On 12 August some of the PCO Alliance Members were treated to an unforgettable few days in Zambia courtesy of British Airways – Comair, the Minor hotel group, Shearwater adventures, Wild Horizons, African Cruise company (Seasons of Africa) and AHA David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa.
The group boarded a scheduled morning flight on British Airways / Comair flight which operates from OR Tambo. They made their way through the relaxed, spotless, historic town of Livingstone, which might be best known for its proximity to the falls but offers some of the best adventure activities in the world. En route to the AHA David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, they experienced their first roadblock . …… A herd of elephants crossing the road!
They first visited The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa only 5 kms from the Victoria Falls and 25 minutes from Livingstone airport. The hotel boasts 72 well-appointed hotel rooms – all river facing, and 5 loft suites which accommodate a total of 154 guests in four-star style. The venue has wonderful conference facilities , a spa and their own river cruiser. There are plans afoot to expand this hotel.
They enjoyed a very tasty lunch on the new river deck situated in front of the river facing bar and restaurant after which they were transferred to the beautiful building which houses the local Royal Boat House situated about 15 minutes upriver from Avani & the Royal Livingstone .
Before they boarded a propeller-free safari flat boat, they were greeted by a Marimba musician and the friendliest staff. After an enjoyable water safari, the group docked at Long island in the middle of the Zambezi where snacks and drinks awaited them. After boarding the flat boat, they were met mid river by the colonial African Queen – The African Cruise Company, which they then boarded and enjoyed more delicious snacks and drinks during an amazing river safari.
After this incredible river experience, they were transferred to the Avani Hotel which is closest to the falls on the Zambian side. The Minor Group have made excellent changes with more to come in the near future. All 212 rooms have various views of the beautiful property. The hotel also accommodates conferences from 4 – 400 delegates.
Dinner was at the famous 5-star Royal Livingstone – 5 minutes away. This was a grand, 5 star experience with a local string quartet playing on the lawns of the Hotel . Superb service, cuisine and attention to detail with spectacular views of the Zambezi made this “A dinner venue dreams are made of”.
Day two started with an exhilarating walk to the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls (5 minutes from the Hotel) followed by a sumptuous breakfast at Avani’s Theatre of Food restaurant. Shearwater Adventures then transferred the group to the border post between Zambia & Zimbabwe.
Border crossing for groups is efficient as the driver submits the group passports for entry and exit control.
The walking tour of the Falls – “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – The Smoke that Thunders, was so incredibly interesting and awe-inspiring. A delicious lunch of Zambezi bream at the Rainforest Café (Shearwater owned) followed.
They then made their way to the Vic Falls bridge, built in 1905. An engineering feat !
Some who were brave enough, bungee jumped the 111 meters and took part in the Bridge Slide over the gorge. The Victoria Falls Bungee Jump is undoubtedly the most scenic bungee jump in the World.
All the above was organised by Shearwater
The Royal Livingstone Hotel hosted their second night stay in the beautifully appointed, river facing rooms. Dinner was at Avani Hotel’s glorious boma. The delicious array of African cuisine was complimented by local African musicians and dancers.
On Day Three the group departed the Hotel at 07h00 and were transferred to Maramba Airfield. A SURPRISE “Flight of Angels” helicopter flight over the mighty Victoria Falls, the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and the lush Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park followed. Another “Bucket list” item ticked and the end to an unforgettable trip!
Our heartfelt thanks to British Airways –Comair, the Minor Hotel Group, Shearwater Adventures, Wild Horizons , African Cruise Company ( Seasons of Africa ) and AHA David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa.