Travelogue 13B: Victoria Falls & Chobe – Worth the Detour

Having come so far, we decided to add a couple of days to our trip and see Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and do a one-day safari in Chobe, Botswana.

This time, I actually took my cue from my daughter. She’s a pro at planning holidays—goes into every detail, books restaurants months in advance, and leaves nothing to chance. Inspired by her, I did my bit of research and locked in a few experiences well ahead:

• Sunset river cruise on the majestic Zambezi river
• Walk with lions
• Visit to the falls
• Helicopter ride over Vic falls
• Day trip to Chobe National Park
• A meal at the Lookout Café
• And I must say, the advance planning really helped.

Victoria Falls – The Smoke That Thunders

Most of us have heard of Niagara Falls, but not many know about Victoria Falls. Locally it’s called “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – The Smoke that Thunders. Standing in front of it, you understand why. The sheer width and the spray drenching you from a distance is something you just can’t capture in photos. It makes you feel very small and very alive at the same time.

Walk with the Lions – Mixed Feelings

The “walk with lions” was one of those bucket-list activities, but honestly, it left me with mixed feelings. Being that close to lions is special, but it also felt a bit unnatural. It raised questions in my mind about whether these experiences are good for conservation or simply commercial. A moral dilemma I’m still thinking about.

Chobe Safari – Elephants Everywhere

The day trip to Chobe was a different kind of thrill. Crossing into Botswana was smooth, and soon we were surrounded by wildlife. Huge herds of elephants , hippos, crocs, and gazels. It was good, but if I compare it to the Serengeti, the Serengeti still feels more dramatic and alive.

A Small Surprise – Costs

One thing that did surprise me was how expensive Zimbabwe was. For a country that’s otherwise struggling, the prices for tourists were steep—almost on par with Europe. Something to keep in mind if you’re planning a visit.

Closing Thought

All in all, a great trip. Victoria Falls is truly world-class, Chobe gave us a taste of Botswana, and the lion walk gave me more questions than answers. Travel does that sometimes—it’s not just about what you see, but also what you end up thinking about.

Leaving you with a few pictures…