VICTORIA FALLS - THE SMOKE THAT THUNDERS 

Having visited Victoria Falls many years ago, I was excited to see how things had changed.

After a short flight (1 hour 45 minutes) on BA Comair to Livingstone where we were collected by our very friendly driver Sam who transported us to the Zimbabwe border. En-route he shared some interesting facts with us about Zambia and what is has to offer the tourist.  If staying on the Zimbabwe side, it is far easier to fly directly to Vic Fall Airport, but at the time we travelled it was closed for renovations.

During our short stay we got to experience so much of this beautiful destination in such a short space of time. Our home for 2 Night’s was the magnificent 4 star Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. We had the opportunity to visit other hotels on the Zimbabwe side (all beautiful!), but I have to say Vic Falls Safari Lodge was my favourite. The resort, situated on a hill and built up on stilts, has an out of this world view of the waterhole and surrounding areas.   What could be better than sitting on the restaurant deck, with a cold glass of wine in your hand watching the Elephants coming for their later afternoon cool down at the waterhole.

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge 

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Room

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Watering Hole

On our second day we visited The Elephant Hills Hotel, The Kingdom Hotel, The famous Victoria Falls Hotel which is over 110 years old as well as A’Zambezi Hotel.  The A’Zambezi is a fabulous choice ias it is built along the river, (where game often wonder through the resort both during the day and night).  The whole hotel was refurbished a few years ago, and is a firm favourite with South Africans.

A'Zambezi River Lodge

A'Zambezi River Lodge Room 

Our trip wasn’t all work and no play. We also got to experience some of the really popular activities that guests visiting Victoria Falls get to enjoy.

Vulture Culture Lunch:

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge keeps all the bones and carcasses from The Boma Restaurant, which they then use to feed the Vultures in the area. This takes place every day around 13:30 and you can view various breeds of vultures, crows and Marabou storks join in on the feast.

Vulture Culture Lunch 

The Boma Restaurant – Place of Eating:

Located on the Vic Falls Safari Lodge property, The Boma Restaurant specialises in a superb selection of traditional Zimbabwean dishes and is renowned for its warthog fillet. After dinner they offer guests the chance to join in the drumming extravaganza which is always a highlight.

Dinner at The Boma - Place of Eating

Sunset River Cruise:

A leisurely cruise down the Zambezi River with a drink in hand.  There is absolutely nothing as spectacular as an African Sunset.  As the sun gets lower the Animals get livelier and it is magnificent to see the Hippos rolling around, a Crocodile make a catch for the thirstily buck at the water’s edge and the Elephants spraying each other to cool off for the evening.

Elephant Sighting on Sunset Cruise

Zambezi River Sunset Cruise

Victoria Falls:

Of course! The main attraction. During the dry season, the Zambian side of the falls tends to dry up, so Zimbabwe is definitely the side to be visit.  Do a walking tour of the Falls and experience the Smoke that Thunders. For the more adventurous why not try River rafting and Bunjee Jumping.  If you’re not afraid of heights, then take to the skies and view the falls from a totally different angle whilst having a Helicopter flip.

The Falls

New Immigration Laws: Unabridged Birth Certificates. The Breakdown

The 1st June 2015 saw the new immigration laws come into effect for passengers travelling in and out of South Africa with children. There has been mass confusion since, with many not sure of what the actual requirements are. Read on for a breakdown that simplifies these new requirements with the various travel scenarios.

CHILD IS TRAVELLING WITH BOTH PARENTS:

1. Biological Parents

• Valid Passports of both parents and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC

2. Adoptive Parents

• Valid Passports of both parents and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Court order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parent/s OR the Adoption certificate

3. Legal Guardians

• Valid Passports of both parents and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Guardianship Order

CHILD IS TRAVELLING WITH 1 PARENT / GUARDIAN:

Parents are married:


1. Biological Parents

• Valid Passport of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed

2. Adoptive Parents

• Valid Passports of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Court order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parent/s OR the Adoption certificate
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Guardianship Order

Parents are Divorced or Legally Separated:


1. With specific parental rights and responsibilities

• Valid Passport of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Court Order granting FULL parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent OR Court Order granted in terms of section 18(5) of the Children's Act, 2005

2. With full parental rights and responsibilities

• Valid Passport of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months
• Court Order granting FULL parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent

Child has Legal guardian/s:


1. With joint legal guardianship

• Valid Passport of the travelling guardian and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Guardianship Order
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed

2. With full legal guardianship

• Valid Passport of the travelling guardian and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Guardianship Order

 

Parent is Widowed:


1. Biological Parent

• Valid Passport of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Death Certificate of deceased parent

2. Adoptive Parent

• Valid Passports of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Death Certificate of deceased parent
• Court order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parent/s OR the Adoption certificate

 
Single Parent (Only one parent on the birth certificate): 

• Valid Passport of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC

 
Parents are not married but both names appear on the Birth Certificate: 

• Valid Passport of the travelling parent and the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Court Order granting sole parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent   

CHILD IS TRAVELLING UNACCOMPANIED:


Parents are married:


1. Biological Parents

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Court Order granting sole parental rights and responsibilities

2. Adoptive Parents

• Valid Passports of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor
• Court order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parent/s OR the Adoption certificate
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Guardianship Order

Parents are Divorced or Legally Separated:


1. With specific parental rights and responsibilities

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Court Order granting FULL parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent OR Court Order granted in terms of section 18(5) of the Children's Act, 2005

2. With full parental rights and responsibilities

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months
• Court Order granting FULL parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent

Child has Legal guardian/s:


1. With joint legal guardianship

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor
• Guardianship Order
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed

2. With full legal guardianship

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor
• Guardianship Order

Parent is Widowed:


1. Biological Parent

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Death Certificate of deceased parent
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor

2. Adoptive Parent

• Valid Passports of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Death Certificate of deceased parent
• Court order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parent/s OR the Adoption certificate
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor

 

Single Parent (Only one parent on the birth certificate):

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor

Parents are not married but both names appear on the Birth Certificate:

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parent/s or legal guardian/s of the minor
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Court Order granting sole parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent   

Child is in alternative care (Foster home, temporary safe care etc):

• Valid passport of the child
• Valid visa, if required
• Letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides, authorising his or her departure from the Republic as contemplated in section 169 of the Children's Act.
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor

Child is orphaned without legal guardian or adoption yet:
 

• Valid passport of the child
• Valid visa, if required
• Letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides, authorising his or her departure from the Republic as contemplated in section 169 of the Children's Act.
• Letter from the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; containing his or her residential address and contact details where the minor will be residing.
• Proof of identity of the person who is to receive the minor in South Africa or foreign country; either copy of the identity document, or valid passport and visa, or permanent residence permit
• Contact details of the parents or legal guardian of the minor

CHILD IS TRAVELLING WITH AN ADULT WHO IS NOT A PARENT OR LEGAL GUARDIAN


Parents are married:


1. Biological Parents

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed

2. Adoptive Parents

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Court order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parent/s OR the Adoption certificate
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Guardianship Order

Parents are Divorced or Legally Separated:


1. With specific parental rights and responsibilities

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Court Order granting FULL parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent OR Court Order granted in terms of section 18(5) of the Children's Act, 2005

2. With full parental rights and responsibilities

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months
• Court Order granting FULL parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent

 

Child has Legal guardian/s:


1. With joint legal guardianship

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Guardianship Order
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed

2. With full legal guardianship

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Guardianship Order
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months

Parent is Widowed:


1. Biological Parent

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Death Certificate of deceased parent
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months

2. Adoptive Parent

• Valid Passports of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certified, or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Death Certificate of deceased parent
• Court order confirming the adoption of the minor by the adoptive parent/s OR the Adoption     certificate
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months

 

Single Parent (Only one parent on the birth certificate):

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months

 

 Parents are not married but both names appear on the Birth Certificate:  

• Valid Passport of the child
• Valid Visa (If required)
• Unabridged Birth Certificate (UBC) , or equivalent document, if country of residence does not issue a UBC
• Parental Consent Affidavit (PCA) not older than 3 months OR Letter of special circumstances issued by the Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has yet been appointed OR Court Order granting sole parental rights and responsibilities to travelling parent   

Child is in alternative care (Foster home, temporary safe care etc):

• Valid passport of the child
• Valid visa, if required
• Letter from the Provincial Head of the Department of Social Development where the child resides, authorising his or her departure from the Republic as contemplated in section 169 of the Children's Act.

Child is orphaned without legal guardian or adoption yet:

• Valid passport of the child
• Valid visa, if required
• Letter of Special Circumstances issued by Director-General of Home Affairs in the event that a parent or parents are incapacitated or deceased and no legal guardian has been appointed as yet.

 

If you require any further information or clarification, please contact Sure Travel 24-7 on 011 896 5295

 

 

 

An African Honeymoon

We recently had the pleasure of planning a fabulous Honeymoon for a couple from the UK to visit Vic Falls and Chobe.

Their Itinerary includes 2 nights at the 5 Star Royal Livingstone Hotel at Vic Falls Zambia, followed by 2 Nights on the 5 Star Pride of Zambezi  which is a luxury houseboat on the Chobe River.  Their trip ended with 3 nights at the 5 Star Chobe Game Reserve.

The clients absolutely loved their stay at all 3 properties and their feedback was “An unbelievable, once in a lifetime holiday”.

So, next time you want to plan that Holiday of a Lifetime you need only dial one number 011 896 5295 and we’ll put it all together for you.

ROYAL LIVINGSTONE HOTEL  -  5 Star

The Royal Livingstone Hotel is situated on the Zambian banks of the Zambezi River, very close to the Victoria Falls.  The hotel consists of 17 colonial-style villas set under the shade of acacia trees on the banks of the river, offering pristine views of the surrounding bush. The staff will ensure the comfort of your stay, offering highly professional and personal service. Your butler will see to your transportation and room service requirements, and you can pamper yourself to beauty treatments in the privacy of your own room.  Located in the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Wildlife Park, there is a host of game viewing activities, including game drives and elephant back safaris. Located so close to the Falls, you can engage in a number of thrilling activities offered there. For the very brave there is bungee jumping at the Falls, as well as whitewater rafting. For a more relaxing experience of the river, you can take a tranquil boat cruise.  You could also just stay at the hotel and enjoy the views from the balcony overlooking the river.

PRIDE OF ZAMBEZI  -  5 Star

The Pride of the Zambezi is an up market houseboat berthed on the Chobe River right by the entrance to the Chobe National Park.  Top Deck - This deck comprises of a luxury en-suite cabin and sliding doors opening onto a large deck with African bush, river and sky on your doorstep. Also on the top deck we have loungers to offer you the opportunity to relax and soak up the sun when the Houseboat starts to cruise the famous Chobe and Zambezi RiversMiddle Deck - The Middle Deck is called the ""heart"" of this beautiful riverboat, with its fully equipped bar, comfortable lounge and dining area. For your enjoyment, there is a plunge pool and flat screen TV. This deck also has a unique roller shutter system where the entire deck or part thereof could be shut down for protection against the elements. Bottom Deck - Five well-appointed en-suite cabins are situated on the bottom deck. Each can be made up as a twin or a double room. All cabins have electronic safes, fans, mosquito gauze and built-in cupboards. These spacious cabins offer superb views over the river, whilst the front cabin boasts its own private deck.  Activities that can be arranged whilst on board are: Bird watching, Fishing (both fly and conventional), Game drives and Boat Cruises into Chobe National Park, Mokoro trips, Canoeing on Chobe River, Victoria Falls and Livingstone day trips and any other safaris into Botswana and Namibia - mobile and fly-in.

CHOBE GAME LODGE  -  5 Star

Our five-star lodge is the classic luxury safari option for those wanting to visit Chobe National Park, Victoria Falls and the surrounding areas. Arriving at Chobe Game Lodge feels more like joining a family rather than simply being a guest in a lodge. Our dedicated team will welcome you through the doors and be there with a smile to ensure that every moment of your stay is a special one.  Chobe Game Lodge is one of Africa’s historic lodges – we have been around a long time and, over the decades, have finessed into what you find today - a place where guests feel at ease and at-one with their incredible surroundings. Add to this our five-star amenities and a traditional Chobe Game Lodge welcome and you have the perfect safari.  Rooms overlook the river, decks overlook the Chobe National Park and candles light up the many terraces and bar areas where you can find your own space.   The accommodation at Chobe Game Lodge is comprised of 42 twin/double rooms, four luxury private suites and one family unit. Rooms are all river-facing, with spacious decks and air-conditioning, as well as a complimentary mini-bar.