Having recently returned from an intense trip to both the Zimbabwean and Zambian side of the Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park and the Linyanti in Botswana, I thought this an ideal opportunity for an update on Victoria Falls together with some fantastic safari extension options 

Why visit Victoria Falls?

• A World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World
• It serves as an excellent base to access the best safari areas in Southern Africa
• Africa's adventure capital - it has the wildest one day white water rafting trip on the planet
• A comprehensive range of accommodation from 5-star luxury to comfortable B&Bs
• Easily accessed through Johannesburg, Zambia, Botswana and Zimbabwe
• The broad range of activities available make this an ideal family holiday spot

 Some 2007 updates  

• Exceptionally high water levels this year; the outcome of these high water levels is that the Victoria Falls are looking magnificent and guests are getting nice and wet through the spray. 
• White Water Rafting operations are set to resume by July (usually by the end of May) 
• Accommodation for the 2007 season is extremely short from July to September if you're interested in travelling enquire as soon as possible (this is not a sales gimmick, it really is full)! Packages and prices for the 2008 season are available on request.   

My Recommendations…

Helicopter flights over the Victoria Falls allow you to get a true feel for their sheer size. During the high water levels between January and June, these flights provide the clearest view of the Falls. Affordable at just US$ 100.00 per person, these flights are a must for any visitor. Pre-booking is necessary due to limited availability.

Victoria Falls is the gateway to some of southern Africa’s most spectacular safari destinations. We've included some useful suggestions and details for extensions from Victoria Falls:

• The Kafue National Park
• Chobe National Park
• The Linyanti/Selinda
• Hwange National Park & Matusadona

Not widely known, remote yet beautiful, the Kafue National Park is the perfect safari addition to a trip to Victoria Falls with the introduction of daily flights from Livingstone (1.5 hrs) and Lusaka (1.5 hrs).

As safari specialists we are delighted to offer our clients the most competitive prices you’ll find “out there” for this undeveloped wilderness area. Most of the camps are recently renovated and under new management. You’ll find excellent guiding coupled with a wetland which attracts prolific bird species and extensive grasslands feeding antelope, cheetah and tree climbing lions.

‘This is an excellent combination with 3 nights at Victoria Falls and can be readily arranged as an extension to a safari in the South Luangwa Valley, Lower Zambezi or Chobe National Park’    

Renowned for its abundant Elephant herds, Chobe National Park is just 80 km by road from Victoria Falls and is easily accessed by road transfer from either side of the Falls to Kasane, the entrance to Chobe (approx 1.5 hr by road).

Affordable safaris and accessibility have made Chobe a popular, if busy, safari extension from Victoria Falls. Game drives along the river’s edge offer visitors ample opportunity to view abundant antelope, elephant, giraffe and grazing hippos. Some are lucky enough to spot a lion pride or an elusive Leopard.

If you are thinking of travelling between August and November this year availability is increasingly limited.

We have a number of packages using our favourite properties in Chobe…

The Chobe Forest Safari: A three night, four day, all inclusive safari in Botswana's Chobe Forest Reserve starting from US$ 845.00 per person sharing includes all safari activities http://www.easimail.co.za/Home/link.asp?id=5608&hash=8634cc

The Chobe Safari Package: Our best value-for-money 4 day, activity-filled safari package on the Chobe River this season 2 and 3 night packages available http://www.easimail.co.za/Home/link.asp?id=5609&hash=fd5a46

If you want to travel deeper into this beautiful country, we offer many other safari options to Botswana particularly to the spectacular Okavango Delta

Just 3 hours from Victoria Falls (2 hrs Road, 1 hr light aircraft), the Linyanti is the perfect wilderness experience to combine with Victoria Falls.

With its numerous lagoons, bush and plains areas, the Linyanti is teeming with abundant species of game and birdlife.  Knowledgeable guides, attentive staff and luxury accommodation add the finishing touches of excellence to this safari destination.

If you are interested in visiting this beautiful concession, please take a moment to look at our 2007 special ‘Botswana’s Selinda Safari’ with prices from US$ 1,665.00 per person sharing.

Based in our UK Head Office, Jools is a born and bred Devonian who joined us after graduating from the University of Plymouth and University of Kansas with a BA Geography degree.

Although Jools is the youngest member of the team he's already travelled throughout much of Southern Africa over the past six years especially comparing the standard of Gin & Tonics en route!

Diagnosed with "itchy feet" at an early age, Jools has travelled much of continental Europe and spends the majority of his leave skiing in the Alps or travelling around the USA.

Jools has done every possible Zambezi adventure activity, from bungee, micro light, canoe to quad bike in an effort to avoid having to raft the mighty Zambezi River.

Jools is seasoned in Swaziland and Malawi, Mozambique and South Africa but his special interest areas include Victoria Falls, Chobe National Park, Botswana and Zambia.

To view images of his recent trip please visit http://picasaweb.google.com/Zambezi.Jools