Mukuni Curio Market

This is the perfect place to get all the little gifts for people back home. It’s like a smaller version of Sunday Market in Lusaka. A lot of the work is the same, but I enjoy taking my time and going through looking for unique items specific to the artist. The people are very friendly, a little pushy, but just trying to make a living. It’s okay to bargain with them as the first price they give you will almost always be high. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything, just politely say you’re not interested in it and move on if someone is being pushy. All in all, there are some beautiful artworks here, it’s a cute, colorful, little market. You can’t miss it if you’re walking along the main road.

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** I regret to inform you that the featured image is not mine. I am using a photo from google images, If it is your image please tell me and I will credit you, or remove it if you wish

Gorge Swing

I didn’t do the gorge swing myself but two of my friends did and I went along to take photos. There are a number of companies that do swings, ziplines, and bungee jumping along the gorges. We arranged ours through the hostel we were staying at (Fawlty Towers). We were picked up from our lodge and brought to the gorge. My two friends decided to go tandum. If you’re willing to do this or bungee jumping I have SO much respect for you it looks terrifying. They were instructed on all the technical details, strapped in, and fell backwards off the cliff. It was so cool to watch! You get to see beautiful views over the gorge. They swung back and forth about five times and then were lowered into the jungle below where someone was waiting for them, and then they hiked back up to the top, it took about 30 minutes. They absolutely loved it! I think I’ll take their word for it. If you’re a thrill seeker you should definitely put this on your list.

https://zambeziecoadventures.com

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is the number one must see if you come to Zambia. It is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. Entering the park on the Zambian side is about 7 kwacha for locals and about $10-20 for foreigners. There are curio shops, and little cafés right inside the entrance. As you’re walking through the park there are three trails… well four really. One goes up by the river before the falls, depending on the time of year is how far this trail goes. The main trail goes right in front of the falls, during high season you get SOAKED. Do not bring phones or electronics on this path, my friend lost his new iphone this way. They also sell rain coats and other bags to wear to stay dry but I think its such an amazing experience to just get soaked by the falls and to feel the mist hitting you. But I realize that experience is not for everyone. This path also leads to a bridge right in front of the falls, walk slowly as it is slippery when wet. It leads to an island/mountain/hill where you can get views of the Zimbabwe side of the falls, and the walkways on the Zimbabwe side. The second trail is more of a hike. It goes straight down into the first gorge to what is called the boiling point. From the bottom you can see where all the water from the falls comes together to push through a small opening. Seeing the strength of the water is truly incredible. Hiking this trail takes about 40 minutes each way. Bring water, and take breaks if needed. The third trail goes along the back of the gorge for more of a distance view of the falls. You also get a nice view of the bridge here, the one the first trail goes over, as well as the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Beware, we got to the end of the trail and there were men reaching through the fence trying to sell us bracelets, and to get us to come on a tour, it was a little creepy, so we just walked away. Another warning, on the boiling pot trail, and the last trail I discussed there are a lot of monkeys (baboons? Some sort of primate). They are known for steaking things from tourists, they’re definitely not afraid of people. DO NOT bring shop rite bags on the trail! The monkeys know that they contain food and they will be stolen from you. Hold on to your passport and wallet well when on this trail. The trails here are also not like those in America where there is a guard rail to keep you from falling off the edge of a cliff. You will fall off if you get to close to the edge and slip. I was trying to get a picture near the edge and slipped on the loose gravel and realized how easily I could have slid farther. Be careful and use common sense. The falls are highest in March-June, and lowest in October-January. High or low it is still incredible to see, it’s one of the 7 natural wonders of the earth and the pride of Zambia.