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Package your Christmas with Shearwater

POSTED 18 DECEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

With the season of gift giving amongst us, the time of year when packages of all shapes and sizes are given and received throughout the globe – may be a time to consider the unique gift of a Shearwater package – possibly even to yourself.

Christmas and New Year is singly the busiest time of the year in Victoria Falls, and with demand for most activities at their highest – there are occasions when demand may outstrip supply on some activities, which means discounted opportunities can be scarce. Undoubtedly then, the best means of ensuring a great deal, is to take advantage of the numerous combination packages available. Your decision to visit at this festive time of year, may be, as always, to visit Africa’s only 7^th wonder of the world: The Victoria Falls, or it may be to indulge your love of a party at the Jameson’s Vic Falls Carnival – but having committed to the prospect you may then be thinking: what to do in Victoria Falls?, pondering over how to combine the best of things to do in Victoria Falls.

Shearwater – Multi Day Rafting Trip

Elephant Back Safari

Shearwater Victoria Falls – Bungee Jumping

Shearwater Victoria Falls – Historic Bridge Tour

Not for nothing is Victoria Falls known as the adventure capital of Africa. With quite simply the best White- water Rafting experience in the known universe, bungee jumping from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge, Zip lining from Zambia to Zimbabwe, shooting rapids in a canoe above the falls, Helicopter Flights above the gorge and riding elephants in the bush. Well if adventure is your proverbial cup of adrenaline – then save a proverbial packet by choosing a combination from amongst the eponymously named: Gruesome Twosome, Big air combo or Ticket to Adventure.

Of course it’s not adventure all the way for things to do in Victoria Falls – there is the more cerebral and the more serene choices to be made of what to do in Victoria Falls. How about a delightfully quintessential sunset cruise on the timeless African artery of the Zambezi , or taking advantage of some of the very best game viewing opportunities on the entire continent (including the big 5). Or of course there is the animated, informative and thoroughly enjoyable presentation by our very own George Imbault on the building of the spectacular Victoria Falls Bridge – as well as an equally enthralling tour of the underneath of the bridge itself. All of these and other activities can be bundled together in descriptive and intriguing discounted packages and combinations such as: The Full Monty, A Bridge too Far, No Fly Zone and Land of the Giants.

So at make the most of this merry time of year and don’t stop at thinking about what to do in Victoria Falls or a sequential list of things to do in Victoria Falls – think of the most cost effective means of combining your world class activities in some of Shearwater’s excellent packages.

The Carnival Cometh

POSTED 03 DECEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS TOURS & TRANSFERS

It is approaching that time of year when thoughts are attuning to Christmas and all the merry festivities it involves. Of course shortly after that the hoof flicking, rug cutting and shapeshifting extravaganza of the New Year Bonanza that is The Jameson Vic Falls Carnival rolls into town, Things to do in Victoria Falls take a bizarre night time twist in what is traditionally a ‘’daytime’’ activity hub.

The annual pilgrimage of the Southern African youth throughout it’s diaspora start heading for the Northwest corner of Zimbabwe shortly after Christmas. On their minds is clearly the burning question – ‘’what to do in Victoria Falls’’ once they get here. Understandably partying hard and the illusive prospect of romance (ok, ok – more likely a dangerous liaison), is uppermost on most febrile minds. However even the siren calls of the likeminded can become muted when arrivistes become aware of the spectacular array of world class activities in Victoria Falls.

Few true hearted folk of Africa could fail to desire to engage in a truly epic Southern African rite of passage: White-water Rafting the spectacular and egregiously mighty Zambezi river: right from the boiling pot at the very foot of the incredible Victoria Falls– deep in the heart of the rent made in the earth’s crust that is known as the Batoka gorge. 20 kms meandering through pristine primeval evolution is reason good enough – but nothing – no video, photo or go pro can ever prepare anyone for the first time their raft slips over the edge of the crease and they are about to hit the foaming rage of a grade 5 rapid in their inflatable dinghy. To have the opportunity to do this with close friends is not only a bonding experience that will last a lifetime, but is also one of the most exciting adrenaline fuelled adventures amidst the beauty of nature at its rawest, that most will ever have the privilege of enjoying.

Then of course – there is the bungee badge of honour. No-one could possibly suggest that this is for the fainthearted , and things to do in Victoria Falls don’t come any more extreme than this. Everything about the bungee jump off the Victoria Falls Bridge is iconic. The back drop behind the jump platform, is the Victoria Falls itself – casting clouds of mist and rainbows all about, ensuring this is a truly exotic adrenaline adventure. The bridge is an African classic – the 110 year old engineering marvel that joins 2 countries Zimbabwe and Zambia, 110meteres above the border of the fast flowing Zambezi below. Being asked to step forward and curl your toes over a platform with absolutely no barrier in front of you and a big void of space below you is a seminal moment.

What to do in Victoria Falls takes on a different dynamic at New Year, but white-water rafting and bungee jumping remain 2 of the bucket list essentials of things to do in Victoria Falls for all revellers and ravers form the corners of the continent.

For more information on the Carnival go to;

http://www.vicfallscarnival.com/

Shearwater Appointed Fastjet Ticket Agents In Victoria Falls

POSTED 06 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

Shearwater is proud to announce as of 01.11.15 the company was appointed as the Ticket Sales Agent in Victoria Falls for the newly operating Fastjet services between Harare and Victoria Falls.

Flights are: Every Sunday / Wednesday / Friday

Harare – Victoria Falls – 15.00 – 16.05

Victoria Falls – Harare – 16.30 – 17.35

Tickets can be booked through Shearwater Aviation Services

Town ticketing office: ticketing@shearwatervf.com Tel: 44471 / 2 Ext 164

Airport: vfaflights2@shearwatervf.com Tel 46141 / 0771 401 918

Shearwater is pleased with this latest development and most delighted to be involved with this innovation.

Shearwater has been pioneering new activities and services in Victoria Falls since 1982 when it became the first company in the falls to offer commercial White-water Rafting trips on the mighty Zambezi. These were obviously immensely popular as thrill seekers and adventurers flocked to the area to participate in this adrenaline fueled spectacular. Clearly they brought with them a collective spirit of adventuring passion, as the world famous bungee jump from the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge followed soon afterwards – and things to do in Victoria Falls suddenly became a lot more heartpoundingly entertaining as Victoria Falls became the adventure capital of Africa.

To white- water rafting and bungee jumping, Shearwater was soon offering upper Zambezi canoeing and kayaking trips, Game Drives in the national parks and safari excursions. One extremely popular activity within the Shearwater portfolio can be traced back to the droughts of the 1990’s, when Shearwater rescued 12 elephants facing a grim – if any – future. Shearwater has looked after them ever since and they have brought raw emotional delight to many who have enjoyed the unique Elephant Back Safari that the company organises. This is not only an extraordinary way in which to experience the quintessential African bush, but allows you the opportunity of an intimate and close up interaction with your elephant at the end of your trip – feeding the world’s largest land mammal by hand as it nimbly uses it’s trunk to take pellets from your hand.

Naturally for most a visit to Africa’s 7^th wonder of the world is a must do activity and generally number 1 of top things to do in Victoria Falls and a Shearwater Guided Tour of the Falls is an excellent opportunity to be informed and entertained in equal measure about this natural phenomenon. After your tour of the falls, a stop at one of the best restaurants in Victoria Falls – The Rainforest Café, is a great opportunity to sit back and relax with a cooling drink and reflect on ‘’scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’’.

You may then chose to actually witness what David Livingstone was referring to, and take a helicopter trip over the falls and see the breath-taking ‘’scenes’’ gazed upon by the angels. What to do in Victoria Falls is a selection process of world class activities, but be certain the range of things to do in Victoria Falls can make it a challenging process.

Multi Day Rafting – The New Pioneering Spirit

POSTED 03 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

It is no secret that Shearwater was the first company to offer and operate white-water rafting in Zimbabwe. Ever since, every year it has announced low or high water season to ‘’open’’. Shearwater has always maintained its pioneering spirit, which is explanation enough as to why it has been one of the forerunners of so many other activities and things to do in Victoria Falls: Bungee, Sunset Cruises, Elephant Back Safaris, Flight of Angels Helicopter Rides. Yet throughout the falls, the cornerstone activity that first put Vic Falls on the map as the adventure centre of Africa, has seen declining numbers for years. That looks set to change.

Back in the 90’s Shearwater alone reached a record of 300 rafters in one day, and average days would see at least 70. In the last few years average numbers have dropped to as low as 16 (2 rafts). The much considered analysis on this mainly focuses on a changing demograph. Visitors to the falls are generally older than they used to be and there are less student gap year overlanders. So those in the market for a ‘’best on the planet’’ 1 day White Water Rafting Trip are less numerous, and of course since the early days: what to do in Victoria Falls is now a choice of so many world class activities that committing to a full day when time is at a premium is too much for some.

Few who work in the industry here don’t find this a regret. The Falls will always score highly on the ‘’oh wow’’ barometer, but nothing seriously compares with the heart racing water pounding thrill of being deep in the Batoka gorge actually riding the immense waves of the world famous mighty Zambezi. It is a vicarious pleasure to see how much delight – genuine life enhancing, endorphin flooding delight, people take from this adventure. You know they will never forget it, and will eagerly seek opportunites the rest of their lives to allude to it – word of mouth at its best. Personal endorsement at its greatest. But few, if any, will simply pop of to Zimbabwe to do a days rafting.

Shearwater – Multi Day Rafting Trip

Shearwater is now pioneering a focus which says: rafting is not one of the things to do in Victoria Falls once you get here, it is THE reason you come here. There has been an upsurge in large social groups – 30 at a time (lads and dads (and mums and sisters too)) from schools, colleges, neighbourhoods or churches that have decided they want to come to Victoria Falls specifically to raft, and enjoy the unique experience of a multi day Rafting Trip.

Little could be more exhileraing, rafting on the timeless world renowned mighty Zambezi by day, and then camping on the sandy banks of the river, deep in the gorge by night. Sitting around a driftwood fire by night in extraordinary solitude gazing at the never ending flowing of water lit by a star strewn sky, you will never ever forget. If this is something you have the privilege of doing with friends and family – you will rarely equal it. Currently the main interest is coming from social groups in South Africa, opting for a week long trip to the falls with 5 days rafting the main focus, and a couple of nights at the Rest camp in town, also allowing them to partake in some of the other wonderful opportunities afforded by what to do in Victoria Falls. Developing this for the European and American markets is an easy ask based on 10-14 day round trips, with 3 or 4 nights additional canoe trips on the upper Zambezi an obvious companion.

Shearwater – Multi Day Rafting Trip

Shearwater and many others here feel almost evangelical about rafting the Zambezi, we feel the dynamic is about to change as groups decide a White-water Rafting expedition to Zimbabwe is spectacular holiday worth planning for.

SHEARWATER LAUNCH PRESTIGE AND PRESTIGE PACKAGE

POSTED 03 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

With experiences rich and time poor for most visitors to the falls, it can become essential to have punctual, reliable and swift transfers from the airport, and even between activities. Even with a relatively short stay, you don’t want an experience of feeling rushed or a little harassed. To provide a service accessible to all visitors, that will maximise your pleasure and fulfilment, Shearwater has lunched:

Prestige
Prestige Package

All of us that work here can see that with the completion of the new airport, tourism at Victoria Falls and in Zimbabwe are set for unprecedented times. Shortly visitors will be committing to the area as their main destination, enjoying to the fullest all the incredible things to do in Victoria Falls and also enjoying some of the best safari experiences in Hwange and nearby Chobe that are possible – anywhere in the world. Then of course they can hub down to Capetown from the fantastic new airport bypassing Johannesburg altogether. That is the future we look forward to.

Shearwater Prestige Transfer

Meantime we realise that the dynamics at the moment are such that visitors hub to the falls, and as such invariably have little more than a couple of days in which to get the very best from what to do in Victoria Falls. This makes time even more precious than it already is. You do not want valuable time at the source of Africa’s only natural wonder of the world, to ebb away in queues, in booking offices, on slow moving buses – or the irksome prospect of waiting for other passengers who are dallying and taking all the time in the world over some minutiae.

Ensure you have a flawless and smooth experience that maximises your time in the most efficient and productive manner. It starts with arrival at the airport. Take the bus by all means, but wait in often stifling heat for the very last person to clear what can be a slow moving immigration line, who then decides on some last minute shopping, visiting the loo or to take pictures and selfies outside the airport. It all conspires to clip what may prove that all important bit of time that made the difference between you being relaxed and enjoying a trip or excursion – or, feeling harrassed hassled, in a rush and possibly missing it altogether.

A Shearwater Prestige Transfer starts paying dividends from the moment it is booked. Take some inside advice on how to ensure you clear immigration swiftly. Once through immigration your Shearwater private escort will be waiting for you with a beaming smile and ready hand to relieve you of the weight of your luggage. Follow him straight to your immaculate prestige vehicle, and after a sweaty flight and general discomfort of disembarking, immigration etc have an ‘’ahhhh’’ moment and freshen up with a clean cooling towel, as you take your seat in the car and sip a nice cold mineral water. We know exactly where you are going and will have you at the hotel, calm relaxed and ready to enjoy your stay. Better still Shearwater drivers are peoplesmiths and can provide you with all the information you need, on how to seamlessly get the most pleasure from all the things to do in Victoria Falls, and educate you on what to do in Victoria Falls depending on your length of stay, budget, age and fitness. Given that Shearwater own and operate most activities in Victoria Falls- you could not be in better hands.

If you have taken advantage of the Prestige Package, then relax in the safe knowledge you are in for the very best welcome to the Victoria falls you could wish for, don’t trouble yourself for a moment trying to readjust or think about tomorrows activities, safaris or excursions. Your private escort will arrive on schedule to transfer you to the jetty site of the Zambezi’s most luxury boat: The Zambezi Explorer. You are about to enjoy a luxuriant and beautiful cruise on the fabulous signature whilst drinking impossibly delicious cocktails and eating the most wonderful canapés. This is the time to chat in comfort and fully relaxed about tomorrow and what to do in Victoria Falls and start thinking about which of all the things to do in Victoria Falls are the ones that appeal to you most.

Charm of the Chobe

POSTED 31 OCTOBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

An ever greater number of visitors to the Victoria Falls are realising that they are within reach of one of the best safari experiences possible in Africa: The Chobe. And for those that are already in Botswana, The Victoria Falls is also accessible to them. All of this can be undertaken efficiently, comfortably and professionally within a day and Shearwater is most excited about these continuing mutual possibilities:

Chobe Day Trip
Victoria Falls Day Trip.

This corner of Africa has always been special to say the least. Bountifully blessed as we are with one of the natural wonders of the world. It is also a place that evokes a strong sense of history – being one of the seminal discoveries on the journeys of David Livingstone. As the town has developed over time, visitor experience has been enriched by the varied range of so many things to do in victoria falls: Guided Tour of the Falls, Helicopter flight of angels, Bungee Jump, Elephant Back Safaris, White-Water Rafting – and so the long list of what to do in Victoria Falls continues.

However a vacation in Victoria Falls is also an excellent opportunity to enjoy one of the most spectacular safari experiences anywhere/ever – right on our doorstep, but in the neighbouring country of Botswana. The Chobe Day trip. This will provide you with a game spotting excursion beyond all expectation. In fact the challenge is not spotting game – its not spotting it. What you will generally see on a one day Chobe Day Trip will most probably outweigh considerably the total mass of everything else you have seen on all other game drives combined.

Shearwater – Chobe Sunset Cruise

Shearwater – Chobe Game Drive

Shearwater – Chobe Sunset Cruise

Shearwater – Chobe Sunset Cruise

An early 1 hour trip down the Kazungula rd in a comfortable and meticulously clean and air conditioned transfer vehichle will take you to the border. Hyena, wild dog and lion have often been spotted en route alone. Border immigration will be dealt with expeditiously by your guide, and assuming you have followed advice and purchased a kaza visa, there is no extra charge for the new countries stamp you are about to get in your passport. After the border you will be taken to the Chobe Safari lodge where the first part of your safari adventure begins.

A 2 hour river safari follows on the charming Chobe river. Not only will you see: Elephants, buffalo, hippos, crocodiles, – it’s the sheer number you will see them in and the proximity you get to them. Brush up on you collective nouns: bloat of hippos, float of Crocdiles, But that’s not it. You will doubtless also see elephants swimming – herds of them, and traffic jams of elephants coming across hippos on the way back to land. Grimace as you see the largest crocodiles you have ever imagined. Perhaps you like birds – there are so many different species of waders, fishers divers and hoverers to keep you occupied all day: and so many dazzling colours: malachite kingfishers, bright orange bee eaters. Its truly a wildlife paradise. Your expert on-board guide will provide you with not only all the insight and information you could wish for, but can also spot the smallest flicker of interest from impossible distances. Naturally you will be refreshed throughout the trip with snacks and drinks of the highest quality.

After a 2 hour cruise, head back to the lodge for a marvellous and extensive buffet lunch and maybe cooling dip in the pool. Then its all about the land safari in the Chobe national park. No doubt you will see herds of elephants and buffalo again, but now also giraffe, impala, kudu, waterbuck,and the rarer Lechwe. This is also a very good park in which there is a strong possibility of seeing big 5 animals like lion and leopard. So whilst we are very proud of the amazing things to do in Victoria Falls, sometimes the best of what to do in Victoria Falls, means using it as a base to access another natural marvel.

For those that have centered their stay on the amazing Okavango delta and the game opportunities in Botswana, a Victoria Falls daytrip is an excellent opportunity to ensure you do not miss Africa’s most stunning natural wonder – without having to organise another visa or more accommodation. Whilst there are so many things to do in Victoria Falls, there is no doubting that the greatest appeal for most is actually seeing the falls. A day trip from Kasane to Victoria falls will bring you comfortably and expeditiously to Victoria Falls town, and if you have sensibly organised a Guided Tour of the Falls, your guide will be there to greet you. All the superlatives have been used about the falls, and they are appropriate. Having toured the falls, stop at the excellent Rainforest café and take a moment to relax and reflect – and probably use the wifi to send envious photos and footage to friends and networks around the world.

After a spot of lunch there could be nothing better to do now than the amazing flight of angels helicopter ride. You are likely to only be in this sacred spot of Africa once in your lifetime, do not miss the opportunity to actual see what David Livingstone referred to when he spoke of ‘’angels in their flight must have gazed in wonder’’ – the incredible aerial view of the falls. Your only final challenge is deciding on what to do in Victoria Falls for your last hour or so, but with so much on offer any choice will be well made. Rest assured your return transfer will be punctual and will return you to Kasane with all your memories safely stored.

Happelly Birthday

POSTED 02 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

Shearwater is very proud of the 13 elephants it rescued from a grim fate. We are equally delighted when an up close and personal interaction with these iconic animals leaves a lasting impression upon visitors, who subsequently become even more impassioned about the general prospects for Elephants. Contacting clients once a year on ‘’their’’ elephants birthday, with a message giving an update on how things are faring for them and their wild brethren, keeps the bond ongoing and personal.

Elephant Back Safari

Elephant Interaction

People get excited by many of the things to do in Victoria Falls, but one activity seems to stir raw emotions more than any other – there are often tears and gushing trip advisors reviews. The one option of what to do in victoria falls that causes this is Elephant Back Safaris.

Everyone who does this thoroughly enjoys the experience, but for many it goes beyond the realms of instant gratification felt with many activities. Having an opportunity to be with these animals for a ride in the bush is a great privilege for anyone to have the opportunity of, but the personal interaction at the end is utterly priceless.

Sitting on a knee of these gigantic animals being able to stare into those big blinking eyes, feel the velvety softness of the ears and the rough hue of their skin, and to have them feed right for your hand with their incredible trunks – is deep bonding an visceral feeling for many.

The elephant is THE iconic animal of Africa and many use their general state of well being as the best barometer of how wildlife is faring in Africa. If the Elephant Back Safari in some small way can enhance people’s appreciation of these noble mammoths, meaning they look out for the general welfare of Elephants in the wild, and support were they can – not necessarily financially, but possibly as an ambassador promoting protection of their environment: that is a fabulous bonus.

The Shearwater Elephants have all had names since the operation started – not least as it assists with training and recognition. We are now indulging in a little more anthropomorphism giving them all official birthdays. It will allow us to send annual birthday messages from our 13 wonderful animals with some general information as to their wellbeing over the year and that of their wild brethren, thereby hoping to maintain a lifelong association – even better if members of the same family come to visit and ride the same animals as their parents or relatives.

Tusker:- male 42yrs August 12 Tatu:- female 38yrs. Sept 6

Doma:– male 42yrs February 18 Moka:- male 43yrs June 22

Kariba:- female 14yrs. August 1 Laduma:- male 15yrs May 14

Detema:-male 15yrs April 26 Minos:- male 17yrs Dec 21

Deka:- male 12yrs August 25 Hwange:- female 16yrs uly 14

Masuwe:- female 15yrs Sept 19

Choosing an Elephant Back Safari as one of your things to do in Victoria Falls can have a benign and lasting impact in more ways than one, and when considering what to do in Victoria Falls – your decisions some time go beyond the obvious.

SHEARWATER RESTAURANTS REV UP

POSTED 02 NOVEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

Shearwater Restaurants are already amongst the most popular places in town to have lunch or dinner, and our Helipad dinners have proved hugely popular, so the addition of 2 new dining experiences this year will enhance customer experiences even further.

Lunch with Livingstone.
Full Moon dinner

Lunch with Livingstone

A Tour of the Falls is generally taken by most visitors on their first full day in the town – generally top of their list of things to do in Victoria Falls and certainly the most obvious of what to do in Victoria Falls.

For most a trip to this part of Africa is a once in a lifetime never to be repeated experience. If you are lucky enough to be visiting the greatest of all the 7 natural wonders of the world – don’t rush it, ensure you maximise your opportunity and take full advantage of this spectacular show of nature. Start by making some sensible decisions.

Arrange for a Guided Tour of the Falls. Nature has created this extraordinarily beautiful sight over millennia – don’t demean her by a quick rush around the pathways, with a been there, seen it ticked it off attitude. You can only appreciate its full glory if you have a proper insight into its creation, geology, geography, natural and contemporary history. Your Shearwater Guided Tour of the Falls will provide this, with plenty of colourful and humorous anecdotes besides.

Shearwater – Lunar Dinner

Now that you have learned and understood so much, and most importantly stood and seen, watched and listened to this stupendous spectacle, don’t just let it all become a blur as you rush off to the next activity on your what to do in Victoria Falls priority list that has tried to whittle down the numerous variety of things to do in Victoria Falls.

Not least, a productive walk around the falls will take you an hour and a half, 3km – and in Rainforest steamy heat. DON’T head straight for the exit. Now is the time to sit down relax, have a nice cooling drink and reflect. The Rainforest Café is the absolutely perfect place to do it – right there at the end of your walk near the exit. Think about all you have seen, check your photos and film footage. Log onto the café wifi and facebook location – and get those incredible photos and footage out to all your friends and networks. As you do this in comfort, still within earshot of the pounding falls and with the cooling mists of spray that linger in the atmosphere, enjoy your fabulous lunch. A fitting 3 course delicious lunch prepared by our expert chefs – all part of your Lunch with Livingstone package.

That’s not the end of it though. As you delight in your fantastic lunch at one of the best restaurants in Victoria Falls, you also have a front row seat for the Livingstone presentation that is part of the Lunch with Livingstone activity. Be royally entertained by a theatrical first person presentation of the life and times of his extraordinary individual who did and gave so much for Africa.

The Lunch with Livingstone is truly the very best way on all levels to get the most out of a visit to the Falls, and given that seeing the falls is the number one of all things to do in Victoria Falls, and the star of the show of what to do in Victoria Falls, be sure to take advantage of it.

Full Moon Dinner

Of all the things to do in Victoria Falls some are more obvious than others. A tour around the falls at night might not be on everybodys wish list of what to do in Victoria Falls. However, it becomes an entirely different prospect when you get the unique opportunity to not only do so at full moon, but then enjoy a sumptuous dinner in the rainforest afterwards as well as a splendid Livingstone presentation spoken in the first person.

A full moon in Victoria Falls is a beautiful sight in its own right. With the skies normally totally cloud free, the entire sky is a starlit panoply of beauty and the complete globe of the moon is like a great big neon bulb lighting all below it in silvery tones. With such little light pollution even the simplest forms can look wondrous: a baobab tree, a hilltop etc.

Imagine just how seriously illustrious the Victoria Falls then can look at night, illuminated by the monochrome moon. The Falls look like pure fountains of molten mercury leaping into the gorge below, sending up plumes of ghostly clouds. Vision is hardly impaired at all the moon is so bright – everything is seen through in a totally different perspective. And of course there is exhilerating enigma of seeing an actual Moonbow – a lunar rainbow, a vision of priceless and delicate beauty.

Shearwater offer a world unique experience in this respect. An opportunity not only for a Guided lunar Tour of the Falls conducted with an entirely different aspect to a daytime tour, but also a rare opportunity to have dinner in the Rainforest on this most spellbinding and bewitching of occasions. An area of the Rainforest Café – inarguably one of the best restaurants in Victoria Falls, is dressed and decorated in an evocative style to inspire the thoughts of the life and times of Livingstone: a Rainforest Banquet ensues. A truly 3 course gourmet meal, followed by a captivating and theatrical presentation by ‘’Livingstone’’ himself.

Dinner is always on the list of what to do in Victoria Falls after nightfall, but a banquet at one of the 7 wonders of the world under a full moon is so esoteric that few would think it a possibility as a contender in what to do in Victoria Falls.

LUNAR LAUNCH

POSTED 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS

/ THINGS TO DO IN VICTORIA FALLS / ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS / TOURS & TRANSFERS

The portents were all good – lunar eclipse, full moon – supermoon. Not that we are normally superstitious but Monday 28 September proved to be a great date for us to test run our new Full Moon dinners.

Victoria Falls is home to the greatest of the 7 natural wonders of the world (and naturally we are biased). The Rainforest Café is right in the heart of Rainforest where the magnificent falls are situated – so the prospect of hosting dinners here was always an extremely exciting one, particularly at Full Moon. Of course the challenge is always trying to find a place for such an activity when there are already so many things to do in Victoria Falls.

A full moon enables a visitor to see the falls in spellbinding silvery moon shadows, as well as witnessing the unique enigma of a lunar moonbow.

The Shearwater Full Moon dinner allows visitors to experience the magic of the falls at full moon, and also get an alternative guided tour of the falls, where they will learn more about local history and legend as well as contemporary events and occurrences associated with the falls – a different perspective to the standard daytime tour. Following this they will enjoy an exceptional 3 course dinner at the Rainforest Café, dressed and decorated especially to be evocative to all senses for this beguiling event. Following the main course, there is then a highly impressive 20 minute theatrical presentation on David Livingstone, spoken in the first person. When trialled on local agents here in the falls, all were unanimous in their verdict: excellent in all respects.

Activities in Victoria Falls cover such a wide spectrum of choices – designed to suit all levels of adventure, interest and excitement. Never would any visitor to Victoria Falls be stuck with a conundrum of what to do in Victoria Falls. There is the general welcome to the Falls which most indulge in having arrived mid-afternoon at VF airport: a soothing sunset cruise on the beautiful Zambezi with complimentary drinks and snacks to enjoy throughout the voyage. It is generally on the morning of day 2 that the majority of people do their tour of the falls, and Shearwater offer the very best and experienced guides for a guided tour of the falls. This is the number one reason as to why people visit Victoria Falls and naturally the number one of things to do in Victoria Falls. Having marvelled at the spectacle though – most decide they really want different perspectives in look feel and texture to this natural phenomenon. This inevitably leads them to some of the other great choices of what to do in Victoira Falls: The flight of angels helicopter ride providing a spectacular aerial vire, a gorge hike getting right into the belly of the beast as you clamber basalt rock to get right at the foot of the falls – and of course the daddy of all activities : White Water Rafting on the mighty Zambezi, the best grade 5 rafting experience on the planet.

Other activities in Victoria Falls will take your attention and interest: the serenity of an elephant back safaris, an informative insight into the building of the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge on the Historic Bridge Tour – when you will also get to watch adrenaline junkies taking advantage of the big air combo doing a zipline from Zambia to Zimbabwe, performing a lovers leap perhaps in a tandem Bridge Swing, or the ultimate: a Bungee Jump.

However all the marvellous distractions of things to do in Victoria Falls, can’t really compare with the ultimate attraction. One of only 7 natural wonders of the world, the only one in Africa, full of mystery intrigue and romance – and not even appearing on a European map until after 1855: The Victoria Falls. Don’t squander one solitary moment here, take every opportunity you can to reflect on their magnificence. The Full Moon Dinner allows you to fully contemplate, reflect and inwardly digest this awe inspiring frontier part of Africa – beside its greatest natural jewel. Things to do in Victoria Falls just got a whole lot better with what should be an automatic selection of what to do in Victoria Falls

SHEARWATER PRESTIGE TRANSFERS

POSTED 28 SEPTEMBER 2015 / BY SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS / IN VICTORIA FALLS/ TOURS & TRANSFERS

It’s a once in a lifetime trip to Africa, the fulfillment of a long held dream, and most glorious of all you are traveling right into the interior to visit Africa’s 7^th wonder of the world: Victoria Falls. Ahh Victoria Falls, it is the quintessential Africa of Livingstone, exploration and the mighty Zambezi.

You are excited not least as you have heard there are just so many things to do in Victoria Falls that your real challenge is going to be deciding on exactly what to do in Victoria Falls. You only plan on staying a couple of nights – but there is so much you want to do: a romantic sunset cruise, a guided tour of the falls, a flight of angels helicopter ride, the bridge tour (where you can watch the crazy adrenaline junkies doing the Bungee Jump or Swing off the iconic Victoria Falls Bridge), Elephant Back Safaris – you’ve even been tempted by the White Water Rafting on the grade 5 rapids of the Zambezi (right through the stunning Batoka gorge), and of course a Chobe day trip promises be a game safari of unparalled excellence.

You quickly begin to realize that in order to achieve even half of your growing wish list of what to do in Victoria Falls, means precise planning in military and minute detail as time will be at an absolute premium. What time do all the activities in Victoria Falls start, what time do they finish, how do we get from one to the other – and ensure we do it in good time – will we get ripped off by taxis – what if all the taxis are booked and we miss an activity we have paid for??????

You absolutely do not want to leave town feeling you haven’t got the best out of all the things to do in Victoria Falls – oh and my god what if we have delays at airports, at borders and just get things wrong despite all our efforts at planning the minutiae.

Relax, Stay calm, and take a deep breath, it’s all going to be fine. Firstly you have come to the right company: Shearwater. We are not only the original and longest running activity provider in Victoria Falls (since 1982), we also own and operate our activities. AND we also have the most professional and extensive tours and transfers operation in town, which completes the circle and reassures you that you are in the best hands, and that we will obviously curate an itinerary for you that achieves maximum fulfillment in the most time efficient manner. So much so that you can take your time and enjoy lunch and dinner at our signature restaurants: Rainforest Café (in the heart of the Rainforest and perfect after a guided tour of the falls) or Shearwater Café (in the heart of town).

It is our experience and wisdom gleaned over 3 decades that has led to the launch of Shearwater Prestige. There are so many great things to do in Victoria Falls, and most people are so time poor, that getting you on the fast track right from touchdown at the airport is a highly wise investment. Don’t wait for the last person to board the transfer bus, as inevitably someone gets delayed at immigration for not filling in a form correctly, or somebody else is subject to the inquisition by customs, curious about this latest hair rolling gadget! Jump straight on the red carpet after clearing immigration and into your own privately driven air conditioned vehicle. Cool down with refreshing towels and drink, as your private escort professionally drives you the 20km to town whilst giving you the low down on the town and all you need to know about your arranged (or planned itinerary). If you have opted for the prestige package, then you couldn’t be in better hands to enjoy 2 of the mandatory things to do in Victoria Falls: a sunset cruise and guided tour of the falls.