I was very surprised and happy when I landed at the Victoria Falls Airport, Zimbabwe. This modern facility was developed by former Zimbabwean Minister of Tourism and Hospitality Industry, Dr. Walter Mzembi who arranged a $150 million loan from the China EXIM Bank. This very modern facility offers a new runway that accepts up to 5 wide bodied aircraft, new carousels and reception spaces, an increased number of immigration officers and efficiently welcomes more visitors on a daily basis.

Briefly – my response was OMG! The reception area is absolutely brochure perfect and the welcome from the staff is just what this weary traveler needs. After a warm greeting I was offered a cool drink and a comfortable seat along with a sincere request for me to share my travels. I am sure the hotel manager had other things to do that were more important than listening to my odyssey, but he calmly and politely demonstrated a sincere interest in my journey from Manhattan to Zimbabwe. Victoria Falls Safari Club After days of traveling on airlines, trudging through airports, standing on endless lines and driving along dusty roads, I was exhausted and anxious to find my way to air conditioning and a cold drink. As the driver passed the road sign signaling arrival at the Lodge, I felt an anxiety attack creeping into my consciousness. What would a safari lodge look like? Were my expectations realistic or absurd (they were based on brochures and movies). Would the two days of non-stop travel be rewarded, or would I be disappointed?