Awesome Victoria Falls!

I just got back from two weeks in the Victoria Falls area, and for once the much overused expression "awesome" is totally applicable to this part of the world.  It's truly awesome for so many reasons; the sheer natural beauty of the Zambezi and Chobe Rivers, the people in every country, the wildlife, and the exhilarating activities on offer. While I sort out my notes and photos, and get the last of the Zambezi water out of my brain, here's a quick rundown of the highlights in the "adventure capital of the world".

1. White-water rafting on the Zambezi's Grade 5 rapids, still the best value out there and as exciting as ever.
2. Hanging over the edge of the Victoria Falls in Devil's Pool, feeling the rush of water and looking down on a double rainbow into the foaming abyss.
3. Trying different foods, from crocodile caesar salad and mopane worms to Nsima and groundnut stews.
4. Dawn boat ride and greeting local fisherman after spending the night on a luxury safari boat on the Chobe River, Namibia side.
5. The feeling that "I did it" after bungi jumping off the Victoria Falls bridge.
6. Sunset cruises and South African wine on the Chobe and Zambezi rivers
7. Waking up to hear chirping guinea fowl every morning at dawn
8. Watching dozens of elephants swimming across the Chobe river during a massive wind storm, kicking up dust as the sun set behind them.
9. The many inspirational conversations I had with people from all over the world and all walks of life, it's the real joy of traveling alone.
10. The smell of the rains finally arriving.
11. Kamikaze dung beetles.
12. Flowering trees.
13. Camps and lodges on waterfronts.
14. Hansa, Zambezi and Mosi beers in the hot afternoon sun.
15. Ndebele songs.
16. Pork sausages, baked beans, biltong, and chutney flavored chips.

_{Image - Me leaping into Devil's Pool on the edge of the Victoria Falls -- © Anouk Zijlma}