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Recently, I wrote about an extraordinary experience visiting Botswana, where my husband and I went on a safari and spent several days admiring the most spectacular wildlife we could ever imagine. From there, we took a trip to Victoria Falls, where we spent a few days visiting the Falls in Zimbabwe and the Zambezi River in Zambia. The tour company that arranged our stay in Botswana transported us from Botswana to Zimbabwe, and we found our time in Zimbabwe and Zambia to be as magical as our time in Botswana. All about our trip:
Where to Stay
528 Victoria Falls: This charming bed and breakfast has all the amenities you need for a memorable trip to Victoria Falls. The spacious home has eight rooms, each one with large windows and a bathroom. The elegantly decorated venue has several rooms for relaxing, a garden and pool, and a large dining room for breakfast, although I recommend eating on the patio where you can enjoy the gorgeous green garden. The venue also hosts a rooftop bar which is a great spot to grab a drink at any time of day, but best during sunset because of the view of Victoria Falls town.
What to Do During Your Trip To Victoria Falls
Visit the Falls! I highly recommend hiring a tour guide to lead you through the falls. They can help you navigate all the vista points and share the history of the falls. As one of the largest waterfalls in the world, the sight of the Falls is truly spectacular. The volume of rushing water, the sight of the rainbows that form in the mist, and the deafening sound of the falls culminate into an experience that you will never forget.
Cruise the Zambezi River: A cruise on the Zambezi River is an idyllic experience and one not to be missed. The river is the fourth longest river in Africa, beginning in Zambia and flowing all the way to the Indian Ocean. If you are staying in Victoria Falls, as we did, you can arrange a cruise with a tour guide who will pick you up and take you to the river. You will begin the cruise in Zimbabwe and will also go into Zambia. Once in Zambia, you will see loads of the country’s famous hippos, sometimes almost completely submerged, and many on the banks of the river as well. The evening cruise includes beverages and heaps of snacks and offers the opportunity not only to enjoy the river and hippos, but also a chance to see birds, crocodiles, and whatever wildlife happens to be enjoying a drink from the river.
Where to Eat
Of course, we have to share where we ate during our trip to Victoria Falls. We ate at several places, and here are some of our favorites:
Reynardo’s: For a casual lunch, stop by Reynardo’s, which is across the street from the 528 Inn. Here, you can indulge in snacks, a cheesy pizza, a sandwich, or a hearty salad. The freshly squeezed juices are great in the hottest hours of the day, and don’t miss out on a cup of coffee made with local beans to start or end your day in Victoria Falls.
The Three Monkeys: If you are looking for a fun dining location during your trip to Victoria Falls, the Three Monkeys is your spot. Buzzing with locals and tourists alike, the mostly open-air venue has bar snacks for sharing, like spring rolls and bruschetta, as well as fantastic wood-fired pizza. The romangola (flatbread) is great, with spinach, feta, and roasted garlic, and the quatro fromaggio is a real indulgence. The beer list is extensive; be sure to sample one of the several they have on tap from the thriving local Zimbabwean craft brewery scene!
The Lookout Café: After visiting Victoria Falls, stop by the iconic Lookout Café for an outdoor meal where you can enjoy views of the Batoga Gorge. The Gorge starts at the base of the falls and is a stunning vista point. Dining at this restaurant is a special experience because of the views, but don’t miss the paintings, statuettes, and wooden sculptures in the adjoining gallery, which specializes in contemporary artists from the region. For food, I recommend one of their warm ‘toasties’ with melted cheese; for something more substantial, there are burgers and sandwiches, as well as traditional local dishes.
Cassia Restaurant: For an upscale meal, visit this sensational dining establishment in the Ilala Lodge Hotel. Ask for one of the outdoor tables that overlooks the sprawling gardens and offers the the sound of falling water in the background. Kick off your meal with a glass of wine and the tomato and mozzarella panzerotti, an Italian empanada where a deep-fried pocket is stuffed with melted cheese and sweet tomatoes. For your entrée, the choices are endless. Roasted cauliflower steaks served with a creamy yogurt and dill sauce, mushroom and spinach cannelloni smothered in a decadent bechamel sauce, crispy pumpkin, and lentil phyllo parcels, the list goes on. Desserts are just as tempting; I highly recommend the apple tart with tahini ice cream or the baked cheesecake with sweet marshmallow crème and refreshing coconut sorbet.
The Verdict
Our trip to Botswana was enriched by a trip to Victoria Falls, straddling the borders of Zimbabwe and Zambia. The sight of the Zambezi River cascading powerfully into the gorge was not just a visual treat but a vivid reminder of nature’s raw force. Unlike the chill atmosphere of our safari, the falls added a dynamic contrast to our African journey. This detour was undoubtedly worthwhile, offering a unique perspective on the continent’s diverse landscape. It was definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
