After wrapping up our unforgettable safari at Mala Mala, we flew to Johannesburg for a quick overnight before heading to Zambia.

A Night in Johannesburg

We stayed at the InterContinental Hotel, conveniently located next to the airport which is ideal for a one-night stay before an early flight. That evening, we took an Uber (we were advised to use Uber Black for safety) to the Rosebank area for dinner at Marble. The food was excellent, and the open-fire cooking gave the whole restaurant a lively, energetic vibe. Before dinner, we stopped for a drink at Sin+Tax, a moody, tucked-away speakeasy known for its craft cocktails and creative presentation. (And by tucked away, I mean the door is hidden in an alley with two very serious looking bouncers outside the door.)

We didn’t walk anywhere due to safety concerns, but the setup worked great with drivers, restaurants, and hotels all coordinated smoothly.

Arrival at The Royal Livingstone

The next morning, we flew to Livingstone, Zambia, and checked into The Royal Livingstone, a beautiful property set right along the banks of the Zambezi River. The colonial-style hotel feels peaceful and elegant, surrounded by lush lawns where giraffes and zebras wander freely.

Upon arrival, we were greeted with local singers and dancers (so much fun!), cool towels and a welcome drink as we checked in which was a refreshing touch after travel. The service was exceptional throughout our stay: every meal, excursion, and detail was handled with care, and the staff went out of their way to make us feel relaxed and looked after.

Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River

That first evening, we set out on a sunset cruise along the Zambezi. The water was calm, the sky painted in pink and gold, and hippos peeked up from the riverbanks. It was the perfect way to ease into our time in Zambia and take in the incredible scenery.

Victoria Falls—Zimbabwe Side

The next morning, we crossed the border into Zimbabwe to see Victoria Falls from that side. During the dry season, the Zambian side of the falls often slows to a trickle, while the Zimbabwe side still has an impressive flow… so it’s the best view that time of year.

Crossing the border was a bit of an adventure with customs, visas, and stamps, but nothing too difficult. Standing before the falls was absolutely worth it. The scale, the sound, and the mist rising from the gorge were breathtaking.

Dinner with Elephants

That evening we had the unique experiences of dinner with elephants. We boarded a small boat for a scenic ride up the river to The Elephant Café, a sanctuary and dining experience all in one.

Before dinner, we were able to feed and interact with rescued elephants, many of whom had been orphaned or displaced. They were gentle and calm, and being so close to them was surreal and I’ll be honest, a little intimidating! Afterward, we enjoyed a multi-course dinner featuring local ingredients… everything from homemade breads to beautifully plated mains. These were all served in an open-air setting overlooking the river. It was definitely unlike any other experience.

Livingstone Island & Devil’s Pool

The next morning began with a visit to Mukuni Village, home to one of Zambia’s oldest tribes. We were guided through the village, learning about local traditions, crafts, and daily life. The people were warm and welcoming, and it offered a humbling glimpse into a culture deeply rooted in community.

Later that day, we took a boat ride back toward Victoria Falls. This time to Livingstone Island, where we had the chance to swim in Devil’s Pool, a natural rock pool perched right at the edge of the waterfall. Floating on the edge of that massive drop was equal parts exhilarating and terrifying. My husband (who’s not a fan of heights) was definitely outside his comfort zone, but I couldn’t stop laughing! It was such a thrill. We had an incredible lunch on the island, too!

Final Night & Journey Home

That night, we kept things simple with pizza at the hotel after two weeks of mostly beef and fish. I squeezed in three workouts in the hotel gym during our stay which was so nice in preparation for our long travel day, which helped me feel great heading home.

Our trip back took over 30 hours: Livingstone to Johannesburg to London to Chicago to St. Louis, followed by a two-hour drive home. 🤪 Thankfully, we managed to sleep on most of the flights and avoided any serious jet lag.

This trip was truly the adventure of a lifetime. From Cape Town to safari to Victoria Falls, each destination brought something completely different. If Africa isn’t already on your bucket list, it should be—and I would absolutely go back.

Catch Up on the Rest of Our Africa Adventure

If you missed the first two parts of our journey, you can start from the beginning:

Part 1: Cape Town & Stellenbosch exploring Table Mountain, wineries, and coastal beauty.
Part 2: Safari at Mala Mala the heart-pounding thrill of game drives and life in the bush.

Africa Adventure, Part 3: Victoria Falls and the Magic of Zambia