We all become pretty fed up with buying the usual range of commercial Christmas presents and sometimes we just need something a little more special. We've presented a range of "gifts" this month just in case you're thinking of a different sort of Christmas present for you and yours. This is a selection of favorite new and old short trips at a variety of prices, all based around Victoria Falls. Next month we'll be back to our more usual combination of news, new discoveries and general interest newsletters.   

Out of force of habit we must just tell you about one great new experience amongst the full range of activities around Victoria Falls (wildest one day rafting in the world, canoeing, kayaking, bunji, sunset cruises, fishing, walking with the lions, elephant back rides, the Falls themselves). This is the launch of the Royal Livingstone Express; a 5 star dining excursion aboard an old steam train locomotive hauling 5 restored carriages. The train travels 20km along the historic Mulobezi railway line (passing through Mosi-O-Tunya National Park) with a full a la carte service and highly rated hospitality all done hand in hand with Rovos Rail, the famous train service out of Cape Town.

Victoria Falls and Livingstone airports provide simple, easy access to Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, the Kalahari in Botswana. From both these airports its pretty easy to travel to the rest of Zambia - Kafue, South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi parks. Don't forget there're the magnificent Mana Pools and Hwange National Parks in Zimbabwe within easy distance too.

US$1815.00 or £910.00 per person sharing

Valid November 2007 to March 2008

A 6 night, 7 day safari starting and ending in Livingstone, Vic Falls
Including 3 nights at 4 star Thorntree Lodge - home of the elephants on the banks of the Zambezi river and 3 nights at a private 4 star lodge, Chobe National Park, Botswana

Includes: all road transfers from and to Livingstone and between lodges; full board accommodation (includes local wine and spirits); lodge activities

Excludes: parks fees, visa fees and international flights; Christmas supplement at Chobe lodge

US$695.00 or £350.00 per person sharing; 4 star hotel with private game reserve and waterhole, standard room, dinner, bed and breakfast basis; complimentary transfers on an hourly basis to and from Victoria Falls village

Valid through 2008 season

This stay also includes a sunset cruise, "bush-hide" or walk & return airport transfers. There is a full range of optional activities to choose from at an extra cost. On site is the famous Boma Restaurant - traditional and western food, dancing and fortune telling!

Excludes: parks fees, visa fees, international flights; additional activities

US$735.00 or £370.00 per person sharing 

Valid through the 2008 season 

Bed and breakfast basis in a small, privately run lodge close to the Victoria Falls; also includes return airport transfers plus any 3 of the following: one day rafting or canoeing, elephant back encounter, lion encounter, 15 min helicopter flight, 25 min fixed wing flight of Angels, 3hr horse trail, parasailing, night game drive, a gorge adrenalin activity

Excludes: all parks fees, visa fees, international flights

US$625.00 or £315.00 per person sharing

Valid for the 2008 season

3 nights bed/breakfast chalet accommodation; return airport transfers; plus extreme discount package - elephant back safari, full day white water rafting, 15min AM helicopter flight over the Falls

Excludes: all parks fees, visa fees and international flights

Note: rafting can be exchanged with canoeing if rafting operations are closed due to water levels