Victoria Falls

By: Moses Chimedza

We spent two nights at Waterfalls Lodge, Victoria Falls for our team-building getaway. What started as a work trip turned into something far bigger — a full treat, courtesy of People and Places, packed with surprises. We spent 3 days together as a team creating so many magical moments that I will never forget. This trip was an educational team building full of fun, right in the heart of the Magic Valley of activities.

We started off our trip with one of the best flight operators in Zambia. We flew on Proflight Zambia’s CRJ200 to Harry Mwanga Nkumbula International Airport and on arrival we were met by a Wild Horizons Meet and Greet Representative Mike who handed us over to our driver for our cross border transfer to Zimbabwe. Just to mention crossing borders is much faster and easier if you pre-complete the online form prior to travel as all your information is then captured in the system.

We had our training sessions with Dave Seaman, one of our directors, which was fuel for change, improvement, exchanging ideas and having much needed conversations but in between those sessions is where the magic happened! Emma and Tendai planned for us to experience everything Victoria Falls has to offer and we enjoyed many of the activities we book for guests first hand.

The Boma Dinner – On our first evening, we went to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge for the Boma Dinner and Drum Show. This was my third time at the Boma, but it never gets old. Most dinners are about the food first and the stories second, but at the Boma it is the other way around. There's drumming, there's singing, and by the end of the night your hands genuinely ache from keeping the rhythm going. After all that you leave it all on the dancefloor – believe me, I surprised my team with my moves!

Tour of The Victoria Falls - The next morning, we had an early walking tour of the Victoria Falls. I've walked this path more times than I can count, and yet it never fails to bring me joy. There's something about walking and standing at the edge of the Falls in the early morning light that resets you completely. No matter how familiar you think you are with the view it amazes you every time. This is where you really meet Mosi-oa-Tunya, "The Smoke That Thunders" and just take in her sparkling beauty and mighty roar. On this visit, the current was unusually strong, the river swollen and powerful, carrying life through every drop of water. Watching her in that high, roaring state was a reminder of just how much force nature can hold. I highly recommend going to the falls early, before the crowds form so you can truly take it in without a rush or crowd.

The Gorge Swing - After our early tour we took a quick drive to The Lookout Café for breakfast. However, the three dare devils of People and Places (Nashka, Julius and I), had something else in mind! We opted to have our breakfast packed so that we could use that time to have a taste of adventure. Nothing quite gets the adrenaline going like stepping off the edge at the gorge. Suspended above the gorge you feel the open air and see the winding water beneath you. It is a rush that reminds you why people travel across the world just for unforgettable moments like this. Your screams and people screaming through you as they tap into the adrenaline is thrilling but nothing beats the peace that washes over you afterwards. It’s a magical experience and there is no other word to describe that special feeling of the moment you have to yourself at the bottom of the gorge.  

Flight of The Angels - Seeing the Victoria Falls from the ground is one thing but nothing beats the view from the sky! With the Falls at their peak, the helicopter flight gave us a view of the full spray, that famous white fog, or "The smoke that Thunders," soaring hundreds of meters into the sky. The bird's eye view of this majestic site by helicopter is definitely my favourite and is worth every dollar.

Lunch at the Dusty Road - There's something about the Dusty Road that feels almost sacred, a magical, historical place where lunch becomes more than just a meal. Sitting there, surrounded by owner Sarah Lilford’s collection of memorabilia makes you feel connected to something much older than yourself. The food and drinks experience was unique, delicious and meaningful and is something I would recommend to all our travellers for either a lunch or dinner.

The Lunar Rainbow – After seeing the Victoria Falls in the morning and from above in the helicopter this was special opportunity for me to also see it at night. One thing about the Victoria Falls, she never sleeps and her majestic roar is 24/7. This natural wonder of the world is home to beautiful rainbows and under the night sky on a full moon the lunar rainbow comes out to play. The moonlight catches the mist of the Falls and the painted rainbow across the darkness makes for a magical shot. This was a rare and magical sight that few people ever get to witness and we were so lucky our trip fell right on the weekend of the full moon.

Sunrise Breakfast Cruise on Ra-Ikane - As the golden sun began to rise over the river, breakfast was served right there on the water. A spread of pastries, fresh fruit, yoghurt, muesli, and good coffee with sparkling wine for those wanting to kick start their day. Watching the sunrise break over the water while sharing this with the team was the gentlest, most peaceful moment we had on this trip. The river is quiet with very few boats out and we all said it was perfect for the discerning traveller who wanted a more peaceful and calmer cruise. We book a lot of sunset cruises and they are fantastic but they are definitely busier and louder so something to keep in mind! There was a lot to see on the Zambezi River with a multitude of birds tweeting, hippos laughing and elephants drinking on the banks of the Zambezi National Park.

From the drums at the Boma to the hush of the sunrise cruise, this journey held every kind of magic, loud and quiet, wild and still. These are the moments that will forever live in my heart, and I'm endlessly grateful to People and Places for making this trip possible.

Until the next adventure.