The Victoria Falls Bridge

The Victoria Falls Bridge stretches 198 meters across the gorge between southern Zambia and northwest Zimbabwe, where the Zambezi River forms a natural border between the two countries. Completed in 1905, it was intended to be part of a vast railway network of uninterrupted track running from Cape Town to Cairo. English businessman and politician Cecil John Rhodes, who initiated the process, ordered that the bridge be placed so close to Victoria Falls that train passengers Walking Across—The most sedate option on this list, walking across the bridge offers the unique opportunity to occupy space in two countries at once, just by stopping midway. Regard the mighty falls from a number of different vantage points and don’t forget your camera—the steady supply of mist ensures a multitude of rainbows.

Walking Under—For a different view, consider venturing underneath the bridge. Guides make sure that guests are fitted into sturdy harnesses and hooked onto a safety rope before the tour begins. An Other high-octane adventures take place in the vicinity of the bridge. These activities all use thick cables secured at either end of the gorge, providing tourists a unique, gravity-defying passage over the Zambezi.

Zip-Lining—Riders attach to the cable via a full-body harness which provides a comfortable sitting position while zipping across the gorge at speeds up to 106 km. (also known as a slide).

Flying—The Flying Fox experience is similar to zip lining; the difference

would feel water spray in their faces as they journeyed over the river.

The Cape Town to Cairo network never materialized, and Cecil John Rhodes died before completion of the bridge. However, his vision of the Victoria Falls Bridge as an interactive tourist experience has been realized—almost certainly far beyond what he ever could have imagined. These days, visitors who aren’t satisfied with merely riding over the bridge now have the option to walk across it, walk under it, or even jump off the side of it. up-close look at Victorian-era engineering and a fact-filled presentation make this activity one of Victoria Falls’ most popular. The rumble of cars and trains overhead kicks up the adventure quotient just a notch.

Jumping Off—The bridge is also the platform for a world-renowned, adrenaline-charged bungee jump. Commencing operation in 1994, it serves over 13,000 visitors a year. Jumpers dive head first for a 111 meter drop, then swing above croc-infested waters by their ankles before being hoisted back to safety. is the position of the rider. Hooking to the cable via the back of the harness allows riders to “fly” with arms and legs outstretched for the 200 meter trip.

Swinging—Swingers hook onto a rope attached to the middle of the gorge cable and step off the platform—freefalling 70 meters before bouncing back up and settling into a pendulum-style swing over the river.

bridge? Sitting on the train with a glass of champagne, of course! TL Z

Pumpkin soup Ingredients: pumpkin, onion, garlic, apple, milk, cinnamon, black pepper and salt Served with bread rolls

Chicken Curry Ingredients: chicken, onion, garlic, lemongrass, assorted veggies, curry powder, coriander, ginger, chili, coconut milk, salt, black pepper, turmeric and chicken stork Served with rice

Cream Caramel Ingredients: eggs, milk, castor sugar, fresh cream, brown sugar, vanilla essence or caramel flavor

Language: English is the official language. Time Zone: GMT+2 International dialling code: +260 Visas: Visas are needed for most visitors to Zambia. They are available from Zambian embassies abroad or at Kenneth Kaunda International airport and other points of entry. Health: Malaria occurs in many parts of the country, especially in the low-lying areas where the game parks are often situated. Therefore, malariaprophylactics are strongly recommended. Yellow fever certificates are required if you are travelling from an infected area. It is advisable to have medical insurance that includes a provision for medevac (medical evacuation). Safety: Zambia is a known for friendliness and great hospitality but like anywhere in the world, especially where there is high unemployment, it is wise to remain vigilant at all times. Be aware of pick-pockets and thieves in the towns and cities. Do not leave your belongings unattended and when in public, carry only the minimum amount of cash that you need. Always lock a vehicle and do not leave items visible in a parked vehicle Money: The unit of currency is the Zambian Kwacha (ZMW). Foreign currency (US dollars are best) can be changed into Kwacha at banks and there are foreign exchange bureaus in most towns. Visa and to a lesser extent MasterCard are accepted by many tourist hotels, and can also be used to draw local currency at ATMs in the major towns. Getting there: Emirates (www.emirates.com), Kenya Airways (www. kenya-airways.com), Ethiopian Airlines (www.ethiopianairlines.com), and South African Airways (www.flysaa.com) fly to Lusaka, linking to Europe and the USA via Nairobi, Dubai, Addis Ababa or Johannesburg/ Cape Town. Getting around: Once in Lusaka, internal flights can connect you to most major destinations in Zambia (www.flyzambia.com). Local buses are cheap and frequent in cities. There are also luxury coach services for longer journeys. Weather: Zambian weather is essentially divided between two seasons: the dry season from May to October, and the rainy season from November to April. May to August marks Zambia’s winter when it is warm and pleasant during the day and very cool at night. During this time it can be cold on game viewing vehicles in the early morning, especially on the plateau. September to November is a period of hot and dry weather—in the valleys, temperatures can reach up to 40 degrees Celsius. Around November or December, Zambia experiences intermittent showers and storms that usher in the rainy season, keeping the climate warm and humid through April. TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA 17

There is a new option for business and leisure travellers alike in the upmarket suburb of Chudleigh, Lusaka. Situated only 19km from the airport and 2km from the bustling city is Palmwood Lodge. Located in a lush garden, green and tropical – a place like no other in Lusaka.

Palmwood has been there forever. Formerly a big plot with only the Sissing family house in the centre. Then converted step by step by Mable Sissing, first to a guests house and then into a lodge in 1998. Her flair for gardening and landscaping is clearly visible all over the premises. Palmwood Lodge has a total of 40 boutique rooms, 5 state of art conference venues, international restaurant, a combined bar & lounge with live sports on flat screen TV, entertainment area and swimming pool. On top of that, Palmwood Lodge has fast optic fibre internet free of charge for its guests.

1. The beauty of the place. Our guests are always surprised about the lovely gardens which nobody expects in Lusaka. The rooms and bungalows are spread all over the plot and non of the rooms is the same – apart from the high standard of the furnishings and ameni-ties!

2. Our Employees – At Palmwood we recognize every one of our guests as an individual and supply service up to their individual needs. That goes from Check-in to Check-out. We know our guests names, likes and dislikes. We shall go out of our way to make your stay memorable. Experience it yourself!

3. We have nothing less than the big international chains. We got it all under one roof! Swimming pool, gym, jewellery shop, 24-hours reception, restaurant and bar, wedding venues, conference venues, wellbeing gar-dens and high speed internet for free.

4. Best location between town and airport. When staying at Palmwood, getting around is easy and traffic jams are an unusual event. Malls, business and government districts are just a short drive away.

Since April 2015, Palmwood Lodge is managed by Florian Gabathuler, a Swiss hotel school graduate. He was later joined by Sudershan Hazarika, from India, who is looking after the lodges operations. The two know each other from back in school. Together with Mable Sissing, the owner and director of Palmwood, they build a great team and work restlessly on bringing the lodge forward and towards international standard. So why choose Palmwood Lodge when staying in Lusaka?

While we are already a great place to be, our aim is to be a 4 star boutique lodge within the next two years. More investments are planned and renovations of all areas are an ongoing pro-cess.

During 2016 we will open small weekend resort out in the coun-tryside on our farm – perfect getaway for urban folk over a weekend. Experience bush walks, hiking, plant and harvest biological vegetables or learn how to cook local foods. A true Ecotourism experience!

Palmwood Lodge can be viewed and booked online on our website, www.palmwoodlodge.co.zm, facebook, book-ing. com, expedia and the bestofzambia.com. For bookings, enquiries and quotes, the lodge manager will be happy to assist. Call +260 211 29 54 11 or write to lodgemanager@palmwoodlodge.co.zm. Mable, Florian and Team are looking forward to spoil you at Palmwood Lodge, Central Street, Chudleigh in the Zambian Capital of Lusaka!