Johannesburg and Victoria Falls

PWe arrived in Pretoria which is the capital of South Africa and traveled by bus to Johannesburg where we would spend the night before flying to Victoria Falls.  The drive through the city was quite the eye opener as every house and building was well surrounded by high fencing and often barbed wire and electric fencing as well. Security signs were very prominent and every property was gated. Quite a different way to live from what we are accustomed to.

Fencing and wire was on every property even small houses. The wire and security businesses must be very profitable in this country.  Driving through the city there was a very eclectic mix of buildings with some wonderful new architectural designs and new buildings springing up everywhere.  We passed through areas that were definitely more economically challenged and then entered one of very large estates with high walls and imposing gates.  Eventually we pulled into the Saxon with its ten foot solid gates and guard tower which led onto a beautifully landscaped large property on which sits one of the leading boutique hotels in the world.  Once a private home it was here thar Nelson Mandela di much of his writing after his release.  The hotel was magnificent and our suite stunning.

Approaching the Saxon

Our 850 square foot suite was definitely more than we needed but we enjoyed the luxury.  The open bar, snack and massive tub made for some nice relaxation before continuing our journey.  From Johannesburg we flew to Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe where we stayed at the the historic Victoria Falls Hotel which opened in 1905.  From the lookout we had a wonderful view of the bridge that goes over the Zambezi River joining Zimbabwe and Zambia

Zimbabwe on the left with the spray of the falls in the background.  The water level of Victoria Falls fluctuates greatly with the season and as we were here at the end of the wet season the level was still high and the mist at times so great it made it hard to get clear pictures but really added to the experience.  We definitely avoided our shower the morning we visited as we got soaked.

The Victoria Falls Hotel.  The evening we arrived we took a late afternoon cruise on the mighty Zambezi River.  We were treated to close up views of hippos and crocodile while being served wonderful food and drink and enjoying the panorama sights about us but my special moment of the cruise was when we. Ame upon a family of elephants drinking at the rivers edge.

Coming down to the rivers edge for some needed hydration.  Thank you for the show.

The mighty Zambezi with the spray of the Falls in the distance.  What a sight.

Our cruise ended as the sun slipped below the horizon.  We completed a perfect day with a wonderful dinner in the stately Livingston Dining Room of the hotel.  On the sideboard was a gorgeous huge silver bowl which the Queen Mother had brought with her to chill her champagne when she stayed here and gave to the hotel as a gift when she left. Maybe we stayed in her room though I somehow think not.

Early the next morning we donned our rain ponchos and set out to explore the Falls. At times the mist fell like heavy rain but the resulting rainbows were exquisite and one felt that you really could reach the pot of gold.

Getting wet and loving it

At times we walked right under the rainbows.  The mist would come and go and using the waterproof camera I tried to snap some shots when it lifted.

The volume of water was incredible and it is quite amazing to realize that at times it actually almost dries up.

Quick photo as mist was momentarily blown away

Through he mist

Looking down the gorge

Far end of the Falls where the mist was blown away so we were able to dry out and see clearly.  From here the view down the gorge was impressive.  Victoria Falls is twice the height of Niagra Falls so is truly a magnificent site to see.  Would have liked to have been able to cross the bridge but there unfortunately is the matter of an international border.

When the level of he water drops some adventuresome people swim in some of the holes at the top of the falls.  Of course others bungy jump off of he bridge spanning the river.

Statue of David Livingstone who discovered Victoria Falls and died here of Malaria in 1873.

Leaving Victoria Falls we travelled to Botswana which we entered for a short time only before exiting into Namibia to board the Zambezi Queen on the Chobe River.