We travelled to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe with our 13-year-old Kidsetter. We had arranged a local guide to meet us named Kuda. He was going to be our guide for our 10 days through Africa.
There is so much to see and do in the town of Victoria Falls.
We attended a live theatre of ‘Simunye – we are one’ at the Victoria Falls Theatre. A mesmerising performance of Bomani, the son of Chief Ekanjo, cast out from the Kimba tribe, as he wanders the African hinterland in search of home, accompanied by his loyal elephant friend, Ndlovu. Simunye is a captivating fusion of puppetry, dance, music delivering a powerful message of love and community.
After an exhilarating morning at the Zambian side of Victoria Falls we had worked up an appetite. We had been recommended to visit Baines restaurant situated on the Zambezi River offering stunning views of the area. Our Kidsetter and dad enjoyed some of the best ribs they have ever tasted !
Another restaurant we had been recommended to visit was The Lookout Café. Wow – what a location. Perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, this open air café is one of the favourites in Victoria Falls.
Spectacular views of the gorges and Zambezi River below make a special place for more than just a meal.
We were served by a delightful waitress named Norma who spent a lot of time with us teaching us about the current Zimbabwe state of affairs. Our Kidsetter was very amused by my constant abrupt running off, as bees enjoyed sharing my food much to my distain.
We took a helicopter flight over Victoria Falls which is also known as the ‘Flight of Angels’. One of the best ways to gain a bird’s eye view and appreciate it’s enormity.
Our pilot circulated over the Falls in both directions giving us an unsurpassed viewing of the sheer scale.
We even viewed our first wild elephant from the air. It was exhilarating.
The Boma Dinner and Drum Show was an immersive experience. The moment we arrived we were ceremoniously dressed in our chitenge (sarong) before being welcomed by traditional dancers and a mini face paint. During the feast, the entertainment incorporates mbira music, traditional dancers, a local folk storyteller.
We were taken to a little hut to have our fortune told by a fortune teller.
Elaborate face painters roamed the tables and we could decide on our animal design. But the highlight of the evening’s entertainment is the renowned energetic interactive drumming show beginning after dinner. We each handed a djembe drum and participated in the drumming show by learning a few rhythms. Our Kidsetter told us this was the best dinner ever !
Our guide named Kuda drove us to the Zimbabwean entrance of the Victoria Falls. We commenced our walk of the 19 viewing points along the falls. Although only 15 of which are on the Zimbabwean side.
The noise of Victoria Falls can be heard from a distance of 40 kilometres while the spray and mist from the falling water is rising to a height of over 400 metres and can be seen from a distance of 50 kilometres. Victoria Falls is a roaring machine that strikes anyone with its power.
Our Kidsetter enjoyed wearing his poncho and being sprayed by the immense volume of water falling at various points.
We visited a traditional Monde village with our guide Harrison. We learnt about marriage dowries and traditions. It was a fascinating insight into their way of life.
We enjoyed a Zambezi Breeze River Cruise. As we cruised along this majestic river, the 4th largest in Africa we were served a delicious dinner and drinks. We watched hippos grazing from afar. After an unforgettable African sunset, a magical charm settles over the river.
We visited the infamous Victoria Falls Hotel – overlooking Victoria Falls, the Edwardian-style hotel, built in 1904 by the British, was originally conceived as accommodation for workers on the Cape-to-Cairo railway. The hotel lies within a vast manicured garden which has an unobscured view of the Victoria Falls bridge and the spray of the Falls.
We enjoyed a delicious high tea on the Stanley Terrace and watched the sun set on Victoria Falls.
There is no shortage of activities to do with Kidsetters alike in Victoria Falls.
