Chobe Botswana

Then off to Chobe, Botswana! Our driver took us to the border where we passed through Zimbabwe’s immigration and then he transferred us to a separate driver to cross into Botswana. Confusing but we’ve learned to ask no questions.

The drive was only a little over an hour. We stayed at the Chobe Bush Lodge, part of the veteran resort, Chobe Safari Lodge. It’s only a year old and we loved it. It’s adjacent to the older building, more modern and has a separate pool and a la carte restaurant vs. the buffet style at the Safari Lodge. Much quieter, too.

Our first day we did the sunset boat cruise on the Chobe River. Much fun, despite loud German children. The vistas were beautiful and we got up close to bathing elephants and countless hippos and crocodiles. And had yet another unforgettable sunset.

After a good night’s sleep it was up at 5 a.m. for a morning game drive in Chobe National Park. Surprisingly no elephants but the highlight of the morning was watching a female lion devour a buffalo! Amazing!

Chobe Bush Lodge

Also loved seeing baby monkeys and African Fish Eagles.

Six-Hour Day/Night Drive

We booked a game drive in the Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve. What we did not know was that it would be a six-hour event! It was an amazing experience, especially having sunset sundowners with unexpected guests – a herd of elephants.

We saw more zebras, giraffes, buffalo and the elusive black rhino. After a few hours we enjoyed a wonderful Bush Dinner with our other safari guests and ranger – great meats, chicken, soup and cocktails next to a roaring fire, which was a godsend since we were in shorts. Then we traveled with our guide through the park at night looking for glowing eyes in the dark. It was a little scary but also thrilling.

Victoria Falls

Ponchos are necessary at times.

Vic Falls from the helicopter

After finishing our Rovos Rail journey, we arrived at Victoria Falls and stayed at the Victoria Falls Safari Club.

The Safari Club

A beautiful property and the new "Club" is an addition to the 20-year-old Lodge offering a slightly more upscale experience.

We spent the first day relaxing poolside as being on the go for 10 days took its tool. Day Two was spent at Victoria Falls Park. First up was a thrilling helicopter ride above the Falls, courtesy of Paul's parents who gave us the ride for Christmas. It really is the only way to appreciate the enormity of the Falls.

After back on terra firma, we explored the park through its winding trails of rain forests and amazing spots to view the Falls. WOW!

That night we enjoyed a true African experience at The Boma Restaurant.

Such a fun ride!

Nightly Sundowners

Necessary mosquito netting

Our Bush Hike Guide

Day Three was wild! The morning was a sunrise 4-mile Bush Hike with a guide complete with rifle for protection. Later that day we did a six-hour afternoon/night game ride. Photos and details on that tomorrow.

In the meantime below is a video of the Falls.

Rovos Rail

30 cars for 66 passengers...just about right

Dining Car #1 of 2. 

Find the Cheeta

Returning to the train after a game drive

Steam engine at Rovos Rail

Had an amazing time on Rovos Rail - everything I imagined and more. We arrived at its private train station in Pretoria where we greeted with glasses of Champagne - one of many Champagne toasts for the trip.

Flowers for last night on train

Four days of unparalleled service with four-course meals for lunch and dinner with each course having a paired wine. South Africa's wine is the best I've had and its diverse varietals means never getting tired of the same wines. Our suite was huge and our hostess - Busi - was so nice.

The scenery was stunning and we met so many new friends from South Africa, Australia, U.K., U.S., and Turkey. Guests were mostly in their 40s-70s and cocktails with gay couples from the U.K. became a nightly tradition.

We did a game drive at Hwange and saw cheetah, elephants, giraffes, zebras, baboons, water buffalo, springboek, kudu and beautiful birds including the flying banana.

Bad monkey stole Paul's rolls.

Our view in Vic Falls

Arrived Sunday morning in Victoria Falls and enjoying some R&R at the Victoria Falls Safari Club.