Zest for Zambia
There are some experiences on earth that stand out like living postcards, vividly etched in our hearts and minds. Just like a rare, internally flawless D-color diamond, this is perhaps one of my greatest wanderlust finds.
A trip to Zambia, the closest to the African heartbeat, is a wild adventure to the center of a world that has not altered much since the world began. A visit to one of the Seven Wonders of the World, the ethereal Victoria Falls in Zambia, allowed me to get up-close and personal with genesis at its finest. I honestly believe that after the Lord finished creating the world on the seventh day, it in this country where He opted to stay.
Novelist William Ploner once said, “Victoria Falls is the brightest trinket in the globetrotter’s box of curios.”
Imagine being at the edge of the largest single curtain of falling water on earth measuring 1,708 meters wide with an average depth of 92 meters. Twice the size of the Niagara and with greater water flow than the Iguazu Falls in Argentina, it is known as “The Smoke That Thunders.” As you witness the power and enormity of the falls with over 550 million liters of water gushing down per minute, the spray plume — like inverted rain — is so dense you are delightfully drenched in the cool and clean mist that rises like a cherubim’s joyful shower of tears.
As magnificent as you can ever imagine, the thunderous noise is greater than a million wildebeests, zebras or giraffes migrating in the wild. The dramatic mist is visible from 70 kilometers away. A fantasy adventure of every adventure traveler, the monumental falls, declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, are a mile wide, spanning the entire Zambezi river. As the falls crash down 400 feet into the gorge below, they create an endless shower of rain and eclectic rainbows. The synergy of the sun’s rays and the water form this magnificent canvas, a spectacle of natural color hydrotherapy. If the moon is full and bright, rare lunar rainbows romantically hover above. At dusk and dawn, pink and orange hues illumine the sky especially during the wet months of March, April and May when the cascades are at their greatest capacity and the opaque spray is kicked 1,000 feet into the sky.
I can easily picture Christian missionary, explorer and medicine man Dr. David Livingstone — after whom this town was named — being awed upon discovering the majestic falls for the very first time on Nov. 16, 1855. He indisputably brought the world’s attention to this glorious falls that he aptly named after the Queen of England. He was taken by dugout canoe to the edge of the precipice to behold the spectacle of the waterfall. As he wrote, “On sights as beautiful as this, angels on their flight must have gazed.”
Just a three-minute walk from our gorgeous African art inspired Zambezi Sun hotel, is the gate to the Victoria Falls Park. The Zambezi Sun hotel is a deluxe gem of a resort that synergizes timeless African tradition with modern comforts as well. Children will enjoy the Kamp Kwena Kiddies club, Segway rides, elephant back safaris as you all live safely and securely with giraffes, zebras, baboons — all residents of the hotel as well.
A five-foot-tall baboon entered our cozy villa and mischievously took a packet of spicy potato chips, opened the bag in front of us as we stared wide-eyed with jaws agape. It was truly a delightful encounter with this seemingly domesticated hotel resident. After his appetite had been satisfied, he stepped away graciously, leaving us laughing and practically rolling on the floor.
Reeking of colonial sophistication, the stunning five-star Royal Livingstone Hotel and its sister resort the African-themed Zambezi Sun, belong to the multi-awarded Sun International Zambia Hotel Group. The resort complex is located in the 46-hectare Mosi-oa-Tunya National Wildlife Park which fringes the Zambezi River and overlooks the Victoria Falls. As guests of both hotels, you have the unmitigated luxury of visiting the falls repeatedly and at different times of the day. The raw power and roar of the nearby cataracts creates this aura of magic and mystery. This is more than enough reason to stay in either of the two hotels. Our friendly guide Justin Chimfwembe took such loving care of us as he walked with us to the falls and even took care of the children while their mothers were resting. The Royal Livingstone Hotel takes one back to the royalty of the bygone days of opulence and sheer sophistication. Overlooking the serene Victoria Falls, lush acacia trees and a magnificent sun deck creates that romantic setting as well as the thrill of wild adventure. Dining at the Royal Livingstone is an epicurean feast like no other. Unusual flavors and textures, homemade chakalaka, yams, cassava and groundnuts are a delectable treat. The fine cuisine here, served at an opulent table setting, is an amalgam of the many rich and diverse cultures that so fascinated Dr. David Livingstone.
Another special treat is to take the Royal Livingstone Express Train, where you can experience the timeless elegance of Africa’s indulgent past as Royal Livingstone hotel chefs prepare a six-course gourmet dining experience for you. Watch the sunset, view exotic wildlife and cascading river currents as you wine and dine with silver cutlery, crystal glassware and damask linen through the picturesque Zambezi valley aboard beautiful steam locomotives and carriages lovingly restored by Bushtracks Africa and Rovos Rail.
One must hop aboard the air-conditioned helicopter ride or micro-light plane of United Air Charter that lifts up to 1,500 feet before heading towards the falls. The pilot speaks to the guests over headsets sharing trivia about the falls then proceeds upriver to the Long Island and the Most Oa Tunya National Park to spot wildlife like elephants, rhinoceros, giraffes, impalas, buffalos, wildebeests. Downriver, you are treated to impressive views, on either side of the gorge as you rise up to an exhilarating 880 feet over this natural phenomenon.
The mighty Zambezi River features a spot where four countries meet, namely Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Just a short flight away is Angola and Mozambique. Yes, the Zambezi River, which we cruised down at a leisurely pace, is its own splendid destination. It is ever changing as it tumbles and roars over waterfalls, agitates towards rapids, quickly glides through reed fringed white sands and spreads over floodplains. It is magical, poetic, romantic, aggressive and dynamically sublime.
Livingstone, known as Africa’s “Adventure Capital,” also offers bungee jumping off the railway bridge that actually connects Zambia to Zimbabwe, abseiling (Zambia’s version of zip-lining) and a gorge swing, activities definitely not for the faint-hearted. We opted for the flying-fox swing over the mighty canyon. White river rafting through the Bakota Gorge downstream or jet boating on the turbulent waters as you speed through the rapids that wildly spin you around the stretches of water is a thrilling adventure. A more leisurely way to enjoy the Zambezi is via canoe safari ride on the calm waters of the upper Zambezi River. Flanked by national parks on both sides, it’s a haven to small islands and sandbars with lots of yawning hippos, herds of elephants, flocks of myriad waterfowl and crocodiles that slink back into the water. Luxury cruises are also an option as the African Queen and African Princess are berthed just upstream of the Victoria Falls. Take a breathtaking sunset cruise while sipping fine wine and hearty cuisine prepared just for you. With such priceless views in nature’s treasure chest, one cannot help but acquire that infectious Zambian zest.
Like a precious diamond in the rough, the real Africa need not come gift-wrapped. This is Zambia — unblemished, unpackaged and still relatively unexplored by the average traveler. Whether you wish to experience it in luxury or rustic ruggedness, a visit to Zambia provides you with an authentic taste of what the whole of Africa once was like — wild, beautiful and unpredictable.
Need I say more?
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To book your journey, call Sun International +27 11 780 7000 or send e-mail to natsales@za.suninternational.com Zambesi Sun can be reached at +260 (21) 321122 or log on to www.suninternational .com.
For internet booking e-mail Reservational@Royal-livingstone-Hotel.com. For transportation and tours in Livingstone, e-mail Jostana at ajcarhire@zamnet.zm.
Thai Airways flies “Smooth as Silk” four times a week to Johannesburg from Manila via Bangkok, take a connecting flight to Livingstone, just a 1.5 hours flight away. Avail of their Royal Orchid Service and special promo rates now. For more details, Please call district sales manager Malu Dueñas at 817-5442/812-4744 or e-mail mnlsd@thaiairways.com.ph
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E-mail the author at miladay.star@gmail.com.
