Day15, Sun, Jan 29, 2017
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After an incredible day and a-half in the Chobe National Park and Chobe River we left amazed. It’s approx. 18km to the Botswana/Zambia border.
Start Location: Chobe Safari Lodge, Kasane, Botswana End Location: Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls) Distance: 83 km (52 miles) Hotel/Pension: Protea Hotel Livingstone, Livingstone, Zambia Money Conversion: Botswana: $1 USD = P10.47 or |
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I did not mention, but everyone has been taking Malaria pills for 2 weeks now. The mosquitos are active. I’m using insect repellant on all exposed areas and most hotels have an aerosol spray in each room used daily. Many of the hotels in Namibia and Botswana have netting over the beds. | ||
Today is the Botswana/Zambia border-crossing day. Even though we have plenty of gas, we top off, purchase water and snacks (to use up the last of our Botswana money). | ||
For the past week, the weather has been nightly showers and during the day overcast and occasional sprinkles. | ||
This border has a reputation for long delays. At the Botswana border Helge decided he would handle the crossing in bulk. He takes all the passports and Carnet de Passages.
Immigration – Passport visa stamped and exit paper turned in. Customs – Carnet de Passage exit for South Africa, Namibia & Botswana. |
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Once cleared of Botswana, we take a little ferry over to Zambia and work our way up through a huge line of freight tractor/trailers to the immigration/customs. | ||
We get to Livingstone, Zambia around 1PM. Check into the Protea Hotel Livingstone. | ||
Needing Zambia $bucks, Harrison, Debbie, Gary and I make ATM run and head to Victoria Falls. I’ve been to Niagara Falls and Iguasu Falls, Brazil and was eager to see this legendary falls. We were warned to get rain gear at the entrance of the falls. Just how wet could it be????? | ||
Zimbabwe |
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Day16, Mon, Jan 30, 2017 | ||
Yesterday we got drenched on the Zambia side of Victoria Falls. The volume of water was very high so the plumage drenched a huge area.
Start Location: Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls) End Location: Livingstone, Zambia (Victoria Falls) Distance: 0 km (52 miles) Hotel/Pension: Protea Hotel Livingstone, Livingstone, Zambia Money Conversion: Zambian Kwacha: $1 USD = ZMW9.90 or ZMW 1 = $0.101 USD |
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Up early to cross over into Zimbabwe to see the Victoria Falls from that side. Debbie, Harrison and I take a 15-minute taxi ride to the Victoria Falls Bridge. | ||
The border is in the middle of the bridge. | ||
At the Zambia customs we easily pass with only a passport and our Zambia visa, then a 2-km walk across the bridge to the Zimbabwe customs where we pay $30 USD for a Zimbabwe visa. | ||
From the custom office it was another 500 m to the entrance of the Victoria Falls Park entrance. | ||
Once again, there was so much water coming over the falls, the mist from the high plumage hid the view of the fall at most view points. | ||
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GlobeRiders has it’s own BLOG “Cape to Cairo LiveJournal!” There is a complete description of the excursion, rider bios, updates of the ride, and an active satellite location link. |
If I remember correctly Lynette and I stayed in The Victoria Falls Hotel to celebrate our 2nd anniversary in 1972. One night stand as we were poor Peace Corps volunteers. Please keep the reports coming Bro.
Hey buddy- looks like a great time. And yet another birthday spent in a far away land. Hope it’s awesome!!!
Looks like the trip just gets better.
I don’t need to tell you to have fun.
Be Safe..
Ray
Incredible photos, Dean. Thanks so much for sharing your amazing adventure with all of us. Stay safe & enjoy.