FLIGHT FROM VICTORIA FALLS TO BUMI HILLS

I was all set to visit the recently refurbished and reopened Bumi Hills Safari Lodge (well, it is about 2 years now since it was reopened), and to get there I flew with Solenta Aviation from Vic Falls.  The plane was a Cessna Caravan seating 12 when full, and what a great plane this is ... with it's crew of Captain and First Officer, I couldn't quite figure out if it was a big little plane, or a little big plane, but it was great being able to leave your seat to swop sides and  check out an alternative view (the flight wasn't full).  Passengers can help themselves to an assortment of ice cold drinks from the cold box at the back of the plane.

The flight from the Falls to Bumi was as smooth as can be and it was fun picking out well known places from the air.

A view of the Falls spray

Rain shower over Zambia

The Zambezi River at Deka

Msuna Island

The flight is not long .. and hour and a quarter .. so all very quickly the Bumi air strip came in to sight.  We did a low fly past (the operative word here is LOW !!) to clear the air strip of animals ... there were impala on the runway, zebra on the side, and some elephant close to the water's edge... and did a circle around the lodge, seeing it from "eye level", and giving them a bit of time to drive down to meet us.

In my next posting I will tell you about my stay at this wonderful place !

VICTORIA FALLS

I love visiting Victoria Falls !!!  This is a little town with a lot happening, amid a happy holiday ambience.  There is a huge selection of places to stay through the whole spectrum of standards and types - basic self catering, upmarket self catering, campsites, river lodges, game lodges, B&B's, hotels large and small, family and luxury .. it's all there.  And add to that the choice of activities and sights to see in the all-year-round-summer-weather, and you have a real holiday destination !!  Ride the rapids on a White Water Rafting day trip, walk with the lions, ride an elephant, see the crocodiles, view the Falls from a helicopter on the Flight of Angels, get soaking wet walking through the Rain Forest whilst soaking up the beautiful sight of the Falls themselves, cruise on the river, go shopping, try your luck at the casino, view big game from horseback .... there is plenty to fill your days, and you will probably wish you were staying longer !!  And the local people are so friendly and helpful too.

VICTORIA FALLS - OLD URSULA CAMP, STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE

Old Ursula Camp is a great spot !!!  This is a self-catering camp with some exclusivity. Only 4 tastefully furnished rooms and dining / lounge lodge, and the pool area with an elevated platform for game viewing over the vlei, make up this camp.  It is fully equipped and staffed (including a chef) and is set in a lush garden.


The "Big Brother" next door to Old Ursula Camp is the luxurious Stanley & Livingstone hotel, a sprawling colonial affair !!  The hotel is set in the private Victoria Falls Game Reserve, which is home to a huge variety of small, plains and big game .. including rhino and wild dog.


Both lodges are about 14 kms from the town of Victoria Falls, and easily accessible from the main road.  The S&L provides a complimentary shuttle service in and out of town.

Reservations for both properties can be made through Africa Spectacular.

VICTORIA FALLS - THE ELEPHANT CAMP

The Elephant Camp, situated 10 km out of Victoria Falls, is a relatively new development, and I couldn't wait to see it, as it looked quite different from anything else in the area.  Jonathan Ellway, the charismatic General Manager, met me on arrival and gave me a tour of the camp, and I have to say .. it is awesome !!!  Each suite is a stand alone unit, having its own timber deck and plunge pool overlooking the bush, the river gorge and the Falls spray, plus a full bathroom (and an outdoor shower too), lounge area, mini bar and tea/coffee making facilities, with air conditioning !!  All meals, airport and town transfers are included in the rate, and guests also get to meet the Wild Horizons elephants that live on the concession.  This is a truly special spot, and well worth staying at on your next visit to Vic Falls.

Reservations for The Elephant Camp can be made through Africa Spectacular booking office - afspec@yoafrica.com

VICTORIA FALLS - GORGES LODGE

I have a great affection for Gorges Lodge and think it is one of the most under rated places to stay in Victoria Falls, so when I made a trip to the Falls I looked forward to staying there again. For good reason, small children are not permitted at Gorges as the lodge is situated literally "on the edge". There are no photos that can do justice to the view, plus there is the awesome sound of an awesome river that resounds up the high rock walls.  The bedrooms are large and airy, and very comfortable, and I could spend all day sitting on the verandah just staring into the distance.  It is also a great spot for raptor viewing, as there are many species that nest in the rocks, some of them quite rare.  The restaurant serves simple but delicious meals, and a FULL plate !!  There is something about this place that is good for the soul .. it has to be that expansive view ......