Last March I resolved to visit the famous falls of Zimbabwe, on my way to research and friends in South Africa. The drive from the airport struck me with the resemblance to my old stomping ground — in fact, it sits directly above Limpopo province, where Peace Corps trained us in isiZulu and rural living. The chief difference, I found, lay in its residents’ sunny confidence in safety from crime.
Nothing expands my mental map like treading the ground of a new country. I discovered that Victoria Falls joins in a crooked cross with three other countries — Botswana, Zambia, and Namibia — with Angola not far beyond. If I had lengthened my visit, I would have jumped aboard a game drive rumbling from the Zambezi River to one of these venture further afield.
As it was, I contented myself with all the proud offerings of this destination town, from the thundering waters to a puppet show, river cruise, and elegant afternoon tea:
my lodgings for the visit! 
Afternoon tea at the Victoria Falls Hotel, the swankiest accommodation in town 
Simunye, a vibrant performance complete with lifesize elephant puppets 
The director, Mongiwekhaya, also composed a play that I’m researching for my doctorate! 
The actors invited us on-stage after the show… 
….to pose with the royalty! 
ziplining across the Zambezi River gorge! 
a dizzying sense of the depths, and it’s over all too soon 
In the national park home to the falls, I encountered more than tourists for company 
“The Smoke that Thunders” – the indigenous name for this natural wonder 
a special surprise, tucked behind the corner! 
The Zambezi River Cruise treated me to five courses — including ostrick steak! 
If you’re keen to visit anywhere in southern Africa, you won’t be disappointed with Victoria Falls!
