Arrived in a scorching hot Zambia just after lunch. There is nothing fancy about this airport. We got off the plane and walked into the arrivals terminal where we were met by extremely friendly customs officials. After getting our passports stamped, we waited for our luggage to be collected from the hull of the plane (you can watch this through the window), thrown onto the back of a tractor with a trailer and then driven to the window where the creaky, old conveyor belt is (the distance is about 200m). Once this old beauty is cranked up to life, the guy on the other side of the wall, unceromoniously throws the luggage onto old Bertha. Thank heavens our luggage wasn't lost! Grabbed the bags and hotfooted outside to find our transfer.
We were met by Elvis from Shearwater adventures. We clambered into the waiting mini van and trundled off down the street towards the Zimbabwean border. We went through the border without a hitch and were met by the spray of the legendary "Smoke that Thunders" or as the locals fondly call it "Mosi - oa - Tunya". We had not yet laid eyes on the wonder that was around the cliff top, but Brad and I knew that when we eventually got to the Falls, it would be a life changing experience.
We drove through the poor town of Victoria Falls - quite disturbing to have all these opulent 5* Hotels amongst so much poverty, and turned onto a dirt road towards our hotel - the stunning Stanley and Livingston Hotel. We were met by Moline,(and a cool towel to wipe our faces and hands and a refreshing drink), who was so welcoming from the minute we stepped foot onto the welcome mat.
After the formalities we were shown to our room and wow, were we impressed. So stunning that I for once was speechless!
See below to also have the wind knocked out of your sails!
After having a rest and a walk around the stunning grounds, Shearwater Adventures picked us up to take us to the well known Boma Restaurant. What an evening! Food was amazing, the entertainment was truly African and the Curio's dirt cheap. The food was all traditional fair, with a little bit of western grub thrown in for the faint hearted. The buffet consisted of warthog, crocodile, ostrich, eland, different game pate's, traditional salads, nuts and vegetables. For those who were not so frightened, mopane worm stew was the order of the day, and you were rewarded for your bravery with an authentic Mopane Worm certificate!
For guests who were a bit picky, the usual spread of chicken, steak and sausages were available too.
We had a fabulous meal with our Polish and Chinese counterparts, did a bit of drumming and dancing and climbed onto the waiting bus feeling somewhat culturally richer.
The first day was spectacular and I knew that the next 2 days would be unforgettable!
