Victoria Falls & Chobe Safari 4 Star Avani Resort (4 Days) ZVIC3N

AVANI Victoria Falls Resort Zambian Village Dining Experience offers visitors an authentic experience of African and Zambian cuisine at a nearby village. Along the tour, visitors may get to know the local lifestyle through storytelling and dance. Afterwards, visitors may enjoy a family-style meal cooked over a fire as well as a variety of beverages.

Journeying by luxury steam train may seem like a dream. An experience available only to the very few, and possibly only those with a time machine. Thankfully, the Royal Livingstone Express is a time machine. Now, embarking on the train from the Victoria Falls Station you will enter a world of ultimate luxury and bygone elegance. You may be forgiven for thinking you’ve spotted Agatha Christie’s Hercule Poirot in the station. The pampering luxury begins as you arrive at the station where you are welcomed with a refreshing drink. You will be led towards your train along a red carpet to the train which will already be ‘in steam’, creating the perfect atmosphere for fabulous photo-opportunities.  

All aboard now for the journey of a lifetime. With a clank and a tug, the 1953 Garratt 14a Class Locomotive, one of the last of its kind in Africa, pulls away, leading the beautifully restored, fully air-conditioned carriages behind it. There is a kitchen car, an observation car from which to watch the unique landscape revealing itself around you, and 2 dining cars where delicious meals and teas are served. One of these dining cars is the Wembley Dining Car, built in 1924. Because of its beauty and elegance, it was on display at the 1924 British Empire Exhibition. Now, fully restored to its original grace, it forms part of your African colonial-era luxury safari train experience.

From the Victoria Falls Station, the train travels at a stately and unhurried pace through the unspoiled African wilderness, with the possibility of spotting iconic wild animals, towards the 100-year-old Victoria Falls bridge.

When the building of the bridge was contemplated by Cecil John Rhodes, he had a profound travellers’ experience in mind and so instructed the engineers to, “Build a bridge across the Zambezi, where the trains, as they pass, will catch the spray of the Falls.” It was the perfect place to place it, and to fully appreciate this the Royal Livingstone Express stops in the middle over the deep gorge through which thunders the Zambezi River. The gorge is the natural border between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Here, in this ‘no man’s land’ you can disembark to enjoy the spectacular sight of the Victoria Falls, the world’s largest sheet of falling water standing at a combined width of 1708m and 108m high, the raging water of the river as it roars through the gorge and, while being enveloped by the mist, stand awestruck at a spectacular African sunset. With incredible scenery, bygone-era luxury, dedicated and professional staff, fine wining and dining, could anything be more romantic?

The Royal Livingstone Express is the perfect way to have your own ‘Out of Africa’ experience.

Deep in the heart of Africa, between Zambia and Zimbabwe is one of the most dramatic natural phenomena - Mosi-oa-Tunya - The Smoke that Thunders, Seongo or Chongwe - The Place of the Rainbow, Victoria Falls. This is the greatest falling curtain of water on Earth, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The mighty Zambezi River has carved a unique pattern of gorges through the basalt rock and sandstone on its way to the Indian Ocean. Collectively, the six gorges which cover 150kms are known as the Bakota Gorge, and even now the Falls are cutting a new one at the Devil’s Cataract.

At its current location the Falls are 1708m wide and 125m high. It’s amazing to think that at one time they were 3.3kms wide and fell over 140m. The power of the river below results in Class 5 Rapids and some of the best white water rafting in the world. During the low-water season, a footpath will take you down to the Boiling Pot where the Falls form a massive whirlpool, and from where the Zambian white-water adventures begin. Livingstone Island and Devil’s Pool, a pool right on the edge of the Falls, can only be reached from the Zambian Side. Looking up from the Boiling Pot gives you a completely different perspective of the Falls.

The best way to experience the power and beauty of the Falls, the double rainbows, and on occasion the moonbows, awe-inspiring views, and thunderous rumble is on a guided walk along the paved paths and Knife-Edge Bridge, through the rain forest. During the flood season, the foot of the falls and its face are hidden by the sheer volume of water. The paths along the cliff are shrouded in mist. The spray from the Falls can be seen over 40kms away. It’s because of this spray that the rain forest exists. Along the edge of the edges of the Falls is a small, but highly significant ecosystem.

In 1855, David Livingstone, Scottish missionary and explorer, said, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." Make sure they’re on your bucket list.

Including all transfers and time spent at the local craft market afterwards, the tour takes an hour and a half. But we guarantee you’ll want to spend longer than that.

Cruising slowly down the vast and legendary Zambezi River on a triple deck, 7-foot catamaran at sunset has a certain mystique to it, an ‘Out of Africa’ atmosphere, thanks to the wood panelling and simple, yet elegant comfort on board. It’s a river journey that creates a special moment in time where memories will be made and cherished for ever.

With excellent service from friendly and professional staff, drinks and substantial ‘snacks’, you can enjoy unimpeded views of the river. From the decks of the impressive African Queen, you can marvel at spectacular sightings of crocodiles and hippos within the waters, the elephants and buck along the shores, and the numerous and vibrant birdlife that lives in the Mopane scrub and riparian woodland on the banks. Reeds and papyrus are enjoyed by the smaller birds who use the plants for nesting material. Tall, majestic, and strong, there are trees that look as if they have stepped out of myths and legends – and they have their own legends to tell. They include the iconic Sausage trees, and of course the famous baobabs, the trees the devil ripped out in a rage, and shoved back in the earth, but this time upside down.

Leaving from the Royal Landing, the African Queen takes you on a voyage of discovery – the history of the area which has been inhabited for 3 million years, the amazing geography and it’s shifting and rising has formed this mighty river over time.

Even though this is a sunset cruise, this is also Africa, so don’t forget to wear comfortable clothing, flat shoes, sunglasses, a light jacket, and a hat. For the best viewing experience make sure you bring your binoculars and camera as well. Twilight in Africa, enjoying the time-honoured tradition of drinks at sunset - known throughout southern Africa as sundowners, one of the few remaining colonial traditions, - what better way to unwind and let Africa seep into your soul.

On the banks of the Zambezi River, The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is named after the legendary explorer who named Zambia’s iconic waterfall in honour of his queen. The hotel evokes Victorian elegance in impeccable style, and offers unforgettable adventures. A flight from Johannesburg to Harry Mwaanga Nkumbula International Airport, or Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe is followed by a scenic drive through historic Livingstone or Victoria Falls town. The Royal Livingstone Hotel by Anantara is set along the banks of the great Zambezi River, in full view of the spray of the Victoria Falls. One of the world’s Seven Natural Wonders, this iconic waterfall is a mere 10-minute walk away, with guests enjoying direct access via the hotel’s private entrance.

To reach the Botswana border early enough to be there when it opens is important for this adventurous day, the ultimate safari experience. You’ll need visas and these are for your account. The early start and the visas are well worth it as Chobe National Park, situated on the other side of the Zambezi River, one of the watery lifelines of Africa, is a stunning National Park, one of the most beautiful in Southern Africa. It covers a vast 11,700 square kms of the northern Kalahari.

The great Zambezi River has many tributaries and one of these is the Chobe River which begins in the highlands of Angola. Much of the water of the Chobe River as it flows through the National Park is backwash from the Zambezi River. Most of the drama in the Chobe National Park takes place at the confluence of the Zambezi and the Chobe Rivers. This is arguably the home of the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa. And it’s here that your Chobe day adventure begins.

On a leisurely 3-hour game-viewing cruise on the Chobe River, pods of wallowing hippos, primeval crocodiles, elephant and various antelope species can be seen. Because of the powerful rivers, this area is famous for its wildlife. Prides of lions are common, the antelope herds are prolific, and herds of buffalo are possibly the largest anywhere. The iconic fish eagles and their haunting cry are the kings among the flocks of bird life who make the river their home, including myriads of herons and wading birds. An intense delight to witness is the amazing fishing skills of the African skimmer.  After lunch, a 4x4 safari vehicle will take you deep into the heart of the Chobe National park for a land-based, guided game drive to discover the wild animals which prefer to dwell in the scrub and trees of the park away from the river. The adventure ends as you return to your hotel in time for dinner.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort is located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, only a 5-minute walk from and with direct access to Victoria Falls. Accommodation is provided in Standard Rooms, Garden Rooms, Family Rooms, Superior Rooms and Suites. All guest rooms are lovingly decorated and equipped with Wi-Fi, private bathrooms, tea- and coffee-making facilities, telephones, personal safes, satellite TV and air conditioning. The hotel caters to every taste with irresistible dining experiences and restaurants including The Theater of Food, Mukuni Boma, Shungu Pool Terrace.

The massive, sometimes slow and sometimes dangerously fast Zambezi River commands the types of vegetation that grows along its banks and even the land beyond its shores. The immensity and power of the river, as well as its beauty and drama is best seen from the air. In 1855, David Livingstone, Scottish missionary and explorer, arguably the first European to see the Falls said, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight." To see the Zambezi from the same viewpoint as those beings is an unforgettable experience. It puts not only the river, but also the huge Victoria Falls, into perspective.  

Your helicopter flight starts at the Maramba Aerodrome, and for a time ranging from 12 to 30 mins (your choice) you’ll experience the Zambezi River and the Victoria Falls in a way unachievable from the land. Sweeping through the Bakota gorges the power of the river can be seen through the deep, impressive, basalt gorges carved by the water. Hovering over the Victoria Falls with the spray, which can be seen 40kms away, billowing around you and you will experience for yourself why the Falls are one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Soaring high and sweeping up-river you can see clearly how the water has formed the landscape through which it has carved its way towards the Indian Ocean. From the air, the sunlight glittering on the mighty river looks like thousands of diamonds have been scattered across its surface. Views across the beautiful national park open out in a way that never happens on a land-based game drive.

The experience is about an hour and a half in total, including transfers from the resort to the helipad and back, as well as the flight itself.