SONGWE VILLAGE
Victoria Falls, Zambia

Introduction

Straddling the borders of Zambia and Zimbabwe, the majestic Victoria Falls captivates visitors from all over the world. The grandeur and beauty of this extraordinary natural phenomenon must be seen to be believed. The region has recently been described as the adventure capital of the world, affording our guests the opportunity to enjoy all this and more from the tranquil and exclusive domain of beautiful Songwe Village in Zambia. Of course you can slow the pace and enjoy a plethora of more genteel activities if riding the wild river doesn't appeal! This stunning property is perched 120 metres or nearly 400 feet above the Zambezi Gorge, just a short drive from the Falls. Here youll stay in spacious, comfortable thatched huts, built in the traditional style. The Songwe experience can be anything you want it to be. You might simply choose to take a walk along the gorge and take in the incredible scenes, or pack a picnic lunch and watch the world go idly by from the banks of the Upper Zambezi. As well as offering the big adventure experiences, from white water rafting to bungee jumping or even a microlight flight over the Falls, Songwe is about people and culture, set in an intimate and beautiful location.

Camp Description

At Songwe Village, they believe a trip to Africa isnt complete without a meaningful introduction to the rich cultural heritage of the African people. From the camp, they will take you on a morning ox cart ride to their specially built museum, where you can learn about the extraordinary ancient history of the Falls and see evidence of human evolution in the form of stone tools and artifacts. At nearby Mukuni Village, more recent history comes to life, as you stand under the tree where David Livingstone met the present chief's ancestors about 150 years ago. In this 700 year old village, little has changed down through the ages. You'll see traditional skills such as wood carving and grain pounding still being carried out. You may even chance a meeting with Chief Mukuni himself. If you take the time to visit Songwe Village at Victoria Falls, time itself will take on a new meaning. Our aim is to stretch your mind as well as your body. The town of Livingstone itself, with its fascinating history, colorful markets and interesting museum, can be a very worthwhile excursion. Whether youd like to feel the cooling spray from the Falls, hear the traditional songs of our Zambian staff, take in a game of golf at nearby Elephant Hills Country Club or catch a fighting tiger fish in the Zambezi everything at and around Songwe will elevate your African experience. Songwe Village is a reflection of the Zambian governments positive and enthusiastic approach to tourism. You will feel this energy in the warmth and friendliness of our staff. Like a growing number of people, they believe Zambia is the very best place from which to see and enjoy Victoria Falls. It is safe, vibrant and when you gaze down anywhere into the gorges around Songwe, indescribably beautiful

Activities

Whether you're starting the day before sunrise to view the animal kingdom's early risers or tracking the great nocturnal beasts with spotlights at night, the game viewing experience with Songwe Village is a holiday highlight for most people.Because of the unspoiled wilderness, the absence of fences and other man made infrastructures, Songwe Village is able to deliver the Africa you dreamed about. Wide open plains alive with game and palm trees or winding waterways teeming with birdlife.The great herds of elephant, buffalo and other animals are a Songwe Village trademark. Your game drives centre on the movement of animals, which are in turn dependent on the season and the rainfall. You might be hunting way off road with a pack of wild dogs one day or sitting silently watching elephant drink and bathe the next.Game drives themselves are an incredible adventure. Every day is different. Our guides and trackers have a wealth of knowledge and will give you a complete picture of life in these abundant eco systems. How everything from termites and dung beetles, even grasses and soils, right up to lion, cheetah and elephant, contribute to the balance of life.Not all safari operations have trackers on vehicles, but it's their belief that another set of trained eyes are an essential part of your drive, increasing the odds of seeing something special. Also this allows the guide to concentrate his or her attention on the guests, answering questions and looking after their needs. A big advantage of our set up is that we permit just six guests per vehicle in two rows of seats. They believe this makes for a far more intimate safari experience and ensures more leg room and overall comfort.You'll stop for sundowners on the evening drive, winter and summer, where you can absorb the wonderful silence of the bush and the sunset, with a cooling or warming drink. Once again, the Songwe Village is all on private land, so we are not restricted by roads, nor the time of day. In some of the camps in the National Parks areas, there are limitations on your game drive movements. At Songwe Village, if you wish to hunt with the lions deep into the African night, it's entirely your prerogative!As we've mentioned elsewhere, just remember, the drives are in open vehicles, so a hat and sunscreen all through the year is a must ... and very warm clothing, sweaters, jackets, gloves and scarves are highly recommended for winter (May through August).We also provide each guest with animal and bird checklists, which you can tick off along the way.