Exploring Zambia’s History at The Livingstone Museum

Visiting The Livingstone Museum in Zambia is like stepping into a time machine, one that whisks you through the pages of history, culture, and the untold stories of a vibrant nation. As Zambia’s oldest and largest museum, it offers a treasure chest of artifacts and exhibits that bring the past to life. From the tools of ancient warriors to the personal belongings of legendary figures, every corner of the museum tells a story.

A Glimpse into Zambia’s Fight for Freedom

The story of Zambia’s independence is proudly showcased in the museum. A statue commemorating freedom from colonial rule stands tall, symbolizing the nation’s journey from oppression to liberation. Next to it, the sight of the British flag reminds visitors of Zambia’s history as a British colony, a reminder of the courage of the Zambian people.The story of Zambia’s independence is proudly showcased in the museum. A statue commemorating freedom from colonial rule stands tall, symbolizing the nation’s journey from oppression to liberation. Next to it, the sight of the British flag reminds visitors of Zambia’s history as a British colony, a reminder of the courage of the Zambian people.

You’ll find traditional weapons like spears, bows, and arrows, used by Zambia’s ancestors for both hunting and protection. These artifacts offer a vivid connection to the bravery of those who lived long before the modern era.

The Legacy of David Livingstone

At the heart of the museum’s collection is an impressive exhibit dedicated to David Livingstone, the legendary explorer and missionary. His personal items are on display, including his travelling trunk, which looks like a rugged, well-worn chest ready for an adventure. You’ll also see his coat, his letters, and even his journal, each offering a glimpse into the life of a man who explored territories and made history along the way.

The museum also features a statue of David Livingstone, a reminder of his enduring impact on the region and its history. His story is intertwined with Zambia’s past, making this exhibit an essential stop for anyone curious about the country’s journey.

The Vintage VW Beetle Vehicle

One of the most charming exhibits in the museum is a vintage vehicle. Its unusual design makes it stand out among the historical displays, offering a fun and unexpected element to your visit. This car was once used in Zambia, and its presence in the museum adds a delightful touch of the past.

Panoramic Views of Zambia’s Past

The Livingstone Museum doesn’t just tell stories, it immerses you in them. One of its highlights is a breathtaking panorama of a traditional Zambian village. This display recreates the sights and sounds of village life, complete with huts, tools, and scenes of daily activities. Walking through this exhibit feels like stepping into another time, offering a profound connection to Zambia’s cultural roots.

Nature lovers will also appreciate the museum’s natural history section.

Here, you’ll find displays including the skeleton of the isamupati, that is in folded like poster showing in what style olden people buried others. But perhaps the most intriguing exhibit is the Broken Hill Man skull, an important anthropological find. While the original skull is currently housed in the UK, the museum displays a detailed replica and shares plans for its return to Zambia, a move that will further enrich its collection.

For , culture enthusiasts, or anyone with a curiosity for the past, this museum offers an unforgettable experience. Its carefully curated exhibits and immersive displays ensure that every visitor leaves with a deeper appreciation of Zambia’s heritage.

Kenneth Kaunda’s Chilenge House: A Symbol of Leadership

No visit to the museum would be complete without learning about Kenneth Kaunda, Zambia’s first president and one of the most influential figures in the country’s history. The museum features a view of his Chilenge House in Lusaka, where Kaunda’s leadership and vision began to take shape including the motorbike he used. This exhibit honors his legacy and highlights his role in shaping modern Zambia.

Why The Livingstone Museum is a Must-Visit

The Livingstone Museum is more than just a building filled with artifacts—it’s a living, breathing celebration of Zambia’s rich history and culture. Whether you’re marveling at the tools of ancient warriors, admiring David Livingstone’s personal belongings, or stepping into a recreated Zambian village, every moment spent here is an opportunity to learn, reflect, and connect.

December 22, 2024 4

Kalimba Reptile Park Day Trip

Moving back to your home town can take a toll on you especially if you got so used staying away from home. Being back in my home town meant adapting to the many changes that have taken place here. The beauty is that as one that loves travel, I can handle this. The biggest change has been the school I work from.

New scenery, friends, students and old family members is what I found here. I treasure my solo trips because they have helped me get out of my comfort zone and find myself. Lusaka town has changed a lot over the years and it was clearly time to visit places I visited way back but this time in a group.

Nothing does it like a day-trip to a remote place in summer. It’s super hot here and taking a dip would be awesome.

Kalimba Reptile Park is a place one should bucket list and visit when on this end. It is not so much of a hidden gem. Lots of people frequent this place to be away from the busy places. It may be your go-to-place for day trips. If you are not a local, you may have to return to town area for accommodation as this place does not have lodging.

As we arrived, we were greeted by some cows on the premises that were grazing. We paid our 5 dollars entry fee and my niece paid less for being a youngster. I have done crocodile meat and this place has a kitchen where that can be prepared but the style of this trip was barbeque what we brought and we didn’t bring croc meat. I will try this on another day.

Kalimba Reptile Park is great for group excursion or family day out. For all the fishing lovers, this is the perfect place as well. You will also enjoy a display of reptiles.

The park houses snakes like black mamba, boomslang, vine snake, Mozambique spitting cobra, brown house snake etc. It was amazing to see some of these species camouflaged in the grasses which made me question where I was standing just in case.

If at all you did not pack much to eat, it’s fine because this place has a kitchen and am sure they prepare crocodile in all ways possible seeing that they had a croc recipe book on display for sale.

You are gonna have a comfortable place to have your croc burgers, croc spareribs or whatever version of crocodile you choose.

We took a walk around the gardens and noticed other clients coming in at mid day. Some took their kids for a dip, others went on the swings. Others started their barbeques upon arrival, am thinking they were starved.

This place is not that big but there is lots to do around. I could see some mini golf which few people have been doing am sure because it appeared to need a facelift.

There comes that special time when your stomach protests because it wants a fill. I loved that this is a place you can have a picnic and enjoy some warm foods.

Though I didn’t have my signature adventure food, crocodile, I enjoyed the meats we had brought to the park. You will never go wrong with boerewors sausages, I just love them. I had fair shares of barbeque chicken as well. All this with a salad and my favorite being potato salad which just made my afternoon.

We had enough of this food marathon until it was time for a dip. The beauty about this trip is that if the adults (mum and auntie) wanted to be left alone to chit chat, it was the perfect place for people of that generation.

I had my sister to talk to as well. We goofed around and all but we had to make the smallest human being in our group feel part of the squad or at least make her locate her squad at Kalimba Reptile Park.

If we didn’t, she was gonna loudly be singing, “la, la, la, la!”, just so that she does not feel left out but be the one to tell all the stories. Talk about a bossy kid! Anywho, we changed into our bathing suits. The heat was at capacity but we had so much fun with this small human being who found herself her own squad.

I am recommending Kalimba Reptile Park for that relaxing day away from the usual way of life at home or away from the noisy places.

October 28, 2024 6

Escape to Tranquillity: Azure Boutique Resort Getaway (Review)

I arrived excitedly at Azure Boutique Resort after embarking on a coach and plane journey. This not-so-hidden gem provided a special refuge from the everyday grind. The moment I stepped into the resort’s oasis, I felt refreshed by the atmorsphere. This experience was relaxing and made me think of all the things I want when on a solo trip like this one.

On a solo getaway:

1) I want to go far from my comfort zone

I set out on this solitary retreat. I just love the disconnection from my daily life and stepping beyond the comfortable boundaries of home. I looked forward to experiencing a different culture, enjoying the rush of exploring unexplored ground and the independence that comes with being far from home on this journey beyond the familiar. When you see me with this blue bag, I mean business. I did a 15hr drive and 2 hour flight to get to this place. On such a long trip, reading a book from my collection came in handy.

2) Getting to enjoy the country side scenery

Tanzania is home to beautiful landscapes. It has picturesque scenes and travelling by road is the greatest way to fully appreciate these landscapes. I was captivated by the stunning view of Tanzania’s natural beauty as I sat comfortably by the window. I was able to appreciate the landscape, from plains to hills. Road travel enabled this connection with the environment and fostered an appreciation for the country’s scenic treasures.

3) Having a big bed to myself

Azure Boutique Resort was just the right place for me to unwind. I especially loved the comfy double bed that offered me the rest I needed. The luxurious bedding enveloped me. It was a place of relaxation as well as of recovery. The worries and cares of my everyday life seemed to vanish. The simple but beautiful facilities and the thoughtfulness with which the room was furnished enhanced the whole experience and produced the ideal atmosphere for relaxing. With its focus on comfort and peace, the resort became my haven.

4) I want to enjoy delicious meals with a view

Beautiful scenery has a special power to calm tired minds. A wonderful dining experience was created by the combination of the beauty of the surroundings, the rhythm of the waves, and the close proximity to the Indian Ocean. The spotless beach was a perfect place for unwinding. It provided a peaceful haven to enjoy my delicious plate of food. Public beaches have their magic but I just wanted to enjoy peace and my ”own” place for a moment. I shared my food with the birds that could not just let me rest until they had a taste of the chef’s special. For all the foodies out there, Azure Boutique Resort offers so much at breakfast time that you will eat your fill. Never walk out with food packed. Not allowed.

5) Burn those holiday calories

According to my theory, being healthy is more than just eating right; it’s also about the interaction between our energy intake and our activities. Although I personally dislike dieting, I firmly believe that everyone should engage in regular exercise. My experience at Azure Boutique Resort was enlightening and perfectly matched my wellness philosophies. The resort offered an atmosphere that not only promoted physical activity but also blended it into the experience.

6) Owning that beach

Part of unwinding process for certain individuals requires some level of silence from our immediate environment. Azure Boutique Resort offers a private beach. I woke up as early as 5am, to enjoy the morning breeze at the beach and all the times I was there, I was amazed at its beauty. Afternoons at the beach were times when the ocean would “go away” but this was equally amazing as this is something I have not experienced coming from a landlocked country.

7) What I didn’t like:

Since not all goes our way all the time, there was something I didn’t quite like. There was a drainage problem in the shower that caused me movements from one room to another upon request.Hopefully, this has been dealt with as not all customers will end at just a small critique on their blog. All-in-all, this place should be given a 3.5 out of 5 for being a place that is suitable for a getaway.

December 16, 2023 4

December 3, 2023 2

A Day-Tripper’s Tale in Walvis Bay

It’s worthwhile to visit Namibia if Walvis Bay is on your bucket list. It is nestled between the cool waters of the Atlantic Ocean and the dunes of the Namib Desert. It’s a seaside city with plenty to see and do. Its location makes any trip you take more enjoyable.

Because of Walvis Bay’s natural beauty, visitors are welcome to explore its coastal treasures. The sound of the waves will welcome you as you approach Walvis Bay. What sort of fun can one have in this town without spending a night? One of the advantages of doing day-trips to a different town is that there isn’t much planning needed.

I didn’t do much research on this. I was just advised to try a day trip there. I got up from my bed in a town called Swakopmund and decided to do a day trip. I had my breakfast and set off.

There was a certain element of spontaneity to my journey because I decided not to plan everything out beforehand. Every corner revealed something new.

I was engrossed in the allure of unplanned stops and breathtaking scenery. Although my day started early in Swakopmund, I loved the experiences along the way. This included the weather which was cool.

I was about 40 minutes away from Walvis Bay. I was excited because this was gonna be my first time to this town. The next time I try a day trip to a different town, I should plan a weekend getaway.

It was easy to find transport to Walvis Bay from Swakopmund. I am happy to be among early birds. By this I mean, I don’t struggle to get up early. I owe that to my early nights. Getting up early for this trip was not a problem. In no time, I was in Walvis Bay. I made it before 9 O’Clock.

I wanted to start my day with some coffee and cake. I already had breakfast in Swakopmund but with me, there is always room for cake. I found a prefect place with an ocean view. Protea Hotel.

The smell of freshly brewed coffee welcomed me as soon as I walked in. The smiling staff made me feel very welcome. The soothing sound of the waves in the background added to the interior’s cosy vibe.

I sat at an inside table first, then moved outside to enjoy the tables outside and take in the amazing view of the ocean. My taste buds celebrated the rich flavour of my coffee as I sipped it. This went perfectly with the rich slice of cake.

My morning treat craving was satisfied by Protea Hotel, in Pelican Bay which also offered a peaceful environment, making it an unforgettable beginning to my day.

Before leaving for my next stop, I rested outside the hotel enjoying the Atlantic Ocean. This is the beauty with day trips. They provide flexibility. This enables one to tailor their itinerary to specific interests and preferences. I loved just sitting outside Protea Hotel enjoying the fresh morning breeze. I could have called it a day but decided on something else I was gonna do here.

Because of my love for walks, I did a 30 minute walk to see what was around. I then came back to a spot I could watch pelicans. Watching birds is a relaxing activity. I didn’t come with enough to feed them. They were not all over my case because of that. Besides, had I come with too much fish, they were going to disturb me.

I spent some time feeding the pelicans with the little I carried. Just as well it was almost lunch.It was a peaceful atmosphere of the beach. With a bag of fish in hand, I watched in awe as the pelicans danced with the water. These feeding time created a special bond between us. Every fish I tossed was greeted with happy screams.

The beauty with being in Walvis Bay is that pelicans aren’t the only things to see. After leaving this place I thought getting up close and personal with the Atlantic Ocean was a perfect idea. I went to the Laramon Tours Catamarn Cruise offices and checked what was offered. I loved their cozy looking cruises.

I was immediately drawn in by the inviting atmosphere and the wide selection of cruise options on show. I was drawn to charm right away because it combined the promise of exploration with the ideal amount of comfort. The office’s knowledgeable staff offered insights into the range of activities, which included dolphin encounters and an exploration of the bay’s abundant marine life. I eagerly reserved a cruise, hoping to see the marvels of the coast.

It was nice to see some “visitors” join in and enjoy the cruise with us. I then realized this “visitor” had motives. There was fresh fish on the cruise which was inviting. I hoped this wouldn’t bring his whole family in. Seals are such interesting creatures. As we continued enjoying this cruise I saw a black space on the ocean. Going on further, it so happened that this visitor of ours was heading to its second home or chill spot. This seal was a freeloader. Free food and transport to its destination.

We found loads of them. I wish I could get closer and play with them but this was the furthest we could go. I must say day trips aren’t that bad. I had seen what I didn’t even plan to see. Spontaneity helped here. Unplanned trips can sometimes turn out good. Do consider a day trip or getaway when on this end.

November 20, 2023 6

A Must Try Cafe: Livingstone’s Kubu Cafe Review

Cafes are great locations to relax, take in a warm atmosphere, and have a delicious cup of coffee. For those looking for a break from the daily grind, these lovely spots provide a retreat. Cafes are the ideal setting for deep chats with friends. They provide peaceful moments of isolation because of their laid-back vibe.

These spots are the perfect place to catch up on work, read a compelling book or people-watch. Freshly brewed coffee in the air will tantalize your senses. It will foster a welcoming and cozy atmosphere.

Cafes are places where you can Imagine yourself curled up in a cozy corner. They sometimes have soothing music playing in the background. This is what I walked into at Kubu Cafe. I went there for a conversation. I didn’t realize I was there for two meals and some dessert. I realized it’s enticing to remain for a while and enjoy the experience. This is because of their charming decor, gentle lighting, and plush seats as well.

An excellent cafe should provide its customers with a warm and pleasurable experience. A decent one needs the following things below:

Coffee Quality: Good coffee is the foundation of any cafe. A customer wants a well-made espresso and brewed coffee. They desire a range of premium teas and other beverages. I am not a coffee addict. I could tell the clients around Kubu Cafe were enjoying their coffee. I was enjoying my cappuccino.

Comfy Seats: A variety of comfortable seats create a warm atmosphere for customers. Some individuals might like the cozy embrace of a plush couch. Shared tables offer a unique setting for seating. This setting fosters a feeling of neighborhood and encourages interaction between varied groups.

When I linked up for a chill, I tried the shared table. We stuck around for a while and I ended up on a couch. I must say Kubu Cafe had a variety of seats which makes it an ideal hang-out spot for both individuals and groups. I even noticed baby seats which means every age group had a seating arrangement.

Wide Range of Menu Options and Considerate Pricing :
Variety is vital when it comes to designing an alluring menu. A cafe should have a wide variety of tastes and dietary needs. This helps customers find something they enjoy. At Kubu Cafe, you will have variety on the menu. What was on their board was not all there was on that day.

There is something for everyone at Kubu Cafe. The food ranged from mouthwatering croissants to savory sandwiches. I enjoyed the colorful salads, and mashed potatoes with a juicy t-bone steak. Going out to eat with someone means you can taste some of their food. My partner in crime at this cafe picked their chicken schnitzel with fries. I must add that it was well-prepared food that needed a signature dessert after. There is nothing that does it for me more than chocolate cake. Yummy…

Charging stations and WiFi: It has become more crucial for businesses to cater for their tech-savvy clients. Today’s world is fast-paced. Wi-Fi and charging stations are an efficient method to improve client experience. Having stuck around Kubu Cafe, we soon were in need of some charging. We didn’t care much about the WiFi because we had ours.

Sufficient Hours of Operation: Cafes should have enough hours of operation. This might influence a business’s success. It can decide to keep later hours or open earlier. This may draw a greater variety of clients. I liked that Kubu Cafe had these hours of operation.

A successful cafe blends hygiene, friendliness, and competent personnel. It is safe to say Kubu Cafe did well in these three areas. I was helped by one staff member who gave recommendations on a book sold there. Cafes may create a welcoming atmosphere that encourages repeat business. So the next time you enter a cafe, enjoy the right atmosphere. I left Kubu Cafe feeling refreshed.

October 20, 2023 10

Appreciating African Artwork

I took my love for art to another level by identifying a student of mine who is so gifted I couldn’t ignore this. I recently got rid of old art (gave them out) I had and started a new collection. I hired my student to do some art pieces for me because she was not that expensive. Her prices are affordable compared to those from a fancy shopping mall. Unlike the previous paintings I usually request, these had one theme, Africa. These lovely paintings my student did scream Africa and I love them.

Art is fluid. I am not quite sure I have met anyone that looks like the women in these pictures. This is what someone thought of so it’s good enough for me. This was a set and my student charged me about 24 dollars for these. That is not the price you will find them,especially as a tourist.

I found myself at it again. I was travelling and this time not so far off. I went to the southern parts of the country. It’s amazing what kind of art was there!

Artists use their emotions, beliefs, and senses to come up with fine art. Some have defined art as something that the imagination and skill have come up with. This imagination and skill express ideas or feelings. I was willing to take a tour and appreciate what runs through some African artists’ heads.

It is out there that there are many types of art the main types being visual, literary, and performing arts. This tour I took showcases the first mentioned type of art and that is visual. The other type was instruments used in performing arts.

Where to find these art stands I went south of Zambia and decided a tour to and around these markets was in order. I have seen some locals and tourists admire these pieces. The reason some tourists can’t buy loads of art from these stands is because they have to travel light. Some have to move from country to country. You will find this art in some hotels and one place that has a variety of art is Mukuni Park Curio Market. So let’s see what I found and that you and I must appreciate as it was someone’s well-thought-out idea.

The art you are likely to find is:

1) Art you can wear

Fashion is subjective, sometimes. As we travel and also depending on countries’ rules and laws about fashion, we can wear what we want. It is important to study your environment beforehand so you don’t offend anybody there.

Speaking of my homeland, Zambia, you could wear what is a thing and we love to see you dress like us. On this trip, I happened to meet an American who has some work to do here. They wore an African-themed shirt and it made me ask about where they got it. They said they got the material and made it themselves!! If you can’t beat us, do join us.

Our materials known as Chitenge can sometimes have way too many colours on one piece. When picking mine, I am usually mindful of my skin tone so I don’t have to look like a psychedelic disco ball!

My suggestion is you try getting pieces of material with only two colors. You could get these for about 10 to 13 dollars for 6 meters. Find a good tailor whilst you are at it. Tailors would charge you about 7 to 10 dollars or more. You could pay more depending on how complicated the pattern of your outfit is. You could also use the fabric as a wrapper, the way African ladies would do it.

You will find plain material or already-made products from materials like side bags, aprons, men’s shirts, bottoms, baby bags and to add a bit of attitude, there is nothing wrong with adding some Jewelry to go with your outfit. Again, these come in many colors and you don’t want to be twinning with the rainbow so pick wisely and rock that African outfit like a local!

You may ask yourself what to wear on your feet. Men could wear smart kinds of shoes. Try ditching the sneakers and hiking boots. Another look for a guy would be to wear black or brown trousers. Wear your chitenge shirt, smart trousers and one of these slippers. For the ladies, these slippers are a biggie. The slippers make any African outfit look good.

2) Art to display in homes, offices or hotels

There is no need to buy big displays as a tourist. You can get miniature versions of some of the cool stuff I found.

I have seen some five-star franchise hotels here with African themes. They have displayed tasteful items like handwoven grass basket plates and mats. Some decorative storage containers are made from wood and coated with varnish. This is also true for what I found out were chairs carved in the form of different animals.

Your hotel or temporary apartment in Zambia could use a facelift. Slap the walls with some African-themed paintings. Some artists transformed wire into a baobab tree. Cute.

3) Art for other uses

There was art of all sorts. Two major ones are already mentioned. Some belonged to a different category. We all know that when the weather is so cold, we get cracked feet. To help stop or reduce that, some use these stones when showering. The stones help so that cracks don’t look dirty. After that, It is necessary to add lotion to stop that.

I also noticed that the elderly were also catered for. If you can’t afford a walker for the old, why not try our walking sticks which come with different designs.

I even saw some art that fell in the category of entertainment. This is a headgear worn by the Ngoni tribe of Zambia. You place it on your head as a crown and it can be used at dance events. I doubt it’s a big deal if you wore it to feel like a part of this tribe. I have worn it before at a hotel I watched the Ngoni dancers’ boogie.

The two other pieces of artwork fell in the entertainment category. These were African drums and the chess board. I play the drums at the intermediate level because I am low-key musical, lol! I had to leave this market.

Before I left, I realized the chess board had pieces that looked far from the king, queen, bishop, knight, pawn, and rook. Believe me, I didn’t have enough time to ask what these African pieces were. I wondered if there were other African rules in this game, lol!

August 31, 2023 10

Siavonga’s Savee Beach Resort Getaway

Getaways are the reason for some of the good in us like enjoying of health benefits, improved mental health, overall motivation and all those good things. You know the other good thing about them? Saving costs. Just because I love travel, doesn’t mean I always have to go so far off, nop. I just needed to be away yet within and do this without emptying my pockets.

In life, we should learn to have a balance because this world is full of things like work, stress, family, marriage and if you allow this endless list to take the best of you, this may be the cause of many unwanted pressures on you with unpleasant consequences.

The whys of this getaway

Ahhmm… first because planning international trips as a solo female traveller with an 8 to 4 job of a teacher can take longer than usual without using a travel agency. I am my own travel agency. So who is gonna wait for later for a longer break because that in itself comes after a good 3 to 4 months. Am not waiting that long to be out there! The other ‘why’ for this trip is a definite ‘ just because’.

So where are we going anyways?

You know if you have been reading my blogs, you realize I have a soft spot for the beach yet born in a landlocked country hence the constant thirst to get to the coastal areas. Siavonga! That’s the name of the small town in Zambia you could enjoy beach moments without having to travel to the coast! I told myself to cool it with the next coastal visit preps and enjoy a weekend on Zambian soil.

This kind of taught me about few times in life we have looked at greener grass on the other side of where we are standing. Sometimes, it’s okay. But this time was time to enjoy grazing the grass I was standing on. So let’s graze!

Coming from the main international airport in the capital of the country and want to try it? This location is about 3 hours away but you won’t regret the distance.

The road trip

Part of the fun of a road trip is you get to see the country side and being that the wet season is over, brown and a bit of green here and there was the theme color nature provided.

The trip from Lusaka Town area to Siavonga town was about 3 hours but I bet it would be less for faster drivers. On your lucky day, you will find some cows and goats on the road making sure they blocked your way.

From a distance as you head to Siavonga, you will see some hilly areas as well but I particularly liked parts where the road meanders through higher land.

The area an hour and a half from Lusaka to Siavonga is quite underdeveloped and if viewing the slower life is your thing, you will particularly like the African village look having mud or thatched small houses and some villagers selling fruits, charcoal or whatever could be sold by the roadside.

I checked my watch and it was almost 3 hours of this road trip. I knew we were almost there because I could see the color blue in the horizon not too far off and though the sky sometimes appears blue, this wasn’t the sky but the beautiful Lake Kariba! The signpost to confirm we were here was just in my face!

Arrival

I knew this getaway was going to be perfect when I saw the entrance to the destination resort I settled for. Savee Beach Resort has a beautiful entrance starting from the gate to the reception area. The fountain gave a refreshing look to the face of the resort. The decor at the reception was simple and all the glass doors, windows were sparkling clean! The floors, though white in color, were also absolutely spotless. I couldn’t help but make this moment last by keeping a lasting memory. For a beach resort in a village near a lovely lake, the face of this hotel was a cool four star! The personnel were on point trying to check me in with cheerful yet professional attitude.

General appearance

The outside of the resort was more like getting up a hilly area. There were stairs almost everywhere because the landscape was high and low. Stair cases were well built with grey bricks.

I must say it’s home away from home kind of place and quite a beautiful hideout for escapists. A stone throw away from the Lake Kariba makes it such a perfect spot for beautiful sunsets.

Some of the facilities it had were about 70 plus rooms which could accommodate single and double occupancy. I got a single room which had simple yet elegant decor with the theme colors chocolate and cream.

The reason I loved this room was because it had a lake view I could access just by opening the glass door. I could say the same for the restaurant. This resort offers multi cuisine but my concentration was more on the Indian cuisine and having my meal right next to the lake added to the great vibes of the place.

I could have sworn I saw many pools but after familiarising myself with the place, I discovered it has three pools. It boasts a small cozy bar and another building called The Boat House which appeared to be a conference or party spot and still being renovated.

So the general appearance considering that this resort used to be called Fresh View and renovations and beautifying are still underway, I must say I appreciate the smooth transition and what the place is becoming. For me its general appearance was a four star.

The highs and lows of the getaway

The highs of this getaway were the fact that this resort is next to the lake and this means wonderful views. The other high is that the food was mouthwatering!

The lows were that the room I was in had an unpleasant stain on the blinds but am sure they have that on their to-do-list considering the renovations going on.

You should totally try this hidden gem!

July 24, 2023 7

Awesome Southern African cities you should visit in 2023 (Part 1)

💕Hey you! Part 2 coming soon!💕

If there is such a thing as winning the lottery, having a get-rich-quick scheme go as planned or I just happen to afford it, I want to visit North America, Europe, Canada and my absolute favorite, Australia but the way I see it, these will remain dreams for now, but, thanks to bloggers, TV and indeed all the places I have seen and appreciated these places through. Imagine if these channels were never available.

Today I especially woke up with a dire need to share Southern African cities I have come to love and hopefully encourage someone out there to consider adding these cities to their bucket list and even if it ends up being a dream, it’s free to dream, right?

By all means do try out:

1) Livingstone (Zambia)

Let’s say you happen to be on the Southern part of the continent of Africa on Zambian soil and not made it to Livingstone, then you haven’t lived. I think at this moment, Livingstone is tired of having me. This is a place you will find African dancers communicating to you, appreciating and welcoming you through dance. Feel free to tag along and enjoy the rhythms of Africa.

I have done Livingstone sometimes just to get soaked by the splashes from the mighty Victoria Falls. I want no one to disturb me when am spending time with her. You will want to enjoy your awesome moment with her after all she is one of the natural wonders of the world! I love Livingstone! Never a dull moment here. If it’s not the falls you wanna be at, do the Zambezi river, all in one town! This river is like the fourth longest river in Africa.

You will enjoy lots of activities done on this river. Many other activities will make your visit to Livingstone memorable like the nerve-wracking, adrenaline-boosting lion interaction. Most of all, if you are a foodie like I am, you don’t want too many restrictions when it comes to food so enjoy tasty crocodile at some restaurants here but I highly recommend Zambezi Cafe. Yu-m-mmmy!

2) Walvis Bay (Namibia)

This is a port town on the coasts of Namibia. It is said to be the second largest city in Namibia and the largest coastal city in the country. You will enjoy being in Walvis Bay as there are lots of boating and cruise companies to help you enjoy the Atlantic ocean and all that you can do there. Wanna enjoy the Atlantic ocean on African soil? Choose Walvis Bay. The cruise agency I highly recommend is the Laramon Tours which changed its name to Catamaran Charters. They offer variety of cruises suitable for all ocean lovers.

Walvis Bay is known for its varying birdlife for all those birders out there. Bucket list this place for all good hotels near the Atlantic ocean like Protea Hotel where you could enjoy your meals and stays with beautiful views.

3) Cape Town (South Africa)

I was amazed at how beautiful this city looks at night from where I stood. I was quite stunned. Coastal cities happen to be my favorite for some reason. Unlike other cities I have toured in my own style, I love that Cape Town offers city tours and the well known company offering these tours is the City Sightseeing red bus which is the hop on and hop off kind of touring. This absolutely gives you the opportunity to see Cape Town, Seapoint area in style enjoying the views of the Table mountain, Cape Wheel, Nobel Square and a boat cruise tour near the harbor area.

Sunsets in Cape Town are beautiful. It pays off to have a long beach walk and get rewarded with an amazing sunset. For your travel sustainable, clean accomodation, I recommend Mojo hotel in Seapoint right next to where the Atlantic and Indian ocean meet.

4) Dar es salaam (Tanzania)

We celebrate Tanzania because of its beautiful city of Dar es salaam. Everytime I have been here, I always find that this city gives me a whole new vibe. Its beautiful beaches could be well appreciated from pleasure resorts like Azure Boutique Resort. I wanted a quiet moment at the beach and didn’t want a public beach. It was only me, the ocean, the birds and this moment I will not forget. I knew that though Dar es salaam is such a loud town, I would enjoy the coastal town by trying out a private beach.

The market place in Kariakoo, I loved! I went round, shop after shop and all sorts of things by the market place are sold and I even took time to ask what some of this stuff was. I especially enjoyed taking a personal tour round the town center area and Mbezi area using their mode of transport I was enjoying to use because we don’t have these kinds back home. Try Dar es salaam for lots more other activities I did not do. Because it’s on the east side of Africa, you will love the sunrise in this town and you know what else caught my attention? Coconuts! Coconuts! Coconuts!

5) Swakopmund (Namibia)

This beautiful city full of awesome scenery is found on the Western part of the country. The beauty with this town is how you can enjoy the best of two worlds, the desert and indeed the coast right in one space! How amazing can it get?!

I had way too much choice here. Took a walk down the road from the place I lodged at and bumped into a tour company right in the desert area called Desert Explorers.

Looking at camels then quad bikes, the adrenaline in me picked the bikes. You will appreciate the dunes using these tours. I was there for hours and would have loved to be there longer!

💕Hey you! Part 2 coming soon!💕

July 1, 2023 2

Trotover Farm’s horse trail tour

I woke up feeling so sophisticated and thought to myself what could enhance this feeling more than a horse ride. I wanted a getaway and be lost in nature so I packed my small bag and off I went to a farm called Trotover Farm which is also known as Trotover Equestrian Center.

There is no harm in going to a horse riding school and after the experience I had, I guess am revisiting my hobbies, wink wink.

The whereabouts of the farm

Planning on visiting Zambia and short of what to keep you refreshed?You could try this activity out just for the fun of it or as a set of lessons. This place is just a 50 minute drive from Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (LUN) and it will be cheaper if you got yourself a local sim card and downloaded an app called Yango so you enjoy cheaper taxi services but if that is a hustle, ask a nice person from the airport with this app on their phone to order a taxi for you.

I was not coming from the airport of course and my only challenge was the farm was showing on Google maps but not on the taxi app which made me enter on the app a nearby place to the farm then got on another private taxi which charged me more for such a short distance but anywho, I didn’t care cos it’s horses I was gonna be riding right? I forgot about the annoying taxi experience.

I did enjoy quite a bit of riding before in a small town called Chingola at a small ranch with fewer horses than these.

Arrival

For every service you get, so long you paid for it, you expect good to excellent services from staff and I must say I found a helpful person in charge who assisted with locating of the place on phone when I couldn’t find it. He, together with other members of staff had smiling faces as they cleaned up the stables and I stopped over for a short walking tour near the front area of the farm’s reception just to see what it was about.

The horse trail

I could see some poster asking for respect from the public that this was private property and that no dogs or children under 4 years were allowed. By it saying ‘clients only’ must have meant that they usually received unwanted guests. The helpful staff was there explaining to me few things about their horses but the one question I asked was whether it was easy to distinguish between a young horse and an older one. I was told that,”You can just tell.” I proceeded to the stables that had the older ones and yes, I can’t just put my finger on it but I could tell age was catching up with these horses.

After checking out the tired horses, the helper at the farm brought two white horses. They looked like twins except one had longer mane than the other. I chose Jumbo for that. We headed out of the front of the farm using a short route that had leaves falling all over until Jumbo and I headed to a small slop I heard fills up with water in the wet season. I wished I came with company but so what if I do solo chronicles?

Jumbo was calm, friendly and because the only company I had was the guide who knew the trail, I got to learn a sound he kept making trying to communicate with his horse and I picked up on it to connect with Jumbo.

I am no horse expert but I must say I love animals and connecting with Jumbo was no biggie. I have had friends that have had bad experiences with horses even as experts but I didn’t wanna dwell on that and ruin my chances of a peaceful ride with Jumbo in this trail.

After about a good 15 minutes we got to a place which was dotted with some slim trunked trees stretching over a large area and I wish I had recorded the music provided by the birds there. I bet Jumbo was also enjoying this too. The trail wasn’t so defined but clear enough to show there were more trees ahead of us. At one point, I noticed Jumbo was distracted by the grass when we paused for a bit. It was time for free tasting for him.

Jumbo and I enjoyed some slightly hilly spots as well as few depressed ones and I am happy to say he was good at what he was doing. I noticed when we get to these two places, it’s as if he would slow down and think how best he would handle these spots. Smart huh…..

By the time we finished our loop it was almost two hours and this must have been about 8 km to 10 km. I believe we could have gone further but that was where my 13 dollars ended and was already held up for the afternoon.

When I said my byes to the staff, I noticed some drawings of horses on the walls that are coming up quite well and I should be back here to see how they finish and the other was the quote hanging on the wall that I couldn’t agree more to but this ride was actually refreshing and made me reconsider my hobbies. Riding is actually good for the soul and should you be on this side of Zambia, do try this farm out and pass my regards to Jumbo.

Don’t do what I did

Not to brag but I could tell Jumbo was a calm horse and was about no funny business so I tried this ride with no protective gear on my head but I feel it’s important to wear one. The place did actually offer one and I wanted it in pink because it’s one of my fav colors but unfortunately the only pink one available couldn’t fit and I chose fashion over safety and crossed my fingers. Luck was on my side.

June 17, 2023 4