4x4 in Southern Africa

Zambezi Gorge

Victoria Falls is not a bad place to get stuck into an off-road odyssey. Despite two years of turmoil and broadsheets of bad press, Zimbabwe still remains one of the African continent’s premier destinations, offering a superlative mix of extreme action and leisure options to intrepid travellers.

Adrenalin sport activities run the full gamut, encompassing everything from river-boarding, white-water rafting and abseiling to a death-defying bungy plunge into the Zambezi gorge, while game viewing, balloon rides or a dawn flip in an ultra-light will cater for those in a more laid-back mood.

And all of this happens against the spectacular backdrop of Mosi oa Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders), one of the seven natural wonders of our world. Recently declared a World Heritage site, the Victoria Falls area today support a burgeoning tourism industry.

Accommodation options therefore abound, but few could compete with Ilala Lodge (the closest hotel to the falls) where a relaxing combination of historic charm and rustic comfort impress. An added bonus comes in the form of Zambezi Wilderness Safaris, an in-house tour operator allowing visitors to plan adventure excursions while sipping colourful cocktails on the pool deck.

An off-road vehicle is an essential accessory in this mythical playground of Nyaminyami, the legendary river god haunting the Zambezi gorges according to local folklore. Bundu-bashing fundis will revel in the indisputable piece de resistance to any off-road adventurer - a “Four Countries in One Day” safari. This mammoth bush excursion would pit you against some of Africa’s most challenging stretches of outback, starting off in the Matetsi Safari area in Zimbabwe before crossing over into Zambia via the Kazungula ferry.

After a guided nature walk on a tropical Zambian island, an idyllic river cruise through Namibia’s Kasai wetland will allow you to soak up this unique birding paradise. End off the day with a late afternoon game drive through Chobe National Park in Botswana before returning to Ilala’s warm hospitality

Ilala Lodge Fact File:

Contact:
Speak to Jo Wayland at Ilala Lodge on Tel. (263-13) 4637 4737.