|
Toka
Leya Camp
|
|
Within the western sector
of the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park lies Toka Leya Camp, some 12km up from
the Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. At 1708
metres wide, Victoria Falls is the most expansive curtain of water in the
world and drops more than 100 metres into the sheer Zambezi Gorge. The Tonga
and Makalolo peoples lived here for centuries before the Falls were
'discovered' by David Livingstone in 1855, who named them after his queen.
Its local name - after which the national park is named - is Mosi-Oa-Tunya,
"the Smoke that Thunders," which describes accurately the huge
spirals of spray that can be seen 30km away. The camp overlooks the mighty
Zambezi River and some of its islands and comprises 12 spacious en-suite
safari-style tents. Wooden walkways snake between the units and main area,
limiting our footprint on this pristine area. Tent interiors boast cool
wooden flooring, tasteful, uncluttered African décor in earthy hues,
climate-control for a cool summer sanctuary and an expansive wooden deck
from which to soak up the views of the Zambezi River. The camp's dining,
lounge and bar areas offer ample space for relaxation and are complemented
by an infinity pool. The novel pizza oven is a great hit with our younger
visitors! A curio shop exhibits a fine selection of local crafts and a
variety of spa and massage treatments are available. Activities include a
tour of the Victoria Falls on the Zambian side, game drives within
Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, river cruises from the camp, guided nature
walks and visits to the Livingstone museums and Simonga Village. Other
activities on offer in the area at an additional charge include sunset
cruises on outsourced boats such as Lady Livingstone & African Queen,
helicopter flights, micro-lighting, canoeing, jet boating and white water
rafting. Game drives into the Mosi-oa-Tunya Park offer sightings of general
game species such as buffalo, giraffe, zebra, wildebeest and impala. There
is rich birdlife here too, including several sought-after species such as
African Finfoot, Half-collared Kingfisher, African Skimmer (seasonal),
Schalow's Turaco and Rock Pratincole (seasonal). Good birding can be enjoyed
within the confines of the camp itself, on boat cruises and out on game
drives. The Zambezi River offers some fishing opportunities and tiger
fishing is an unforgettable challenge for keen fishermen, particularly
during the warmer months (October - December). There are several varieties
of bream (Tilapia) which are a good catch.
|
