Blog 8 - Victoria Falls

Blog 8 - Victoria Falls
Well rested we packed for our trip to Vic falls. Shereen and John popped out for a final visit and gave us a small book of devotions to accompany us on our journey and we shared a short prayer before our departure.

The sun was shining for the first time in four days so we enjoyed its warmth as we travelled through the middle of Bulawayo. We were surprised to see three mounted horsemen riding through the city centre and presume they were an attachment of the Grey Scouts under whatever name they may operate now. We were  exposed to 4 police road blocks within 10 km of the city boundaries and for the first time were required to pay a US$20 fine as I was driving with my headlights and my driving lights on which were regarded as fog lamps. We travelled on with the weather becoming hotter and drier as we neared Hwange. We stopped off at the Hwange Safari lodge for lunch of toasted chicken mayo and watch a number of impala and eventually some Zebra making their way to the waterhole. Also a bunch of Maribou storks.

 We then went to a wild dog sanctuary where there is a research team and a rehabilitation unit and were abe to see two of the Painted dogs. One old man who is unable to survive independently and one young pup that had broken its leg but was now gaining its strength before release.

We travelled on to Vic falls passing a further 4  or 5 police stops and it took us a lot longer then we imagined. The road was in reasonable repair and we had no hassles. Amazing to see a huge new international airport terminal being constructed at Vic Falls airport. We found our new accomodation in a private home up on a ridge looking down onto the river in the distance and across to Zambia. The pool was cooler than expected but most welcome relief after a hot day in the car. Sitting on the veranda we could hear the falls rumbling in the distance.

 

We slept in a huge 4 poster bed with a mosquito net surrounding the bed . A huge house with three bedrooms and 2 toilets in one wing and Courtney slept in a seperate wing with her own bathroom . Upstairs there was a further huge dormitory like accomodation. We rose early and after a quick breakfast made our way to the Victoria Falls .On our way we were surprised to see a whole group of warthogs browzing at the grass verge alongside the petrol station.

 I supposed we should not have been that surprised considering the stories of a whole herd of buffalo being chased though Vic Falls town by some lions only 2 weeks before.  It is amazing everytime one visits. A lot of development of the entrance with good information on the history and geological formation. The paths are well established now whereas when Renene and I last visited on our honeymoon they were just bush tracks. Now they are all paved with multiple vantage points to view the various parts of the falls. Livingstone's statue remains in its place undefiled which was good to see.

Devils cataract was flowing strongly and despite a reasonable flow over the main falls we were able to have good views and did not get terribly wet. It was strange though that the rain forest was much more wet on our return trip from the gorge . We viewed the bridge from the gorge and watched one bungy and one swing before returning to the park entrance. There were heaps of vervet monkeys and baboons all along the path back to the entrance and they were not phased by the human presence at all just going about their daily business. Quite a number of younger baboons around as well.

We walked onto the bridge having to pass through customs and Brendan decided he did want to do the Bungy jump. So now all four of the Kiwi Jels have done the Bungy. Renene in France and at Storms River in South Africa, Grahame at Hamner in South Island , New Zealand, Courtney at Taupo, North Island New Zealand and Brendan at Vic falls,Zimbabwe. What an experience he had. All captured on video and still photos for his brag sheet.

 

Feeling seriously hot and bothered now we returned to the house for a swim and recharge of the batteries before going for High Tea at Victoria Falls Hotel. We had been fooled into believing from something we read at the Bridge museum that this would cost $18 for two. Well it turned out at $15 per head and we really weren't able to do it justice as there was just too much for our tummies.

 

 



We planned to go on to have dinner at the Boma which is a african experience restaurant but witth the kids still feeling a little unwell we abandoned that plan and instead went for sundowners at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge overlooking a watering hole. We unfortunately missed the elephants and had to settle for the occassional warthog and impala mixed in with great heron and guineafowl. After a couple of gin and tonics and a beautiful sunset we retired for the night hitting the sack reasonably early.

 

 

We spent the next morning wandering around the few shops and the Elephant walk shopping centre admiring the many curios and the amazing sculpture work in wood , bone and metalwork before hitting the road again for Mlibizi where we are due to catch the ferry up the length of Lake Kariba.

 

 we met with a number of police stops and were persuaded to contribute a further US$10 for incorrect red reflectors on the back of our car. This despite no fault being found with them at the many prior stops we had been exposed too. Well considering the number of stops  must be approaching the 100 mark  fines  and a total of US $30 is probably within reason