It’s a startling fact that the spray from the Victoria Falls rises up to 400m sometimes. It leaves onlookers drenched but without a care, because this massive curtain of water, the largest in the world at 1,708m wide and 108m high, is indescribably splendid. One is energised by it; gasping, gawking and gesticulating aside, the effects of one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World go beyond just a sight to be seen.

Nicci and Laura have just returned from a trip to “the Falls”, as they are affectionately known. And, boy, were we energised and enthused by our visit.

There is so much to do and see there! Wonderful places to stay, from the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, with its magnificent views across to the Bridge and the Falls, high tea on the terrace and a world renowned artist in residence… to Ilala Lodge Hotel, the closest to the natural wonder (the muffled roar of the Falls lulls you to sleep) and proud owners of unofficial “best restaurant” title by locals and visitors alike (The Palm). We also visited Elephant Camp again, as elegant and stunning as it was on our last visit some years ago. Then there’s another favourite, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, a veritable tree house overlooking miles of national park and its impressive new additions, Safari Club and Safari Suites. Don’t forget the famous Boma Restaurant where you can dine and drum and dance to your heart’s content in true African style. How about new kid on the block, Matetsi River Lodge? Managed by &Beyond, this luxurious, perfectly placed (right on the Zambezi River) retreat allows you to take a day trip to Vic Falls whenever you like (just 40km out of town) or stay in and enjoy the lodge’s great game viewing opportunities. We saw a leopard on our visit, very exciting!

Although we visited these particular properties, there are many more options that we are happy to recommend. Talk to us!

Activities at the Falls are filling more than one page now… the highlight for Laura was the Gorge Swing, which saw her leaping 70 metres down and then swinging across the river! Nicci chose the more dignified but equally exciting Flight of the Angels, which gives spectacular viewing of the Falls and surrounds. Other popular activities include:

• Elephant interactions

• Painting

• Cycling

• White water rafting

• Bungee jumping

• High wire activities

• Sunrise and sunset cruises

• Fishing and Birding

• Cultural village visits

• Swimming in Devil’s Pool

• Zimbabwe is proud to claim “the best side of the Falls” - and we’re sticking to that. But that’s not to say that a visit to Livingstone, on the Zambian side, does not have its charms.

The highlight of our brief trip to Livingstone, Zambia was dining finely at The Elephant Café. Set out on a wooden deck directly above the Zambezi, this masterful tribute to traditional and organic food, served in sophisticated elegance, makes every foodie’s heart sing. Chef Annabel Hughes sources all the ingredients from her own garden and from not further away than a twenty-kilometre radius source. Local, sustainable, supportive, community, organic… simply sublimely delicious dishes that recall tastes of Africa in gourmet guise.

Zimbabwe is swiftly becoming one of the hottest safari destinations in Africa and for good reason. Read this Conde Naste Traveller article. After years of political and economic difficulty, tourism here is pulling itself up by its bootstraps and showing the world what it has to offer. Our beautiful country will welcome you more warmly than many. It will put on a show of superb wildlife sightings, incredible adventures, and unbelievable moments with great people, beautiful landscapes and wonderful animals.

From Victoria Falls, we suggest Hwange, the biggest national park and home to amazing wildlife and wondrous beauty. And then on to Matusadona, maybe, a water wilderness that takes you away, completely, from life’s worries. Mana Pools is next – always John’s favourite and the place that will definitely steal your heart forever. Walk in the wild, the true wild – and get in touch with what’s really important. Change your life. Make forever memories. Bring your family. We invite you, also, to stay in John’s Camp and meet the elephants of the Zambezi on a safari journey that will certainly inspire you to be a part of the Zambezi Elephant Fund’s important anti-poaching efforts.

The Stevens have not been sitting still and never lose an opportunity to explore Africa! Whilst Nicci was in Victoria Falls, John was guiding clients in Tanzania, and now they are both exploring Cape Town, South Africa, adding to the knowledge Laura gleaned a few months back. Cape Town is a popular extension destination to any African safari.

John's year is looking busy and he is already receiving bookings for 2018, but he still has some availability for 2017. A private guided safari with John is a wonderful option, especially for family groups but you can also choose to be in the very capable hands of our recommended camps’ resident guides.

Come to Zimbabwe and make sure you start your adventure where it’s spelt with a capital A!