Celebrations at Victoria Falls

It all began one evening by a cosy fire. As we sat chatting about the idea of a wedding, we realised that a traditional ceremony just wasn’t for us. That’s when the idea hit us – Victoria Falls. A place of mystery, ancient history, and rainbows, it was the perfect destination for our personal celebration, and with that, our elopement to Zimbabwe began.

Roughly two months after our decision, we set off for Livingstone, Zambia, where our incredible journey was about to unfold.

Touchdown in Livingstone and Crossing into Zimbabwe

Flying into Livingstone Airport, the first thing that caught our eyes was the majestic Zambezi River winding its way through the landscape, followed by the unmistakable spray of Victoria Falls, or as the locals call it, Mosi-oa-Tunya – "The Smoke That Thunders." It was a sight to behold, and the excitement began to build from the moment we landed.

After an easy pass through customs (complete with a refreshing blast of air conditioning!), we were greeted by our guide and began the scenic drive through Livingstone. Our driver’s stories about the area’s history enriched our journey, and soon enough, we were at the Zimbabwean border. Here, we were welcomed by an unexpected greeter – a rather friendly baboon lounging near customs. It was a charming start to what would be an unforgettable adventure.

Crossing the famous bungee jump bridge, we caught a fleeting glimpse of Victoria Falls in all its grandeur, along with a few brave souls leaping into the abyss. The thrill of the Falls was already palpable, even from a distance.

A Warm Welcome at A’Zambezi River Lodge

Arriving at the A’Zambezi River Lodge, we were struck by the genuine warmth of the staff. From the moment we stepped in, the friendliness and sincerity of everyone made us feel completely at home. After being shown to our river-facing room, we couldn’t help but feel that this was the perfect base for our stay.

With a couple of hours before our first activity, we relaxed at the bar, sampling the local beer. While the prices were steep in USD compared to what we were used to in South Africa, the stunning views of the Zambezi and the dramatic skies more than made up for it. As we watched a warthog amble across the lawn, it felt like we were already in the heart of nature.

A Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

Soon, it was time for our sunset dinner cruise on the Zambezi River, one of the must-do activities at Victoria Falls. The boat was simple but charming, and as we set sail towards the setting sun, the tranquillity of the river enveloped us. The water shifted through a kaleidoscope of colours as the sun dipped lower, casting a golden glow over everything.

The dinner was a delicious three-course affair, starting with soup, followed by freshly caught Zambezi bream, and finishing with apple crumble for dessert. The evening was made even more memorable by the company of elephants and cheeky monkeys along the riverbanks. By the time we returned to the lodge, we had over 100 pictures of a stunning African sunset, and a memory we would never forget.

A Birthday Gift: Spotting a Leopard

The next morning was my birthday, and waking up in the country of my birth felt extra special. But the day had something even more magical in store. After a leisurely breakfast, we set off on an overnight canoe safari adventure on the Zambezi River, with our guide and a team of five other crew members.

As we entered Zambezi National Park, we were jolted to a stop by our guide. Climbing onto the roof of the vehicle, he scanned the horizon. Then came the whisper of excitement: a leopard! There it was, sleek and graceful, disappearing into the tall grass. It was the first leopard sighting in three years, and to have this rare and magnificent animal as the first we encountered in Zimbabwe felt like an extraordinary birthday gift.

Canoeing on the Mighty Zambezi

After this exhilarating start, we made our way to the river, where the crew gave us a quick briefing on safety – what to do if we encountered a hippo or crocodile (which thankfully we didn’t!). Then, with the canoes ready, we set off on the mighty Zambezi River.

The river carried us effortlessly along, its flow strong but gentle, and we barely needed to paddle. Passing by luxury lodges hidden among the trees and spotting vibrant birds and bushbuck along the banks, it felt like we had slipped into another world. At one point, we came upon some gentle rapids, and while they weren’t as wild as the white-water rafting the Falls are famous for, they gave us a thrilling ride nonetheless.

We stopped for a break on the riverbank, enjoying a light lunch of chicken, salad, and pasta, washed down with an ice-cold Zambezi beer. It was the perfect way to recharge before continuing our serene journey down the river.

The Wedding at Victoria Falls

After days of adventure, the moment we had been waiting for arrived – our wedding at Victoria Falls. There, surrounded by the roar of the Falls and the mist rising into the air, we exchanged vows in one of the most breathtaking settings on earth. The rainbows formed in the spray, the sound of the thundering water – it was all more perfect than we could have ever imagined.

Reflections on a Magical Adventure

Our time at Victoria Falls was more than a celebration of love and life – it was a journey into the heart of Africa’s beauty and majesty. From the sunsets on the Zambezi to the wildlife encounters and the warmth of the local people, every moment was a reminder of how special this corner of the world truly is.

As we said goodbye to the Falls and made our way back to the airport, we knew we’d be back. Victoria Falls had left an indelible mark on our hearts – and our wedding and birthday celebrations would forever be intertwined with the magic of this place.

Eager for your own Victoria Falls adventure?