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TR Victoria Falls and luxury with butler. part five
TR Victoria Falls and luxury with butler. part five
Sorry, I haven't kept my promise in the first part of my TR - not so many words but more pics.
Later I changed my mind thinking that some of you perhaps would appreciate to have more details.
Then decided to spend the time telling more in this final part of my TR.
VICTORIA FALLS
After a farewell to Philemon and Old John we drove to Victoria Falls. Before the boarder we had to say goodbye to the English lady. Her trip was going to Zambia instead of Zimbabwe, because Robert Mugabe was sore at the English, and therefore people from England had to pay more than double price to have a visa!
We were lodged in hotel Kingdom and had a delicious lunch. A nice hotel. But we didn't like to see the armed security guards going around. Reminded us that Zimbabwe wasn't a secure country. We were of course aware of that, before we booked the journey, but we were told that the government tried to keep Victoria Falls safe, because they need the money from the tourists.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 9218"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/R0QqxX3-m ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 5410"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R0Qq5H3-m ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 0786"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0QrB33-m ... 5.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 8066"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm7fuNVs ... 2.JPG"></a>
After the lunch we went to what we really have been looking forward to see - the falls. The first we noticed was the noise, a really loud noise. To see the falls was so impressing.Have never seen anything like that. This from the Internet describes the falls better, than I can do:
" The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The Local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya" -- the smoke that thunders and the Falls are remarkable. There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.
The Victoria falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the edge every minute.
Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialisation. The Falls are spectacular throughout the year, but February onwards, after the rain season, has the heaviest flow and volume of spray "
We had a discussion in the group about Niagara Falls compared to Victoria Falls. Hubby has seen Niagara Falls too, but like some of the others he liked Victoria Falls better due to the surroundings, no buildings or anything, only nature.
Some pics:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6786"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtHuNVq ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 7874"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtJeNVq ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6546"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtOONVq ... 2.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 7634"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtP-NVq ... 3.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6018"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtR-NVq ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 9970"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm9neNVs ... 5.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 1458"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtauNVq ... 9.JPG"></a>
After this great experience we said goodbye and thank to Mompati, he has been a great guide. Then we returned to the hotel, need some dry cloth.
In the evening there was a buffet in the restaurant with a huge selection of food. And much of it was food, I never had tasted before too example crocodile tails. Interesting! There were only a few guests, think that there were more waiters than guests. You also experienced how the economy was in the country just by looking at the wine card. The cheapest bottle of wine cost 33.000 dollars- Zimbabwe dollars! About 7 US dollars. In Zimbabwe you can talk about a high rate of inflation!! Suddenly we were surprised by an appearance. Local men were dancing for us.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 7538"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm7aONVs ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 4418"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/R1PbkkTWC ... 1.JPG"></a>
A BUSY DAY
The next morning we had to decide what to do in the two extra days we had for ourselves in Zimbabwe, hadn't booked anything from home, wanted to see what appeared. We wished to buy a figure or something else from Africa - no much shopping on the safari- , also we want to see the famous hotel Victoria Falls, and because people discussed, if the falls were most beautiful in Zimbabwe or in Zambia, we also want to see them from the Zambian side. But where to stay?
When we were in Maun, we got into conversation with the chief cook - his name was Innocent (could we trust one with this name?). He was from Zimbabwe and later in the evening, we had a long talk with him about the situation in the country. He was well educated, but was forced to work in Botswana to earn some money. He didn't really like the job, thought that the people he worked together with from Botswana were lazy, because they knew that they could get economic help from the government. Before they found gold in Botswana, it was a poor country, and at that time the people from Zimbabwe helped them. But now it was the opposite due to Mugabe's government. No work, no money, starving people! One of the waiters was from Zimbabwe too and ended up together with us. We asked about hotels in Victoria Falls, and they told that the native people could have a room much cheaper and insisted to give us a name and a telephone number to one of their friends in Victoria Falls, who could help us. At home we had got a recommendation for Matetsi Lodge, a lodge, which was owned by CC Africa, the company we did the safari with. But we found it too expensive, the price was up to 350 US dollars per person per night (it was " all inclusive", so compared to Caneel it's perhaps cheap). OK, but now we were in Victoria Falls, and we had to decide. Hotel Kingdom was nice, but we want to try something else. We phoned the friend of Innocent a couple of times, bud didn't find him. What about trying to call Matetsi, perhaps they have a good offer? So we did, and they had a good offer, we could stay there for less than half price! We booked at once and were looking forward to have some more game drive. After that we deposited our luggage in a manned room in the hotel and went out to see more of the town and The Victoria Falls Hotel, which presents itself in this way:
"For almost 100 years, visiting members of Royal families, international and local statesmen, and celebrities worldwide, have preferred to stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel, where they are assured of privacy and care. An atmosphere steeped in history, combining the charm of the old with the comfort and convenience of today "
And it is really a special hotel, We were so lucky that one of the employers offered to show us around to see the hotel both the rooms and the suites. It was a great experience. An incredible beautiful dining room, very different suits with charming furniture. Also the surroundings were impressing. Everything very beautiful and well kept. We ended up at the terrace with a view to the falls and the bridge. And like the English in the old days we ordered tea and muffins. But opposite the old days the other guests were young Arabian businessmen in casual cloth , talking in mobiles. An old English gentleman would have opened his eyes wide.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 7778"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm7mONVs ... 1.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 0114"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R1Pe0ETWC ... 2.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 1570"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R0QrKH3-m ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6498"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R0L1Vn3-m ... 4.JPG"></a>
After the tea drinking we went to a marketplace mainly showing handmade African objects. We were the only white people there, and as far I could see, the only tourists. In the beginning I was not quit happy about that, because very fast some young men surrounded us. But they were polite, just want to sell something to us. Our intention was only to buy a small figure made of soapstone, but before we left, we had bought six. Without using more money that we would had spend at one. If we didn't have had the problem about the weight of our luggage, we would have bought much more. Very nice figures and very cheap.
The next, we had to do, was the trip to Zambia, which we had booked at the hotel the night before. A car with a driver and a guide picked us up, and we had a nice trip and got a lot of information. And the falls were also pretty from this side, perhaps even prettier because we were higher up, saw them more in the same level.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 0498"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0L3_X3-m ... 7.JPG"></a>
Returned from Zambia we picked up our luggage and ordered a taxi. The drive to the lodge took almost an hour, and on our way we talked about how problem-free the whole trip had been. We had read some negative things about Africa, but in every arrangement, we had made, people had been there in time, nearly more than we have experienced in other countries, and the people we had met seemed to be both very honest and very knowledgably.
MATETSI LODGE
When we arrived to the lodge, the manager stood ready to welcome us. A servant brought us a warm wet towel to clean hands with. Two porters took our luggage. A welcome drink was served in the sitting area, and we were introduced to Mathew, our butler during the stay. Hubby and I smiled to each other, the start was a little overwhelming, and we had never had a butler before! Mathew asked, if he could do anything for us, and I had a question about the time for dinner. We were a little hungry, it had been a busy day, no time to have a proper meal. Mathew told, that the dinner was some hours later, but if we wanted, he would make some sandwiches for us and bring them to the house. We of course said thank you to that offer. So nice to have a butler! Then he showed us our house and explained, where we should put our laundry, so that he could have it washed for us, where we could take wine and other drinks, where to call for a guard, when we want to go out in the evening, also asking which arrangement we want to participate in - sail trip, game drive etc., etc. Everything was all-inclusive, the butler, the laundry, the wine, the sandwiches, the arrangements, we couldn't really believe it.
After Mathew left we looked a little more at the house. It was really nice with a huge bathroom and with a wonderful look to the river. Here the description of the lodge. Perhaps someone might be interested:
"Sumptuous riverside suites: This luxurious safari lodge is situated along Matetsi's private Zambezi River frontage, and is renowned for sophisticated accommodation and sweeping views of the river and surrounding African wilderness.
• Three separate, intimate safari camps
• Each with just six air-conditioned suites
• En suite bathrooms; indoor and outdoor showers
• Private plunge pools
• Breathtaking river views
• Elegant dining and sitting areas
• Near the magnificent Victoria Falls
• African gift shop
Matetsi Water Lodge's three romantic camps - West Water, North Water and East Water - are set on the riverbank under a canopy of lush, riverine trees. Each camp comprises six private suites with vast teak doors that swing open to plunge pools and decks with magnificent river views.
The layout of each camp ensures privacy and intimacy in an idyllic setting. Open sided, thatched guest areas consist of an elegant dining and sitting area with large fireplace. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the intimate riverside dining decks or in a surprise setting in Matetsi's pristine wilderness.
Exciting safari activities: Matetsi's location next to the great Zambezi River offers exhilarating water activities such as boat cruises, canoeing and fishing, in addition to excellent game viewing and birdwatching. You may also enjoy many thrilling adventures at nearby Victoria Falls."
And some pics:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6002"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm8NONVs ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 8386"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm8cuNVs ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6466"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm8lONVs ... 9.JPG"></a>
The only complain we could have had was that the pool wasn't so inviting, needed a little cleaning.
But I'm not sure we would have had the time to use it, so it didn't matter.
Mathew came again with some delicious sandwiches. So nice to have a butler! After having the sandwiches we were ready to unpack. During our unpacking we found out that a moneybag with some extra money, totally about 600-700 US dollars, was missing. We have had the moneybag in our luggade, couldn't really belive that it was stolen and started to empty the luggage on the bed and go through everything and search in all the pockets. But couldn't find it. Decided to search again after dinner, took a bath, changed clothes (had been told that there were no dressing code, liked that, it was still cold in the evening) and waited for the armed guard to pick us up. We were not allowed to go alone in the nights. Not because of fear for criminals but because of fear for wild animals, we were told. The dinner was delicious, and the service was great. We were together with people from different countries and had interesting conversations. But it wasn't totally perfect, couldn't quite help thinking of the missing money.
When we returned to our house, again together with a guard, we got a fright. We knew that we had switched of the light, but now there was light in the house. A little afraid we went in only to discover that Mathew had been there. He had put on the small lamps, emptied the bed for our stuff, drawned the curtains, also a light curtain around the bed, cleaned the bathroom and replaced the used towels etc.. It looked sooo cosy. So nice to have a butler!! We were a little ashamed because of the mess we have made looking for the missing money, the luggage was now moved to the table and the closet. We search one time more after the bag, but no, we had to realize that it was gone.We discussed, where the money had been stolen, thought that it must have been in the manned storeroom at hotel Kingdom. But it had been irresponsible of us just to leave money in the luggage without trying to hide it in some cloth, and everything had been perfect until now. So we decided just to forget about the money, shouldtn't spoil the last two days of the vacation, and hopefully the money would be useful for a poor family. We took a drink and went to bed. And what happens here? The matresses were warm. An electric heater in the bed was on! So funny to have a butler!
When we went for breakfast the next day, our butler was ready to serve us. There was already a tray made with different things as fresh fruits, cheese, bread etc.. In addition to that we could order fresh made warm courses as egg or roasted potatoes. Wonderful! So nice to have a butler!
After the breakfast we were on game drive. And again we had a very competent ranger. There were not so many animals to be seen here as in Botswana, but our ranger could tell a lot about trees and plants. Interesting too.
Home again lunch was served at our terrace with the view to the river- and of course it was Mathew, who brought and arranged it!
In the afternoon we were on a beautiful sail trip on the Zambezi River. Had snacks and wine and a skipper, who knew a lot. But the best was the sunset.
Here some pics. Others are to be seen in a bigger version in a separate topic:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 0066"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R1Aqn33-m ... 2.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 4338"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzms4ONVq ... 1.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6994"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R1AdnH3-m ... 7.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 4514"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R1Ai1H3-m ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 2642"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm53uNVr ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 2466"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0Qrw33-m ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 3170"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0QqN33-m ... 4.JPG"></a>
Coming home we found our laundry washed and ironed. So nice to have a butler! Evening was like the day before with dinner in the dining area and nice conversation with other guests.
The next day we had to go home, but we had found out that if we started early and the ranger would shorten the game drive, we would be able to go on game drive once more. No problem for the ranger! So we were up early. Had only a very light breakfast and off we went. And how lucky can you be? The only animal we have missed to see in Botswana, was a wild dog. And suddenly, close to our returning time, we saw a group of wild dogs hunting impalas. We followed them for a while. It was so exiting to see their tactic, and how they helped each other. In one way I wished they would catch an impala, just to see what would happen then, but in another way, I hoped that the impalas would be too fast for them, they are such beautiful animals. And this time the impalas won! No killing here! But we were so grateful that we the last day and the last hour on game drive had this experience too.
Home again to a delicious breakfast like yesterday. So nice to have a butler! Then packing and a taxi to the airport and "home sweet home".
We were so glad that we had tried this luxury stay too, and it had been so funny to have a butler.
But if someone should ask, if we would have preferred to have stayed there the whole time instead of our stay in the small tent in Botswana with food made over the fire, the answer would be no. We wouldn't have been without the primitive stay, even if we have been offered to have the luxury stay to the same price.
This was the final. Perhaps some of you might be inspired to try a safari, and if there should be any questions I will happily try to answer.
I think that some of the pics deserve to be shown in a bigger version, and I have put them in a separate topic. If I show the big version in the report, I feel it's more difficult to read.
Linne
Later I changed my mind thinking that some of you perhaps would appreciate to have more details.
Then decided to spend the time telling more in this final part of my TR.
VICTORIA FALLS
After a farewell to Philemon and Old John we drove to Victoria Falls. Before the boarder we had to say goodbye to the English lady. Her trip was going to Zambia instead of Zimbabwe, because Robert Mugabe was sore at the English, and therefore people from England had to pay more than double price to have a visa!
We were lodged in hotel Kingdom and had a delicious lunch. A nice hotel. But we didn't like to see the armed security guards going around. Reminded us that Zimbabwe wasn't a secure country. We were of course aware of that, before we booked the journey, but we were told that the government tried to keep Victoria Falls safe, because they need the money from the tourists.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 9218"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/R0QqxX3-m ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 5410"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R0Qq5H3-m ... 6.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 0786"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0QrB33-m ... 5.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 8066"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm7fuNVs ... 2.JPG"></a>
After the lunch we went to what we really have been looking forward to see - the falls. The first we noticed was the noise, a really loud noise. To see the falls was so impressing.Have never seen anything like that. This from the Internet describes the falls better, than I can do:
" The Victoria Falls constitutes one of the most spectacular natural wonders of the world. The Local people call it "Mosi-oa-Tunya" -- the smoke that thunders and the Falls are remarkable. There is a magic about them manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water, the terrifying abyss and tranquil lagoons upstream in which hippo and deadly crocodiles lurk.
The Victoria falls is 1 708 meters wide, making it the largest curtain of water in the world. It drops between 90m and 107m into the Zambezi Gorge and an average of 550,000 cubic metres of water plummet over the edge every minute.
Remarkably preserved in its natural state, Victoria falls inspires visitors as much today as it did David Livingstone in the 1860's. The falls and the surrounding area have been declared National Parks and a World Heritage Site, thus preserving the area from excessive commercialisation. The Falls are spectacular throughout the year, but February onwards, after the rain season, has the heaviest flow and volume of spray "
We had a discussion in the group about Niagara Falls compared to Victoria Falls. Hubby has seen Niagara Falls too, but like some of the others he liked Victoria Falls better due to the surroundings, no buildings or anything, only nature.
Some pics:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6786"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtHuNVq ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 7874"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtJeNVq ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6546"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtOONVq ... 2.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 7634"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtP-NVq ... 3.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6018"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtR-NVq ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 9970"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm9neNVs ... 5.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 1458"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/RzmtauNVq ... 9.JPG"></a>
After this great experience we said goodbye and thank to Mompati, he has been a great guide. Then we returned to the hotel, need some dry cloth.
In the evening there was a buffet in the restaurant with a huge selection of food. And much of it was food, I never had tasted before too example crocodile tails. Interesting! There were only a few guests, think that there were more waiters than guests. You also experienced how the economy was in the country just by looking at the wine card. The cheapest bottle of wine cost 33.000 dollars- Zimbabwe dollars! About 7 US dollars. In Zimbabwe you can talk about a high rate of inflation!! Suddenly we were surprised by an appearance. Local men were dancing for us.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 7538"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm7aONVs ... 0.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 4418"><img src="http://lh4.google.dk/benthe44/R1PbkkTWC ... 1.JPG"></a>
A BUSY DAY
The next morning we had to decide what to do in the two extra days we had for ourselves in Zimbabwe, hadn't booked anything from home, wanted to see what appeared. We wished to buy a figure or something else from Africa - no much shopping on the safari- , also we want to see the famous hotel Victoria Falls, and because people discussed, if the falls were most beautiful in Zimbabwe or in Zambia, we also want to see them from the Zambian side. But where to stay?
When we were in Maun, we got into conversation with the chief cook - his name was Innocent (could we trust one with this name?). He was from Zimbabwe and later in the evening, we had a long talk with him about the situation in the country. He was well educated, but was forced to work in Botswana to earn some money. He didn't really like the job, thought that the people he worked together with from Botswana were lazy, because they knew that they could get economic help from the government. Before they found gold in Botswana, it was a poor country, and at that time the people from Zimbabwe helped them. But now it was the opposite due to Mugabe's government. No work, no money, starving people! One of the waiters was from Zimbabwe too and ended up together with us. We asked about hotels in Victoria Falls, and they told that the native people could have a room much cheaper and insisted to give us a name and a telephone number to one of their friends in Victoria Falls, who could help us. At home we had got a recommendation for Matetsi Lodge, a lodge, which was owned by CC Africa, the company we did the safari with. But we found it too expensive, the price was up to 350 US dollars per person per night (it was " all inclusive", so compared to Caneel it's perhaps cheap). OK, but now we were in Victoria Falls, and we had to decide. Hotel Kingdom was nice, but we want to try something else. We phoned the friend of Innocent a couple of times, bud didn't find him. What about trying to call Matetsi, perhaps they have a good offer? So we did, and they had a good offer, we could stay there for less than half price! We booked at once and were looking forward to have some more game drive. After that we deposited our luggage in a manned room in the hotel and went out to see more of the town and The Victoria Falls Hotel, which presents itself in this way:
"For almost 100 years, visiting members of Royal families, international and local statesmen, and celebrities worldwide, have preferred to stay at The Victoria Falls Hotel, where they are assured of privacy and care. An atmosphere steeped in history, combining the charm of the old with the comfort and convenience of today "
And it is really a special hotel, We were so lucky that one of the employers offered to show us around to see the hotel both the rooms and the suites. It was a great experience. An incredible beautiful dining room, very different suits with charming furniture. Also the surroundings were impressing. Everything very beautiful and well kept. We ended up at the terrace with a view to the falls and the bridge. And like the English in the old days we ordered tea and muffins. But opposite the old days the other guests were young Arabian businessmen in casual cloth , talking in mobiles. An old English gentleman would have opened his eyes wide.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 7778"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm7mONVs ... 1.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 0114"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R1Pe0ETWC ... 2.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 1570"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R0QrKH3-m ... 9.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6498"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R0L1Vn3-m ... 4.JPG"></a>
After the tea drinking we went to a marketplace mainly showing handmade African objects. We were the only white people there, and as far I could see, the only tourists. In the beginning I was not quit happy about that, because very fast some young men surrounded us. But they were polite, just want to sell something to us. Our intention was only to buy a small figure made of soapstone, but before we left, we had bought six. Without using more money that we would had spend at one. If we didn't have had the problem about the weight of our luggage, we would have bought much more. Very nice figures and very cheap.
The next, we had to do, was the trip to Zambia, which we had booked at the hotel the night before. A car with a driver and a guide picked us up, and we had a nice trip and got a lot of information. And the falls were also pretty from this side, perhaps even prettier because we were higher up, saw them more in the same level.
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 0498"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0L3_X3-m ... 7.JPG"></a>
Returned from Zambia we picked up our luggage and ordered a taxi. The drive to the lodge took almost an hour, and on our way we talked about how problem-free the whole trip had been. We had read some negative things about Africa, but in every arrangement, we had made, people had been there in time, nearly more than we have experienced in other countries, and the people we had met seemed to be both very honest and very knowledgably.
MATETSI LODGE
When we arrived to the lodge, the manager stood ready to welcome us. A servant brought us a warm wet towel to clean hands with. Two porters took our luggage. A welcome drink was served in the sitting area, and we were introduced to Mathew, our butler during the stay. Hubby and I smiled to each other, the start was a little overwhelming, and we had never had a butler before! Mathew asked, if he could do anything for us, and I had a question about the time for dinner. We were a little hungry, it had been a busy day, no time to have a proper meal. Mathew told, that the dinner was some hours later, but if we wanted, he would make some sandwiches for us and bring them to the house. We of course said thank you to that offer. So nice to have a butler! Then he showed us our house and explained, where we should put our laundry, so that he could have it washed for us, where we could take wine and other drinks, where to call for a guard, when we want to go out in the evening, also asking which arrangement we want to participate in - sail trip, game drive etc., etc. Everything was all-inclusive, the butler, the laundry, the wine, the sandwiches, the arrangements, we couldn't really believe it.
After Mathew left we looked a little more at the house. It was really nice with a huge bathroom and with a wonderful look to the river. Here the description of the lodge. Perhaps someone might be interested:
"Sumptuous riverside suites: This luxurious safari lodge is situated along Matetsi's private Zambezi River frontage, and is renowned for sophisticated accommodation and sweeping views of the river and surrounding African wilderness.
• Three separate, intimate safari camps
• Each with just six air-conditioned suites
• En suite bathrooms; indoor and outdoor showers
• Private plunge pools
• Breathtaking river views
• Elegant dining and sitting areas
• Near the magnificent Victoria Falls
• African gift shop
Matetsi Water Lodge's three romantic camps - West Water, North Water and East Water - are set on the riverbank under a canopy of lush, riverine trees. Each camp comprises six private suites with vast teak doors that swing open to plunge pools and decks with magnificent river views.
The layout of each camp ensures privacy and intimacy in an idyllic setting. Open sided, thatched guest areas consist of an elegant dining and sitting area with large fireplace. Delicious Pan-African cuisine is served on the intimate riverside dining decks or in a surprise setting in Matetsi's pristine wilderness.
Exciting safari activities: Matetsi's location next to the great Zambezi River offers exhilarating water activities such as boat cruises, canoeing and fishing, in addition to excellent game viewing and birdwatching. You may also enjoy many thrilling adventures at nearby Victoria Falls."
And some pics:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6002"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm8NONVs ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 8386"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm8cuNVs ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6466"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm8lONVs ... 9.JPG"></a>
The only complain we could have had was that the pool wasn't so inviting, needed a little cleaning.
But I'm not sure we would have had the time to use it, so it didn't matter.
Mathew came again with some delicious sandwiches. So nice to have a butler! After having the sandwiches we were ready to unpack. During our unpacking we found out that a moneybag with some extra money, totally about 600-700 US dollars, was missing. We have had the moneybag in our luggade, couldn't really belive that it was stolen and started to empty the luggage on the bed and go through everything and search in all the pockets. But couldn't find it. Decided to search again after dinner, took a bath, changed clothes (had been told that there were no dressing code, liked that, it was still cold in the evening) and waited for the armed guard to pick us up. We were not allowed to go alone in the nights. Not because of fear for criminals but because of fear for wild animals, we were told. The dinner was delicious, and the service was great. We were together with people from different countries and had interesting conversations. But it wasn't totally perfect, couldn't quite help thinking of the missing money.
When we returned to our house, again together with a guard, we got a fright. We knew that we had switched of the light, but now there was light in the house. A little afraid we went in only to discover that Mathew had been there. He had put on the small lamps, emptied the bed for our stuff, drawned the curtains, also a light curtain around the bed, cleaned the bathroom and replaced the used towels etc.. It looked sooo cosy. So nice to have a butler!! We were a little ashamed because of the mess we have made looking for the missing money, the luggage was now moved to the table and the closet. We search one time more after the bag, but no, we had to realize that it was gone.We discussed, where the money had been stolen, thought that it must have been in the manned storeroom at hotel Kingdom. But it had been irresponsible of us just to leave money in the luggage without trying to hide it in some cloth, and everything had been perfect until now. So we decided just to forget about the money, shouldtn't spoil the last two days of the vacation, and hopefully the money would be useful for a poor family. We took a drink and went to bed. And what happens here? The matresses were warm. An electric heater in the bed was on! So funny to have a butler!
When we went for breakfast the next day, our butler was ready to serve us. There was already a tray made with different things as fresh fruits, cheese, bread etc.. In addition to that we could order fresh made warm courses as egg or roasted potatoes. Wonderful! So nice to have a butler!
After the breakfast we were on game drive. And again we had a very competent ranger. There were not so many animals to be seen here as in Botswana, but our ranger could tell a lot about trees and plants. Interesting too.
Home again lunch was served at our terrace with the view to the river- and of course it was Mathew, who brought and arranged it!
In the afternoon we were on a beautiful sail trip on the Zambezi River. Had snacks and wine and a skipper, who knew a lot. But the best was the sunset.
Here some pics. Others are to be seen in a bigger version in a separate topic:
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/040 ... 0066"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R1Aqn33-m ... 2.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 4338"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/Rzms4ONVq ... 1.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 6994"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R1AdnH3-m ... 7.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 4514"><img src="http://lh3.google.dk/benthe44/R1Ai1H3-m ... 4.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 2642"><img src="http://lh5.google.dk/benthe44/Rzm53uNVr ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 2466"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0Qrw33-m ... 8.JPG"></a>
<a href="http://picasaweb.google.dk/benthe44/Saf ... 3170"><img src="http://lh6.google.dk/benthe44/R0QqN33-m ... 4.JPG"></a>
Coming home we found our laundry washed and ironed. So nice to have a butler! Evening was like the day before with dinner in the dining area and nice conversation with other guests.
The next day we had to go home, but we had found out that if we started early and the ranger would shorten the game drive, we would be able to go on game drive once more. No problem for the ranger! So we were up early. Had only a very light breakfast and off we went. And how lucky can you be? The only animal we have missed to see in Botswana, was a wild dog. And suddenly, close to our returning time, we saw a group of wild dogs hunting impalas. We followed them for a while. It was so exiting to see their tactic, and how they helped each other. In one way I wished they would catch an impala, just to see what would happen then, but in another way, I hoped that the impalas would be too fast for them, they are such beautiful animals. And this time the impalas won! No killing here! But we were so grateful that we the last day and the last hour on game drive had this experience too.
Home again to a delicious breakfast like yesterday. So nice to have a butler! Then packing and a taxi to the airport and "home sweet home".
We were so glad that we had tried this luxury stay too, and it had been so funny to have a butler.
But if someone should ask, if we would have preferred to have stayed there the whole time instead of our stay in the small tent in Botswana with food made over the fire, the answer would be no. We wouldn't have been without the primitive stay, even if we have been offered to have the luxury stay to the same price.
This was the final. Perhaps some of you might be inspired to try a safari, and if there should be any questions I will happily try to answer.
I think that some of the pics deserve to be shown in a bigger version, and I have put them in a separate topic. If I show the big version in the report, I feel it's more difficult to read.
Linne
Glad you like the report.
Sea Nile!
Number one on our Top Ten vacation list is actually 2 destinations:
Greenland:
The nature is just fantastic, and we visited some friends living there. Because of them we had special experiences as too example to drive dodge sledge, so we could see the beautiful icebergs close to, to go fishing on the ice fiord together with the locals, to stay some days alone in their very small and primitive cottage in a small island. And sunshine every day, but very, very cold.
Sulawesi:
We travelled around for three weeks and had incredible many unforgettable experiences. The island, the culture and the religions there are so different and so special from place to place. One day we participated in a big burial up in the mountain as the only tourists. There were hundreds of local people coming with pigs and calves. Really a big celebration for several days (one day was enough for us, the smell from the slaughtering was horrible). The late person has been dead for 8 month, but it takes time to plan such a burial and to save money for it. The last days in our vacation we stayed on a little island, named Bunaken, with fantastic snorkel possibilities.
But when you get your diving certificate, I can recommend you to go to Ras Mohamed in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, that’s the best place we have been snorkelling. Perhentian Islands and Tioman in Malaysia, Eliat in Israel, Bunaken in Sulawesi and the Maldives can share the next places. We have also had good snorkel experiences in different island in Thailand.
But I’m still dreaming about the beaches on St. John!! We liked this vacation too.
Linne
Sea Nile!
Number one on our Top Ten vacation list is actually 2 destinations:
Greenland:
The nature is just fantastic, and we visited some friends living there. Because of them we had special experiences as too example to drive dodge sledge, so we could see the beautiful icebergs close to, to go fishing on the ice fiord together with the locals, to stay some days alone in their very small and primitive cottage in a small island. And sunshine every day, but very, very cold.
Sulawesi:
We travelled around for three weeks and had incredible many unforgettable experiences. The island, the culture and the religions there are so different and so special from place to place. One day we participated in a big burial up in the mountain as the only tourists. There were hundreds of local people coming with pigs and calves. Really a big celebration for several days (one day was enough for us, the smell from the slaughtering was horrible). The late person has been dead for 8 month, but it takes time to plan such a burial and to save money for it. The last days in our vacation we stayed on a little island, named Bunaken, with fantastic snorkel possibilities.
But when you get your diving certificate, I can recommend you to go to Ras Mohamed in Sharm el Sheik, Egypt, that’s the best place we have been snorkelling. Perhentian Islands and Tioman in Malaysia, Eliat in Israel, Bunaken in Sulawesi and the Maldives can share the next places. We have also had good snorkel experiences in different island in Thailand.
But I’m still dreaming about the beaches on St. John!! We liked this vacation too.
Linne
Last edited by linne on Wed Dec 05, 2007 4:11 am, edited 1 time in total.
Thanks for these OT trip reports and cool photos.
Always enjoy reading these first person stories about and seeing photos of exotic places, made by regular folks like us or by the pros in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
Always enjoy reading these first person stories about and seeing photos of exotic places, made by regular folks like us or by the pros in magazines like National Geographic Traveler.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Sulawesi?? I'm pretty good at geography, but I had to look that one up. Here's what I found:
Sulawesi is the world's eleventh-largest island, covering an area of 174,600 km². The island is surrounded by Borneo to the west, by the Philippines to the north, by Maluku to the east, and by Flores and Timor to the south. It has a distinctive shape, dominated by four large peninsulas: the Semenanjung Minahassa; the East Peninsula; the South Peninsula; and the South-east Peninsula. The central part of the island is ruggedly mountainous, such that the island's peninsulas have traditionally been remote from each other, with better connections by sea than by road.
Sulawesi is the world's eleventh-largest island, covering an area of 174,600 km². The island is surrounded by Borneo to the west, by the Philippines to the north, by Maluku to the east, and by Flores and Timor to the south. It has a distinctive shape, dominated by four large peninsulas: the Semenanjung Minahassa; the East Peninsula; the South Peninsula; and the South-east Peninsula. The central part of the island is ruggedly mountainous, such that the island's peninsulas have traditionally been remote from each other, with better connections by sea than by road.
When we come to place where the sea and the sky collide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Throw me over the edge and let my spirit glide
Thank you jmq! Did you see the pictures in the separate topic? It seems as if not so many people see them, and I think, they are so nice.
About Sulawesi I can tell that I didn’t know the island either, before I read about it in a travel magazine. The magazine had a competition about which island was the best in the East. About 10 journalist should vote for the most interesting culture, the best beaches, the best snorkelling etc.,etc., and Sulawesi won in most of the categories and was also the overall winner. I was so surprised because well known paradise islands as Bali and the Seychelles were beaten. So we decided that we had to visit this place. Unfortunately it isn’t the safest place to stay. Problems between the Muslims and the Chinese. But still it’s strange that many people (it’s the same in Denmark) don’t know an island in nearly the same size as England.
About Sulawesi I can tell that I didn’t know the island either, before I read about it in a travel magazine. The magazine had a competition about which island was the best in the East. About 10 journalist should vote for the most interesting culture, the best beaches, the best snorkelling etc.,etc., and Sulawesi won in most of the categories and was also the overall winner. I was so surprised because well known paradise islands as Bali and the Seychelles were beaten. So we decided that we had to visit this place. Unfortunately it isn’t the safest place to stay. Problems between the Muslims and the Chinese. But still it’s strange that many people (it’s the same in Denmark) don’t know an island in nearly the same size as England.
Linne,
Thank you so very much for your entire trip report. I loved the pictures and felt I was sharing in your adventures. You did such a wonderful job telling about your travels. I hope some day to be able to have my own adventures on a Safari.
I was thinking about all the butler did for you and wondering just how much you tip someone for all that service. I would probably want to give him about $100 a day. You can tell I'm not too used to being spoiled like that.
Again, thanks. Where are you going next?
Gerie
Thank you so very much for your entire trip report. I loved the pictures and felt I was sharing in your adventures. You did such a wonderful job telling about your travels. I hope some day to be able to have my own adventures on a Safari.
I was thinking about all the butler did for you and wondering just how much you tip someone for all that service. I would probably want to give him about $100 a day. You can tell I'm not too used to being spoiled like that.
Again, thanks. Where are you going next?
Gerie
Hello gelopee!
I’m glad you have read the report, because actually it was you, who inspired me to tell about our safari, and the fact that there came an off topic forum, get me started.
I can't remember exactly how much we tipped the butler, but I think it was about 100 dollars totally. When we arrived we got a paper telling that the tip was included, but if we wanted to give something, we could give it to a shared pool. We did that too, when we left. Normally we don't give much tip in Denmark, it's included in the prices, which I prefer. But this stay was so special, so we felt that we had to give something.
We haven't planned any longer trip next year. Normally we only have an “adventure” vacation every second or third year. But every year we go to Spain, so that will be the next trip. But I still have still a lot of places, I would like to see. We have too example never been in Australia. But I would also like to see more of USA. Have only been there this year.
Linne
I’m glad you have read the report, because actually it was you, who inspired me to tell about our safari, and the fact that there came an off topic forum, get me started.
I can't remember exactly how much we tipped the butler, but I think it was about 100 dollars totally. When we arrived we got a paper telling that the tip was included, but if we wanted to give something, we could give it to a shared pool. We did that too, when we left. Normally we don't give much tip in Denmark, it's included in the prices, which I prefer. But this stay was so special, so we felt that we had to give something.
We haven't planned any longer trip next year. Normally we only have an “adventure” vacation every second or third year. But every year we go to Spain, so that will be the next trip. But I still have still a lot of places, I would like to see. We have too example never been in Australia. But I would also like to see more of USA. Have only been there this year.
Linne
