The Avani Victoria Falls, Zambia – Best of Two Worlds

Paula — Tue, 07 Feb 2017 12:57:57 +0000

The minute our shuttle pulls up to the The Avani Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia I know we are in for a treat. After an early morning, a flight from Lukasa and a drive to the destination, the journalists on my shuttle are sleepily staring out windows until someone hollers – GIRAFFE. We roll up to the lobby where we are greeted by a group of four local dancers who take turns placing hand fashioned crowns on our heads while someone snaps photos. Located in Subsaharan Africa, the Avani Victoria Falls is a welcoming, unique resort located within walking distance to the wonderous Victoria Falls. The nature reserve the property sits on features zebras, giraffes, monkeys and more, roaming the grounds daily at dawn and dusk. This past October I had the chance to spend three wonderful nights at the Avani when doing a fellowship in Zambia. From the moment I arrived I felt welcome and safe. Staff are attentive and friendly and the surroundings are immaculate and magical. It’s All About Location Just like that real estate adage: it’s all about location. The Avani Victoria Falls in Livingstone has location in spades. Imagine waking up and opening your drapes to see zebras all over the courtyard grazing on grass. Now imagine driving back on your shuttle at night after a long day working or exploring and finding a bull elephant crossing the road with a small entourage. You get all that and more at The Avani Victoria Falls. Even now, writing this and reflecting on being there, I can’t help but shake my head in wonder at how incredible it was watching wildlife peacefully grazing while tourists stroll past. Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park The Avani Victoria Falls is not far from the banks of the Zambezi River, in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. Rated at three stars, this resort felt much higher to me. There are 221 en suite rooms and numerous spaces equipped for conference capabilities as well. Every room has either a view of the landscaped in ground pool at the heart of the resort, where wildlife can be spotted daily as well, or a view of the lush SubSaharan bush. A Moroccan Style Beauty Moroccan style rooms are charming and remind you that you are immersed in a completely different culture. Each of the rooms has ample space for at least 2 people and a small family could manage in the room that I stayed in. There is a large bathroom space with shower and bathtub. There are two restaurants on property. Buffet style breakfasts and dinners are perfect for conference, business or family travel. This is not a place that stands on formality and yet there are many opportunities to enjoy traditional African dishes here. The grounds are lush and the grass is peppered with quirky animal sculptures. On arrival you will be escorted by shuttle to your room. You are likely to pass by a cute looking pond but beware the sign regarding a crocodile on the premises. If you are traveling with small children they will need close supervision due to the wildlife here. Located a really short walk away is the Royal Livingstone Hotel. The Avani Victoria Falls shares some privileges with the Livingstone so be sure to take advantage of those. In your off hours you can easily walk the pathways to the falls or to the neighbouring Royal Livingstone Hotel. The patio there overlooking the Zambezi River is gorgeous. Make it a priority to visit at least once when the sunsets. Have a sundowner as you watch a family of Hippopotamus yawn and play in the river. Be sure to snap some photos and a selfie or two. Best of Two Worlds Near Victoria Falls A stunning location, the Avani Victoria Falls is the more affordable of the two resorts both located on the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park. The Royal Livingstone is the second of the two. Visitors can freely move between the Avani and The Royal Livingstone. Wifi is free but be warned you are in Zambia and it is not as reliable as some other destinations. [tweetthis]Traveller Tip – #travel You are able to freely move between the Avani Victoria Falls and The Royal Livingstone.[/tweetthis] Local Temperatures Temperatures in this area of the world are extremely hot and can hit 40 Celsius regularly. It’s important to hydrate and take breaks in your room. Water at this resort is safe and drinkable. Bottled water is also readily available if you prefer. Always check with your local travel clinic or family doctor to determine which vaccinations are crucial. I had numerous vaccines preparing for this important trip. The Avani Victoria Falls, Zambia There are so many things to do nearby. The Avani Victoria Falls is the perfect spot to stay if you plan to take part in any of the adventure activities nearby. Because this resort essentially backs onto Victoria Falls, you are within 5 to 10 minutes of the Zimbabwe border and can cross over. Do your research first though and check to see if it is safe, what it costs and how to cross – by foot or car. The view from either side of the Falls is gorgeous but there are better photo opportunities on the Zimbabwean side. And there’s a wicked crazy bungee jumping activity on the Zimbabwe side of the falls. I travelled as a recipient of the UN Foundation’s Zambia Fellowship this October. I received transportation, accommodations, excursions, and meals while visiting Zambia. My opinion is my own and my stories are truthful.

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Livingstone – The History of the Gem of Zambia #TTOT #travel

Paula — Tue, 27 Dec 2016 14:17:58 +0000

Livingstone, Zambia is known as the Gem of Africa, with good reason. This October I visited Zambia and saw this gorgeous city up close. We stayed 3 nights in Livingstone, a stunning city with strong history. This historic city in Zambia has its own rich story worth discovering. And, it is also friendly, welcoming, and one of the most beautiful cities you could wish to see. The History of The Gem of Zambia In the 1890’s, the British took control of the northern area of the region via Cecil Rhodes’ British South Africa Company. The focus of their activity was mineral prospecting, and securing other natural resources such as timber, ivory, and animal skins. Old Drift Crossing was the primary point of crossing the Zambezi for trade. In 1897, people began to settle near Old Drift Crossing. Unfortunately, the first Livingstone settlement was too close to the Zambezi River. Malaria became a health issue because the crossing was so close to mosquito breeding areas. Tragically, Malaria killed many early settlers. The graves of the first settlers in Livingstone still remain near the Zambezi. In fact, we saw the graves while doing a safari one night. Malaria was such a problem that around 1900, the Europeans had to move to higher ground. And the settlement grew into what we know today as Livingstone. Livingstone is named for Dr. David Livingstone, the first British European explorer to see Victoria Falls. He did much to publicize the area and named it too. In fact there are many monuments throughout the area dedicated to him. There is a large statue near Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side as well. This explorer’s journey opened up Central Africa to trade, hunters and missionaries. The city of Livingstone was founded in 1905. Livingstone became such a booming trade community that the British South Africa Company moved its capital there in 1907. BUT, European and Asian business people owned pretty much everything, more and more indigenous families were forced into poverty by lack of work. Naturally, that caused conflict between the two groups of people. A mass exodus of Europeans began from the area to places like Southern Rhodesia (now known as Zambia) and South Africa. The British government began to discuss independence at the same time. All of this was going on amidst reports of the genocide of colonials in nearby Belgian Congo. British relinquished control of the area in 1964. Years of poverty, a lack of education, and few resources left Livingstone and the surrounding areas shells of what they formerly were. In the 1970’s the city was hit hard by the closure of the border with Rhodesia and businesses relocating. Times looked bleak through the 80’s and 90’s. The City Today Over the past decade, Livingstone has seen a major turnaround. Tourism is up, funds are more easily acquired, and people are interested in the area and culture. Many celebrated hotel chains have invested in the area to build on tourism. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that Livingstone is so close to almost every major attraction you could ever want to see in Sub-Saharan Africa. Livingstone has recently become known as the adventure capital of Zambia and I can attest to that. The Magical Destination of Livingstone Victoria Falls is walking distance from several resorts. There are numerous reserves and wildlife areas, as well as cultural sites nearby. The thing that surprised me most about Livingstone was the amount of wildlife we spied regularly. If you wish to see an elephant, you will spy an elephant – sometimes crossing the road right in front of you. It’s magical. Safaris and adventure tours revolve around the natural reserves and the Falls. Final Impressions of Livingstone Livingstone is vibrant and friendly and a gorgeous spot to visit. I thoroughly enjoyed my time there. It was a once in a lifetime trip. I visited Zambia as a guest of the UN Foundation’s advocacy organization Shot@Life. I received a fellowship to travel and share stories about health care in this country. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful.

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The Avani Victoria Falls, Zambia – Best of Two Worlds

Livingstone – The History of the Gem of Zambia #TTOT #travel