African Safari - 2026
Thursday 1 October'26 - Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe)
Today was a "free day" so our plan of attack was, after a later breakfast, to head into town for some shopping, then lunch, a bit more of a look around before undertaking a helicopter flight over the Falls. After that, dinner in town before heading back to Insika Lodge for sleep. So after another satisfying and filling breakfast, into the hotel shuttle bus where we got off at the Elephant's Walk stop. A shopping centre full of various arts and crafts (some quite quirky), as well as a cafe and souvenirs. One little shop that caught our eye was a group of 3 guys, artists who had art work ranging from large prints to small drawings of animals and village life. We chose 5 "black and white" one's but a coloured one of a leopard was great so we asked if he had it in the same format as the others we had chosen. He proceeded to tell us that he didn't but if we could wait a few minutes, he would create one for us, which he did... We then discovered that they donate 20% of all sales towards a fund that is building a bore water source for a local primary school.
cab and asked him to take us to the Cafe. On the way, we explained what had happened and how we were going to try to contact the tour company to let them know what the situation was but didn't have much confidence. He suggested we just go back to the hotel's security checkpoint at 1550 (for the 1600 pick-up) and he would come and get us at 1540 and take us back there, for the same amount as this trip. We agreed and then headed into the Cafe, which sits right on the edge of the gorge, for a hot chocolate and an amazing view down the gorge towards the bridge across the Zambezi River, the border between Zimbabwe & Zambia (the overhead shot was taken in our helicopter flight, but more on that later). To say the view was spectacular, would be an understatement and a lovely addition was the gardens which also provide a pleasant surprise with a family of resident Mongoose's. The little birds made upside down nests in the trees within the garden and then 2 "gooses" standing near the statue of a rhino.
A leisurely stroll along the main shopping drag, looking in various shops (all of 10 minutes) before heading to lunch at The 3 Monkeys. Relaxing and enjoying. After that, the plan was to walk to the Victoria Falls Hotel, about 10 minutes away and look around the place before having some afternoon tea before being picked up for a helicopter flight over the Falls. Well, great plan but not able to be executed because we couldn't get past the security check point at the entrance.
Apparently you need to be a guest or have a booking. As to the booking, no more than 4 weeks ago I tried to book a table on the terrace through their website, only to be told you can't book, just turn up 😱. So we headed back to the 3 Monkeys as we knew there were cabs there, with a view to heading to The Lookout Cafe and try to contact the tour company with a change of pick-up location. It was here that our disappointment turned to joy as we met Jericho. We jumped in his
Whilst drinking our hot chocolate's, I messaged the tour company to tell them of our predicament and they responded immediately informing me that they were actually just about to message me anyway as, due to the weather (quite windy), all flights had been suspended and they would update me in 1/2 an hour. The update was the same in nature and as it was time for Jericho to pick us up (which he did), we told him about the flight being grounded and asked him to take us back to Insika. On the way, he offered to take us to look at something many people don't go and see, that is a Baobab Tree. The tree is estimated to be over 1,300 years old and it was a worthwhile diversion. Then back to the hotel to await an update from the helicopter mob. Just as we entered the room, they messaged me to say flights were now able to take off and where were we? I explained back at the hotel and they then said they would send a car to get us. Some 10 minutes later, we were on our way to the helipad.
Definitely worth the dollarbucks. After it was over, we were on the bus again but instead of going to the hotel, we asked them to drop us off in town, as we were going to dinner there. 1st point of call was the distillery for a "sundowner" before heading down to the Smokehouse Restaurant at The River Brewing company. We then messaged Jericho, to come take us home... A great day had by all.
