Tag: Victoria Falls Zimbabwe

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, Africa.

A Mid-Voyage Land Adventure: Victoria Falls, the Smoke That Thunders Victoria Falls Overland Tour

We had breakfast and took pictures in The Palms Hotel before our tour of Victoria Falls.

The Palm River Hotel’s idyllic location among towering indigenous trees offers panoramic views of the mighty Zambezi River. Located about 2.5 miles upstream from Victoria Falls, the hotel is a convenient riverside retreat after experiencing all the thrills of the world’s biggest waterfall. It’s located so close, in fact, that on a clear and wind-free day, you can hear the rumble and see the spray of the mighty ‘Smoke That Thunders’ from your room. The Palm River Hotel draws its style inspiration from Victoria Falls Town’s rich history and blends it with iconic Queenslander architecture – discerning travelers will love the high ceilings and spacious verandas that enhance the hotel’s luxurious, capacious feel.

Helicopter tour over Victoria Falls

After breakfast at the hotel, we met our guide and took a short transfer to the helipad. Upon arrival, receive your safety briefing before boarding your helicopter for an approximately 25-minute ‘Flight of Angels’. Upon seeing the Victoria Falls for the first time in 1855, David Livingstone famously wrote that ‘Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’. Little did he know that 150 years later, he could have that exact opportunity.

The best way to appreciate the true splendor of Victoria Falls is to view it from the air. Due to the helicopters’ proximity to the Zambezi River, they are over its spectacular scenery just a short time after lift-off. After take-off, the helicopter turns out towards the magnificent Victoria Falls. From here, our pilot flies left – and right-hand circuits over the Falls in both directions, giving you the best viewing, photographic, and video opportunities. A trip up the Zambezi River and back over Zambezi National Park completes your flight.

Lunch at The Lookout Cafe overlooking the Victoria Falls Gorge.

After the helicopter flight, we went to the Lookout Café for a delicious lunch accompanied by stunning panoramic views overlooking the gorge.  

Walking tour of Victoria Falls

Following lunch, we took a guided walking tour of Victoria Falls. From the sight of the Falls to their smell and sound, this awe-inspiring sensory experience is truly humbling. While countless photo opportunities abound, no photograph can truly capture the feeling of seeing the mighty Falls for the first time. This awe-inspiring, 150-million-year-old natural wonder reaches its zenith around May of each year. Learn about the history of the Falls and its flora, fauna, and birdlife from your guide whilst winding your way through the rainforest. Our guides assisted us with photographs while visiting this most spectacular of waterfalls.

Zambezi Evening River Cruise

In the early evening, we departed for the short transfer to the Zambezi River jetty. Upon arrival, we embarked on the cruise for an unforgettable sunset cruise experience on the Zambezi River. We enjoyed the beautiful African sunset with its stunning colors and watched the elephants and hippos as they enjoyed the cooling water. At the conclusion of your sunset dinner cruise, disembark the vessel and re-boardedvour coach for the short transfer back to the The Palm Hotel.

Where in the World Are We?

We are in Cape Town, South Africa.

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA
Also known as “Mother City.”

In the Bo-Kaap neighborhood, the call to prayer echoes through cobbled streets lined with brightly painted
houses, while the aroma of Malay curry fills the air. Flower sellers, newspaper hawkers, and lively markets
keep street life buzzing, and lampposts advertise a steady stream of festivals and cultural events.

Yet what you’ll ultimately remember about Cape Town is the grandeur of its setting. Table Mountain rises
dramatically above the city, with rugged mountains tumbling into the sea and the shifting blues of the
The Atlantic and Indian Oceans complete the scene. Francis Drake’s description of this as “the fairest Cape we
saw in the whole circumference of the earth” still feels remarkably accurate today.

Often compared to San Francisco, Cape Town has two things the city by the Bay does not: Table Mountain
and Africa. The mountain is central to the city’s identity, looming overhead in a way that must be experienced
firsthand. When afternoon clouds spill over its flat summit, the city below seems to pause in collective awe.

Beyond the urban core, pristine white-sand beaches, mountain trails, and outdoor pursuits—from surfing
and paragliding to mountain biking—offer endless possibilities. Much of the land near Strand and Waterkant
Streets were reclaimed from the sea, forming today’s Foreshore, a reminder of how Cape Town has continually
evolved alongside its extraordinary natural surroundings.

SIGHTS

• V&A Waterfront
• Chapman’s Peak Drive
• Bo-kaap
• Groot Constantia
• Bay Harbor Market
• Castle of Good Hope
• Constantia Valley
• Flying Dutchman Funicular
• St. George’s Cathedral
• National Library of South Africa
• 
  CUISINE AND SHOPPING
  Cape Town’s cuisine and shopping scene reflect the city’s rich cultural diversity and creative spirit. Its food culture ranges from traditional Cape Malay dishes—such as fragrant curries, bobotie, and samoosas found in areas like Bo-Kaap, to fresh seafood, vibrant food markets, and world‑class dining inspired by both African and international
  influences. Equally varied is the city’s shopping experience, from the bustling V&A Waterfront, with its mix of international brands, local designers, and artisan markets, to lively streets like Kloof Street and neighborhood markets offering handcrafted jewelry, fashion, art, and unique South African souvenirs. Together, Cape Town’s flavors and
  retail experiences offer an engaging way to explore the city’s culture, creativity, and lifestyle.

World Cruise Overland Experience: Victoria Falls, the Smoke That Thunders

We embarked on a four-day overland tour to see Victoria Falls to explore one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. We flew from Cape Town to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe. After arrival, we proceeded to the Boma restaurant for a traditional interactive dinner. This is not just another ethnic restaurant, but a unique cultural experience.

Excellent game meets, traditional dishes, traditional dancers, a Sangoma, and a fortune teller

Upon arrival at the Boma restaurant, we were welcomed with a traditional greeting in Shona Ndebele, the local languages. Next, we were invited to take part in a hand-washing ceremony before sampling traditional beer and snacks, a prelude to dinner. Excellent cuisine, including a variety of game meats and traditional Zimbabwean dishes, is accompanied by entertainment throughout your meal from traditional dancers, the Sangoma (a traditional storyteller), and a local fortune teller, who is available for fortune telling. We learned about the country’s folklore, culture, and heritage from a Sangoma. After dinner, we checked into The Palms Hotel.