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Follow Me on My Next Safari to Zambia and Zimbabwe

August 15, 2017 by Sonia Marsh 6 Comments

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Ruckomechi Camp in Zimbabwe where we’ll be staying (Photo credit Wilderness Safaris.)

 

I’m off to Zambia and Zimbabwe on a site inspection trip which involves seeing as many lodges as possible in ten days. This is an intense, but exciting program of internal flights, boat transfers, game drives, and a final-day option of floating on a luxury cruise in Victoria Falls, known as the Ra-Ikane Cruise.  The itinerary states that “if you are not too tired,” you can join the boat cruise. When I read this, I thought, how could we possibly be too tired to enjoy a luxury cruise in Victoria Falls?

This will be my first time on a site inspection in Zimbabwe, and my boss, Jim Holden, told me to stay as fit, energetic and healthy as possible for our busy itinerary. Fortunately, when we put together Safaris for our clients, they get to stay at the same lodge for several nights, and therefore have time to relax, and enjoy the early morning and late afternoon game drives.

I’m looking forward to flying in small planes as we move from one lodge to the next. These planes only carry 4-12 passengers and are strict about luggage since there is a 33 pound weight limit and only soft-sided duffel bags are allowed. These are crammed into small spaces. Large hard-shell suitcases do not fit on these planes, and for most U.S. travelers, especially women, this can be a challenge. So I’m perfecting my packing skills, and following the guidelines that we spell out to our clients. The lodges have laundry facilities, so no need to bring 10 pairs of pants and 10 T-shirts. In fact, please leave your fancy dresses and high heels behind and wear your comfortable Safari shoes. Remember where you are, and despite the lodges offering all the creature comforts of home, you can stay casual. There are wonderful outdoor showers and bath tubs where you can sometimes watch the wildlife from your tub as you sip a glass of wine. As far as your meals, you might be surprised to learn that you’ll be enjoying the freshest of ingredients, both fish, meat, vegetables fruits and sumptuous desserts, all while watching a large hippo climb out of the Zambezi river at Ruckomechi Camp,

Take a look at the Ruckomechi Camp video below, located at Mana Pools, in Zimbabwe, and the lodge we’re staying at.

On the last day of our site inspection, after checking out the Victoria Falls Hotel, and the Royal Livingstone, we’ll be transferred to the Thorntree River Lodge is set in Zambia’s Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, just a short distance from the famous Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls

What I look forward to is celebrating my special 60th birthday in Zambia, at the Thorntree River Lodge.  It’s stunning architecture, built with an environmentally-conscious design. Despite it’s contemporary design, it still has the tented roof structures to maintain the feel of authentic Africa. We have sent several of our Holden Safaris travelers to this gorgeous lodge where you can experience wildlife and get pampered in one location.

Thorntree River Lodge View
Thorntree River Lodge Room
Thorntree River Lodge View
Thorntree River Lodge

I hope you follow me on my FB page as I post photos and on the Holden Safaris FB page, as well as updates on the blog.

Any comments? Please leave them below.

 

 

 

Filed Under: People Tagged With: Holden Safaris, Ruckomechi Camp, Thorntree River Lodge, Victoria Falls, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Comments

  1. Marian Beaman says

    August 16, 2017 at 1:29 pm

    This is a far cry from your rondeval seemingly just months ago.

    Viewing Victoria Falls, reminded me of our recent trip to Victoria, British Columbia. There were no falls, but we enjoyed he abundant florals and cooler temperatures in Canada. You seem happier now in this new role. Safe travels!
    Marian Beaman recently posted..Moments of Discovery # 12: A Summer WeddingMy Profile

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      August 25, 2017 at 1:59 am

      Marian,
      Yes, it is a completely different lifestyle and Lesotho doesn’t have elephants, lions, cheetahs and leopards, so it’s exciting to see so much and do site inspections.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..Follow Me on My Next Safari to Zambia and ZimbabweMy Profile

      Reply
  2. Lady Fi says

    August 29, 2017 at 8:52 pm

    Lucky you! Happy travels.

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      September 8, 2017 at 6:28 am

      Thank you LadyFi. Off to Kenya next month.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..Follow Me on My Next Safari to Zambia and ZimbabweMy Profile

      Reply
  3. Carol says

    September 12, 2017 at 5:58 am

    Sonia, what fabulous pictures! Your 60th must have been memorable…Best of luck for your new gutsy adventures. Bruno and I went on a safari in Kenya in March 1981 and really enjoyed it. So I’m looking forward to your post on Kenya! x

    Reply
    • Sonia Marsh says

      January 24, 2018 at 5:52 am

      Carol, I’m off leading a group of 10 women to Kenya this October, 2018, with the Director of the African Child Foundation. We’re visiting the children in a primary school in the slums of Nairobi. We’re also taking the children on a special visit to see elephants and other wildlife, they have never seen.
      Sonia Marsh recently posted..Follow Me on My Next Safari to Zambia and ZimbabweMy Profile

      Reply

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