Day 8- Zambia/Zimbabwe

Today we left Rhino Post- we didn't even get a morning game drive, but they made us breakfast early, so we cannot complain.  Our rustic-y campsite, including the open air bathroom, is below

We headed back to Skukuza, we we caught a flight to another Kruger airport.  We were the only passengers on the plane, and thus our flight was about the last to land in Nespruit and we almost missed our flight to Livingston.  It all worked out, and we had a female pilot.

Once in Zambia, we had to pay our visa fee for Zimbabwe (must be paid with crisp American dollars).  The drive to our hotel was memorable.  One driver drove us to the Zambian side of the Zambezi.  There we had to get out and have our passports stamped for exiting Zambia.  Then we crossed the one lane bridge (this one lane caused huge truck delays on either side) to the Zimbabwe side.  While still in no mans land, we switched drivers, and entered the Zimbabwe entrance office-it was a mess, and confirms every negative stereotype about Africa.  We had already paid, but we had to fill out an arduous entrance form- worse than US customs.  Add that to people who had not bought there visas, different costs for different countries (A visa for a Canadian cost more than for a Chinese, cost more than for USA), and we waited a while, even with our helpful driver cutting in line for us.

the visa office

One across the border the going was easy, and the driver transferred us to Victoria Falls Safari Club.  Despite having another non-separate bathroom, this place is plush.  Free minibar plush.  We got some outstanding pineapple chicken crisp sandwiches, then a high tea cake, then came back and enjoyed the wifi, aggressive shower, and such for a while.  Plus we set up our laundry and dad sorted out our itinerary.  After some sundowners, with a view of a herd of Cape Buffalo, and a nice evening walk with some Warthogs and monkeys (as much as we could do, the property isn't exactly walker friendly), we headed to the Boma dinner and drum show.

They made us dress up and paint our faces, but it was an all you can eat buffet and it was good.  Plus the soup came in little cauldrons.  We sampled Eland meatballs and warthog steak- both delicious.  Plus good desserts and fun entertainment to boot.  Altogether kitschy, but undoubtedly entertaining.

Tomorrow we will hike in the morning, try to see Victoria Falls midday, and then head out for our canoe overnight in the evening.  Hopefully they will do our laundry while we are gone.