Victoria Falls, Wild Animals & One Very Wise Chief
While Phillip and I started to talk very seriously about going to Africa when we announced our decision to sell Ubiquitous back in September, 2025, we had to laugh when we discovered how long we have actually been thinking about going to Africa. Since 2015! How do we know it’s been that long. Because we bought The Lonely Planet guide to Africa—FROM an actual brick-and-mortar Barnes & Nobles which tells you something—in 2015. See? Proof!
So, this trip has been building for quite some time. It’s been this epic destination on the horizon. It was a journey so big, we knew it would be better tackled after we’d sold our incredible boat, in order to truly accomplish it the way we wanted to, that is. And how is that you might ask? On a grand two-week, four-country, mind-blowing adventure. We decided to book with a group as Phillip found one that was offering virtually everything he would have wanted to do while in Africa, only it was completely curated, organized, a good price, and came with a tour manager who is with you every step of the journey to help with any travel issues or problems. And—I mean—it’s Africa. We envisioned the travel logistics being complicated enough that a trip manager would help.
We were not wrong in that regard. Not at all. And, we were thrilled with the company we chose: COLLETTE.
I could go on about how well planned Collette’s trips are, how tested and vetted and inclusive of both adventure, culture, shopping, sightseeing and history they are, how great their team and employees, but just know the trip felt like every time I took a step forward—not knowing where my foot would land—it felt like a magic tile magically appeared to support me (and often with a warm towel for my dusty face, an elegant cocktail handmade, and a private escort (who carried my bag to my room) but escorted me, instead, to a five-star dinner). Only in hindsight did the sheer creativity and hand-picked “feel” of the trip unfold for Phillip and I when we could truly appreciate all the thought that had gone into it after the trip was over. In the moment, you’re just on a curated wonder ride, mesmerized every minute.
Okay, enough of that. Let’s go to Africa, friends! I’ve broken these posts up into three parts of our trip: 1) Victoria Falls and Zimbabwe; 2) Botswana and Pilanesberg (our safaris); and 3) South Africa and Cape Town. So, let’s dive in. Are you ready for the most powerful waterfall of your life? Trust me, you’re not. Buckle up! I’ve got some incredible videos for you below, friends.
Know that the travel over can be a little brutal, particularly for folks who do not like to be seated for hours at a time.
Being a little country gal who grew up traveling in the sleeper of her dad’s big rig and who’s spent the last 13+ years traveling in a little floating home, I was fine with it. I did a lot of writing while on the flight, and I loved it. (Anyone curious about my author endeavors – here’s the latest : ).
Flying United (the group trip mandated it) we went from Pensacola to Houston to Newark. That took about a day. Then we flew overnight into the next afternoon from Newark to Johannesburg—a 15-hour flight. It was a quick evening at the Radison Inn, then the very next day, we hopped another flight north to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, where our African adventure officially began. And let me tell you, Zimbabwe did NOT ease us into this trip. It exploded Day One.
The Wallow Lodge 🐘
First stop: The Wallow Lodge.
Now, when someone tells you you’re staying in a “tent” in Africa, you may picture something involving a sleeping bag and a regrettable bathroom situation. This was not that. Not that at all my friends. I wouldn’t even call this glamping. This was five-star accommodations … only in the middle of a wildlife reserve. So, you are IN NATURE—let’s be clear—only you’re supremely comfortable out there in that “tent.”
The Wallow has just 16 beautiful canvas suites tucked into 4,500 acres of protected wilderness along the Masuwe River. Each is raised off the ground with its own deck overlooking the bush. Why are they raised, you might ask? Well … the animals live here too. You’ll hear them crawling around underneath, swinging from the trees, or plunging into the river right outside your tent. It’s amazing!
But that also means, at any time, they can walk right through camp. Now—mind you—they have trained guides and wildlife experts on hand at all times (24/7) to make sure you, and the animals, are safe, but they give this funny speech at the beginning about the “toot horn” that had me rolling. So, the “toot horn” is actually a loud-as-shit air horn they provide for you in your “tent.” And the way the guide explained it is, if you have to leave your tent any time after dark, you must call for an escort to and from your tent. Also, when in your tent at night, if you have a visitor (aka, an animal that could eat you if they wanted to, lol) poking around near your door and it alarms you, you can call up to the lodge at any time. “And be sure to lock your doors at night as the baboons know how to open unlocked doors.” 😳
If THAT wasn’t enough however, he then tells you: “If there’s any point you feel the phone is too far away [it’s on a table by the doors, blow the toot horn in the bathroom. But be sure you’re sure about that one, though. You blow that toot horn, you will have a world of attention on you immediately. You can trust me on that one.”
Haahahaaaa! The toot horn. I loved every minute of our stay there. Especially because—from our cabins—we watched monkeys swimming in the trees, a hippo taking a dip in the river, warthogs honking all around, and a giraffe who elegantly bent down to lick a salt block. My only complaint was we didn’t have enough leisure time to spend there, simply watching animals from our deck and the beautiful lodge.
It was luxurious and wild at the same time, which turned out to be one of our favorite combinations of this entire trip.
Victoria Falls 🌈
Then came the big one.
It was called Mosi-oa-Tunya—”The Smoke That Thunders”—when it was discovered because on the horizon it looks like a great wildfire, like a huge plume of smoke barreling up from the ground. And, the water is extremely powerful. Hence the “thunder” description. Victoria Falls stretches roughly 1.7 kilometers (more than a mile!) across, with water plunging an average of about 100 meters, or 328 feet, into the gorge below. UNESCO describes it as the world’s greatest sheet of falling water.
But numbers don’t explain this place. The sound does. And, the incredible, dizzying, blinding mist. There is a rainforest there, not because of massive rainfalls. But from the sheer quantity of the mist alone. Just look at some of these photos.
The thundering water. The mist billowing hundreds of feet into the air. The constant dampness on your skin. And the rainbows! My God, the rainbows. We saw enormous arcs that seemed to wrap nearly 270 degrees around us—and double rainbows stacked over the gorge. You’d turn one direction and find another one forming in the mist.
It felt like nature was jockeying for your attention at every turn. I’m so glad we did this by foot. But, I’m also extremely glad we did it by air to give the whole experience more perspective.
Flight of Angels 🚁
After witnessing the breathtaking majesty of the Falls on foot, we were offered the chance to take it in by air via the appropriately named Flight of Angels, a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River. The name comes from David Livingstone’s famous description of the Falls as a sight so beautiful it must have been gazed upon by angels in flight.
Once you’re above it, you understand. From the ground, Victoria Falls feels enormous. From the air, you finally understand why.
You can see the Zambezi spreading across the landscape, suddenly dropping off the edge of the earth, then twisting through the dramatic zig-zagging Batoka Gorge below. We were also able to witness this exact sight later at the Lookout Cafe, and appreciate its jaw-dropping beauty. But you don’t have to take my word for it. Here’s proof: an incredible video they film and produce for you—while you’re up in the helicopter—so you can easily share this majestic, mind-blowing beauty. You can thank the Flight of Angels for this one:
The Elephant Sanctuary
One of the most memorable experiences of our time in Victoria Falls was visiting The Elephant Sanctuary, where we were able to get up close with these enormous, gentle animals. The sanctuary provides a home for elephants that have been orphaned, injured, or otherwise unable to survive safely on their own in the wild. The experience begins with a detailed presentation about the rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration programs that support the sanctuary’s elephants. Our host, Fiona, was incredibly knowledgeable and just a lot of fun to talk to and share this experience with.
What struck me most wasn’t simply their size—although standing beside an elephant certainly puts things into perspective—it was their intelligence and individuality. Each elephant has its own personality, history, preferences, and relationships (very much like humans), and the guides clearly know them as individuals. Our group leader, Fiona, joked that the large bull elephant – Jambo – was her husband, lol.
We learned about elephant behavior, conservation, and the challenges they face as human development increasingly overlaps with their natural habitat. And then came the part you simply can’t appreciate from photographs: standing close enough to look into an elephant’s eyes and feel the quiet presence of an animal that powerful. I also loved watching the handlers feed them their favorite granola and grains treat!
Absolutely unforgettable.
Chief Mpisi & The Women’s Council
One of my favorite experiences, though, wasn’t scenery at all. This won’t surprise any of you at all, but it was people. We visited a local African village where we met Chief Mpisi, who talked with us about village life, culture and their system of government. And, he was not afraid to call anyone out either. He’s an outspoken man, but incredibly wise. He’s earned the right to share his opinion, as it’s not based in theory. It’s based in years spent on his home soil, watching the ways of his people and others.
Chief Mpisi explained that their community has a Women’s Council because, according to the Chief, women tend to remain level-headed and rational in the face of conflict while men are more inclined to “start wars to fight hatred.”
Ladies … Chief Mpisi has apparently seen some things.
But underneath the humor was something I loved: a genuine respect for women’s wisdom and their role in resolving conflict and guiding the community. We also got to witness first-hand many village members coming to Chief Mpisi with a question or needing help and guidance, and you could easily see and feel how important and revered he is in the village. It was an impactful visit that ended with festive dancing and a great showing of the vibrant African spirit. (Of course, I couldn’t help myself. I had to dance right along with them!)
Zimbabwe, Around the Table
Another one of the very cool things that Collette put together for us was a home-hosted lunch in an African village in Zimbabwe. This was hosted by two women in the village who cooked an exquisite meal for us, with almost a dozen different dishes. They welcome us into their modest home and shared traditions with us around cooking, child-rearing, and finding a husband.
Experiences like this stick with you. I loved the first, first and foremost. But our host was also a very intelligent funny woman who had us laughing explaining how—as an older sister—she has the right to veto any suitor who tries to win the hand of her little sister. Men, I would tread lightly. When the elder daughters of the family turn on you, I think it spells trouble, lol. But what a great way to keep suitors accountable. I always love learning about new cultures and traditions.
It’s easy to fly somewhere, photograph the famous thing, buy the souvenir and leave. But, sitting inside someone’s home and eating food they’ve prepared for you makes a place feel less like a destination and more like a community. We can thank Collette for this incredibly eye-opening experience.
Next Up: Boat and Jeep Safaris along the Zambezi River, Chobe, and Pilanesberg 🦛
And holy cow, friends, the animals we saw. How close we were able to get to them. How unbothered they were by us. How human they were in many of their interactions and mannerisms. And the little baby animals … 🥹 My word. I am only hoping my words can express.
For anyone who feels they simply can NOT wait for our next Botswana leg, I did put together a full video from the trip (12 mins), you are welcome to watch. You just have to tiptoe through my author content to get there (you know, exit through the gift shop ; ). Yes, I get to do this. It’s my blog. CLICK HERE, scroll down until you see “G🌍 to Africa,” boom, you’re there. Enjoy the video! And, if you’re excited about my next literary fiction, Austin, coming out in November, give me a shout about it!
Either way, I’ve got more safari/wildlife posts coming here soon. For us, Africa was just getting started. 🇿🇼🐘🌍