The Victoria Falls Bridge

The Victoria Falls Bridge stretches 198 meters across the gorge between southern Zambia and northwest Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi River forms a natural border between the two countries. Completed in 1905, it was intended to be part of a vast railway network of uninterrupted track running from Cape Town to Cairo. English businessman and politician Cecil John Rhodes, who initiated the process, ordered that the bridge be placed so close to Victoria Falls that train passengers Walking Across—The most sedate option on this list, walking across the bridge offers the unique opportunity to occupy space in two countries at once, just by stopping midway. Regard the mighty falls from a number of different vantage points and don’t forget your camera—the steady supply of mist ensures a multitude of rainbows.

Walking Under—For a different view, consider venturing underneath the bridge. Guides make sure that guests are fitted into sturdy harnesses and hooked onto a safety rope before the tour begins. An Other high-octane adventures take place in the vicinity of the bridge. These activities all use thick cables secured at either end of the gorge, providing tourists a unique, gravity-defying passage over the Zambezi.

Zip-Lining—Riders attach to the cable via a full-body harness which provides a comfortable sitting position while zipping across the gorge at speeds up to 106 km. (also known as a slide).

Flying—The Flying Fox experience is similar to zip lining; the difference

THE VICTORIA FALLS BRIDGE: Something for Everyone

would feel water spray in their faces as they journeyed over the river.

The Cape Town to Cairo network never materialized, and Cecil John Rhodes died before completion of the bridge. However, his vision of the Victoria Falls Bridge as an interactive tourist experience has been realized—almost certainly far beyond what he ever could have imagined. These days, visitors who aren’t satisfied with merely riding over the bridge now have the option to walk across it, walk under it, or even jump off the side of it. up-close look at Victorian-era engineering and a fact-filled presentation make this activity one of Victoria Falls’ most popular. The rumble of cars and trains overhead kicks up the adventure quotient just a notch.

Jumping Off—The bridge is also the platform for a world-renowned, adrenaline-charged bungee jump. Commencing operation in 1994, it serves over 13,000 visitors a year. Jumpers dive head first for a 111 meter drop, then swing above croc-infested waters by their ankles before being hoisted back to safety. is the position of the rider. Hooking to the cable via the back of the harness allows riders to “fly” with arms and legs outstretched for the 200 meter trip.

Swinging—Swingers hook onto a rope attached to the middle of the gorge cable and step off the platform—freefalling 70 meters before bouncing back up and settling into a pendulum-style swing over the river.

The best way to experience the

bridge? Sitting on the train with a glass of champagne, of course! TL Z

ZIKOMO SAFARIS KITCHEN

Starter

Pumpkin soup Ingredients: pumpkin, onion, garlic, apple, milk, cinnamon, black pepper and salt Served with bread rolls

Main Course

Chicken Curry Ingredients: chicken, onion, garlic, lemongrass, assorted veggies, curry powder, coriander, ginger, chili, coconut milk, salt, black pepper, turmeric and chicken stork Served with rice

Dessert

Cream Caramel Ingredients: eggs, milk, castor sugar, fresh cream, brown sugar, vanilla essence or caramel flavor

Language: English is the official language. Time Zone: GMT+2 International dialling code: +260 Visas: Visas are needed for most visitors to Zambia. They are available from Zambian embassies abroad or at Kenneth Kaunda International airport and other points of entry. Health: Malaria occurs in many parts of the country, especially in the low-lying areas where the game parks are often situated. Therefore, malariaprophylactics are strongly recommended. Yellow fever certificates are required if you are travelling from an infected area. It is advisable to have medical insurance that includes a provision for medevac (medical evacuation). Safety: Zambia is a known for friendliness and great hospitality but like anywhere in the world, especially where there is high unemployment, it is wise to remain vigilant at all times. Be aware of pick-pockets and thieves in the towns and cities. Do not leave your belongings unattended and when in public, carry only the minimum amount of cash that you need. Always lock a vehicle and do not leave items visible in a parked vehicle Money: The unit of currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Foreign currency (US dollars are best) can be changed into Kwacha at banks and there are foreign exchange bureaus in most towns. Visa and to a lesser extent MasterCard are accepted by many tourist hotels, and can also be used to draw local currency at ATMs in the major towns. Getting there: Emirates (www.emirates.com), Kenya Airways (www. kenya-airways.com), Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com), and South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) fly to Lusaka, linking to Europe and the USA via Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg/ Cape Town. Getting around: Once in Lusaka, internal flights can connect you to most major destinations in Zambia (www.flyzambia.com). Local buses are cheap and frequent in cities. There are also luxury coach services for longer journeys. Weather: Zambian weather is essentially divided between two seasons: the dry season from May to October, and the rainy season from November to April. May to August marks Zambia’s winter when it is warm and pleasant during the day and very cool at night. During this time it can be cold on game viewing vehicles in the early morning, especially on the plateau. September to November is a period of hot and dry weather—in the valleys, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Around November or December, Zambia experiences intermittent showers and storms that usher in the rainy season, keeping the climate warm and humid through April. TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA 17

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