The border crossing between Botswana and Zambia was definitely the most hectic of the three. When we arrived, there were about 200 taxi drivers, bus drivers, drivers, people, etc. who were approaching us to ask if we needed transportation. They were shouting prices at us, telling us they were the best, telling us those “other guys” we were talking to were crooks, telling us we would be robbed if we went with them, showing us their license, etc. CHAOS. All I could do was sit back and just laugh as I watched 20 different drivers approach the eight of us and each of us having a different opinion and trusting one guy more than the other. We let Joe take charge, and settled on two regular cabs for a pretty good price. They drove us for about 45 minutes to our hostel, Jollyboys Backpackers. This was by far my favorite hostel we stayed at on the whole trip. Lots of young people, good food, outdoor bar, travel books, swimming pool, camping, rooms, a the best part, a massive central “chill zone” which consisted of large pillows all over square seating area where you could just lay down and unwind. Our first day in Zambia, we situated ourselves at the hostel and took a mini bus to Victoria Falls. Our mini bus experience was pretty comical, as we got off followed by an old man who continued to repeat the 3 phrases “Let’s talk about Barack Obama!” “Let’s talk about global crisis!” and “Let’s talk about Nelson Mandela!” (He wouldn’t actually continue conversation on any of these topics, but rather just continuously say them over and over again.) Victoria Falls was INCREDIBLE. Impossible to explain in words, but essentially a massive, powerful waterfall that got you drenched! We were literally soaking wet, just as if we had jumped into a pool. Good thing we had gotten advice about not bringing our cameras to the Zambia side and putting our money in double zip lock baggies. There are baboons ALL OVER Victoria Falls. And you would think they would just be little cuties, but when you walk by 10 baboons who are eying you up and down and start walking after you…it’s a little scary! We did a really amazing hike down to the boiling point, which was like a crazy expedition through a jungle. Under vines, over rocks, fording through water, all while surrounded by a lush tropical paradise.
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