Victoria Falls – A Phenomenon To Behold

A distance aerial view of Victoria Falls as my flight approached Victoria Falls International Airport is a field on fire with white smoke bellowing into the skies. As you close in on the falls itself, you realize that the 'smoke' is actually a cloud of water rising up as the Zambezi River pours down the falls with amazing force and power.

Once on the ground, the 24 km drive from the airport to Victoria Falls town is an extremely smooth highway. Both sides of the road are lined up with beautiful trees. Victoria Falls town can easily be confused with a small modern city in the developed world. It is clean; the buildings are modern and very well maintained. The roads are very well paved and marked. The flower beds and gardens well nurtured. The town does not have so much traffic apart from the hordes of buses and minibuses shuttling tourists from the falls to various lodges in the town.

Park entrance fee is paid at the falls entrance. Please note that park entrance fees is paid in United States dollars, cash. This is the most preferred mode of payment. Any other mode of payment may be a big hassle and give you unprecedented complications. A lady ahead of me on the queue had US travelers cheques of 50 dollars denominations and had to go away because she could not be given back her change. Zimbabwe dollars cannot be used by foreigners to pay park entrance fees.

Before you arrive at Victoria Falls, it is very important to prepare for a 'rainy' day. It is guaranteed that you will be rained on as you view the falls. This will not be rain water but from the cloud of 'smoke' I mentioned early. The best item to protect you from the rain is a poncho. A raincoat will also do. Also have shorts if possible because long trouser will definitely get wet from your knee downwards. Non-leather open shoes would be the best option for footwear.

First stop would be at the Livingstone statue. This is a relatively big statue that was put under immense security guard when the locals wanted to destroy it due to political differences between Zimbabwe and Great Britain several years back. Next stop would be a view of the Devil's Cataract and Cataract Island. The Devil's Cataract is the western end of the falls and there is a huge force of water flowing down the Devil's Cataract. From the Cataract Island, the next stop is the Main Falls. This is where one might experience the heaviest rainfall though this is the best sight of viewing the falls. From the main falls, I head to the Livingstone Island. It is said that Dr. Livingstone docked at Livingstone Island and spent the night there oblivious of the falls right after that. As I continue eastwards, the next stop is Horseshoe Falls followed by the Rainbow Falls and finally the Eastern Cataract. Words cannot express the sight at Victoria Falls as the scene is never static. The width of Victoria Falls from the Devil's Cataract to the Eastern Cataract is 1,700 metres. The mean height of the Main Falls is 83 metres. The mean height of the Rainbow Falls is 99 metres. The mean height for the whole falls is 93 metres. The average flow of water over the falls is 34,000 cubic metres a minute.

The best time to see the falls is between February and June. This is the time the falls is full and complete from the Devil's Cataract to the Eastern Cataract. During the other months when there is less rainfall experienced, the Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and Eastern Cataract have no water flowing on them. The paved walkways along the entire falls are well maintained and accessible by wheel chair.

Immediately preceding the falls, the Zambezi River has 4 rapids that zigzag one after the other. The current falls is the first rapid and it is in favour of Zimbabwe. The best country to view the falls now is from the Zimbabwe side and not the Zambia side. However, several centuries ago, Rapid 4, which formed the first ever falls along the Zambezi was in favour of Zambia. Rapid 3 was then created and it was in favour of Zimbabwe. When Rapid 2 was created, it was in favour of Zambia. The Zimbabwe/Zambia famous bungi jump bridge is located on Rapid 2. The current falls and Rapid 1 is in favour of Zimbabwe. Judging from the amount of water flowing down the Devil's Cataract, it is predicted that the Zambezi River is already cutting its new path heading towards the Zambia side. This will create a new falls and rapid which will be in favour of Zambia. This will however take hundreds of years to form.

As we exit the falls after the Eastern Cataract, we head to the famous bridge joining Zimbabwe and Zambia on Rapid 2. This is the bridge where bungi jumping is done. Water rafting is also done from Rapid 2 downstream. River cruises are done upstream before the falls.

The best method to view the falls is by helicopter. The Flight Of Angels provides one with the perfect experience and excellent view of the falls.

Victoria Falls has all kinds of lodgings and hotels to cater for all classes of travelers. These include Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, A'Zambezi River Lodge, Elephant Hills Hotel, Nyati Lodge, Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls Hotel, The Kingdom Hotel and Casino among others.

Some of the activities available at Victoria Falls is a Sundowner Cruise which provides a very good experience. A visit to Victoria Falls will not be complete without a visit to The Boma – The Place of Eating. This is a wonderful dinner location with traditional dances. One can also do elephant rides and visit the crocodile farm. There is also canoeing and white water rafting along the Zambezi.

Botswana is just an hour's drive away from Victoria Falls, if one has more time, consider visiting Chobe in Botswana for a night or two.

My flight back to Harare stopped over at Bulawayo. I could not miss noticing that Bulawayo International Airport seemed to have been expanding the airport with a modern massive airport building. This building however seems to have stalled several years back.

Harare is a modern city with well paved and maintained roads. As I traveled around Zimbabwe, it is evidently notable that this is a country that previously had enormous economic growth and focused development which now seems to have hit a brick wall.

About The Author
Felix Koskei is the editor of http://www.safariafrika.com and an experienced tour operator offering safari vacations to various African countries. Travel Connections has provided hundreds of travelers with highly personalized safari packages. For more details visit Travel Connections Ltd.
info@safariafrika.com

Tour Egypt for Ancient and Exotic Adventures

If you've ever dreamed of witnessing the magnificence of the Great Pyramids, standing in awe before the Great Sphinx, or reveling in the treasures found in King Tut's tomb, the magic of Egypt awaits you. You can tour Egypt for an unforgettable experience of a lifetime.

Whether you want to cruise the Nile in the style of Cleopatra or visit the Valley of the Kings, a Cairo program tour may be just the thing to fulfill your dreams. If your tastes lean toward adventure travel, a Cairo tour may mark the beginning of a journey that will include, for example, a diving excursion in the Ras Mohammed underwater nature reserve or a trek to a desert Bedouin Camp.

A Cairo museum tour will enchant you with the breathtaking antiquities of ancient Egypt, while retaining the services of a Cairo travel guide will allow you to experience the beauties and mysteries of a city from a local perspective.

If you have an interest in Egypt's ancient Holy Lands, you can travel Cairo and see the Red Sea and visit Old Cairo, where early Judaism and Christianity flourished.

While you're in Cairo, photo travel adventures await. You'll want to bring plenty of film - or extra storage cards for your digital camera - when you visit the Ben Ezra Synagogue, the Saint Serguis Church, the Great Citadel begun by Saladdin, and the Mohamed Ali Mosque, also known as the "Alabaster Mosque."

In Cairo, Egypt, travel can mean entering a time machine and visiting the sites of a wondrous and mysterious civilization, or enjoying very modern activities and amenities such as golf, cruises, and even bowling. You'd be doing yourself a disservice, though, if you didn't learn at least a bit about ancient Egypt before booking a Cairo, Egypt tour.

Some other things to know before you go:

* According to the U.S. State Department, a passport and visa are required to visit Egypt. Although renewable, 30-day tourist visas are available for US$15 upon arrival at Cairo International Airport, if you're arriving overland, you should obtain your visa prior to your arrival in Egypt.

* Egypt has close to 79 million residents, and Egypt's size is approximately three times the size of New Mexico.

* The official language of Egypt is Arabic, although French and English are widely spoken and understood.

* Egypt is bisected by the fertile Nile Valley, which spurs Egypt's economy.

* The currency is the Egyptian pound, and the exchange rate in 2005 was 5.78 Egyptian pounds per U.S. dollar.

Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, with the right tour, Egypt will enchant and engage you, drawing you in to its ancient mysteries.

About The Author
Chris Robertson is a published author of Majon International. Majon International is one of the worlds MOST popular internet marketing and internet advertising companies on the web. Visit their main business resource web site at: http://www.majon.com
To learn more about subjects like tour Egypt please visit the web site at: http://www.magitour.com
For more information and informative related articles and links about this subject matter and content, please visit Majon's Travel directory: http://www.majon.com/directory/Travel

Looking for a Holiday with a Difference?

Fancy holidaying somewhere unusual? How about a 7 day tornado chasing safari? Care for a camping safari across the desert? How about a night in an Igloo? Or perhaps you may want to attend a winter driving school and receive your reindeer license!

Chloe Lim goes in search of holiday spots with a difference. You will reach areas that are totally remote, stunningly beautiful, rich in history and heritage, away from mainstream tourism and not in any guide book.

For those seeking an energetic adventure, complete relaxation, a romantic interlude, or a holiday that combines all of these elements, the following holiday packages are particularly appealing. Offering inspiration for travellers, each itinerary is a complete package. The accommodations may not have satellite TV or air-conditioning - but they offer an unforgettable experience.

By way of a taster, here are just a few of the unusual holiday packages on offer...

6 Day Ayers Rock Adventure

Duration: 6 days / 5 nights

Commences: Perth, Western Australia and concludes Alice Springs, Northern Territory

For those adventurous travellers who wish to travel overland through Central Australia, this is the 6 day camping safari for you. This is a classic outback adventure that passes through some of the most isolated and beautiful parts of Australia. Journey by 4WD vehicle from Perth to Alice Springs, along the Gunbarrel Highway and across the Great Victoria Desert. Camp under the desert stars as you travel to one of Australia's most famous outback destinations - Ayers Rock.

This tour is designed for those who are looking for adventure and who want to experience the beauty of Central Australia whilst enjoying the reward of camping and meeting new friends.

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/AyersRockAdventure.htm

7 Day Tornado Chasing Tour

Duration: 7 Days / 8 Nights

Commences: Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

F5! Tornado Chasing Safaris are chasing tornadoes with clients on-board. Their approach to chasing storms is extremely personal and focused on comfort and safety. With no more than FOUR clients in each GMC Suburban, every seat is considered first class!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/TornadoChasingTour.htm

A Night in an Igloo

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Commences: Ivalo, and concludes in Ivalo

A night in an igloo - what more could you ask for!

Step inside, come into the heart of snow, the warmth of its blue lap. Come alone, with someone special or with a group, there will be a soft and comfortable bed for you in one of the 15 Igloos in Saariselkä, the Heart of Lapland. A reindeer hide and a woolen rug will provide you excellent insulation against the snow and keep you warm. The padded sleeping sacks will keep you warm. Although surprisingly comfortable inside the igloos, the temperature does hover between -3 and -6 degrees Celsius!

After your night in igloo you'll feel so exhilarated you will want to take on the world!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/NightInAnIgloo.htm

Lycksele to Ekorrsele

Duration: 2 days / 1 night

Commences: Ekorrsele, Sweden

Be pulled along by a team of 10-14 dogs on a dogsled. Just sit back, relax and enjoy the vast expanses of this gorgeous landscape that will unfold before you. Because you are travelling so quietly, there's some great opportunities to spot elks/moose, reindeers or other Swedish wild animals. The tour takes you over lakes, through forests and frozen wetlands. The light, the colors, the fresh air and the silent are something you have to experience in person. It can't be explained in words.

All warm clothes and boots are provided and at the end of the day you can reminisce about the adventures in a hot tub before feasting on a delicious dinner - pure indulgence!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/LyckseleToEkorrsele.htm

Winter Driving School in Lapland

Duration: 4 days / 3 nights

Commences: Rovaniemi, and concludes in Rovaniemi, Lapland

For travellers looking for something different - how about this tour?

Welcome to Rovaniemi - the capital of Finnish Lapland! Enjoy spending some time in the Arctic Circle! Learn how to drive a snowmobile on ice; braking and fending off a sudden obstacle; driving and steering; using hand brakes and how to handle the snowmobile in everyday traffic. Then, visit a reindeer farm and learn how to harness a reindeer and ride a reindeer sledge, and if you pass these tasks, you will receive your reindeer license!

For more information and booking details visit http://www.hotelclub.net/extra/attractions/WinterDrivingSchool.htm

You're just a few clicks away from finding your perfect holiday.

About The Author
Chloe Lim is a photographer and avid traveller. She travels extensively for work and family vacations. She is always on the lookout for bargain travel deals and discount luxury vacations.
This article is courtesy of http://www.hotelclub.net, you may freely reprint this article on your website or in your newsletter provided this courtesy notice and the author name and URLs remain intact.
chloelim1@yahoo.com.au

Adventure Tours To The Himalayas

Although only a handful of us aspire to actually climb Mount Everest in our lifetimes (AKA "Nutjobs"), I count myself among those who want to at least see this colossal peak before I die. To me, the Himalayas still represents a far-off adventure few of us actually get to see in person, but many of us have on our lifetime to-do lists.

So imagine how exciting it was for me to run across http://www.mtsobek.com/, a travel company that specializes in putting together small group adventure travel tours to the most awesome mountains in the world. No, we are not actually talking about climbing such mountains as Everest (although Africa's Kilimanjaro is a mountain they conduct hiking tours onto), but mtsobek.com can take you on hikes and treks to see these breathtaking mountain regions.

For example, the Himalayan tour not only takes you to see the highest mountains in the world, but you will also meet the diverse ethnic people of Nepal, Tibet or Bhutan. Mtsoke.com offers nine Himalayas treks, so you can choose the adventure tour package that suits your physical condition, time and aspirations.

Among the many things you can do and see are:

Explore Buddhist monasteries that seem to be from another time;

Visit the Everest base camp and view what is arguably the most breathtaking sight on this planet;

The remote Gokyo Valley, with its beautiful turquoise lakes and moonscape-like glaciers;

Follow an ancient caravan track to the spectacular Namtso Lake, which sits on the Tibetan Plateau and appears to all the world like a great sea made of sapphire;

Meet traditional Himalayan highlanders: farmers, yak herders, and monks

So, you can bet a Himalayan tour is on my list of things to do. If you are new to adventure travel, you may also want to check out Andy McDowell's article, Adventure Travel – An Exciting Thrill (here is the link: http://guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com/2006/01/adventure-travel-exciting-thrill.html ), which I have reprinted on my website, www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com.

About The Author
Charles Brown is a former attorney who now spends his time indulging his passion for travel and shares the unique travel destinations and adventure travel bargains he uncovers on his blog, Guerrilla Traveler - Adventure on a Budget, www.guerrillatraveler.blogspot.com.
Think budget travel equals boring travel? Think again! Learn the Guerrilla Traveler's insider secrets to budget adventure travel to the world's most exciting places and experience the coolest travel adventures without spending a bundle.