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Victoria Falls: An Informative Guide to Safari Lodges and Experiences

Victoria Falls, a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, stands as one of Africa’s most recognized landmarks, lying on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Renowned for its stunning allure, the falls are an essential stop for adventurers and nature enthusiasts alike. This article delves into the finest safari lodges on either side of the border and the thrilling activities available for guests.

Overview of Victoria Falls

The Zambezi River, which spans over 1.2 miles in width, tumbles down a series of gorges at Victoria Falls, generating a mist that can be seen from 12 miles away. During a full moon, visitors have the chance to experience a lunar rainbow, also known as a moonbow. Notable features include the Main Falls, Devil’s Cataract, and Devil’s Pool.

Safari Lodges in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls River Lodge: Positioned along the banks of the Zambezi, this lodge features luxurious treehouse suites equipped with private decks and plunge pools. Visitors can partake in game drives in Zambezi National Park and various activities, including river cruises and helicopter excursions.

Tsowa Safari Island: This upscale tented camp on a Zambezi island provides an intimate atmosphere with canvas tents, offering experiences such as birdwatching, river safaris, and day trips to Chobe.

Victoria Falls Safari Club: As part of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge estate, this exclusive club boasts fine dining, a swimming pool, and vistas of a private waterhole. Guests can indulge in game sighting, birdwatching, and the distinct vulture culture experience.

Chundu Island: A family-friendly venue with suites overlooking the river, Chundu Island provides activities such as canoeing, game drives, and island strolls. The lodge features a Kidz Zone and childcare services.

Masuwe Lodge: Nestled within 2,000 acres of wildlife-rich land, Masuwe Lodge comprises wilderness tents and a romantic hideaway chalet. Guests can relish cocktails by the waterhole and venture into the surrounding nature.

Safari Lodges in Victoria Falls, Zambia

Toka Leya: Located in Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, Toka Leya features air-conditioned tents with river views. Activities include wellness treatments, game safaris, and river cruises.

Tongabezi Lodge: Found upstream from Victoria Falls, Tongabezi offers a range of accommodations, from river cottages to private houses. Guests can relish romantic dinners, dhow cruises, and trips to Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park.

Sindabezi Island Camp: An off-grid lodge on a secluded island, Sindabezi provides private chalets with outdoor bathtubs. Activities include picnics, canoeing, and guided nature walks.

Activities at Victoria Falls

Visitors have the opportunity to engage in a variety of activities, such as helicopter tours, river rafting, and guided explorations of the Victoria Falls Rainforest. The Devil’s Pool delivers an exhilarating experience at the edge of the falls. On the Zambian side, guests can enjoy the Royal Livingstone Express train journey and explore Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to Zambia’s sole wild white rhinos.

Conclusion

Victoria Falls presents a distinctive combination of natural beauty and adventure. Staying at a safari lodge allows guests to deeply immerse themselves in the experience, offering a diverse range of accommodations and activities to cater to every traveler. Whether opting for the Zimbabwean or Zambian side, Victoria Falls guarantees an unforgettable adventure.

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Before embarking on a hike, you always determine your destination, timing, and what to bring along, correct? You should also strategize on how to hike (or camp) securely around wildlife, particularly bears. It may appear that bears are only present in locations like Yellowstone, the Smoky Mountains, or Alaska. However, bears inhabit a significantly larger expanse. Are you aware that black bears can be found in 40 out of the 50 US states?

The habitats of black bears and grizzly bears are expanding each year, so prior to venturing into the great outdoors, ensure you verify if it’s bear territory. If it is, continue reading for our safety guidelines on how to hike in bear territory.

Do not presume that just because it’s chilly, bears will be resting in their dens. Just last month (in November), a family of five bears was roaming our yard in the North Carolina mountains. Moreover, grizzly bears may emerge from hibernation as early as March in Yellowstone.

Always carry bear spray and ensure you know how to utilize it before starting your journey. Bear spray is prohibited on airplanes, so if you are flying to your destination, you’ll have to purchase it locally. REI stocks them. Watch the video at the conclusion of this post to understand how to handle bear spray. *Do not activate the bear spray indoors*, learn to deploy it outdoors.

NEVER give food to a bear, approach it, attempt to take a selfie with a bear, or try to pet it. If you are at a national park and witness someone doing this, capture a photo (try to get the license plate number) and report the incident at the office. A bear that is fed is a dead bear.

Hiking in bear territory

– If you see a bear before it notices you: remain still, don’t approach, and savor the moment. If it’s heading in your direction, ensure it knows you are present and announce yourself with a loud and serious “Hey Bear.” The bear will likely turn away. If you don’t make your presence known, you might startle the bear if it gets too close, and it could react aggressively. (I mean, if you surprise me, I might yell, so it’s understandable to have a response.) Once the bear moves away, quietly retreat in the opposite direction. We had a close call with a mother grizzly and her cub in British Columbia, and we followed this approach. You can read the story here.

– If you come across a bear that is aware of your presence: do not run; running may provoke a chase. Gradually back away in the opposite direction and wait for the bear to depart.

– Stay alert to your environment, make noise at intervals, and refrain from using earbuds.

– Avoid hiking solo.

– Keep children within sight.

– Make noise in dense areas.

– Be particularly vigilant when foraging for berries or nuts. Bears are doing the same!

– Always KEEP YOUR PETS ON A LEASH or leave them at home. Dogs can irritate bears and cause them distress, which may lead to a bear attacking your dog.

– Do not litter. Carry out your trash. Making bears accustomed to human food sources increases the likelihood of dangerous encounters with humans.

– Do not position yourself between a mother and her cub. If a mother believes her cub is threatened, she will defend it. If you see a cub, always search for the mother and remain vigilant.

Camping in bear territory

– Set up backcountry camps away from thick vegetation and natural food sources.

– Maintain a clean camp. Do not leave food lying around, and always secure it (in the vehicle, or in a bear-resistant container) if you go out for a hike.

– Do not store anything that emits food or toiletry scents in your tent. No snacks, no toothpaste, no deodorant, no soft drinks, no lip balm, no sunscreen, no insect repellent.

– If you are camping with a pet and need a litter box in the tent, utilize unscented litter and keep it clean. No pet treats either.

– If you are car camping, keep food and toiletries inside a locked vehicle and ensure all windows are closed. Bears have figured out how to open unlocked cars and break open windows.

– If you are backpacking, keep food and toiletries suspended at least 10 feet above the ground and 10 feet from any tree branch. Some parks have a system in place (see the red arrow in the photo below from a backcountry campsite in Yellowstone). This regulation may vary from one national park to another, so always verify the regulations at the park’s entrance.

Cooking in bear territory

– When cooking, do not dispose of food waste in your fire (or outside the fire for that matter). No bean sauce, or meat fats, or anything similar.

– Cook away from your tent to avoid attracting bears to your sleeping area.

Modernist wonders, medieval avenues, and Mediterranean shores are merely three reasons the Catalan capital makes for an ideal weekend getaway. Duncan Rhodes serves as our local expert. If Barcelona were a lady, she would be an enchanting yet unconventional Miss World outlier, who routinely sacrifices her beauty rest for wild nights out that may leave her looking noticeably worse for the wear. The city’s prime attractions, including La Sagrada Familia, Park Güell, and Casa Batlló, are the creations of the iconic architect Antoni Gaudí. These remarkable Modernist edifices exemplify Barcelona’s artistic character and are essential sights for any traveler.

As one strolls through the medieval alleys of the Gothic Quarter, it’s easy to envision the city’s rich history. Twisting passageways lead to delightful plazas where both locals and visitors gather to savor tapas amidst the lively ambiance. The Gothic Quarter houses the magnificent Barcelona Cathedral, a stunning work of Gothic architecture that stands resplendently at the city’s core. While wandering through this historic district, you’ll encounter hidden treasures at every corner, from charming boutiques to inviting cafes.

Barcelona’s Mediterranean coastlines provide an idyllic retreat from the frenetic pace of urban life. The golden beaches of Barceloneta are just a short distance from the city center, making it simple to spend a day basking in the sun or taking a refreshing swim in the ocean. The beachfront promenade is filled with vibrant bars and restaurants, creating the perfect setting to unwind with a cocktail and observe the bustle of life. For those desiring a more serene getaway, the nearby shores of Bogatell and Nova Icaria present a more peaceful haven.

The city’s nightlife is as varied as its architecture, boasting an abundance of bars, clubs, and live music spots catering to every preference. From the stylish lounges in El Born to the electrifying clubs in the Eixample neighborhood, Barcelona pulsates with energy after nightfall. Whether you’re inclined toward a relaxed evening of jazz or an all-night dance extravaganza, the city’s dynamic nightlife offers something for everyone.

Culinary enthusiasts will find themselves in gastronomic paradise in Barcelona. The city’s culinary landscape is a blend of classic Catalan fare and cutting-edge contemporary dishes. From bustling food markets like La Boqueria to Michelin-starred establishments, Barcelona promises an epicurean adventure that will undoubtedly please. Don’t miss local delicacies such as paella, tapas, and the renowned Catalan creamy dessert, crema catalana.

In summary, Barcelona is a city that enchants with its distinctive fusion of history, culture, and modernity. Whether you’re admiring its architectural marvels, wandering its ancient streets, or lounging on its stunning beaches, the Catalan capital promises an unforgettable journey. A weekend in Barcelona is just sufficient to skim the surface of what this dynamic city presents, leaving visitors wanting to return for more.

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**Preparing for Your International Move: Key Steps for a Seamless Transition**

Relocating overseas is an exciting journey, but it demands thoughtful organization to prevent unresolved matters and unwelcome stress. While some individuals may dive into the experience without prior thought, most will find that a well-planned strategy is advantageous. This guide emphasizes the essential aspects to concentrate on when gearing up for a long-term relocation or a lifestyle as a digital nomad.

**Mail, Taxes, and a Permanent Address**

In this digital era, it remains vital to keep a permanent address in your home country. This helps ensure you receive crucial mail, including credit card replacements and tax information. You might want to consider a family member’s address or a mail forwarding service. Make sure to change your address with all pertinent organizations to avoid missing important communications.

**Banking and Finances**

Prior to your move, make sure you secure a credit card that does not impose foreign transaction fees and a bank account that minimizes ATM withdrawal charges. Create financial contingency plans by opening multiple accounts and obtaining several cards. Platforms such as PayPal and Wise can ease international money transfers. Establish online banking for effective financial management from afar.

**Staying Connected**

With today’s technology, keeping in contact with friends and family is straightforward. Take advantage of Wi-Fi calling, video chats, and cloud-based services for communication and file exchange. Think about obtaining a local SIM card or opting for eSim solutions for uninterrupted connectivity. Safeguard your data with a VPN while using public Wi-Fi networks.

**Voting from Abroad**

You can still cast your vote in elections back home by utilizing absentee voting. Re-register at your mailing address and stay updated on election dates to ensure that your voice is counted.

**Insurance Considerations**

Healthcare expenses can greatly differ in other countries. Investigate expatriate health insurance options to handle significant medical occurrences. If you intend to travel to the USA, make sure your policy provides coverage there. Look into travel insurance for extra protection against travel interruptions.

**Storing Your Belongings**

Reduce the amount you take by selling or donating items. Store what remains with relatives or in a storage facility. Avoid large companies known for poor customer service.

By focusing on these vital aspects, you can concentrate on the thrilling opportunities of your new life abroad, confident that your arrangements back home are well-managed.