Recently, I had the privilege of travelling to Livingston, Zambia, to experience Victoria Falls during the dry season for a romantic getaway. Zambia is ideal for this as it offers plenty of sophisticated hotels and lodges while still maintaining the serenity that couples look for when trying to get away from the crowds on the Zimbabwe side.
The dry season also means more wildlife sightings (although the Falls aren’t flowing at their full force) which made for a breathtaking experience overall. If you haven’t heard of Victoria Falls, it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site known locally as “the smoke that thunders”. It is also the largest curtain of falling water in the world!
We had to start our day early as the heat out in the open wilderness can be a bit overwhelming but we managed to make it to the start of our Victoria Falls adventure before the sun was in full swing. My partner surprised me with the trip initially, booking a flight for me from O.R. Tambo International in Johannesburg that took just under two hours before landing in Lusaka. On arrival it turned out he had planned for our first day to include a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River, paired with a dangerous dip in Devils Pool!
Devils Pool (a natural rock pool) is located right on the edge of Victoria Falls and is only accessible during the dry season due to the water being too strong to use the pool during the rest of the year.
We made our way to the Royal Livingston, a luxury hotel with a rich history, where we came across the occasional giraffe eating greenery on the island of a traffic circle…
Once at the hotel, we took a boat to an island near the edge of the Falls where we were welcomed with a local drink before listening to a knowledgeable guide who provided some insight into the Falls and the wildlife that roams through the surrounds. The small but intimate wildlife park on the Zambian side is called the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park (which spans just over 2, 000 ha) and offers sightings of elephants, giraffe, buffalo and zebra, with some animals roaming among the lodges and hotels.
From the hotel, we finally made our way to to Devils Pool! But first there was a small area which we needed to swim across to reach the cliff’s edge. Fortunately, there were safety ropes and experienced guides to assist us. Immersed in the pool, we took turns delighting in a dip and enjoying the view. We were then treated to a spectacular brunch during which we alternated between having a nap and taking in the breathtaking expanses.
We also had the pleasure of going on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi River. It was a lovely time spent socializing with other guests from different countries over a few drinks and treats. Looking up at the cliffs, we could see why the Zambian side of the Falls is known for its birds of prey with sightings including the peregrine falcon, Taita falcon and the black eagle.
We noticed an abundance of wildlife overall and if you are lucky (as we were) you’ll experience elephants crossing the Zambezi. From absolutely gorgeous scenery to incredibly friendly locals, Zambia is honestly a place filled with so much culture and life that we cannot wait to go back.
Book your own romantic getaway to Vic Falls with Rhino Africa’s travel experts today and witness the breathtaking scenery and wildlife of the surrounds.
Story: Antoinette Barnard
