Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

A beautiful paradox. Many people who live in big cities dream of holidays surrounded by nature and wildlife. 

Victoria falls offers that.

At first, I had no idea whatsoever about Victoria Falls -it is an odd destination, and even more for a random dude from Madagascar.

To get there from Madagascar, you must take a flight to Johannesburg (South Africa), then fly from there to Victoria Falls. 

We took a Fastjet flight from Johannesburg to get there. We met some friends at the airport, coming for the same event we were to attend. The flight seemed just like regional flights from back home at first, but I was agreeably surprised by the quantity of junk food and beer they provided in the plane. 

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

I remember going there without knowing what to expect. We just came from a 3-days Safari in Kruger Park (South-Africa), and I was not excited as one ought to be when going to a safari lodge.

All the excitement came as soon as we arrived. They found a way to mix three things: wild life, luxury aesthetics and my sweet spot - heights.

Just stunning view. The place has a terrasse that offers a view to the wilderness. It felt like contemplating Africa from a drone’s point of view. It actually didn’t just felt so. It was literally that.

We had everything that we required at that moment: beer, sunset and good company.

The Boma Restaurant

After the majestic view came the african euphoric diner at The Boma Restaurant. It’s a place like any good “natural-vibe” you would find: some trees, bungalows, rooms, suites, a restaurant etc. 

But the special thing that you have to discover there is their Diner and Drum Show experience. 

The food proposal is a terrific buffet. I especially favoured the meat corner. It had the regular meat you eat on a daily basis, but for the extra wink you also can try impala steak. Which was just awesome with some chaka-laka. For the bold ones, they also serve a special insect that apparently contains a lot of protein. I was one of the cowards. And happily so. A friend of mine had a bite and threw it away as soon as he did.

Now the extra-time: the drum show. Oh my God. Will always be one of my most cherished moments from the Zimbabwean experience. 

The tables are dispatched in a circular way accros the room’s radius. In the center of the room, you will also find the center of the whole experience. 

A band plays there. They mostly play a set of different drums and a lead singer with a handless mic attached from his neck to his face sets the tone and the rhythm of the night. He has one of those low, loud and husky voices that stick in your memories. They mostly play traditional african songs and animations. 

At some point, small drums are distributed to the people in the room to help the band explore the groove of the night. I strongly recommend that you take one. You will be part of the song, and this is something you will want to experiment. They will teach you and show you the way to the groove. And when you find it, you will hope that the song never stops. 

I have chills just thinking and writing about it right now. 

Zambezi House

The Zambezi house was one of those places I’m pretty sure I would’ve loved. Unfortunately I cannot be sure, because on the three times we went there, I was either drunk and/or hung over. Lol. I for sure remember to have spent a great time there, with excellent company. It is a place full of greenery, just by the Zambezi River that separates Zimbabwe and Zambia (we’ll talk more about it later). I remember that at some point in the morning, I’ve seen animals: hippos, crocodiles and pumbas from The Lion King’s. At some point too, one of our Zimbabwean friends just told me that one shall not be too careless just by the river. Because of the crocodiles. The most comforting thing I remember there was their Burger Bar. It felt like the love I craved for after a long night spent partying. Having a beef burger with special grated cheddar melting beneath it, under a bleamy sun and fresh can of coke in front of a lake was a whole concept in itself. 

The Lookout Cafe

Now the adrenaline. 

I always had a thing for heights. This time is was heights with waterfalls. And not any falls. Victoria Falls. As I come from a touristic Island, I always thought it not to be too clever to buy touristic souvenirs but now I understand it. They had a souvenirs boutique. And the mixed feelings of happiness of traveling, uncertainty of coming back anytime soon, excitement for discovery, longing for infinity of the present moment just got me buying for pricy souvenirs. I think I spent around 80 USD on t-shirts, bags and magnets. It was nearly a year ago, but the feeling I now have when I see those totems and they remind me of the acquisition, are solely those of bittersweet nostalgia and gratefulness. No ounce of regret. 

Past the souvenirs, the main course was the activities. They suggest a lot of adrenaline activities: gorge swing, zip line, helicopter round, white water rafting, river cruise, canopy tour, bike tour. I took something they called the “Swing Pass” (might not be exact name), which is a combo that includes the flying fox, the zip-line and the gorge swing. All of which are incrementally adrenaline loaded (I believe it costed around 100 USD)

I was not sure at the beginning whether I should try it or not. I’m easily scared by nature. But a friend of mine that came from there told me I might never come back to this exact spot again, and may never have the opportunity to try it. I was partially convinced, and the part that was convinced was the greater, therefore I tried it. Happily so. All I can say is that I loved the experience and I now proudly tell that story to my pals.

(Now you’ll find as follows my remaining experiences/places from there and the pictures. Text will follow in the future but for the moment, writing about it took me more energy and time than I intended at first :) )

Sunset Cruise on Zambezi River - Wild Horizon Jetty

The hung over morning run to Zambian Gate

Baines Restaurant

The Mighty Vic Falls