Activities available from the Stanley Safari Lodge
2005
Dream, Dare, Doze, Defy, Delight
The Victoria Falls area is a protected World Heritage Site and ranks as one of the 7 natural
Wonders of the World. The Stanley Safari lodge is designed to ensure that you combine relaxed
and luxurious seclusion with the perfect
vantage point from which to explore and experience the extraordinary wonders that surround you
here. Please take a few minutes to have a look through the cross-section of activities that you can
experience whilst you are guests with us.
Make sure that you advise us of your choice as early as possible to ensure availability (many
activities are restricted numbers) and no later than 16.00 on the day before to guarantee your
reservation. We bill all activities to your account which you may settle on day of departure.
All figures below are in US$ and are based upon 2 people sharing unless otherwise specified.
These prices are correct for Jan – Dec 2005.
You may settle in cash, VISA/MasterCard credit/debit cards or via travellers cheques
We accept US Dollars, Euros, Sterling and SA Rand cash and travellers cheques
We have done ALL of the activities and have chosen the best operators in terms of quality,
reliability and value for money – we would value your feedback.
The Stanley Star Scale
For your guidance we have rated the activities in terms of difficulty (not
scariness!):
*
The easiest – suitable for any able bodied person
**
Requires some walking and/or getting in and out of high vehicles
***
More gentle exercise that you may find tiring in the heat, requiring medium fitness
****
Activity requiring some strength and or fitness – tiring – you ’ll need a rest afterwards
* * * * * Bloody hard work! Knackering!
Please let us know if you agree!
Falls perspectives:
Victoria Falls stroll.
The perfect way to start your stay. A gentle stroll from the Local market through the indigenous
rainforest cloaking the falls from the Zambian side. A World Heritage site you really should not
miss this. A chance to view the falls and rainbows from the best vantage points
along the length of the gorge and down under the border bridge down the Songwe gorge
downstream. The walk takes about 40 minutes - 1-2 hour and is quite easy going.
We will advise you of the state of the river prior to departure so you are prepared for the spray
levels!
*
Difficulty rating
There are 48 steps and a couple of steepish slopes.
During the rainy season you will be drenched with the spray (even if you do hire the oilskins
available on the walk)
Stanley top tips: Slip proof shoes – algae coats some of the paths, keep your camera in a plastic
bag. Wear clothes you don’t mind getting wet (some of our guests have done the walk in Bikinis!).
Take some spare cash as the
entrance to the park is located in one of the best curio markets in the area
The Livingstone Island Experience
Only available during low water periods – typically from July to February – this is unquestionably
the Experience that everyone raves about. You’ll be transported in a small speedboat from the
Royal Livingstone Jetty to the islet on the lip of the falls where Livingstone first glimpsed the
111m drop. Offering unquestionably the best perspectives of the falls and gorge from anywhere
this activity is strictly restricted to 12 people max per visit so early booking is vital. Each trip varies
slightly in terms of the time you have at the edge of the Falls, the buffet offered in their luxury
palanquin and the time available to swim in the Devil’s Pool.
The devils pool is a life experience for most and involves an aquatic/paddle/scramble/swim
across 15m of stream to the pool at the edge of the falls where you may swim, dive or enjoy a
Zambezi Jacuzzi within inches of the cliff edge! This peak life experience is guided by
experienced, enthusiastic and acrobatic guides who guard your valuables while you swim as well
as take your photos while you swim. The devils pool swim is an optional extra only available
when conditions allow. It is not guaranteed
You’ll have to be able to get in and out of a small speedboat from the beach and swim/crawl in
flowing water (assisted by guides) for about 15 meters.
The river is rocky and slippery in places
Difficulty rating
**
There are three options per day – return times are approximate.
Morning dep 0800 ret 11.00 includes light breakfast, tea coffee biscuits and about 1 hour on the
island
Lunch dep 11.30 ret 3.00 includes deluxe buffet lunch served with open bar and Pimms and an
extended 2 hour visit on the island
High Tea dep 14.30 ret 17.00 includes sandwich buffet coffee tea and free bar. Slightly shorter
time on the island - about 1.5 hours
Stanley top tips: flip-flops or rubber soled shoes to grip and protect your feet against the rocks are
a good idea. Don’t forget your swimwear if you are going to the devils pool!
The Lunar Rainbow
The spray mist from the falls is only high enough for maybe six months a year, for maybe two of
these cloud may obscure the moon. So perhaps only 4 times a year will it be possible to witness
this extraordinary natural event - unique to the Victoria Falls.
As the moon rises and changes from crimson to white above the horizon, the falls are illuminated
in ghostly light and at around 20.30 an extraordinary blue rainbow appears above the spray. Truly
one of the rarest natural phenomena in the World we can only obviously offer this experience on
the day itself as its appearance is subject to cloud and spray conditions. We strongly urge
everyone in Stanley on that night to reserve a seat. We'll transfer you to the Falls where an
experienced guide will walk you to the best vantage points along the upstream section of the falls
- a light champagne buffet is included. We usually dice earlier on these nights and aim to be at
the Falls at around 20.30. The most haunting and spiritual Falls view.
Difficulty Rating
*
Water Bourne
The African Queen
Christened after the Bogart and Bacall's classic vessel this restored Edwardian two storey
steamer has been a feature of the Zambezi for decades. Teak deck and chrome balustrades
evoke the glamour of a century ago. This is one of the most popular and convivial activities along
the Waterfront and attracts large numbers every night for the Sunset "booze-cruise". Whilst the
sun may set into the sleek Zambezi waters - the level of your gin ad tonic will never go down.......
This evening excursion appeals obviously to more gregarious guests and can be quite boisterous
- a fun way to watch the sun go down on the water and maybe meet others staying in other
lodges and hotels.
River Safari
On Smaller flat bottomed safari boats, groups of usually less than 8 and experienced safari guide
will take you into upstream along the shores of the national Park and then you float down
alongside the shore and witness the game and birds all coming to drink from the river at dusk.
Tranquil peaceful and one of the most gentle ways to game view at dusk away from the busier
sections of the river. Perennially popular, this is often the nicest way to spend your first night at
Stanley and is a wonderful introduction to the Zambezi.
Drinks and snacks are provided and you will be returned to the lodge in time for your evening
meal
Staley Difficulty rating
*
Canoe Safari
As the river braids you embark on 2 man Canadian style canoes at Sindabezi island and float and
gently paddle downstream as your guide navigates you to where the best game viewing can be
had in some of the hidden tranquil areas of the Upper Zambezi. Available as half day excursions
this is a absolute MUST for birder as you will encounter water-birds here that you'll not see
anywhere else in this part of Zambia
Staley Difficulty rating
***
Air – Raising activities
A trio of exciting and innovative ways to view the falls from above are
available during your stay here: all are rated
Stanley Difficulty Scale
*
Helicopter Flights
From the exclusive heliport just 10 minutes away from the Stanley the pilots whisk you away on
one of their 3 brand new helicopters offering unparalleled photographic opportunities as you
swoop across the
borders, game and close above the drop:
Available at
15 min – the rightly christened flight of angels across the falls and National Park
Or 30 mins (recommended) where you circle the falls then swoop down into the Songwe Gorge
itself and skim down the river across 10 rapids to return across the National Park to base.
Tiger Moth Flights
Evocative of the 1920’s, Out of Africa and the English Patient, the Tiger Moth Flight offers either a
30 minute or 20 minute sorties across the bush to the falls and National park in a beautifully
restored and maintained
authentic Tiger Moth. Only one passenger (and Pilot!) at a time
Microlighting
Just you, a pilot, a hang-glider canopy and a single prop propels you through the sky at lower
altitudes and feeling truly part of nature this is not for people who fear heights!
Only available between 7h00-10h00 or 15h30-17h30
Stanley Top Tips:
The Tiger Moth provides goggles and the leather cap – you take your own silk scarf to billow
behind you!
Microlights forbid any personal items that might fall onto those below – so you won’t be allowed
your own camera. So take (or buy there) a 35mm film
that they put into their fixed wing camera that the pilot will snap away with to capture your flight
for posterity
Furry, Feathered and Finned
Mosi Oa Tunya National Park
Founded in 1932 this is the smallest National Park in Zambia which means that you can get
around and see the denser concentrations of animal more quickly and efficiently for those an
tighter timetable. We would not generally recommend those in transit to or from the great safari
parks of the Okavango Delta, Chobe or Kruger on this visit as they will have ample time to
experience game in those environments. However your highpoint here may be to see the only 2
white Rhino in Zambia roaming free in the park. Other species include, Elephant, Zebra, the
endemic
Thorneycroft’s Giraffe, Kudu, Waterbuck, Impala, Bushbuck Vervets and Buffalo. There are no
big cats or predators within the park and so the game is approachable and unafraid.
There are several ways to enjoy our National Park:
Game Drive
Available in half day drives I the morning and evening, the morning drive picks you up from
Stanley at 08.00 and you should return at around 12.30. the evening drive collects you at 3pm
and returns you to Stanley at 18.30 in
ample time for sunset drinks.
Stanley Difficulty rating
**
Walking Safari
Pioneered in the Great parks of Luangwa and now available across Zambia, These half day
excursions allow you to experience the sights, sounds, feel and smell of the bush. Chaperoned by
an experienced local guide, to walk through the bush observing not only the big game at close
quarters but also experiencing the smaller, often overlooked fauna and flora that make the Africa
bush the rich ecosystem that is unique on the planet.
Walking Safari are half day either morning or afternoon, include refreshments and transport to
and from Stanley.
Stanley Difficulty rating
***
Elephant-back Safari
Thought to be completely untameable since the time of Hannibal, this herd of African elephants
comprise orphans from across southern Africa who have been acclimated to humans over the
past 30 years and now offer an amazing way to travel through the national Park and view the
scenery and wildlife unnoticed by the other species. The unrelated individuals have formed a herd
that inter-relates freely with the local wild elephants to the extent that one of them has just
produced a calf (born September 2004). One of the highlights for most people is the chance to
interact, feed pet and experience closeness with these amazing, enormous beasts.
Livingstone is one of only 4 places on the planet where you can actually ride upon these
magnificent animals.
More a short walk than a safari this is available at dawn and dusk each day. Included hearty
buffet breakfast and high tea refreshments.
Stanley Star Scale **
Dawn Ride: Dep 6h15 Ret 11h00 or
Dusk : Dep 15.00 Arrive 17.30
Stanley top tips: Stretch before you go! You ride the saddle astride and elephants are MUCH
wider than horses…… You’ll come back walking like John Wayne. Don’t forget your $10 pp
National park entrance fee – this is not
included. Don’t forget the camera for unique photos of you with adult African Elephants
Horse Back Safari
For those of you missing their equine companions this day or half day excursion is the ideal way
to combine both riding and safari. Atop a horse you resemble merely another zebra or harmless
beast and so your chances of wandering your steed unnoticed through herds of game are high
and will provide the magical manner to observe and not disturb Horses and ponies are available
for all standard of seat and can be a happy way to introduce yourselves to the local polo team
(matches Thursdays and Sundays).
Wear sensible fitting long trousers, long sleeved shirt and hat to avoid sunstroke and plenty of Hi
sun-protection cream
Stanley Difficulty rating
***
Chobe National Park
Domain of the Elephant: Chobe is home to 1/3 of all the African Elephants in the Word, Chobe
stretches from the Zambian border crossing over the Chobe river at Kasane towards the massive
expanse of the Okavango Delta
This day trip is perfect for those who have not included a safari activity in their itinerary and who
long to see vast herds of elephant and all the of the big game in their natural environment. An
early wake up call here (07.00) and roughly 90 minutes later you’ll be crossing the Chobe river
into one of the most celebrated game parks in Africa
Including lunch and all refreshments this is perhaps our most popular activity at the Stanley.
You’ll be returned to the Stanley at 18.00 in plenty of time for sunset drinks and dinner You’ll
spend most for the day in open sided safari vehicles so please take good sun precautions
Stanley Difficulty rating
**
Fishing on the Zambezi
From its source in the Angolan hills to its mouth in the Indian Ocean in Mozambique the Zambezi
is habitat to an amazing diversity of fish species – most of which are found no where else in the
World, provide excellent
fighting sport….and dinner Your guide will direct you to the likeliest fishing hole likely to deliver
the trophies you are looking for. The fish stocks remain high because, within the national park, we
enforce a strict catch and release policy – so photo trophies only here From the unbelievable
Tiger fish to the massive giant catfish (vundu) you’ll
also encounter Chessa, (the indigenous Tilapia/Bream) Nembwe (yellow bellied bream), as well
as a humpbacked bream, Squeakers (little yellow spotted catfish) nkupi, bottlenose – species you
will have never fished for before
Available as a half day excursion on the morning or after noon you’ll only need quietly coloured
clothing and sun protection measures against the water glare. Polaroid glasses are an
advantage. All equipment bait and some
light refreshments are provided inclusive.
Stanley Difficulty rating
**
Ornithology/Birdwatching
With nearly 1000 species recorded across the country, Zambia is one of the undiscovered birding
treasures of the World. The tiny firefinches, cordon Bleus, paradise flycatchers, whydahs, bulbuls
and white fronted bee eaters
that you see from your chalet are the tiniest of appetizers to what you can see within moments of
the lodge. The Livingstone area provides a crossection of habitats from craggy cliffs, tropical
jungle, jesse scrub, mopane woodland, dry sandscapes and almost everything in-between each
with its only complement of specifically adapted avifauna. Local lifers include the Taita Falcon,
Carmine bee eater, Fin-Foot, Rock Pratincole, White-backed Night heron, Pennant winged
nightjar We entrust you to perhaps the most celebrated ornithological ‘character’ in Southern
Africa… ‘Bob the Birder’ Decades of local experience and knowledge allows him to confidently
enquire what species you’d like to see and then either take you to them, or as often, mimic their
call and produce the
fellow on demand. Invariably I unforgettable experience – this is an activity that we recommend
with all our heart to anyone who’d like some guidance through the most stupefying collation of
birdlife anywhere. Book and then start gasping – unforgettable You just need reliable footwear for
walking and usual sun protection – books and binoculars and refreshments are provided.
Available as a full day and half day excursion that lasts as long as the birds keep coming….
Stanley Difficulty rating
**
Culture, Anthropology and History
Mukuni Village
Livingstone’s history stretches way back for centuries before the first European settlers colonized.
The village of Mukuni has records of continuous occupation stretching back some 700 years.
Ruled over by the joint chief and chieftainess life continues here much as it has for the past 7
centuries. A visit here offers you the authentic reality of life in rural Zambia. You’ll be dropped
under the tree where Stanley waited for 2 days for a meeting with the then chief Mukuni and then
your village guide will show you around the village going about it’s normal daily business,
cracking nuts for cookking oil, fetching water, brewing sorghum beer and crop harvesting. The
recent tourism boom has helped this subsistence farming community greatly and you may visit
the craftsmen who produce the wonderful traditional carvings, adornments and curios. You’ll be
able to pick them up from the street stall here more cheaply than in the markets in town and by
the falls. The visit can take an hour or longer if you prefer and is possible any time of the day by
arrangement with the manager.
Stanley Star rating
*
Stanley top tips
Remember some small cash for tips and purchasing locally crafted items.
The Leya word for thank-you is Twalumba! (ask Mike!!!!)
Livingstone Museum
Recently restored as part of the Livingstone 150 years celebration this year (2005) this charming
old building is the repository of some extraordinary artefacts from Zambia’s prehistory, the early
20th century as well as some priceless artefacts of both David Livingstone and Henry Morton
Stanley’s travels through the area.
A short 15 minute drive from the Stanley Safari Lodge, this visit can be arranged at any time with
the manager
Stanley Star rating
*
Stanley top tips
Errrrrr can’t think of any! It’s a museum for God’s sake!
Songwe Traditional village
Perched right on the lip of the Songwe gorge between the 10th and 12th rapids this village has
been designed and crafted to provide an absolutely authentic experience of living in a Zambian
village. The roundavels have been constructed exactly as they would be in the next door village
but with some added refinements for your comfort. Water is piped uphill from the Zambezi 110m
beneath your feet, there is no electricity and light and cooking is all by fire/flame.
You are welcome to stay there over night and participate in making the communal msasa wood
fire, preparing food in the traditional manner and watching the sun sink behind the Great Songwe
gorge. The hosts will regale you with local folklore as well as demonstrate the skills crafts and
traditions of the area. Couples or groups of up to 10 people max are able to transfer there (1
hour) and spend the night under the stars as guests of the Songwe Villagers and explore the
surrounding area and gorge with the
villagers as their guide. A must for people wanting to escape the tourist areas and feel the real
Africa beneath their feet.
Stanley Star rating
*
Stanley top tips
Have a bath! There is a dawn and dusk bathroom each side of the village where you can soak
whilst watching the sun rise and set respectively - unforgettable charge your camera batteries or
take spares – there’s NO electricity!
Pulse Pumpers!
OK this is what you have all been waiting for! Livingstone is the acknowledged venture capital of
the World and tens of thousands of adrenaline junkies flock here to experience life time highs,
endorphin rushes and the exhilaration of the kaleidoscope of daring and breathtaking adventures
on offer here. Below we list a few of our favourites and those
that have been rave reviewed from those of our guests who have done them...... and returned!
White water rafting
The jewel in the crown of activities from Livingstone, the stretch of the Zambezi downstream from
the falls is universally hailed as the most challenging as well as longest stretch of rapids
anywhere in the World - We
will not try and best the superlatives that have already been lavish on the 24 cataracts rapids and
death defying falls that characterise our 24 rapid stretch. You'll be tossed flipped bounced and
catapaulted against standing waves of
water before plummeting through vertiginous gorge drops. Patently this activity is only suitable for
good swimmers comfortable in very rough water.
Between the rapids you'll float or gently paddle through some of the most beautiful landscape in
Africa and see sights that are only visible from the river This will be without question an
experience that you will never forget
HOWEVER
This comes at a price! the only access to the start of the rafting is a vertiginous walk down the
side of the canyon - aided by fixed logs these become ladders in the steeper places. It is an
extremely exerting half hour on the way down...... on the way back up afterwards it is
unspeakably dreadful - and for extra humiliation - your guides will lope effortlessly past you on the
vertical slopes carrying a 100kg pack on their backs. At the summit your clothes will have rapidly
dried of Zambezi water and be drenched again with your sweat - you'll be offered beers soft
drinks and a delicious buffet and be feeling quite pleased with yourself and feeling relaxed and
exhilarated from your experience - HAHA! The transfer back here is on a 1st world war vintage
un-sprung Russian truck across terrain that better
qualifies as a big dipper than a road. A full hour and half later at Stanley - well, if you ever had
any, you will have no cellulite left!
With pleasure comes pain so please bear this in mind when reserving you place. Be aware that
different stretches of the river are open at different times of the year as the river's height
fluctuates. Check with us what's available when you arrive. There is the option of a heli lift out
(min 4 people) that will effectively double the cost - but you wont know what a bargain that is until
you're half way back!
Stanley Difficulty Rating
*****
Bungee Jump
From the centre of the bridge that spans the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe this Bungee
jump is the second highest in the World. 111m drop into thin air is perhaps THE Worlds biggest
adrenaline rush. Not particularly physically difficult - all you do is....jump....mentally, however, you
have to be , well , mental!
Available throughout the day this activity has a 100% safety record - Over to you!
Stanley Difficulty rating
*
Wave boarding/Kayaking
Managed by the same team as the white water rafting this locally invented sporting duo requires
strength and coordination to ride the high-as-a-house standing waves at each rapid. The guides
are international competitive canoers and surfers and will give you their experience and tips to
achieve a high impossible anywhere else in the World. These activities are also available in
conjunction with a half day rafting. Obviously only really suits people with a high level of fitness
and athleticism who are comfortable in very rough water.
Stanley Difficulty rating
Flying Fox
Gorge Swing
*****