Just back to Chicago from Zimbabwe

by Jerry Bonet
(Chicago)

Boo,
Thanks for all the preparation. Almost everything went flawlessly from the first encounter at the airport to flying out again.
Briefly
Transportation- Shearwater worked great for us as we had to make a schedule change.
The driver from the airport put us in touch with the office and everything was done quickly.
Activities- Helicopter was great way to see the Falls. So glad we did it. Elephant ride was magical and informative. Sunset Cruise was our first activity and advise it as great way to start trip. Bridge Tour was done in heavy rain. This made it slightly more scary then I thought it would be but was a great experience and exhilarating.
Chobe Day trip was worth it as we saw more elephants than anywhere in SA. Also was our first lion and croc sighting. Only minor problem was mixup in pickup at hotel. This was quickly remedied by hotel desk and we were quickly back on schedule. I might advise travelers a day before call to double check with company.
Accommodations- We stayed at Ilala. Very pleased with hotel, staff, location and a Valentines unexpected special dinner menu at the Palm was great. Roses were included.
We walked over to a few other places including Vic Falls Hotel. It also looked great with spectacular views. Definitely different feeling than Ilala. Not better just different.We did their Jungle Junction buffet one night and it was quite enjoyable. I would recommend it as another dinner option and much cheaper than the formal dining room.
Dining- Palm great. Jungle Junction great food. Boma- lots of fun. Mama Africa-fun nd authentic.
My biggest surprise was how close all these were. Able to walk from Ilala to Mama Africa and Vic Falls Hotel in under 5 minutes.
I highly recommend this site and Boo as a Vic Falls contact and travel arranger.
This entire trip was added on to a SA tour. Was very easy to add this and worth the extra 4 days.