Day Trip into Zimbabwe

Yet, the journey had more in store. Zimbabwe beckoned with promises of grandeur equal to its Zambian counterpart. Alas, the customs process in Zimbabwe was more akin to a wallet-emptying ritual. While Safa’s (our travellers from South Africa) sailed through, the USA contingent found themselves lighter by $50 each. A curious way to court tourism, Zimbabwe! 

Venturing to the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel, a supposed "short walk" turned into a sweltering trek, challenging the group's stamina and humour. Their arrival, however, was met with the splendour of the grand dame of hotels, a haven of history and refinement. G&Ts flowed as they reminisced about the bar that was no more, replaced by a modern creation that missed the point of the stories that old walls could tell. 

Crossing borders again, this time by taxi, the team found themselves at the brink of a decision precipice: Zimbabwe or Zambia? The latter won, the price for viewing the falls in Zimbabwe deemed too steep a toll on their patience and wallets. 

Back at the Royal Livingstone Hotel, we indulged in G&Ts and savoured the elegance of their surroundings, their minds meandering through time as they gazed at the Zambezi's tranquil flow.