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Tag: vic falls activities

  • The Best Spring Activities in Victoria Falls

    The Best Spring Activities in Victoria Falls

    Spring in Victoria Falls is a time of vibrancy and renewal. From the moment you arrive, you’ll simply feel it in the air! Conditions-wise, the days grow warmer, the Zambezi River’s water level begins to drop, and our town’s surrounding landscapes are tinged with fresh green. (This excludes the rainforest on the edge of the Falls – which is always green!)

    For travellers, the spring season offers a mix of adventure, natural beauty, and leisurely moments that define the spirit of this iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site. From heart-pounding activities to laid-back river cruises, spring is the perfect time to discover the very best things to do in Victoria Falls.

    And at Ilala Lodge Hotel, you’re perfectly positioned to enjoy it all! With sprawling lawns overlooking the mist of the Falls, a pool deck for lazy afternoons, and a bar that invites lingering over a gin and tonic, our hotel makes an ideal base for your adventures. Even better, every excursion, from transfers to bookings, can be arranged directly through reception, leaving you free to simply relax and savour your time away.

    Here are five unmissable spring activities to add to your Victoria Falls getaway itinerary.

    1. White-Water Rafting on the Zambezi

    Do you have the nerve to tackle the mighty Zambezi? We bet you do.

    Spring is when the Zambezi comes into its own for rafting. As the water levels recede, the river reveals some of the most exhilarating Grade IV and V rapids in the world. Expect towering waves, swirling whirlpools, and stretches of calm where you can take in the stark beauty of the Batoka Gorge.

    Rafting is not just about adrenaline, it’s also a chance to witness the raw power of the Zambezi, and nothing reveals scale like being a part of the very thing you’re witnessing… Whether you opt for a full-day adventure or a shorter stretch, your day ends back at Ilala Lodge Hotel, where the pool and a chilled drink await. (To settle the nerves.) Few things feel better than swapping tales of the river while watching the sunset from the terrace.

    2. Devil’s Pool at Livingstone Island

    Few activities are as iconic as swimming at the very edge of Victoria Falls. During spring, when the Zambezi’s water levels are low enough to make it safe, Devil’s Pool becomes one of the most extraordinary natural swimming pools on earth. Guests are guided to Livingstone Island before wading into the current and easing into the rock pool, just metres away from the world’s largest sheet of falling water.

    We know, it sounds nuts, but the experience is both surreal and exhilarating, made even better by the photos you’ll take from the edge. Transfers and guided tours to Devil’s Pool can be arranged seamlessly from Ilala Lodge Hotel’s reception, meaning all you need to bring is your sense of adventure.

    3. Wildlife Viewing Near Victoria Falls

    Spring also brings excellent wildlife-viewing opportunities to our region, particularly for those interested in birding. Victoria Falls National Park lies just minutes from Ilala Lodge Hotel, offering glimpses at the antelope, monkeys and warhogs that frequent the rainforest.

    For a more quintessential safari experience that includes large mammals, read our sister property’s blog post titled Best Victoria Falls Wildlife Encounters.

    After a few hours of exploring the bush, return to Ilala’s lawns where warthogs – and sometimes ellies – graze, offering a whimsical reminder that here, the wild is never far away.

    4. Sunset Cruises on the Zambezi

    After all that heart-pounding excitement, it’s time to tone it down and explore a gentler side to spring here in Victoria Falls. There are few better ways to end a spring day than drifting along the Zambezi at sunset. As the sky shifts to amber and rose, hippos grunt from the shallows, crocodiles bask on the banks, and elephants may wander down to drink. With a drink in hand and snacks served onboard, this is the most serene way to take in the river.

    We recommend making use of Palm River Hotel’s Ra-Ikane River Cruises. Our sister property is located a short drive up-river from the Falls and we have regular shuttle runs between the two hotels for in-house guests.

    Returning to Ilala Lodge Hotel after your cruise, the evening continues with a meal at our award-winning Cassia Restaurant. Known for its elegant dishes and views of the spray from the Falls, it’s the perfect cherry on top of your beautiful spring day.

    5. Rainbows at the Falls

    Spring brings a special kind of magic to Victoria Falls. Above and beyond all the incredible things you’ll see, here we’re talking about the chance to see rainbows in the mist. With water levels lower than in peak flood, visibility improves and the Falls often sparkle with rainbows, especially in the early morning or late afternoon.

    On full moon nights, visitors may even witness the phenomenon of a lunar rainbow, a natural wonder unique to only a handful of places on earth. It truly is spectacular.

    From Ilala Lodge Hotel, the entrance to Victoria Falls National Park is just a short walk away, making it easy to visit the Falls multiple times during your stay. Whether you want to capture photographs, feel the spray on your skin, or simply pause in awe, this is one of the most timeless things to do in Victoria Falls. We’re based here, and yet, we never tire of it.

    Staying With Us

    After days filled with exploration, Ilala Lodge Hotel offers a haven of comfort. Our pool deck invites lazy afternoons under the sun, the bar serves cocktails as the sky turns changes from afternoon to dusk, and the gardens provide a serene retreat where the rumble of “the smoke that thunders” is always close.

    With seamless booking of activities, reliable transfers, and staff ready to share their local knowledge, your spring holiday becomes effortless. From adrenaline seekers to those who prefer slow afternoons and scenic moments, Ilala Lodge Hotel is the perfect base to experience the best things to do in Victoria Falls.

    Browse our accommodation options here and get in touch with us via onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to secure your dates.

    Alternatively, feel free to make use of our online booking platform.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Falls!

  • Exploring The Victoria Falls Craft Markets

    Exploring The Victoria Falls Craft Markets

    If you’re looking for things to do in Victoria Falls, our town’s open-air craft markets are a wonderful place to start. With wares that reflect an eclectic mix of cultures across Zimbabwe and the wider African continent, you’re certain to find something unique and beautiful to remind you of your magical holiday.

    Winding your way between the stalls of Victoria Falls’ craft markets is not a high street shopping experience, but if you’re open to trying your hand at bartering and expending a bit of leg work to get around, there are treasures to be found! (And hopefully a few bargains, too.)

    What Can I Buy?

    Outdoor markets have a long and storied history in African culture. They are places of coming together, sharing news and trading goods that range from fresh foodstuffs to beautifully crafted household items.

    As Victoria Falls receives many tourists each year, the town’s markets have evolved to cater to holiday-makers, but this has in no way diminished the true artistry at play. In fact, some of the artists in Victoria Falls have achieved international acclaim, enabling them to charge large sums of money for their work.

    Items on sale include a wide range of artisanal crafts, such as stone carvings made from soapstone, serpentine, red jasper, malachite, and verdite. Among these are Ukama sculptures, various wood carvings from local hardwoods, and both small and large wooden sculptures, including walking sticks. The selection also features beaded jewellery, including headwear, earrings, necklaces, and bracelets. Additionally, there are mixed medium sculptures crafted from repurposed materials, paintings, traditional fabrics, household items and clothing.

    Elephant’s Walk Shopping Centre and Artist Village

    A great place to start your shopping journey is at Elephant’s Walk, a well-established centre that boasts some of the best speciality shops and studios in town.

    Here you can meet local artists and craftsmen at work, including a silversmith who still uses the method of wax casting to make his pieces. You’ll also find a taxidermist here and The Happy Hippo Organic Garden that provides the perfect opportunity to learn about traditional herbal healing.

    Grab an energising cup of Zimbabwean coffee at The Africa Café before stopping by the Jafuta Heritage Centre to learn more about this region’s history and many cultures. Jafuta’s curator is called Ephraim and is known in the area as a Nyanga (fortune-teller).

    Note: This market has a formal setup and isn’t open to haggling. Some shops have card facilities, but cash is still king. (US dollars, Rands and Pula are generally accepted all over.)

    A Famous Face

    Meet Dexter (50), a renowned artist in Victoria Falls. Dexter was born in Bulawayo and worked as a tree-cutter in his younger years. He is a self-taught artist, selling his first sculpture for $95 in 1994 and then $10 000 in 2014! He bought his first car with this money. Dexter loves life and living in the Falls. When asked what he’s learnt in his life so far he says: “That this world really is a beautiful place!”

    Outdoor Markets

    As you explore Victoria Falls on foot, you’ll notice there are many street sellers, some of whom conglomerate together to form large outdoor markets. Some stalls are housed together in sprawling buildings, while others consist of nothing more than beautiful wares displayed on woven mats neatly arranged on the ground.

    These open-air markets pop up organically around town – some named, some not – as intrinsic to the lifeblood of this economy as the Falls themselves. It’s here where you’re most likely to find true gems and bargains. However, as an artist’s renown rises, so too do their prices and it’s always best to respect this.

    Haggling is expected in the outdoor markets, but there are a few terms of courtesy you should adhere to.

    Tips on Bartering

    • Shop around first. It’s best to get a general idea of everything that’s available to you before making a purchase. Don’t simply buy the first thing you see; get a lay of the land and then make your decision.
    • When talking about price, don’t always try to haggle down. Carefully inspect the material used and consider the time taken to create such a beautiful object. If it still seems a little steep, suggest two-thirds of the price they set and begin there. If you don’t have any luck, politely decline and move on.
    • Sometimes, when you buy many items from the same vendor, they will give you a discount on the bulk purchase.
    • Remember you are paying for craftsmanship, but you also want to ensure that the item you’re buying is of good quality. Look out for the types of wood used in sculptures. Valuable hardwoods are very heavy and have grains that grow close together.
    • Show respect to all vendors, but be firm in setting your boundaries.
    • Establishing relationships and talking to shop owners helps you gain a better understanding of the work on offer.

    Ready to Explore?

    Embark on a cultural journey through Victoria Falls’ craft market scene, where every carving tells a story and every artifact is a testament to the region’s rich heritage.

    Join us at Ilala Lodge Hotel for an unforgettable stay filled with exploration, discovery, and the vibrant spirit of Africa.

    Our 5-star establishment is located in the bustling heart of Victoria Falls town, with sprawling gardens that border Victoria Falls National Park and afford our guests complete privacy with the option of easy access to the Falls and the delights of nearby eateries and shops.

    Get in touch with our friendly reservations team at onlinereservations@ilalalodge.com to book your stay or make use of our user-friendly online booking system.

    We look forward to welcoming you to Victoria Falls!

    Sources: siyabona.com, victoriafallscraftmarkets.org, wildhorizons.co.za, elephantswalk.com, victoriafalls-guide.net