Victoria Falls

The Falls were spectacular. They were much more extensive then I imagined they would be. There is a LONG walkway which takes you along a viewing path. At the end of the walkway, you are much closer to the Falls and need a poncho to protect yourself from the “rain” and spray. Just amazing and very worthwhile.

The food at the Victoria Falls Hotel was outstanding. We were able to sit and view a watering hole where storks, guinea fowl and water buffalo and elephants came to drink. Since it is the dry season we were able to see quite a few animals.

More later, this is my last full day here and Chris and I are off to lunch and on to a hunt for souvenir place mats.

Day before Victoria Falls Trip

Slept late and went to a great place for lunch, 40 Cork Road. We ate outside at a picnic bench. I had an avocado salad with mango juice and Chris had a pasta dish with a Coke.

We leave tomorrow morning for our 5 day camping trip to Victoria Falls, Hwango Park and Matobo Park.

Chris is busy packing the car with camping gear.

Warthog souvenir:

Road trip itinerary:

June 29 we leave at 4am and drive straight through to Vic Falls.

June 29 and 30 we're staying here:

http://www.lokuthulalodges.com/

It's on the same grounds as the Safari Lodge and we'll just take all of our meals there. We can "self-cater" breakfast, I guess.

July 1 and 2 we're staying at a lodge in the Sinamatella Camp. Info here:

http://www.afrizim.com/places/Hwange/Parks_Lodgings/Sinamatella.asp
http://www.zimparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=18&Itemid=46

July 3 we're staying in the Imbila "executive lodge" in Matobo.

http://www.pbase.com/image/130402070
http://www.zimparks.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=22&Itemid=47

High Tea at the Meikles Hotel

This morning, after Chris took Fran to work, we went on a quest for a low iron grill rail to place over a fire in order to cook food on our trip to Vic Falls. Having no success, we stopped for High Tea for two at the famous Harare Meikles Hotel. It exceeded my expectations. A three tiered metal stand with three plates full of scones croissants, cakes and sandwiches (enough to feed at least five or six people) was placed on our table, Chris and I perversely opted for coffee rather than tea. Everything was delicious, but we could not begin to finish it all and no “doggie bags” allowed.

Pictures of our stroll around the area surrounding the hotel here.

After our meal we located a welder on a side street who agreed to make the small grill for us and have it ready by tomorrow.

In afternoon: Picked Fran up at her office and took pictures of the beautiful landscaping. Grilling stand was ready so picked it up on the way and shopped for some items for our trip to Vic Falls on the way back.

Got roasted corn from street side vendor for evening meal - delicious.

Busy Sunday Part II

Climbed the granite path to the summit of Dombashawa to enjoy the spectacular views from the top and to see some wonderful cave paintings dating from 13,000 years ago.

Pictures from Dombashawa

Information on Dombashawa

When we finished our descent, I bought an art object of three birds perched on a branch and Fran bought a pretty big Bonsai plant.

More tomorrow...

Busy Sunday Part I

Although we did not get started until almost Noon, we had such an action packed day that it will have to be divided into two parts.

First we went to a Flea Market, I, in search of souvenirs and Chris in search of a fire top grill for our trip to Vic Falls, Fran was cruising for whatever caught her eye. None of us made any purchases.

Flea Market Pictures

Then we had an excellent lunch. Fran had a great platter of Ox Tails and veggies, I had a Beef Curry with rice, Chris had a Vegetarian Wrap. All was delicious and enjoyed Al Fresco, the weather being magnificent as usual.

Lunch

Breakfast & Sightseeing morning in Harare

We went out this morning to have an amazing breakfast. It was a lovely outdoor cafe. I had scrambled eggs on a croissant roll layered with thinly sliced smoked salmon and a beautiful side of salad, After we shopped at all the little shops (I bought a purse and Fran bought some bath salts) we went to have chocolate croissant (Chris), almond croissant (Fran), mocha shake (me).

Then we went to a "sculpture garden".

Beautiful weather, lovely time.

Johannesburg South African Airways Flight to Harare

Long walk to gate from Delta departure point. I was able to sign on to "Always On" internet service through PayPal to pay for an hour's use of internet...only used about 10 minutes; will use the rest on the way back on my Joburg stopover.

16 Hour Delta Flight Atlanta to Johannesburg, South Africa

Beautiful airplane. All kinds of entertainment and games on the touch panel at every seat. Nearly all movies appeared to be free and there were hundreds to choose from.

Three meals are served; all beverages are free, including beer and wine.

Other than the fact that I was unable to sleep for the entire flight due to flight nervousness, it was a wonderful flight.

Last time we will see Chris’ axe

Chris’s order from Amazon came today and the axe just barely fits!

Preparing for trip June 16, 2011

Agonizing over what to pack and how to pack; determined to take only a shoulder carry on bag and a small rolling bag.

Chris' Panasonic camera equipment arrived from Amazon today. My BugX Insect Repellent Towelettes also arrived.