Exploring Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe with andBeyond

After experiencing Cape Town, South Africa, and its surrounding areas and a safari in Botswana's Okavango Delta with andBeyond, we knew we’d be well taken care of as we crossed the border from Botswana into Zimbabwe and on to our next and final destination: Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Flying into the modern Kasane Airport in Botswana, right on the border of Zimbabwe, Namibia and Zambia, we were driven 10 minutes to the Zimbabwe border where we traveled on foot, guided by our andBeyond representatives, to get our passports stamped at the exit and then pay for our Zimbabwe visa around the corner. After a bit of waiting, we finished at the border and headed to our last lodging destination near Victoria Falls, an hour and a half drive away on a well-paved road with the occasional African buffalo crossing and blocking our way. We arrived at The Elephant Camp located in the Victoria Falls National Park overlooking the Zambezi Gorges with the spray of the falls seen in the distance.

The tented safari camp consists of 12 luxury suites, four making up Elephant Camp West, which is exclusively reserved for families, small groups or guests seeking a more intimate safari experience. "Elephant Camp" is a bit of a misnomer — we did not see any elephants while at the camp — but it is home to Wild Horizons Elephant Sanctuary and Orphanage, which has been caring for orphaned and injured elephants since the 1980s. They work with the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust to preserve and protect elephants in the wild. A visit to the elephant sanctuary can be part of the guest experience, although we did not incorporate this on our visit. The safari camp also has a sunken firepit and pool, massages, a lobby area that is good for gathering with your group and a private deck, plunge pool and outdoor shower per tented suite.

On our first afternoon, I was lucky enough to get an hour massage in the tented massage room from the barefoot therapist, which was well worth the $75 USD and a great way to unwind after the long travel morning. That evening, we enjoyed the sunset and accompanying views overlooking the Batoka Gorge, a short drive from the camp, where a cocktail and canapé reception was waiting for us. Zimbabwe and the Zambezi River gave us a change of scenery from where we’d been as we traveled along the sandy roads, through the bushland and over the river, seeing crocodiles slither into the water along the way. A lovely al fresco dinner provided a perfect end to our day before we retreated to our air-conditioned tents for a good night's rest.

The next morning, after breakfast on our own, we were driven a half hour to Victoria Falls. We skipped the lines with our guide, Presha — who’d already procured our tickets — donned our ponchos and, after an introduction to the falls and its history, we proceeded through the 16 lookout points on the Zimbabwean side with our guide educating us along the route. The spray from the falls brought to life the “smoke that thunders,” as we were engulfed in the microclimate of the falls, feeling like we were in a rainforest and thankful for the hooded ponchos we’d been given.

Victoria Falls did not disappoint with the splendor of its size, the roar of water falling over the edge of Zambia like a curtain 300 feet down the other side of the gorge and the clouds of mist it created along the mile-long area of the border between the two countries. During our tour, we witnessed playful monkeys running across our paths and even a wedding engagement happening near the Dr. Livingstone statue with the falls as the backdrop.

After a hearty lunch, and a table with a view at the crowded Lookout Cafe nearby, we proceeded on to our canopy tour. This tour took us zip-lining on nine reasonably lengthed cables through the canopy of the hardwood forest of the Zambezi Gorge. The views were incredible and were fun for all ages and abilities in our group. Topping off our afternoon was a 13-minute helicopter ride around the falls, giving us a bird’s eye view of the formation of the gorges, the grandeur of the enormous Zambezi River and where it disappeared into the misty Zambezi Gorge below, creating one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A wonder it was.

We didn’t have much time back at The Elephant Camp to get ready for our sunset cruise on the Zambezi River, but I managed time for my last outdoor shower. A half hour’s drive away, we boarded our large, covered sightseeing boat on the river and enjoyed a cocktail as we waited for all the guests to arrive. The two-hour cruise was perfectly timed for sunset, and the cool evening proved welcoming for the crocodiles and hippos alike who greeted us along the way. The variety of light African snacks we were served felt more like heavy appetizers and a full meal, as we tried everything from fried cheese to alligator kabobs. Reminiscing about our week and the amazing things we’d seen brought smiles to all our faces and even more laughs as well. Our cool tented suites back at camp felt like luxury after the long, full day exploring Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River area.

Before the last ride of our trip, to the Victoria Falls Airport, I made time for a visit to the local Big Open Craft Market, where local artisans, including a women’s-only area, displayed their items for sale. I purchased some souvenirs to take back home and grabbed a bite to eat back at camp before we said our goodbyes to the last of our andBeyond representatives and staff. Saying goodbye at the airport to the best andBeyond representative of all — Hannah Lawlik, our FAM leader — was the toughest. This was one of the best FAMs I’ve been on — not only was our experience with andBeyond above and beyond all expectations, but our small group of six now felt like family.

Topping off the trip, I was greeted at the connecting Johannesburg International Airport by an andBeyond representative with a sign with my name on it. Once again feeling like a movie star, I was whisked past all the lines, expedited through immigration and security and deposited in the luxury airport lounge. Entering the last notes of my trip into my journal as tears of joy filled my eyes, I recounted each moment of this adventure and how special, seamless and memorable andBeyond made it every step of the way. This feeling continued as I read through my emails from clients and friends, already prepared for me to make this adventure become a reality for them as well.

Booking an adventure with andBeyond will make a dream trip like this become a reality and leave you in awe of the class of service they provide and the experiences prepared. The little surprises along the way made it even more special. Every detail is carefully curated, with unobtrusive guidance and care throughout the whole trip. I highly recommend andBeyond to create an experience that feels so personally attentive and thoughtfully planned.

This trip report is part of our ongoing series on travel to Africa. In need of further inspiration? Check out my trip reports, Discovering Botswana's Okavango Delta with andBeyond and Discovering Cape Town, South Africa with andBeyond.