Victoria Falls, Zambia versus Zimbabwe

Arial View of the Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe (left) to Zambia ©Solange Hando

In November 1855, Dr Livingstone was the first European to set eyes on the falls, from an island in the Zambezi river and the top of a baobab tree near the town now named after him. 

Called Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local language, or the 'smoke that thunders, the Victoria Falls stretch for 1708 metres as the Zambezi rushes on its way through five gorges. The highest fall is a sheer 108 metres and in the wet season, the spray might be seen from over 40 km away.

Eastern Cataract on the Zambian side ©Solange Hando

 Zambia claims only a small section of the Victoria Falls but easy access from Livingstone international airport attracts most tourists to this side of the border. 

Nearby hotels such as the Zambezi Sun  and Royal Livingstone allow visitors to walk to the falls to view the Zambezi upper reaches and the mighty drop of the Eastern Cataract.

Knife Edge Bridge (Zambia) ©Solange Hando

Walking across the knife edge bridge is the most exciting experience but expect to be drenched as the spray pours down from great heights like inverted rain. Equally thrilling, when conditions allow, is bathing in the Devil's Pool right on the edge of the fall on Livingstone island. 

On a gentler note and still in Zambia, you can see the statue of Livingstone near the entrance, follow the photographic trail or scramble down to the Boiling Pot where the river exits the gorge to rush around a tight corner.

The Victoria Falls Bridge ©Solange Hando

Open in 1905, the bridge spans the gorge to link Zambia  and Zimbabwe. The border is half- way across and providing you leave your passport at the Zambian exit, you can walk to the end of the bridge into Zimbabwe. However you'll need a visa to go any further and view the falls from that side.

This is a rail and road bridge, with loads of trucks waiting to cross, one at a time, It's also a favourite spot for bungee jumping.

Just one of 16 Viewpoints in Zimbabwe ©Solange Hando

During the dry season, it's best to view the falls from Zimbabwe since, unlike in Zambia, the water doesn't dry up. Trails guide you safely through a patch of rainforest to 16 viewpoints but beware of 'danger point' 15 when very wet.

See the Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe, Rainbow and Armchair Falls and further along, the Zambian side of the falls in the distance as well as the Victoria bridge.

Viewpoint 2 along the Trail in Zimbabwe ©Solange Hando

When the Victoria Falls are in full spate, the spray can obscure the view but the thundering roar still sends shivers down your spine, whichever side of the border you are on. For a complete picture, I would recommend viewing the falls from both sides.

Love Travel, Want to Write and Get Paid, could you do it?

On Top of the World, the Everest Range ©Solange Hando

Absolutely

Here's my top tip for all travel writers:

Think small, earn big

What does it mean?

Forget the big picture

Focus

Why?

The tighter the angle, the more original your feature will be

The more original, the easier to sell

and best of all

Multiple angles mean multiple sales from a single trip

How?

Think of an activity: bird watching, painting, hiking, yoga

Think of a local journey, boat, train, bus

Think festivals / culture /museums / castles

Check out wedding / honeymoon venues

Review a hotel

Write about food and wine

Imagine a city break, 48 hours in...

Attractions: for families, seniors, couples

Body and soul: spa, massage, inspiring location

Natural world: parks and reserves, wildlife, eco-friendly farms and lodges

'These are just a few of my favourite things'

Each one worth 1000 words

but

to make the most of your trip:

do some research before you go

You might not follow every single idea 

but the more you have, the better

More angles, more features

More cash for your next trip

 Want to know more?

Check this out

Be a Travel Writer

Only 100 pages to follow your dream

Come and join us

Fancy the ride? Cuba in the Wild ©Solange Hando

Botswana Chobe National Park, Wildlife Sightings

Chobe National Park from the Light Aircraft, Water and Land ©Solange Hando

Rich in wetlands, savannah and forest, the Chobe National Park lies in Botswana, a haven for wildlife, close to the border with Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia.

This is the only place in the world where four countries meet and it happens in the middle of the Chobe river, at the Kazungula crossing.

 Fun in Chobe ©Solange Hando

In the dry season, wildlife migrates from across the borders, attracted by the river and surrounding wetlands.

Elephants come top of the list, with up to 160,000 recorded at that time, the world's highest concentration. You find them in the forest and along the banks of the Chobe where in the late afternoon, some swim across to Sedudu island for the night.

Having a Snooze on Sedudu Island ©Solange Hando

Sedudu means the 'hippo pod' and there are plenty of these massive and seemingly placid creatures both in the water and on land. This mother and her 6 months old young took no notice of us but the ranger was as excited as we were. This was the first baby hippo he had spotted in 10 years.

The island was once disputed territory with Namibia but when the channel on the Botswana side was measured and proved shallower, it was granted to the latter.

Giraffes by the Chobe River ©Solange Hando

Theses giraffes were also spotted by the river, the young one splaying its legs, as giraffes do, to drink or nibble short wet grass.

The iconic entwining of necks often seen at mating time is not romantic at all but indicates rivalry between two males.

Too Close for Comfort? ©Solange Hando

Rather more awesome are the myriad crocodiles swimming in the river or sunning themselves on the banks, mouth wide open to cool down.

The picture was taken from the relative safety of a small boat but these crocs have been known to snatch humans who strayed too close to the water. This is no place for riverside picnics, or even a stroll.

Prowling in the Sunset  ©Solange Hando

The park supports large numbers of birds, impala, buffaloes, baboons and other creatures, large and small, but for many visitors, the greatest thrill is seeing a lion, or lioness as above.

After a kill, scores of vultures gather in the tree tops, waiting for their turn to feed, and on any game drive, looking up, not down, is probably the best way to find the king or queen of the Chobe jungle. 

Victoria Falls Zambezi Sun Hotel

All Welcome at the Zambezi Sun in Zambia ©Solange Hando

Set within the Victoria Falls National Park, this spacious hotel has lush open grounds where wild life is free to roam.

These zebras are regular visitors keen to feast on tender grass but guests might also spot a giraffe or two, plenty of baboons and crocodiles by the lake though it would be wise to keep away from the bank.

Swimming Pool at the Zambezi Sun ©Solange Hando

On the other hand, the pool is perfectly safe and irresistible for a swim, followed by a light lunch at the waterside bar.

There's plenty of shade if you want it or sun to work on your tan. It's also a popular meeting place for pre-dinner drinks.

Twin Room African-Style ©Solange Hando

The Zambezi Sun claims 212 guest rooms and suites with all mod.cons. from tea and coffee making facilities to TV and free Wifi.

Furnishings are a mix of soothing and bright African colours enhanced by traditional Zambian crafts such as woodcarving on headboards.

Besides the poolside bar, local and international food is available in the steakhouse, the buffet restaurant and the Crocodile Café near the activity centre.

The Victoria Falls near the Zambezi Sun, Zambia ©Solange Hando

But wild life and comfort aside, the greatest asset of the Zambezi Sun is its location, just a few minutes' stroll through the grounds to the Victoria Falls, with unlimited free access when you present your room card.

 On the Zambian side, you can view the upper Zambezi rushing towards the cliff's edge, the Eastern Cataract (pictured above), the Boiling Pot down in the gorge and the Victoria bridge which marks the border with Zimbabwe and the rest of the falls.

Sunset on the Zambezi River ©Solange Hando

Guests who feel like a change from the falls can book various activities at the hotel such as land safaris, either jeep, elephant or horse back, or river cruises for wild life viewing and spectacular sunsets over the water.

Hiroshima, Miyajima Island across the Bay

Japan's Iconic Landmark, Miyajima ©Solange Hando

A short ferry ride across the bay of Hiroshima, Miyajima, the 'Island of Shrines', claims World Heritage status. It's one of Japan's most sacred places and you are sure to see the deer roaming free along the shore and up in the hills.

Rising out of the sea, the traditional red gate, or torri, marks the approach to Itsukushima, the Shinto shrine built on stilts along the shore and surrounded by water at high tide. The gate only dates back to 1874 but pilgrims have worshipped on the island for centuries.

The Daisho Temple, Miyajima ©Solange Hando

The main shrine may hold you spellbound for a long time but it's worth taking a look at the nearby five-storey pagoda, the 'hall of 1000 mats' and the Daisho Temple nestling on the luxuriant slopes below the Misen Mountain.

With its pagoda roofs and steep wandering paths, it's a fairytale sort of place sprinkled with stone statues from tiny figures in fancy hats to a giant man-bird or rows of images glittering in a cave festooned in lanterns.

Cute Little Men ©Solange Hando

Down by the waterfront, the 'high street' is a bustling little place lined with souvenir stalls and barbecues where skewered oysters, grown in the bay, mingle with all sorts of delicacies.

The Japanese are fond of all things 'cute'  and the visitors follow suite,easily tempted to step inside and pick up a traditional koi banner or a wooden spoon to eat Ramen. The spoon, also used to scoop up rice, was invented on the island, they say, and half-way down the street, there's a giant model on display to prove it.

Going Local on the Island ©Solange Hando

Beyond sightseeing and shopping, Miyajima has much to offer, especially if you enjoy the great outdoors. Minutes from the shore, the hills beckon with pristine scenery and quiet trails and a week on the island could simply fly by, leaving you refreshed and relaxed.

If time is short, a cable car can take visitors almost to the top of Misen or for those who would like to take a close look at the gate, there are canoes and local boats.

Guardian of Itsukushima ©Solange Hando

Want to Be a Travel Writer? One Year on...

Want to be a Travel Writer?

This little book will show you how

Don't take my word for it

See what the readers say

'A fantastic starting point for any keen travel writer'

'As good as it gets, best guide on the subject you're likely to find'

'Grabs your attention from the off and holds it'

'Packed full of really essential tips and advice'

'Brilliant. I had ideas entering my head at the early stages '

One year on, these are just a few of 45 reviews on Amazon,..

5 star: 42

4 star: 3

So if you love travel and have a story to tell, why not give it a go?

It could change your life

St Lucia in the Caribbean

Rodney Bay, St Lucia ©Solange Hando

St Lucia is a true Caribbean dream with beaches so vast they appear almost deserted mingling with pretty coves like the upmarket Marigot Bay and sleepy fishing villages such as Anse la Raye.

Rodney Bay is the main tourist hub and only a short drive from Castries, the capital, where jazz and modern art share the highlight with duty-free emeralds, diamonds, batik and palm-leaf hats in the local market.

Safari in St Lucia ©Solange Hando

Then, when you want a change from shopping or the beach, you can enjoy an inland adventure, maybe with a spot of trekking for good measure, a dip in a waterfall and an exciting ride through the hills, past lush banana plantations.

Look out for the Botanical Gardens and their multicoloured waterfall and the world's largest drive-in crater spewing out sulphurous fumes.

The Pitons, St Lucia's Iconic Landmarks ©Solange Hando

Just below, near the aptly-named town of Soufrière, the Gros and Petit Pitons rise straight from the sea, attracting ramblers and hikers but not an easy climb for the unprepared, especially the smaller of the two peaks which is the harder to tackle.

The views are superb but it's best to keep to the paths for deep in the bushes might lurk a fer de lance, said to be the most venomous snake in the world.

View from Pigeon Island in St Lucia ©Solange Hando

When you get back down, exhausted but exhilarated, the sea beckons and the good news is, you get two for the price of one as pictured above: the dark blue Atlantic Ocean (left), often wild and windy, and across a mere strip of white sands, the calm translucent waters of the Caribbean Sea. 

What more could you ask for at the end of the day?

A spectacular sunset?

That can be arranged, most of the time...

Sunset on Rodney Bay ©Solange Hando