Apr 13. Victoria Falls

 Apr 13 - Victoria Falls 

Today was a travel day from Botswana to Victoria Falls.  It was sad to say good by to our lodge and the wonderful people who looked after us.  We had a little ‘Thank you ceremony’ where Ronnie presented the gratuities from the group and the staff had gotten together to prepare a ‘good bye’ song/ dancing for us!  Then we all piled into our transfer van to head off to the border between Botswana and Zimbabwe.  

What an experience!  Interesting?  Ridiculous?  Not sure how to describe it.  LOL

When we arrived at the border we all trooped into a building to show our passports. Then we then had to turn over an immigration form we had previously filled out and our passports to Dee, who took them to another official in a different line who then had to issue the Visa for Zimbabwe.  While these were being individually hand written! we went out to the health check  line where the official asked the first couple of people in the group if they had had their Covid Vaccinations; when they replied in the affirmative she just waved off the whole group!  So then we all had to stand around and wait for the Visa to be done!!  This all took about an hour or more!  Ronnie said we were lucky because sometimes they get behind a tour bus with 50 or more people waiting for their visas!!!  Yikes!

Back on the bus and off to Victoria Falls.  The Ilala Lodge Hotel is old but very nice.  Our rooms were ready and then we were off on our afternoon walk to the Falls!  The guide showed his experience and sense of humour as he explained the route for the walk and some history about Dr Livingstone and his discovery of Victoria Falls.

At the first viewing spot we could see the falls in all its glory!   Massive! Rushing water!  Rainbows!  They are 108 metres at the highest point, dwarfing Niagara Falls!  

After a few photos, the group went off on the walk while Ronnie stayed behind with Barb and me ( two Canadians with canes!).  We then went to a few more viewing spots where we could ‘oooh’ and ‘ahhh’ and take pictures.  

The others walked along the path in front of the falls wearing raincoats!!!  When they returned they were drenched from the mist!  Not one complaint, though!  It was a new adventure! 

Our guide took us back to the hotel where we had a bit of time before dinner.  Dinner service was extremely slow as there were two or three large groups.  We were all anxious to get off to bed as we needed to be up and ready to go at 5:25 AM!!

 I think I was asleep almost before my head hit the pillow!

Another wonderful day in Africa!!  Imagine!  Africa!!!

Until next time…

The Weary Wanderers