The Historical Railway Bridge - Victoria Falls

!!!!A visit to the Victoria Falls is not complete without an excursion to the famous Victoria Falls Bridge!!!

A visit to the historic railway bridge is an integral part of any Victoria Falls experience.

Learn about its fascinating history on this multi-faceted tour which includes:

A theatrical and entertaining presentation on the history of the Bridge and the men who built it.

A rare opportunity to walk on the catwalks beneath the Bridge, used in the original construction in 1904.

Free entry into the Bridge Visitor Centre where historic photographs of the Bridge can be viewed.

Suitable for all ages – minimum age of 10 years for the “under the bridge” part of the tour

Return transfers from your local hotel (Zimbabwe) or Day Activity Centre (Zambia)

Assistance through the Border posts.

The Bridge Café

Offering a selection of light meals and refreshments from The Bridge Café which provides spectacular views of the Victoria Falls Bridge, Batoka Gorge and the Falls themselves (during high water). It is also a great place to watch the famous bungee jumping, bridge swing and slide. Vegetarian dishes available. Full bar available.

Bungee Adrenaline Activities

Bungee

The original, the one and only, the must do, the ultimate thrill! 4 seconds of freefall, 111m of Pure Adrenalin! Off the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, with a spectacular backdrop of the majestic Victoria Falls, move to the edge, arms out and 5-4-3-2-1- BUNGEE leaving yourself plummeting towards the rumbling waters of the rapids of the Zambezi River and let the adrenaline flow. This bungee, flanked by stunning Victoria Falls, is the most spectacular in the world.

Bridge Swing

Swing, Rock and Roll off the famous Victoria Falls Bridge. Take a leap of faith before freefalling for up to 70 metres before you fly out over the rapids of the Zambezi River in a huge arc with the mighty waterfalls rumbling by your side… what a thrill!

Slide (Zipline)

Enjoy this fun and mildly adventurous Slide (Zipline), which can be done alone, or with a friend.

Experience a scenic and age-old technique of “sliding” across the Batoka Gorge from the Zambian side, landing up on the Victoria Falls Bridge while enjoying spectacular views of the mighty Zambezi River, the Batoka Gorge and the Falls themselves during the high water season.

Exciting for all ages, starting from 6 years old – even something Granny can do!

Top Five Things to See in Zambia

Here’s a list of the top five things you should do if you visit Zambia. a country in Southern Africa. Zambia lies southwest of Tanzania. With plenty of opportunities to see amazing natural beauty, go on thrilling wildlife safaris, and experience Africa’s unique culture.

These destinations will give you a taste of what this interesting country has to offer.

1. Victoria Falls/Mosi-oa-Tunya (Zambia/Zimbabwe): Arguably the world’s largest waterfall. Victoria Falls in Southern Province never ceases to amaze visitors. This is Zambia’s — and Zimbabwe’s — biggest tourist attraction. It lives up to its local (Tongan) name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” Most visitors stay in the nearby towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The upper falls is in Zambia, while the lower portion is on the Zimbabwe side. Both offer different and spectacular views of this natural wonder. Of special note are the two statues of the explorer and missionary David Livingstone locate on each side of the falls. Livingstone is still revered by many Zambians, and the City of Livingstone is named after him.

 

The best time of the year to visit the falls is between July and September, when the Zambezi River is aplomb with water. In November and December, the falls are almost dry and look like a canyon. Heavy rainfall fills the Zambezi between January and May, and it’s difficult to see the falls through a wall of mist created by falling water.

For a few weeks in November, the water level is so low that visitors can swim in the “Devil’s Pool.” It’s an experience of a lifetime and highly recommended if you visit at that time. The pool lies at the edge of the falls with a 105-meter (350 foot) drop on the other side. Although it looks terrifying, the Devil’s Pool offers brave souls the sensation of swimming in a whirlpool bathtub. If you’re an adventurous sort, there’s also bungee jumping or zip lining from the Victoria Falls Bridge and whitewater rafting in some unruly rapids below the falls. Keep in mind that these activities can be dangerous. In January 2012, an Australian woman nearly died when she bungee jumped off the bridge and the cord snapped, sending her plummeting more than 110 meters (360 feet). Thankfully, she survived both the plunge and the crocodiles below.

2. South Luangwa National Park: South Luangwa NationalPark is one of many national parks in Zambia, and the most popular, because it’s filled with abundant wildlife. It’s a short flight or a ten-hour drive from Lusaka via Eastern Province. Flying is more convenient but can be expensive. The daytime and nighttime game drives in South Luangwa are fabulous.

       

 

  

For high-end lodging, stay at the Chichele Lodge, the presidential retreat of former Zambian president Kenneth Kaunda (1964-91), or at Mfuwe Lodge. There are numerous less expensive lodges and bush camps in and around the park.

3. Lower Zambezi River: The Lower Zambezi River basin in Southern Province is a short drive south from Lusaka and a great place for a long weekend getaway. There are several lodges near the towns of Chirindu and Chiawa not far from the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers. It’s great for bush camp excursions, hunting, fishing, and boat cruises, and popular with tourists who want to fish for tigerfish or camp “in the bush.”

 

4. Northern Circuit: Zambia is keen to promote tourism in Northern Province on the Tanzanian border. Kasaba Bay on Lake Tanganika, one of Africa’s Great Lakes, is currently under development as a major tourist destination. Once it’s completed sometime in the next decade, the area will boast several high-end resorts. Fly to the Mbala airport near Kasaba Bay, or into the regional capital, Kasama. Hire a car and travel the back roads through beautiful country with subtropical forests, colorful villages, and spectacular waterfalls overshadowed by Victoria Falls such as Chishimba Falls.

 5. Saturday Dutch Market: Every last Saturday of the month, Zambia’s largest open-air market sets up shop at the Dutch Reformed Church in the Kabulonga area of Lusaka. Artisans from Zambia and neighboring countries bring their arts and crafts to you. It’s one of the few places where you can find Zimbabwean soap stone sold next to Zambian copper plates. You can also taste a variety of ethnic dishes and buy produce. If you miss this market, try the smaller Sunday Market at the Arcades Shopping Centre in Lusaka that happens every week. Be sure to bargain – the vendors will reduce prices below their original quotes and expect you to barter.

 

  

Please make sure to visit our website for more information on accommodations:

website: www.zambia-reservations.com or email us at: res@zamibia-reservations.com

   

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is situated along the upper Zambezi River. It includes the Victoria Falls and stretches for about 12 kilometres up the Zambezi River above the Falls.

 

It is only 66 square kilometres, but there are plans to extend the Park further up river. Because the Park is small, it affords a wonderfully relaxing drive alongside the river for much of the circular route, and the wide variety of species can be easily seen. The Park provides a home for numerous antelope species, zebra, giraffe, warthog, and a variety of birds and smaller animals. Elephants cross the Zambezi and freely walk through the Park and the surrounding area.

Some Accommodation at the National Park.......

Sussi & Chuma lodge

Toka Leya Camp

For more beautiful accommodations in Zambia visit our website at www.zambiareservations.com

Zambia Hotspots

Some of the must see places in Zambia!!!!!

Zambia is a country in the southern part of Africa. It lies South West of Tanzania. With plenty opportunities to see amazing natural beauty, go on thrilling wildlife safaris, and experience Africa's unique culture.

1. Victoria Falls /Mosi-oa-Tunya 

 Arguably the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls in Southern Province never ceases to amaze visitors. This is Zambia’s — and Zimbabwe’s — biggest tourist attraction. It lives up to its local (Tongan) name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” Most visitors stay in the nearby towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

 

 2. South Luangwa National Park

One of many national parks in Zambia, and the most popular, because it’s filled with abundant wildlife. It’s a short flight or a ten-hour drive from Lusaka via Eastern Province. Flying is more convenient but can be expensive. The daytime and nighttime game drives in South Luangwa are fabulous.

3. Lower Zambezi River

The Lower Zambezi River basin in Southern Province is a short drive south from Lusaka and a great place for a long weekend getaway. There are several lodges near the towns of Chirindu and Chiawa not far from the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers. It’s great for bush camp excursions, hunting, fishing, and boat cruises, and popular with tourists who want to fish for tigerfish or camp “in the bush.”

4. Lake Kariba 

Spend a weekend on the world’s largest artificial lake, Lake Kariba, located in Southern Province on the Zimbabwean border. 

5. Kafue National Park

Zambia’s oldest and largest national park. Although it suffered for years from game poaching, the animal population has recently rebounded. It’s an easy three-hour drive west of Lusaka, and after a paved road is built, north from Livingstone. 

Biking Through Zambia

Cycle Tours - Thorn Tree Safaris 

Thorn Tree Safaris has been creating unique, tailor made Zambian safaris since 2005.  With guides fluent in the local language,they offer safe, varied and exciting ways to travel and see the beauty of Africa, its wildlife and people at first hand. Their mobile safaris, cycle tours and fishing expeditions all offer you the opportunity to interact with local communities - often proving a life changing experience.

Cycle Tours & Challenges
Thorn Tree Safaris can offer you a standard cycle tour or a route tailor-made to your specific requirements.  You can cycle across Zambia, Malawi or Tanzania knowing that our experienced team is there to back you up all the way, and feed and water you at the end of every day!

ZAMBIA, WET AND WILD  LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE  CYCLE CHALLENGE

This challenge takes place in south-eastern Zambia finishing at the Victoria Falls.
Day 1
Overnight travel to Lusaka, Zambia
Day 2
Transfer to hotel,  picnic lunch, bike fitting and a briefing on the challenge to come.
Relax in the bush surroundings, swim, try out your bike, and enjoy the curious giraffe and zebra who meander amongst the chalets
Day 3
Road transfer to starting point and set off to Mazabuka, home to Zambia's sugar plantations.
Terrain is a mix of tar & good dirt roads. Cycle through local villages, baobab trees and  sugar plantations.
Day 4
Continue south towards Monze - a challenging but fantastic day. Today route is a more adventurous off road one! Roads vary from good dirt to slightly sandy taking you through real rural Africa! Winding tracks through villages where you can meet the friendly Zambian people.
At the end of the day’s cycling transfer to Choma for our overnight.
Day 5 
A circular day today as we cycle down to Lake Kariba for 88kms. After reaching the shores of the lake, return by vehicle to Choma  overnight.
Day 6
Another challenging day as tackling 70kms of off-road! Dirt roads are in good condition with  a few sandy sections. Pass countless small villages, seeing rural Africa at its best, as yet untouched by tourism.
Day 7
The final push into Livingstone, the ultimate destination! Although this last ride is on tarred road there are potholes to negotiate - cycle straight through town and end at the Victoria Falls. A spectacular end to the week!
Special meal held in an African restaurant in Livingstone to celebrate success!
Day 8
Enjoy a free day to take part in one of the many local activities & challenges available in Livingstone.
Day 9
Transfer to Livingstone airport for you International flight back home.
Day 10
Arrive at home wondering if it has all been a fantastic dream !!

The Zambian Kwacha

Zambian Kwacha, has been ‘re-based’. Government decided to remove three zeros from the currency to make it easier for people to understand and to avoid having to carry around large carrier bags full of money.

It is not a ‘devaluation’ and the currency and economy remain stable.  The Kwacha now sits at around 5 to the US dollar. You still need to obtain Kwacha as you enter Zambia to pay for various local taxes and any cash payments whilst you’re in Zambia. However, you can still buy your entry visa in USD as it is not possible to get Kwacha outside Zambia..

It is easy to withdraw cash from ATMs at the airport – Visa and Mastercard both work and most larger retail outlets and lodges can accept major credit cards. We advise guests to let their credit card company know if they are travelling to Zambia so that they don’t stop the card for suspicious use. They can also exchange USD, Sterling, Euros and most major currencies at the airports.

Yellow fever vaccination required for passengers travelling to and from Zambia

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revised the Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations for Africa. The South African Department of Health has subsequently issued a statement that all travellers from South Africa to Zambia and travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Previously, this was not required.
All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Newsflash received from Sanctuary Retreats

For more information please contact us at info@southern-africa-travel.com