Field Notes: Alex & Liam’s Honeymoon, Day 1
Before you dive into Day 1 of my safari, a quick note: this was no ordinary safari. This was a reconnaissance trip—a fast-paced adventure designed to ensure that we at Bushtracks are staying up to date on camp quality, guiding, wildlife sightings, and travel logistics. Our goal? To return with firsthand knowledge so that when we design custom itineraries for our travelers, we can confidently recommend camps and routes that deliver top-tier experiences with seamless flow.
This particular trip focused on classic-level camps, with the aim of building a new itinerary that offers affordable luxury—perfect for honeymooners, families and friends dreaming of Africa, but unsure where to begin. That means our pace was quicker than a typical guest safari. We moved often, squeezed in as many camp visits as possible, and flew more legs than we would usually recommend. So while your safari likely won’t look just like this one, the insights we gathered from these on-the-ground experiences are exactly what help us craft exceptional journeys tailored to your needs, interests, and budget.
Despite the hustle, the Africa joy shines through. I hope you feel it in every entry.
DAY 1
Good morning from the Intercontinental Johannesburg! My name is Alex, and I am on Day 1 of my reconnaissance trip in Zimbabwe with my husband Liam. Admittingly, this is an unconventional way to spend a honeymoon. But it was an easy choice as we both share great passion for Africa and were dying to go on safari again, no matter the pace. I look forward to taking you along on this journey and hope to convey the absolute joy that Africa brings.
After recharging for a night near the airport at the fabulous Intercontinental O.R. Tambo, we began the day’s adventures bright-eyed and bushy-tailed—who says that after an international flight? We hopped on a quick and easy scheduled flight to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. The porters at the airport were helpful in pointing us in the right direction. It was only a 1.5-hour flight, but we enjoyed a delicious lunch on board accompanied by epic scenery, including the Makgadikgadi Salt Pans.
After a relatively quick customs and passport check, we headed to arrivals and were met by our Bushtracks guide, Lucky, holding a sign with our names. It was nice to see a friendly face upon arrival. Lucky whisked us away to our accommodation, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. Bushtracks is truly a celebrity in the area—the impressive, sharp green vehicles with the Bushtracks Africa logo on the side were a sight to see. On the way, we chatted, got to know each other, and Lucky taught us about the region.
As we settled into our room, we took a deep breath and took it all in: the earthy Africa smell, the incredible view, the warm hospitality, and even the monkeys darting around camp. We felt nothing but gratitude to be in Africa. The last time was 2021, and boy, it’s great to be back.
This evening, we visited the Bushtracks Africa Zimbabwe office. It was a pleasure to meet the team behind the magic. Everyone was incredibly kind and clearly dedicated to making guests feel welcome. Next, we stopped by the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel. The history is palpable, and the architecture is unreal. Guests were blissfully chatting on the veranda, looking out upon the falls. And, of course, there was a rainbow. In Victoria Falls, there seem to be rainbows everywhere. I’m shocked a unicorn didn’t walk out.
Our evening experience was a memory that will last a lifetime—we boarded the Bushtracks Express. Just a short walk from the Victoria Falls Hotel, our journey began at the train station, where we were welcomed with sparkling wine and a cultural dance performance as guests boarded the historic train. We sat in the open car at the back—the best seat in the house, in my opinion—which meant that when the train horn went off, we were leading the charge, front row, as we chugged along.
After about 30 minutes, we stopped on the bridge, literally sitting on the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The falls made their booming presence known as little droplets—hardly even mist—touched our cheeks. Tulane Barwe, an esteemed Bushtracks Africa guide, led us off the train to enjoy the views. And my goodness, it was every bit a true spectacle. More rainbows, brimming falls in the month of May, perfectly warm weather, and golden sunset hour. What more could a person want in this life?
After many, many photos were taken, we all moseyed back on board and were led to the dining car. Attentive waitstaff kept our glasses full and our cheeks sore from smiling.
What followed was a six-course, five-star meal, accompanied by guitar serenades, coffee and tea, fun conversations with guides and fellow travelers, and even some wildlife spotting on the way home. It was an evening to remember—in the presence of a true wonder of the world, great people, and a fine dining experience to top it all off.
Signing off Day 1—full, smiling, and too excited to sleep, awaiting tomorrow’s adventures.
