For 34 years I have loved southern Africa and explored as much of the region as my budget allowed.
So when I was invited by Extraordinary and Africa Albida Tourism to fly with SA Airlink via the new Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA) to Livingstone Airport in Zambia, my bags were packed in a jiffy.
Daily flights from Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town are offered to KMIA near Nelspruit
With the introduction of three weekly return flights (Monday, Wednesday and Friday) between KMIA and Livingstone, visitors are offered connections between two of the sub-continent's most famous locations - the Lowveld and Kruger Park area and Victoria Falls.
On arrival in Livingstone, I was collected by Wild Horizons, expertly ferried me from one point to another. Shadrack, the first of many competent drivers, saw to my first transfer and guided me through both Zambian and Zimbabwean passport controls. For those of us travelling on non-African passports, there are visa costs to be paid in US dollars (ensure that yours have the larger president's head or they will not accept them).
The first of many magical moments began with a sunset cruise on the mighty Zambezi river. With a gin and tonic in hand (to prevent contracting malaria, naturally) I settled down to enjoy hippos snorting, crocs languishing on the river banks and grazing waterbuck and the occasional shy bushbuck.
Fellow passengers included tourists from many parts of the world.
As I marvelled at a particularly beautiful African sunset, I met Ernest, an ex-judge from Georgia, who now writes travel articles. We discussed how readers question the sincerity of travel articles written by privileged writers. So I made a point of asking tourists for their opinions along the way.
It was dark by the time I reached Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, a mere 4km from the falls. The well-lit hotel made it possible for me to admire the baobab tree at the entrance. The entire area is dotted with these giants, my favourite tree.
I was welcomed by a typically warm Zimbabwean greeting from Thomas - Siyalamukela! Mawuya!
My traditional African room, complete with a balcony overlooking the hide, was well stocked with toiletries, including a pot of sun protection cream.
A bar, lounge and dining room, under an open, thatched roof and decorated in rich, warm African colours, overlook two swimming pools, viewing decks and the waterhole.
I enjoyed an a la carte dinner at the award-winning Makuwa-kuwa Restaurant as I watched an elephant and later a jackal drinking at the waterhole.
General manager Heath Dhana is proud of his friendly, hospitable staff. Alternative dining is provided at the Boma Restaurant, which combines entertainment and hospitality with mouth-watering local dishes. There is a resident sangoma and I witnessed guests dressed in African costumes drumming and dancing - some would leave with a mopani worm certificate to show they had been brave enough to sample this African delicacy.
A shuttle service every 15 minutes from the lodge transports you to the Victoria Falls. Tourists can shop at the curio market or visit the falls. If you haven't seen the Victoria Falls yet, you must add it to your so-called "bucket list". The falls are at their best in April, May and June, but my driver Arthur assured me that August was also an excellent time, and I was not disappointed. This acclaimed World Heritage Site is Zimbabwe's most renowned tourist attraction.
Apart from the area's natural beauty, there are more than 50 adventure activities for adrenalin junkies. Time did not permit me to enjoy white water rafting, balloon safaris, high-wire swings, bungee jumping, elephant riding, helicopter flips or one of the many other activities.
I shared my 80km trip to Hwange National Park, which is half the size of Belgium and the third largest national park in Africa, with Colin from Perth. Despite being wheelchair-bound, he enjoyed every minute of his fourth trip to Africa in so many years. He had just come from a camping trip in Botswana, which is run by a South African for people with disabilities.
The Hide Safari Camp is one of the few private camps and is situated on the eastern boundary. The occasional noise of a passing freight train may spoil the tranquillity of the camp for some, but this was not the case for me as I just loved everything about The Hide, from the East African-style luxury tents under thatch overlooking the main waterhole, to the hubbub of the camp.
As much as I adore seeing new places, a good part of my enjoyment are the people I meet on my travels.
At Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge, situated near the Botswana border post, we dropped off young Norwegian and Italian couples moving on to Chobe. Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge offers exclusive accommodation for only 16 guests in eight individual thatch lodges with en-suite facilities. My lodge had a spacious veranda opening onto sweeping views of the Zambezi River.
As I left Zambia, I remembered what the Aussies said to me: "You just have to get off your bum and visit Zim!" I couldn't agree more.
