This Is Zambia's Hidden Gem Along the Zambezi Where The Safari Comes To You

I have been wanting to write this post for like a million years, the pictures are nearly fossilised. This post might also be great for a people that think that Safari trips in Africa are super expensive. I am all about proving a point and I guess this could be one of those posts. I will do another post on how to do a safari without giving your bank account a hernia. So, Maramaba River Lodge, this little Zambian gem sits on the banks of the Zambezi River and oh so close to Victoria Falls that you can take a short drive to see one of mother nature best gifts this side of the globe. I wanted to get some of the Zambia trip posts up these as I am in the midst of planning another African road trip at the end of the year. Still figuring out itineraries.  

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A Stay At Zambia's Hotel Overlooking the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls + [Packing Tips For An Exotic Vacation]

Summer is here, although that might be a little hard to believe if you are in London. I don't know about you but the months of July and August usually conjure up thoughts of breezy beach fronts surrounded by picturesque sunsets as you chill and just let the sound of the water nearby sooth your soul. Perhaps a glass of wine around, an open wood burning fire and grill. Star gazing in the outdoors with a touch of rustic charm as you melt in pure luxe and relaxation or maybe an exotic vacation with a promise of sun-soaked adventures; The very remnants of my jaunt at Royal Livingstone Hotel. Architecture that speaks of its colonial past, wildlife roaming the grounds and large verandas with a good spread of relaxation areas.

Sitting on the edge of the Victoria Falls is a truly amazing experience to have and having a view of that same river that feeds that Victoria Falls is another experience one should add to that experience. All that and more are just some of the adventures up on offer when staying at Royal Livingstone Hotel(For a full list of places to stay in Livingstone have a look at this list of hotels). I have always found vacations set near the waterside to have a sort of spiritual renewal effect on me, very calming. The views from the patios of Royal Livingstone hotel are just pure delight. You can actually see the mist created from the falls without leaving the sun lounger. The same mist that can be seen some 30 miles away from the falls, in high season. That should give you some idea of the sheer volume of water falling over the 100 meter cravis of Victoria Falls.

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Livingstone | 5 Top Things to do at Victoria Falls

Wearing some of my goodies from bargain hunting around Lusaka and Livingston markets


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I don't go back home as often as I would love so my trip back to Zambia a few months ago meant that I wanted to pack as much into the trip as I possibly could, in additional to introducing my boyfriend to the continent other than our diving trip in Egypt's Red Sea. 

I am sure you have seen my posts of Dipping into the Devil's Pool or getting a little rest and relaxation from the world's insanity at Tonabezi's river lodges. If you haven't then you need to go check them out as there is more info in them on what to do in Livingstone to check out Victoria Falls.

So you find yourself at Victoria Falls and you have marveled at God's master piece and have taken a million selfies(lets not kid ourselves, I will bet you are also hiding a selfie stick too - don't worry I will keep the judging to myself). So what else is there in this little city of Livingstone? Just for reference as Victoria falls is on the boarder with Zimbabwe most of the things to do in the list below are based in on the Zambian side. Also note that you can get the bus to Chobe's national park from Livingstone but that's another day. While you are in Livingstone below are the 5 top things to add to the itinerary.

5 Things to do at Victoria Falls/Livingstone

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Going Beyond Victoria Falls | 14 Lesser Known Zambia Waterfalls

I will break up my current series of posts on Namibia with a little trip back to Zambia. One of the 7 wonders of the world and the largest falling sheet of water is of course in my home country;  Zambia. Victoria Falls is one of the most beautiful sites you will ever lay your eyes one. The whole world knows it by the name of Victoria Falls, but that's not its original name. One that locals from either side of the falls use, whether you are visiting from the Zambian or Zimbabwean side. This beautiful natural wonder is referred to by its original name of Mosi-ya-Tunya. This translates to "Smoke that Thunders". If you visit while it's in full force from the rain season you will understand where that name might have come from, as the smoke(mist) created from the sheer force of flow can be seen sometimes 30 miles away. With this mist, sometimes I would recommend seeing Victoria falls mid season or towards the rain season. This is because the visibility is poor with all the mist in the air. Not to mention  you will get drenched!

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Adventures on Victoria Falls | Dipping Into The Devil's Pool

In my last post I shared with you moments from my exploration of Livingstone Island, a World Heritage Site, which sits on the edge of the Victoria Falls. Its only been open since 1992, allowing exclusive access to get up close and personal with the falls. I also mentioned that I was going to be sharing with you pictures from the adventurous dip into the Devils Pool. The Devil's Pool is a natural pool on the edge of Victoria Falls and it's thought that it was created  by thousands of years erosion. It's beauty lies in the fact that you have a rock ledge on the edge that stops you from being swept down the 100 meter gorge by the torrents of water. Well you can wait no longer as the pictures are below. Before that a little detail on how this came about. This trip has been a long time coming and the Devils Pool even more so. I have mentioned it a couple of times now on the blog and it was between this and a bangee jump. I am glad to say the the Devils Pool won! 

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Exploring Victoria Falls | Lunch on Livingstone Island Surrounded By Victoria Falls

"So lovely, it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight" - David Livingstone

Although the first known Europeans to visit Zambia were the Portuguese, it is thought that David Livingstone was the first Brit to explore the Zambezi River (and gaze upon the Victoria Falls), which gives life to Mosi-oa-Tunya. This translates to The Smoke that Thunders. You might know this as Victoria Falls, renamed by David Livingstone in 1855 in honour of Queen Victoria as he stood on what is now know as Livingstone Island. In high season you wouldn't be able to stand here as it is completely submerged in sheets of water. Most Zambians and Zimbabweans still use its original name and Zimbabwe went as far as officially renaming the falls back to "Mosi-oa-Tunya" last year.

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Tongabezi | Luxury On The Zambezi River - Part II

"The only man I envy is the man who has not yet been to Africa- for he has so much to look forward to" - Richard Mullin

The second installment on my stay at Tongabezi, on the river banks of the Zambezi. A subtropical idyll with thatched roofed exclusive lodges all but one with views of the Zambezi and little cheeky monkeys cavorting the surroundings. That's in addition to the Hippos that lazily float before you. People and animals respect each other’s distance here. With a big tub run for you to take a dip under the star lit African sky and champagne waiting on the side. Please take me back to Tongabezi this instant! How about I stop drooling over the thought of going back and tell you what’s on offer when you visit. Once you settle in you also get a chance to sit down with the activities coordinator to run through activities you would like to part take in. All included in the price of the  stay. While my boyfriend opted for the guided bike ride within the national park in the hope of also spotting some animals, I visited the local school funded by Tongabezi. We also choose to do a morning game drive and the Devils pool, which sits on the edge of the Victoria Falls (not for the faint-heart and not included in the price). Also available is candlelight dinner on the Zambezi and many more but sadly we didn’t have time to do them all.

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Tongabezi - Private Luxury On The Zambezi I

“When you go, choose your companions wisely. Africa is not to be wasted,” - Ernest Hemingway

There are romantic hideaways and then there is Tongabezi. Where better to enjoy a back-to-nature romance with a bit of luxury thrown in than to base yourself right on the banks of the Zambezi. If that name sounds familiar, you will no doubt know that it is the very river that gives birth to the mighty Victoria Falls - more on that to come. Tongabezi is hidden among the shadows of Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. We were certainly in the mood to spoil ourselves while in Livingstone, and this place is definitely one that will spoil your mind, body, and soul - in a good way of course. Our one splurge on our 17-day tour of Southern Africa which started from Lusaka. You only live one! Livingstone was the second stop having started off in Lusaka days earlier. All the lodges at Tonagbezi have views of the Zambezi, apart from our Garden House Lodge. What it lacked in views of the river, it made up handsomely in the exclusively private pool we had to ourselves.  All the lodges are secluded offering guests privacy and comfort as if you were chillaxing in your own home and a luxury not experienced in many hotels or lodges. There are only nine lodges which mean guests are catered to with undivided attention from staff.  Have I mentioned that from the moment we arrived we were made to feel like little stars?  Oh, I did I not mention, each lodge is allocated its very own butler so to speak anything you need 24/7! Staff available exclusively to your lodge, I had died and gone to heaven...A knock on the lodge entrance brought me back to health as our breakfast arrived to be enjoyed in the comfort of our Garden House.

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Zambian Heritage | Kabwata Cultural Village

If you are heading over to Zambia don’t just head straight to Livingstone thinking that is all there is to see of the country. Zambia’s capital is beaming with culture and activities to part take in. There are day trips available to Kafue’s river side or exploring the local markets like Soweto market or seeing the bustling in Cairo road. A great tip for Cairo road is to go there on the weekend as the weekdays there is traffic like no other! If you are a lover of retail therapy then head to the malls. What you should not miss out on though, is Kabwata’s Cultural Village. Home to some 70 woodcarvers, basket weavers and artists who showcase their creative spirit in the products they make. This place is not just for tourists, locals in and around Zambia know about this little national treasure. If you are visiting Livingstone many other towns, you will find that you cannot haggle too much with the prices as a lot of those wooden carvings are made here, the buy from here and resell in Livingstone and many other areas on the country.

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Intercontinental | Capital Pleasures In Lusaka

There is a certain allure to the notion of traveling in Africa with many associating Africa with just safaris,  but there is more to this continent than just exploring national parks in search of the big five.  While a safari was certainly on our itinerary, we were going to be exploring the capital's hot spots first before the big 5. To really experience a destination you have to meet the locals, check out their hangouts and that was the main plan for the first few days in the country.  Thats exactly what I had in mind for my travel partner.

Arriving right in the middle of the hot Zambian summer(and month of independence day celebrations - hence the flags) we were immediately welcomed with a cool breeze from the whispers of water flowing from the fountains as we stepped out of the car onto the entrance of Intercontinental.  I planned a 17-day trip around Southern Africa which would cover Zambia, Botswana, and Namibia and involving several modes of transportation. This was also going to be the first time my boyfriend was visiting my home country as the first part of this year was dedicated to introducing me to his home country in Israel, which we explored in much of April.  With our journey through southern African starting in Lusaka, Zambia's capital I opted to book us into Intercontinental Hotel. 

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Dream Trip Challenge - Planning A Safari Adventure

Credit

With the summer coming, its that time of year when people plan for the holidays, whether beach holidays, city escapes, adventurous trips and in my case a safari trip. I have been dreaming about this trip for far too long. It's OFFICAL! I am off to Zambia, Nambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana. Although not necessarily that order. I am all booked and ready to roll this September. Like many, booking such a trip you always wonder how you are going to get there once you land, what to expect, and more importantly, where you are going to stay. The fun is all in the planning.

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Exploring Zambia

This was featured on the Late rooms Near and Far writting competition.

It’s that time of the year in London when you look outside your window and wonder why summer has decided to take a vacation when you could really use a bit of sunlight. It’s moments like these my memories of Zambia come to the rescue. Even our winter temperatures seem higher than the British summer. So let me take you on a little journey to my home country.

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Victoria Falls Bungee Jump Accident: Reason for goal reassessment?

Test your flight skills: Bungee jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge 

So with the recent headline of a bungee jump gone wrong on the Zambezi means that some 2012 goals may need rejigging. An Australian girl miraculously survived a bungee jump after the bungee cord snapped sending her straight into a crocodile infested Zambezi River. The interview and video of the fall can be found on the BBC News site.

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