By Friday Nwosu
This story is put together from the account of travel expert, Mr. Ikechi Uko, during his invitation to attend the Zimbabwe Travel Expo Sanganai 2015.
I had always loved travelling to Zimbabwe, reason being that it has one of the finest tourist attractions in Africa. It is one of the few African countries that I travel to each week, albeit on the wings of the popular nursery rhymes I used to sing. So each time I long being in the South African country, all I needed to do was to remember the song “7 Rivers of Africa o! Nile, Niger, Senegal, Congo, Orange, Limpopo, Zambezi”. It is one of the famous nursery rhymes I learned during my formative years. The song often reminds me of the great rivers of the African continent. I had often imagined what the river Zambezi looked like and what it will feel like to have a firsthand experience watching the famous Victoria waterfall. This rare site is one of natures’ numerous gifts to man.
The Zambezi is the fourth longest river in Africa, after the Nile, Congo, and Niger Rivers. It is the longest east flowing river in Africa. It flows through six countries on its journey from its source in north-western Zambia to the Indian Ocean, an amazing 2700 km. This river evokes mystery and excitement with few rivers in the world remaining as pristine or as little explored. So, this time around I had to travel to this breathe taking site on the insightful information provided by Travel expert, Ikechi Uko who visited the ever fascinating Victoria Falls.
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country in Southern Africa, covering an area of 390,757 square kilometers of which land occupies 386,670 square kilometers and water occupies 3,910 square kilometers. She is bounded on the north and northwest by Zambia, southwest by Botswana, Mozambique on the east, South Africa on the south, and Namibia’s Caprivi Strip touches its western border at the intersection with Zambia.
She sits astride the high plateaus between the Zambezi and Limpopo rivers, its main drainage systems. Much of the country is elevated, 21 percent being more than 1,200 meters (3,937 feet) above sea level. Ikechi begins his story.
I had just arrived from the airport after flying some several hours. I had my usual Zimbabwe meal. It’s pap and repe. I had a funny encounter at the airport with an immigration lady. The Harare airport is the most friendly looking immigration station I have seen in Africa. It looks like a hotel reception and not like a Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). The lady obviously hooked to Nollywood on African magic told me she is Yoruba but speaks few Igbo words. She wanted to know why only Igbos and Yorubas visit Zimbabwe. I told her most Hausas would probably visit northern African countries and the Middle East for reasons of affinity. She wants to visit Nigeria but believes if she calls me, that my wife will use juju on her and she will start seeing stars. I laughed really hard. She literally believes the Nollywood script. I looked behind her into the immigration office and Nollywood was on TV. Africa Magic is defining most people’s image of Nigeria. I just told her it isn’t exactly like that but I am still proud of Nollywood. I have no complaint.
The A Zambezi resort at Victoria Falls was a delight to visit. It reminds me of Royal senchi in Akosombo Ghana. Because it is much older I guess Royal senchi is a copy. Great place to stay with river Zambezi flowing past your room. It is located on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River within the periphery of the Zambezi National Park. The imaginative architecture with its sweeping curve of grass thatch blends well with the lush green lawns. A’Zambezi is the perfect retreat to relax and unwind in the quiet ambience of the African wild life, whilst enjoying renowned services.
Victoria Falls hotels. This hotel has a rich history. The first airline to fly regularly through Africa British Overseas Airways Corporation (BOAC), had a stop on the Zambezi River called jungle junction. Which is by the falls, this was in the 1940s. The hotel was built by the railway company that built the breathtaking bridge over the river overlooking the great falls that thunder. Named by David Livingstone after Queen Victoria, the Victoria Falls are a wonder to behold. Taken round the hotel by the Public Relation officer, Sindhi whose insightful stories about the historical meeting of American Henry Stanley finally meeting up with Livingstone brought alive the encounter.
All famous people visiting the falls stayed at the hotel including the British royal family. Considering my life long fixation to stories about David Livingstone, I came alive some more listening with rapt attention. The fact that the first airport in Zimbabwe was at Victoria Falls, the government launched an ambitious airport project last year with a 3 km runway. Surprising as it seems the airport will be ready soon.
Victoria Falls often referred to as Mosi-o-Tunya meaning the smoke that thunders, is one of the 7 natural wonders of the world. It’s incredible to behold. I did the flight of angels which is a helicopter flight over and around this magnificent work of God. There is nothing of its kind in the world. Africa is blessed.
After that I had an early morning encounter with the Lions. I became a lion king having an early morning walk with my pet lion Phezulu.
Wine tasting tree safari. I am sure you have never done a tree safari before. Our guide at the lodge took us on a safari that included knowing the trees and plants in the 1800 hectares property. We saw buffaloes, giraffes, wildebeest and impalas. We became wine experts from going round the winery tasting different flavours enjoying quality wine made in Zimbabwe. The company was good, pretty ladies from Nigeria, South Africa and Zimbabwe. Almost got drunk sampling the wine.
