Southern Africa

Africa Sojourn: Coastal Wonders, Safari Thrills & the Mighty Falls

Africa had been calling for a while, and this year, we finally answered. Ten days, five countries, countless border stamps, and memories too big to fit into our luggage. From the roar of lions in Kruger to the thunder of Victoria Falls, from dusty safari trails in Botswana to drumbeats under the Zimbabwean sky — this trip wasn’t just a holiday, it was an adventure that shook hands with the wild and danced with culture. Every day was a new chapter, every stop a surprise, and every encounter (human or animal!) a story worth retelling. So here it is — our journey through South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Zambia, and a brief taste of Namibia across the Chobe River — all stitched together with laughs, little border dramas, and unforgettable moments.

Day 1 : Sat, 16 Aug 2025- Dubai ➝ Cape Town | Camps Bay & V&A Waterfront

The excitement was sky-high as our Africa adventure finally began. With two suitcases packed and ready, Bijili and I booked a Bolt at 12:30 AM and headed to Dubai International Airport – Terminal 3. Deepali saw us off at home (though she had work the next day), and before long we were at the airport, through check-in, security, and immigration in record time. We relaxed for a bit at the Marhaba Lounge — I enjoyed two brandies, while Bijili nibbled on snacks — before boarding our Emirates flight.

In-Flight Experience

It was a packed 9½-hour flight to Cape Town, but the crew, food, and drinks made it smooth as always. Between meals (breakfast, lunch, snacks, and more drinks), I even managed to get some decent sleep. Before we knew it, we were descending into Cape Town International Airport at 11:30 AM local time.

Immigration and baggage claim were a breeze. I’d pre-booked a free airport transfer through Booking.com, and true to his word, Ronald the driver had already messaged me. At arrivals, a man held up my name, and within 30 minutes we were driving into the beautiful Camps Bay.

🏨 The Bay Hotel, Camps Bay

Our home for the next few days was The Bay Hotel, located right on Camps Bay beach. Bijili had booked a sea-view room, and while the room itself was huge and comfortable, the view was a bit underwhelming — partly blocked by trees. The staff promised to check for better availability the next day, but after some discussion, we decided to settle in rather than unpack and repack again.

After freshening up, we headed straight out to soak in the city.

🌆 Afternoon at V&A Waterfront

By 3:30 PM, a quick Bolt ride brought us to the bustling V&A Waterfront. Bijili wanted to stop at the Silo Rooftop Bar, but unfortunately it was closed. Instead, we wandered the lively area, snapping photos and even catching a fun street dance performance — Bijili even joined in for a quick groove! We also saw the bridge open to let a cruise boat through, which was a little unexpected highlight.

Soon, we settled into Quay 4 Restaurant, where cocktails and starters hit the spot.

🌅 Evening: Mojo Market, Sunset & Dinner

From there, we tried our luck at the Mojo Market, but with the South Africa vs. Australia rugby match on, every screen and seat was occupied by enthusiastic fans. So instead, we rushed to the nearby Sea Point beach to catch the sunset. With the temperature dipping to around 10–12°C, we were bundled up in thermals, jackets, and scarves, watching the sky paint itself in shades of orange and purple. A stunning first evening in Cape Town.

Back in Camps Bay, we strolled along Victoria Road and found Zenzero Restaurant just a few meters from our hotel. Dinner was delicious — pork, prawns, and a local brandy (though I must admit, it wasn’t as good as the brandy back home).

🗓️ Planning Tomorrow

After dinner, we headed back to the hotel to plan Day 2. Unfortunately, it was too late to book a peninsula tour through the desk or even online (most were already full). A quick call to Ronald, our driver, saved the day — he agreed to take us on a customized tour starting at 8:30 AM the next morning. With that settled, we crashed into bed, tired but buzzing with excitement for what lay ahead.

✅ Highlights of Day 1 -

First impressions of Cape Town: drizzly but charming

V&A Waterfront stroll & cocktails at Quay 4

Beautiful Camps Bay sunset from Sea Point

Dinner at Zenzero, just steps from our hotel

Day 2 : Sun, 17 Aug 2025 --> Cape Peninsula Wonders

The day began bright and sunny, unlike yesterday’s drizzle. After breakfast at the hotel with a view of the Camps Bay beach, our guide and driver Ronald picked us up sharp at 8:30 AM. Warm, knowledgeable, and full of stories, he proved to be the perfect companion for our Cape Peninsula adventure.
🚗 Chapman’s Peak Drive

Soon we were cruising along the legendary Chapman’s Peak Drive, one of the most scenic coastal roads in the world. Hugging the cliffs, it offers the Atlantic Ocean on one side and towering mountains on the other. With lookout points scattered along the way, we stopped for photos that were nothing short of breathtaking.

🐧 Boulders Beach

Our next stop was Boulders Beach, home to a colony of African penguins. Watching these charming little birds waddling around was surreal — especially knowing they thrive here thanks to Cape Town’s unique climate (hot, dry summers and mild winters).

🌍 Cape Point & Cape of Good Hope

From there, we entered the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve. A funicular ride took us up to Cape Point, crowned by a historic lighthouse. Standing here felt like being at the tip of the world, surrounded by seas on three sides.
We then visited the legendary Cape of Good Hope, the most south-western tip of Africa. At the famous signboard, we managed a cheeky shortcut photo session from the back, before realizing the long queue we had “skipped” 😅.

🐦 Ostrich Encounter

Ronald then surprised us with a stop at a small ostrich farm. With no tourists around, it was a hidden gem. Feeding these giant birds by hand was both hilarious and a little intimidating.

🏄 Muizenberg Beach

By now, hunger had kicked in, so we drove to Muizenberg Beach, famous as South Africa’s surfing capital. Being a sunny Sunday, the sea was dotted with surfers. We tucked into a massive Gatsby sandwich at Lucky Fish — so huge that three of us struggled to finish it. Afterwards, we strolled by the beach huts painted in vibrant rainbow colors, perfect for photos.

⛰️ Table Mountain – A Wonder of the World

The final highlight of the day was Table Mountain, one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature. The crowds were overwhelming, with a 2-hour queue for the cable car. Luckily, we found fast-track tickets — a wise decision, as skipping Table Mountain would have been a regret.
The rotating cable car whisked us up to the top, where the views over Cape Town, Lion’s Head, and the endless ocean were simply heavenly. We spent an hour soaking in the panorama before heading back down.

🌅 Camps Bay Sunset

Back in Camps Bay, we slipped into swimsuits for a quick play in the icy Atlantic waters (too cold for a swim!) and stayed for the magical sunset. The sky lit up in colors, with Table Mountain and Lion’s Head glowing in the backdrop.

🍴 Dinner & Wrap-up

For dinner, we tried Harry’s Beach, but the service was painfully slow — even a simple request for room-temperature water took 15 minutes (“warming the bottle,” the waiter said 🙄). With no tips given, we strolled back to the hotel, ending the day with memories of stunning landscapes and a packed itinerary.

Tomorrow promised a shift from oceans to wilderness — a flight to Kruger, but not before a short stop at Bijili’s Cape Town branch office. Ronald, once again, would be our man for the drop.

Day 3 - Aug 18, Monday --> Cape Town to Kruger Adventures Begin

We woke up early, ready for a new adventure. Our reliable driver and guide, Ronald, arrived at the hotel sharp at 7:30 AM. By then we had finished breakfast, checked out, and were set to go.

Before heading to the airport, we made a quick stop at Bijili’s Cape Town branch office. She had arranged an 8 AM meeting with her colleague. We reached around 8:10, spent half an hour meeting the staff, and had a quick tour of the office and store. By 8:40 we were back on the road, reaching Cape Town International Airport at 9 AM.

Our flight to Kruger was with Airlink—a small aircraft seating about 70–75 passengers. Despite its size, the service was warm and efficient. Boarding was old-school: walking across the tarmac and climbing the stairs. As we walked, we couldn’t help laughing when we saw the pilot leaning out of the cockpit window and wiping the windscreen with tissue paper! I even captured the moment on video—it felt straight out of a comedy skit.

The laughter turned into tension during landing. Kruger’s runway is short and perched on a plateau, with a steep drop at the end. Our pilot touched down a bit further ahead than usual, and with strong winds, he made the snap decision to abort. We went back up, circled, and landed safely on the second attempt. The cabin erupted into applause—relief and adrenaline all rolled into one.

Stepping into Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport was a delight. The building looks like a giant safari lodge, with soaring thatched roofs, wood beams, and a design that blends perfectly with the wild surroundings. Small but charming—more like a luxury bush camp than a conventional airport.

At arrivals, our hotel representative, Mr. Sia, stood waiting with my name on a placard. He ushered us into a Toyota Fortuner for the 90-minute drive to our stay—Kruger Gate Hotel. The ride itself was insightful; Sia shared stories about South Africa, Kruger’s history, and even touched on apartheid and local life.

Arriving at the hotel felt magical. The entire property is built in a rustic-luxury style, with wood, thatch, and open-air decks overlooking the Sabie River. Wildlife roams freely here—impalas grazed just outside our room, and mischievous baboons lurked nearby looking for trouble.

After settling in, we headed to the riverside restaurant for lunch and drinks. Halfway through Bijili’s cocktail, a cheeky baboon swooped down, dunked its hand straight into her drink, fished out the passion fruit garnish, and leapt away triumphantly! Poor Bijili was left with half a cocktail and a hilarious story to remember.

The rest of the afternoon we explored the property, relaxing by the river and soaking in the wilderness vibe. By evening, we enjoyed the boma-style dinner included in our half-board plan. It was a feast—endless choices of meats, salads, and desserts, served under the stars with traditional African drumming and dancing around a roaring fire. The atmosphere was vibrant, though the sheer variety of food made us wish we had skipped our late lunch.

Tired but thrilled, we returned to our room. Tomorrow was a big day—a full-day safari drive, with a 5:15 AM start. With that in mind, we tucked in early, ready to meet Kruger’s wild side.

Day 4 - Aug 19, Tuesday : The Big Safari Adventure - Kruger National Park

The alarm rang at 4:30 AM, and though our eyes protested, our excitement won the battle. After a quick freshen-up, we were at the hotel reception by 5:15 AM. Our breakfast packs were ready, and steaming cups of tea and rusks awaited. Soon our open safari vehicle arrived—rows of raised seats, perfect for spotting wildlife. In the back sat a German family, behind them two Belgian friends, and in the very front row… us! First safari experience, front-row view—perfect.

Our driver-guide introduced himself warmly. “I cannot assure you the Big Five,” he joked, “but impalas, definitely!” (And true to his word, impalas were everywhere.)

🌍 Kruger National Park

Kruger is not just South Africa’s largest game reserve—it’s one of the greatest wildlife sanctuaries in the world. Spanning nearly 20,000 square kilometers (bigger than some countries!), it is home to an astonishing diversity of species. The park’s crown jewels are the Big Five—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and buffalo. The term “Big Five” doesn’t mean the biggest animals, but rather the most dangerous and difficult to hunt on foot in earlier times. Today, they’re the most sought-after sightings for safari-goers.

At 5:45 we rolled through the park gates, permits done, and almost immediately caught a magical sunrise over the African bush. The day had begun.

🐾 The Morning Drive

Our first sighting: spotted hyenas, skulking along the roadside. The guide explained they’re not skilled hunters but infamous scavengers. Soon we ticked off elephants, kudu, baboons, and (of course) hundreds of impalas. After two hours, we stopped at a designated picnic site to unpack our breakfast—fresh fruit, pastries, sandwiches, juice, the works. Eating in the wild with the morning sun warming us was an experience in itself.

From there, the real action began. Thanks to the guides’ radio network and WhatsApp chatter, news of rare sightings spread fast. We spotted a graceful giraffe (Bijili was delighted—it was her favorite). Then came the rush to see a leopard lounging on a tree. The spot was crowded with safari vehicles, but we managed to glimpse its rosetted coat through the branches. Next: lions. Two of them were resting across a riverbank, partially hidden in the bushes. I managed to spot movement, but Bijili missed it—luck wasn’t on her side this time.

We added zebras (“Look, a zebra crossing!” joked our guide), a rhino in the distance, hippos wallowing in water, and even a crocodile sunning itself by a lake. The highlight was a massive herd of elephants crossing the road, little ones trotting under their mothers. Suddenly, the last elephant—an enormous bull—turned toward us. He flapped his ears and shook his head, signaling us to back off. Inside, our hearts raced, but our cameras kept rolling. Our guide was ready to reverse, but just in time, the giant ambled away with the herd. Phew. Adventure level: 💯.

🍽️ Lunch at the Wildest Golf Course

By 2 PM, it was time for lunch at the Skukuza Golf Club, famously nicknamed “the wildest golf course in the world.” Unlike normal greens, here you share fairways with warthogs, baboons, impalas—and even the occasional hippo or leopard! The scenery was surreal: a manicured golf course set right in the wilderness, with hippos lounging in the nearby lake. Over lunch, we sat with our fellow travelers, sharing travel tales. Almost everyone had come via Dubai on Emirates—turns out DXB is the unofficial gateway to Africa for Europeans.

🦁 The Afternoon Drive

Post-lunch, the animal roll-call continued. We spotted buffalo, wild dogs (a rare sight!), warthogs, kudu, and more hippos. The golden light of the late afternoon gave the park an almost magical glow. By 5 PM, we were back at Kruger Gate Hotel—dusty, tired, but thrilled.

That night, dinner was once again a grand spread under the stars, with African dance performances around a roaring fire. The music, the rhythm, the flavors—it was the perfect end to a perfect safari day. With early alarms waiting again, we went to bed with our hearts full of wild memories.

Next stop: ✈️ Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

Day 5 - Aug 20, Wednesday I From Kruger to Victoria Falls

Our last morning in Kruger began on a lighter note—no 4:30 am alarms this time! With a flight at 11:30 to Victoria Falls, we allowed ourselves the luxury of a 7:00 am wake-up. Breakfast at Kruger Gate Hotel was decent, luggage rolled out, and our ever-reliable driver was waiting to whisk us off to the airport.

The drive took about 90 minutes, smooth and scenic, with our driver chatting away in perfect English. When we reached, the “airport” felt more like a bus stand with wings—tiny counters, minimal fuss, and even immigration/security that operated on shifts. Not 24x7, just “when we feel like it.” Luckily, we were first in line, breezed through, and soon boarded what looked like a mini private jet. One seat on the left, two on the right, around 25 rows total, with its own built-in stair-ladder. Quirky but fun.

The short 2-hour hop brought us to Zimbabwe soil—Victoria Falls Airport. We even got the “VIP feeling” of being the first passengers out. Immigration, however, decided to test our patience. Indians get Visa on Arrival, but we’d planned to buy the KAZA Univisa (a special $50 visa allowing unlimited entries between Zimbabwe and Zambia, plus day-trips to Botswana). Except… the officers giggled at our passports and told us, “Sorry, Indians not eligible.” Instead, we got a double-entry Zimbabwe visa for $45 each—slightly deflating, since Botswana now looked shaky. Luckily, I had pre-arranged a Zambian e-visa, but Botswana’s online e-visa was still “processing” (and still is, even today!). Bijili was disappointed, but ever the optimist, she reminded me that travel plans have a way of sorting themselves out.

Baggage collected, we were greeted by a Shearwater Explorer Village driver. The ride into town was a bumpy 40 minutes—dry roads, red dust, and Africa showing its raw, rugged charm. The hotel welcomed us with a drink, but the cheer wore off once we saw our room. Tiny, two single beds with mosquito nets, barely any walking space. For the price, our faces said: “Seriously?!” Later I Googled and realized all Vic Falls accommodation is pricey, thanks to limited supply and endless demand.

We met the concierge to plan the coming days. First request: the famous Boma Dinner (interactive dining with African drumming, dancing, and game meats). Sadly, fully booked for days. Second request: Chobe National Park day trip. Bad news again: Indians without prior Botswana visa can’t cross the border. Strike two. Our travel mood dipped—no Boma, no Botswana, tiny room.

But then fate sent us Mark, a street tout who overheard me asking about Chobe. He made a quick “call” to immigration (in reality, his office), put it on speaker, and we heard a lady say, “Yes, Indians with double-entry Zimbabwe visa can get a Botswana day-visa at the border.” We followed Mark to his office and met the real star: Pretty (or Prethy), a confident Gujarati woman who runs tours for many Indian travelers. She assured us we’d be fine at Chobe, and we booked the trip for Friday. She even told us not to worry about Zambia—entry visas could be sorted at the border for $30. Bijili then asked if Pretty could work her magic on Boma Dinner. Pretty smiled and said, “Leave it to me.”

With spirits lifted, we decided to stroll to the famous Lookout Café. Google Maps played a trick—it led us down the Zimbabwe–Zambia border road, until a friendly shopkeeper redirected us onto a muddy side path. Finally, the café appeared, perched dramatically on the edge of the Batoka Gorge. This open-air restaurant offers jaw-dropping views of the Zambezi River, plus front-row seats to adrenaline junkies doing bungee jumps, zip-lines, and gorge swings. We shared a sandwich, Bijili ordered a cocktail, and I treated myself to two small pours of Hennessy VS. A perfect mix of bites, views, and a touch of French brandy.

While sitting there, Pretty called again—she’d secured us Boma Dinner for Saturday. What a relief!

On the way back, we met a young taxi driver, Junior, who offered us a ride for just $5. Soft-spoken, knowledgeable, and trustworthy, he became our go-to driver for the rest of our Victoria Falls stay. We even used him for our airport drop later.

Back at the hotel, another pleasant twist: our “standard” room was only for two nights, but Bijili found online that deluxe rooms were available. We rushed to the manager, who confirmed we could upgrade the next day for a small fee. Problem solved!

The night ended with a sigh of relief. From visa hiccups and disappointments to finding Pretty, securing Chobe and Boma, and even planning an upgrade—the day had taken us full circle. Tomorrow: the mighty Victoria Falls itself.

🌍 Fun Facts: Victoria Falls Town

It’s tiny! The whole town feels more like a village, with just a handful of main roads. You can literally walk from the airport road to the Falls in under 20 minutes.
Tourism is its lifeline—almost everyone you meet is connected to tours, safaris, adventure activities, or curio shops.
Adventure capital: from bungee jumps off the Victoria Falls Bridge to helicopter flips over the Falls, it’s basically a playground for thrill-seekers.
Currency quirk: although it’s Zimbabwe, the US Dollar is the main currency here. Shops, taxis, restaurants—everything is in USD. Handy, but also makes things pricey.
Wildlife comes right into town—don’t be surprised if you see warthogs grazing by the roadside or baboons plotting a snack theft near restaurants.

Day 6 - Aug 21, Thursday : Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

Morning began as usual at 6:30 AM. After a quick breakfast at 7:30 (decent, but nothing much to rave about), we packed our bags, checked out, and left our suitcases at the hotel reception.

The night before, I had done my homework with ChatGPT, who gave me a clear map of the 16 viewpoints of Victoria Falls. With that knowledge in hand, we decided to beat the crowds. After a short husband–wife debate (me pushing for 8:00, Bijili favoring 9:00 😄), we compromised and reached the gate by 8:30 AM. Entry fee was USD 50 each—one-time entry, and well worth it.

Now, about the falls: Victoria Falls, or Mosi-oa-Tunya (“The Smoke that Thunders”), is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Twice as tall and nearly twice as wide as Niagara, the falls stretch 1.7 km across with a drop of 108 meters, sending over 500 million liters of water per minute crashing down in peak season. The spray can be seen from kilometers away—no wonder Livingstone described it as “scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

Right at the start we saw David Livingstone’s statue. He was the Scottish explorer who first made the falls known to the outside world in 1855, naming them after Queen Victoria. That’s why his presence stands tall at the entrance.

From there, the viewpoints began—each one giving a fresh angle of this thunderous giant. At Viewpoint 1, the statue. Then climbing the 38 steps to Viewpoint 2, where the falls roared right before us, yet we were almost alone—it felt surreal. Soon the raincoats came out, because no matter what, you will get drenched. The spray is part of the experience!

Every viewpoint had its own drama—sometimes clear, sometimes hidden behind a curtain of mist, then suddenly revealing itself like a stage show. Having seen Niagara Falls years ago, this felt on another scale entirely. Niagara may be better marketed and easier to access, but here, in Zimbabwe, nature feels raw and untouched. For me, Victoria Falls was far more majestic—it imprinted itself deeply in my memory.

Some moments were magical: spotting a rainbow in the spray, watching the Zambezi river gather calmly before plunging into chaos, sitting silently at certain viewpoints just soaking in the endless roar. By the time we reached Viewpoint 16, overlooking the bridge to Zambia, it was already filling with tourists. We smiled, exchanged cameras with fellow travelers, and helped each other capture the memories.

By noon, after retracing a few of our favorite spots again, we finally exited—fully satisfied that we had done justice to one of the greatest wonders of the world.

Back at the hotel, good news awaited: our deluxe upgraded room was ready! Spacious, modern, with a balcony and big washroom—both of us were delighted. After lunch at the hotel, we decided on the Zambezi River Sunset Cruise for the evening. Our reliable organizer Pretty arranged everything smoothly—though there was a funny glitch. The driver initially forgot to pick us up, but luckily another of Pretty’s drivers spotted us waiting and rushed us to the dock.

The cruise was relaxed and beautiful. The captain, who doubled as our driver, gave an introduction to the Zambezi—a river that flows over 2,500 km through six countries before plunging down Victoria Falls. On board, we were treated to welcome drinks, snacks, and unlimited refills. I settled for a cold beer, while Bijili tried a cocktail.

Wildlife sightings added to the charm—elephants grazing by the riverbank, crocodiles basking, and colorful birds flying across. Light background music played, and soon Bijili was on her feet dancing with a local lady—both laughing and enjoying the rhythm. We had a sense of déjà vu when we recognized the same family we kept bumping into earlier (Chobe, Boma Dinner, and later even at the airport!).

As the sun dipped low, painting the Zambezi in golden hues, the atmosphere turned magical. We captured photos and videos, including Bijili’s creative time-lapse recording. The Zambia riverbank stretched on the other side—so close, yet another world.

By 7 PM, we docked back, chatted warmly with fellow Zimbabwean travelers, and were dropped at our hotel by 8. A relaxed dinner at the hotel wrapped up the day.

What a day it was—thunderous falls in the morning, golden river sunset in the evening. Tomorrow was Chobe, and I couldn’t help but wonder what surprises awaited us at the border without a pre-visa.

Good night from Victoria Falls. 🌙

Day 7 - Aug 22, Friday - Chobe , Botswana

The day began early at 5:30 AM — because in Africa, the animals don’t wait for late risers. This full-day Chobe safari had been arranged by Pretty from Fuhara Safaris for USD 150 each, including both land and river safaris. A solid deal for a date with the wild.

After breakfast, we waited at the Shearwater Explorer Village lobby at 7:00 sharp, where Pretty’s driver whisked us away to their office. From there, we boarded a larger bus with our fellow adventurers — including the Australian mother-daughter duo we’d met during the Zambezi sunset cruise. Funny thing: we’d been chatting with them for two days now, yet never exchanged names. Tourist friendships are like that sometimes — warm but wonderfully anonymous.

On the way, the driver pointed out the impressive Kazungula Bridge, which connects Botswana and Zambia. Fun fact: it’s the only spot in the world where four countries meet near each other — Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia. The bridge is not just scenic but also a symbol of regional cooperation, making border crossings less chaotic (well, except when you don’t have a visa in hand, like us!).

At the Kazungula border, our nerves returned. We reminded the driver that we had Indian passports and no pre-arranged Botswana visa. He nodded knowingly and said, “Don’t worry, it will take a bit longer.” Longer? For us, that sounded like “you may or may not be sleeping with the lions tonight.”

Exiting Zimbabwe was easy — just a stamp and a wave. On the Botswana side, there was a brief health check (we still don’t know what the officer was checking… probably just the shine of our passports). Then came the visa queue. But our savvy driver knew the system. He walked us into the immigration office, handed us forms, and worked his magic. After 15–20 anxious minutes, our passports reappeared with fresh visas — USD 30 each, swipe and done. Huge sigh of relief!

By 9:30 AM, we were finally in our safari jeep. Unlike Kruger’s tarmac roads, Chobe is pure safari terrain — sandy, bumpy, and bone-jiggling. Within minutes, the radio crackled: a leopard sighting! Our driver zoomed off, and suddenly, there it was — a magnificent leopard devouring a giant water monitor lizard. The lizard was still twitching. Open jeep, no glass, just us and a feasting predator a few meters away. In Kruger, we had to use binoculars to glimpse a distant leopard. Here, the view was so close, we could almost hear him chew.

As we continued, we were surrounded by giraffes gracefully striding past and herds of zebras creating their own traffic jams. And, as Botswana proudly claims, elephants — lots of them. The country is home to over 130,000 elephants, the largest population in the world.

Then came the big radio message: lions spotted! Our driver asked if we wanted to try. Of course, Bijili was eager — she had missed seeing lions earlier in Kruger. After a bumpy 20-minute detour, we arrived. There they were: six to seven lions lounging beside a zebra carcass. It was raw, powerful, and slightly nerve-wracking as our driver edged closer. When asked if this was safe, he casually said, “They are used to cars.” Comforting? Not really — lions don’t sign contracts promising good behavior! Still, we got unforgettable photos and even a cheeky selfie with lions literally behind me.

By 1 PM, we stopped at Cresta Mowana Safari Resort and Spa for lunch, included in the package. The spread was good, and I was pleasantly surprised to find something resembling Coorg-style mutton curry. A cold beer for me, a refreshing drink for Bijili, and a chance to trade stories with our fellow travelers.

Post-lunch, we headed to the dock for the Chobe River cruise. Here’s the geography twist: one side of the river is Botswana, the other side is Namibia. As the boat glided along, we spotted crocodiles sunbathing, pods of hippos, buffalo grazing, and plenty of birdlife. The boat was small and packed tight, but everyone was too thrilled with the wildlife to care.

By 4:30 PM, we were back on land, tired but buzzing with excitement. Our safari driver dropped us at the border, we tipped him USD 10, and crossed back into Zimbabwe — completing our double entry into the country. Back in our hotel, we ended the night with a hearty dinner, still replaying the day’s highlights: a leopard kill, lions on the hunt, and the real rough-and-tumble safari feel of Chobe.

It had been one of the most thrilling days of the entire trip. Tomorrow awaited Zambia — and the famous Boma Dinner.

Fun Facts about Chobe National Park

Elephant Capital of the World 🐘 – With over 130,000 elephants, Botswana has the largest concentration anywhere on Earth. In dry season, you can see herds of 100+ elephants at once.
Four Corners of Africa 🌍 – The Kazungula Bridge connects Botswana to Zambia, and nearby is the only place in the world where four countries almost meet: Botswana, Zambia, Zimbabwe, and Namibia.
Big Five Spotting 🦁 – Chobe is home to lions, leopards, elephants, and buffalo (that’s 4 out of the Big 5; only rhinos are missing).
River of Life 🌊 – The Chobe River sustains not only hippos and crocs, but also one of Africa’s highest concentrations of birdlife — over 450 species.
Safari Style 🚙 – Unlike Kruger’s paved roads, Chobe offers a real off-road safari experience, with sandy tracks and bumpy rides adding to the adventure.

Day 8 - Aug 23, Saturday - Zambia, Local Zimbabwe & Boma Dinner

Morning Border Adventures – Zimbabwe to Zambia

The morning started peacefully at 7 AM with a decent breakfast, but by 8:30 AM we were already signing up for a little adventure across borders. Our trusty driver Junior had agreed to take us to the Zambian side of the falls for USD 25. A steal — though, as we’d soon learn, the border officials had their own “extra fees” business model.

At the Victoria Falls Bridge, we left Junior’s car on the Zimbabwe side, stamped out of Zim immigration, and walked across the bridge. Fun fact: the bridge, built in 1905, is over 100 years old and was part of Cecil Rhodes’ grand dream to connect Cape to Cairo by rail. It also comes with a bonus — a railway line and a bungee jump. The jump looked like a fast way to meet your ancestors, so we stuck to taking photos.

At the Zambian immigration, two very “friendly” officers tried their best to fish for bribes. After some back and forth (and Junior’s presence proving useful), we got our stamps without losing extra dollars. Lesson learned: corruption is universal, but so is persistence.

Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park – The Smoke That Thunders

Tickets here were USD 30 each. The park name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, means “The Smoke That Thunders,” and that’s exactly what you get — misty sprays, roaring water, and rainbows galore. The Zambian side isn’t as wide or thunderous as Zimbabwe’s, but it makes up for it with magical rainbows and up-close drama.

We stopped at the Livingstone statue (he’s the Scottish explorer who first introduced the falls to the world in 1855 and promptly named them after Queen Victoria). There’s also a small walking bridge that tested both our raincoats and nerves — but the views were worth every splash.

By 10:40 AM, dripping wet and thoroughly impressed, we exited the park with magnets and souvenirs tucked under our arms.

Back to Zimbabwe – Border Comedy Show

Re-crossing back into Zimbabwe was straight out of a sitcom. Long queues, officials demanding old notes be exchanged for new ones, and one immigration officer refusing to give change for a USD 100 bill. Thankfully, a working card machine saved us.

Crossing the border felt less like official immigration and more like strolling past a village market — people on bicycles, motorcycles, and pedestrians all mixed in the same line. One guard just waved us through with a look that said, “You look like tourists, go ahead.”

Lunch at the Grand Old Lady – Victoria Falls Hotel

Junior, ever the tour guide, took us to the Victoria Falls Hotel, a colonial-era heritage property dating back to 1904. Nicknamed the “Grand Old Lady of the Falls,” this place oozes old-world charm. We wandered around the manicured lawns, peeked at the architecture, and settled down at the restaurant for a leisurely drink and lunch. Sitting there, you can almost imagine British officers sipping gin while plotting safari routes.

Afternoon Shopping Spree – Market Madness

In the afternoon, we headed to the local curio market near our Shearwater Hotel. Junior was right — this market was cheaper than the main road stalls. The vendors start at USD 50 for something worth USD 5, but after a few rounds of haggling, I’d cracked the code. My trick: quote my final price before they start. Result? Several bags full of souvenirs, magnets, and gifts… plus vendors shaking their heads at my bargaining skills.

Evening at the Famous Boma Dinner – Drum, Dance & Dare to Eat

By 6:45 PM, Pretty’s driver picked us up for the much-awaited Boma Dinner. On arrival, every guest is dressed in a chitenge (traditional wrap cloth) and given a touch of face paint. We looked the part — and Bijili dove right into the dancing even before dinner.

The spread was massive — a buffet of local and game meats, traditional dishes, and adventurous snacks. I went all in: tripe amalusu, cow heels, sorghum sadza, kudu meat, eland, and yes… even the famous Mopane worms. Chewy, crunchy, and surprisingly not bad — the chef handed me a certificate of bravery afterwards.

All through dinner, performers filled the space with African music and dances. Then came the drumming session: every guest got a drum, and the MC split us into groups for a thunderous jam session. Bijili was in heaven — this was the highlight she’d been waiting for. The night ended with everyone dancing on stage, trying (and failing) to copy the graceful African steps.

 Tripe Amalusu – stewed cow stomach lining, a traditional delicacy with a chewy bite.

 Cow Heels – slow-cooked cow trotters, gelatinous and rich, usually in a hearty broth.

 Sorghum Sadza – a thick porridge made from sorghum flour, a staple comfort food in Southern Africa.

 Kudu Meat – lean, flavorful venison from the kudu antelope, often grilled or stewed.

 Eland – the largest antelope, its meat is tender, mild, and surprisingly low in fat.

 Mopane Worms – not worms but caterpillars, usually dried or fried, packed with protein and a serious “brag-rights” snack. 🐛💪

Wrapping Up Day 8

By 10 PM, we were back at the hotel, full of food, music, and memories. The Boma Dinner was an absolute must-do — a night of flavors, culture, and laughter that capped our Zimbabwe stay perfectly. Tomorrow would be our last day for some final shopping and the journey to Johannesburg.

💡 Fun Facts of the Day:

Victoria Falls Bridge was designed by George Hobson and constructed in just 14 months in 1905.
“Mosi-oa-Tunya” (The Smoke That Thunders) is the original name of Victoria Falls.
The Victoria Falls Hotel has hosted royalty, politicians, and celebrities for over a century.
Eating a Mopane worm earns you instant bragging rights — and sometimes, a certificate!

Day 9 - Aug 24, Sunday - From Victoria Falls to Johannesburg

A Slow Morning & Last-Minute Wanderings

Since our pick-up by the ever-reliable Junior was only at 10:30 AM, we had a relaxed morning. After breakfast, we strolled down the main road for some last-minute shopping. Bags were already bursting, but Bijili still had her eye on finding some local sweets to take back to Dubai.

When we asked Pretty about it, he gave us a puzzled look and said:
“Zimbabwe is not known for sweets… but for meat!”
Fair point. And true — after nine days, we could confirm that Zimbabweans do know their meat!

We popped into a supermarket for water — just USD 0.15 a bottle (compared to USD 2 at our hotel). A small win to end the trip!

Farewell to Shearwater Hotel

Back at the hotel, we packed up, checked out, and braced ourselves to pay for the room upgrade. But the Manager surprised us with a smile:
“Enjoy your journey. No charges.”
That was the sweetest gesture we could have asked for — better than any dessert Bijili was hunting for!

The Big Tree – Zimbabwe’s Gentle Giant

On the way to the airport, Junior made a quick stop at The Big Tree, a legendary baobab tree estimated to be over 1,000 years old. These giants are nicknamed “upside-down trees” because their branches look like roots reaching for the sky. We clicked a few photos, hugged Junior goodbye, tipped him well, and even kept a couple of Zimbabwe old and new dollar notes as souvenirs.

The Big Tree – Zimbabwe’s Gentle Giant

Victoria Falls Airport Lounge Life

At 12 noon we were at the airport. International check-in, immigration, and security were all smooth. We settled into the Pearl Lounge, enjoyed food, drinks, and a bit of quiet time. We couldn’t resist buying a few magnets (yes, expensive, but good quality) and a packet of macadamia nuts to snack on later.

By 2 PM, our flight to Johannesburg took off on time.

Back in Johannesburg – Shop Till Boarding!

We landed at 4 PM, breezed through immigration, and picked up our bags in record time. But Johannesburg’s O.R. Tambo Airport is not just an airport — it’s like a mini-mall. Shopping opportunities everywhere!

Bijili couldn’t resist and stocked up on South African sweets for Dubai friends, office colleagues, and of course, for us too. Soon, we found ourselves rearranging luggage like Tetris champions to fit everything in.

Bags checked in at the Emirates counter, hands free, we went for a little walk outside the airport (because why not take one last photo-op before Dubai?).

Later, we passed through immigration again, spent time at a lounge, grabbed food, and Bijili caught a short nap before the big flight.

The Final Flight Home

At 10:30 PM, Emirates took us smoothly back to Dubai. The flight was comfortable, with food and drinks to keep us happy.

Day 10 - Aug 25, Monday - From Johannesburg to Dubai

We touched down at 8:30 AM Dubai time, breezed through immigration and baggage collection, and by 9:30 AM we were back home — greeted by the hot Dubai summer, after a refreshing 9-day break filled with safaris, waterfalls, border crossings, and drum beats.

Closing Thoughts

This trip had everything — Wildlife, Adventure, Border Drama, Laughs, Cultural Experiences, and plenty of Memories. From Kruger to Chobe, from Victoria Falls to Boma Drums, and finally back to Dubai — every day was a new chapter.

Africa gave us a piece of its wild soul, and we carried it back in our hearts (along with magnets, nuts, and sweets stuffed in our luggage).

🌍 Conclusion

*"As we landed back in Dubai, the African sun still seemed to follow us home — not in the heat, but in the warmth of the memories it left behind. Africa wasn’t about ticking off sights, it was about experiencing life in its rawest form: the adrenaline of being a few feet away from a leopard, the rhythm of drums at Boma, the spray of Victoria Falls soaking us to the bone, and the quiet kindness of people we met along the way. We came back with our hearts fuller, our bags heavier (thanks to sweets, magnets, and nuts!), and our minds echoing with the roar of waterfalls and the call of the wild.

Travel is never just about seeing new places — it’s about discovering new parts of yourself. And in Africa, we discovered wonder, resilience, and joy in abundance. This journey may be over, but the spirit of Africa stays with us, reminding us that sometimes, the world still has the power to leave you speechless."*

🌍 Trip Highlights & Lessons Learned ✈️

✨ Cape Town’s Charms – From Table Mountain views to waterfront strolls, the city proved why it’s called one of the most beautiful cities in the world. Lesson? Always keep a jacket handy – Cape Town’s weather mood-swings faster than a WhatsApp group argument.

🦁 Safari Thrills – Spotting the Big 5 in Kruger and Chobe was a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But also: nature works on her schedule, not ours. Patience and silence often bring the best sightings (plus, no snack packets rattling in the jeep, please!).

🌊 Victoria Falls Magic – The “Smoke That Thunders” lived up to its name. Standing there reminded us how small we are compared to nature’s grand design. Lesson: Don’t underestimate ponchos – or you’ll come out looking like a drowned chicken.

🥘 Flavors of Africa – From kudu steak to mopane worms (well, almost 😅), every meal was an adventure in itself. Lesson: If a baboon eyes your cocktail, surrender gracefully.

💡 People Make the Trip – Ronald in Cape Town, Junior in Victoria Falls, Pretty’s hospitality, and countless others added warmth to every experience. The takeaway? Landscapes impress, but it’s people you remember most.

🧳 Final Note – Ten days, five countries, endless memories. Travel taught us once again that the world is vast, cultures are rich, and the best souvenirs are stories we carry home.

Posted by Kiran Arjun - 25-09-2025

This blog's narrative and structure wouldn't have been possible without the assistance of ChatGPT, which brilliantly transformed my thoughts into words. Kudos to technology for making stortelling more accessible !