(This is part of a trip report to Africa, flying United Global Business/First, costing $87 and 120,000 miles which were Ultimate Reward points from my Chase Ink card, transferred to United.)

I splurged and took a helicopter ride over Victoria Falls because I had read it was a “must do” and I didn’t know that I would ever be there again. I must say, it was worth every penny!

The driver picked me up at the fantastic “Grand Lady of the Falls,” ie, the Victoria Falls Hotel (more on that below). As we drove to the helicopter site, I quizzed the driver on the best way to get a front seat and he was extremely helpful…just like the kids at school, be the first one in line (to be weighed)!

Approaching the falls from the Zambezi River, you could start to see the “smoke that thunders,” that very appropriate nickname for the falls!

This gives you a better picture of the river that feeds the falls.

And there are winding canyons all around the area…

 

I was lucky to ride in a four person helicopter, rather than the larger one!

The Victoria Falls Hotel is described as a “majestic, colonial wonder” and I would heartily agree! It was built in 1904 and though it was a bit hard to find plug ins for our electronics, the charm of it all made up for it! I forgot to take pictures of our room, but here’s some of the hotel and gardens.

Our greeter, is his colorful vest with badges from all over the world; I gave him a pin from my own town to add to his collection! (Helpful hint – get little things from your local chamber of commerce to give to people on your travels, it’s always a big hit)!

This is the garden on the back side of the hotel facing the falls.

AND this is the view from the garden…

A reception area close to our room…

Check out the beautiful botanical artwork!

The decor is simply delightful, with an old world charm, and the pianist playing was just the added touch!

I am not usually into this kind of wall decor, but after my Africa trip, I would definitely love to hang something like this on my wall!

A view into one of the dining rooms…we decided not to eat a big meal because of our late “high tea!”

The next morning, we ate breakfast out on the patio, looking towards the falls and this view!

Near here is where you can bungee jump, but we passed on that! I needed to get home in one piece and traveling is enough of an adventure for me!  (:

Next up, Capetown, South Africa…a very cosmopolitan city!