsi Water Lodge (50 minutes outside of Victoria Falls, but free transfers, and an all-inclusive stay at a true safari lodge), Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Zambia Side - Songwe Village, Sussi Lodge, Royal Livingstone Hotel, Zambezi Sun Hotel, Tongabezi

In February, we stayed at Ilala Lodge on the Zim side. The Falls were in full flood, which made for a WET but spectacular viewing of the Falls. The roar of the Falls is overwhelming. We walked to the Falls early in the morning (the gate opens at 6:30am I believe) so that we could see rainbows over the Falls. We walked down the pedestrian walkway and had no problems. On our return, the hawkers were out in force, but we didn't feel threatened, just a bit harrassed. We chose not to go to the Crafts market, as we knew it would be even worse there.

We walked to the Victoria Falls Hotel and Kingdom Hotel to look around. We had no problems doing that. Again, you'll have people around and possibly asking for money or hawking things, but that was even the case when we were there in 2000.

We took a sundowner cruise on the Zambesi, but you can do that from either side, I think.

River Club Zambia has a complimentary Zambesi River cruise each evening for guests.

We stayed in an open thatched cottage about 60 feet above the River. The bathroom was downstairs and we could hear the hippos snorting as we slept under our mosquito netted beds.
The River Club is not to be missed. The location is amazing and the cottages very well appointed. The main lodge dates back a century and is very British Colonial in decor.

We adored the food and activities which are numerous and particularly enjoyed the trip to Livingstone Island and the Ultra Light over the Zambesi.

Except for the hotels, activities are included at most every place...Sussi Lodge, Songwe Village, Tongabezi, Matetsi Water Lodge, etc.

Crystalsong, If you want to HEAR the falls, don't stay at Tongabezi or Sussi which are way upstream. Both lovely, sunset cruise included, serene, quiet places (have stayed at both). I despised the Zambezi Sun which is identical to a touristy motel normally found in a place like Cancun, including fakey wedding type live bands. The only good thing about it is its proximity to the falls which are right at the edge of the property. Royal Livingston is elegant, exclusive, and near the falls. Also, you can reserve lunch at Livingstone Island, which can only be done by guests of the Royal Livingstone or Tongabezi (supposedly). You get boated out to a tiny island right at the top of the falls, right at the very edge. Nice lunch, great view looking DOWN at falls, amazing roaring sound.

Songwe village is more about a cultural experience. Although you do go to the falls from there.....it is a bit of a drive. Make sure you do the white water rafting.

Hari

Trisha1, I would really appreciate hearing about your microlight flight? Do you recommend it? Was it fun? scarey? Is it true that you're not allowed to take a camera?
Thanks.
Bonnie

The ultra light over the falls was amazing. You are not allowed a camera, but there is one on the wing and they film the entire experience for you. My flight was at 7:30 AM and we arrived and were given an insulated suit to wear and then seated behind our pilot who had a microphone and whom we could speak to with any questions as well.

My pilot was a French man..Andre and my husband's was South African..Ben. The experience of soaring over the falls and in particular looking down on the Devil's Cascade was amazing and one of the highlights of our trip. We had no problems with our landing and the photos were processed within 15 minutes.

crystalsong - We stayed at the Zambezi Sun on the Zambia side in early June 04. The falls were roaring. We were on the Falls side of the hotel. It was great. You can hear the Falls and even get wet when the wind shifts.

We used it as a launching pad to see the Falls and take a village tour. There is a booking agency at the Zambezi Sun. It's located next to the "casino" (which is really just a buch of video slot and poker machines). They can arrange all sorts of trips for you - elephant walks, bungee jumping, ultralight flights, etc. A great craft market is a nearby walk as well.

I know many people complain about the "touristy" atmosphere of the place, but it really didn't bother me. I'm a pretty flexible person with what must be de-tuned sensibilities. As long as the room is clean, safe, and reasonably quiet - location is more important to me than the decorating.

We did visit the Royal Livingstone, which is on the same grounds as the Zambezi Sun, and had drinks on the RL's deck by the river. The sunset was spectacular from there - if you stay at either property, don't miss it!

After we toured and looked at some rooms at the Royal Livingstone, we felt very happy with our choice. The value for the price difference just wasn't there for us.

I'm sorry my information is not more current than '04.

Has anyone taken the the Elephant Safari arranged through the Royal Livingstone (or Zambezi Sun)? Any recommendations or comments?