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9 Reasons Why The Boma is the Most Unforgettable Dining Experience You’ll Ever Have

Throughout the beginning of our trip through Africa many people were raving about The Boma Restaurant in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe so we decided it was worth checking out during our stay there. We were not disappointed and here is why you won’t be either.

CN Tower: A Walk on the Edge

I had just arrived in Toronto by train and had five hours to kill before my flight back to Alberta so I decided to head downtown to see what adventures I could find. It had been seven years since my last visit to Toronto and my first visit as a solo traveler, so I did what any tourist does when in the capital city of Toronto: I hit up the CN Tower.

The landmark isn’t hard to find, standing over 1815 feet high. It was built in 1976 and became the world’s tallest tower, holding it’s record until 2010. It is now listed as the third tallest tower in the world and continues to hold the record for the tallest freestanding structure in the western hemisphere.

Many tourists head up the CN Tower to the observation deck where through a glass floor they can spy on those going about their daily business below. I had done this once before so I opted to take things one step further, literally. I signed up for a little something called the EdgeWalk.

The CN Tower glass floor (2008)

The CN Tower glass floor (2008)

Listed as the “World’s highest full circle hands-free walk”, I had to add this to my bucket list just to check it off right away. There were many people in line ahead of me but most were signing up as groups of two or three. With only six people per EdgeWalk group I was able to sneak into the last spot on the next group to leave as the couples ahead of me had to sign up hours in advance to be able to walk together. There are pros solo travel!

I signed my forms and was let into the briefing room where the rest of the group was already suiting up. I was handed a bright red jumpsuit and a harness as soon as I entered, dressed quickly, and got in line with my five fellow walkers. We were then taken in a private elevator up to the roof of the restaurant, 1168 feet in the air.

In the little room atop the restaurant we were clipped into the safety line above us before being led outdoors. The wind wasn’t as bad as I had expected. Despite being a beautiful summer day, the air was cool so high up however the jumpsuits provided enough warmth for the half hour we were outside.

We began by toeing our way to the edge of the walkway. Our guide nonchalantly then pushed himself over the edge, relying only on his harness to keep him in place. He walked at an angle in front of us, displaying his trust in the equipment and hoping to give confidence to the few whose nerves were shown blatantly on their faces.

As we each gained the courage our guide had us each dangle our toes over the edge. Then turn around and balance only on our toes. The brave ones leaned back in their harness, balancing the arches of their feet on the edge of the walk, as if reclining in a lounge chair. That part wasn’t so bad.

We walked around part of the tower as our guide pointed out different landmarks and areas of Toronto. We were given permission to walk as close or as farm from the edge of the ramp as we felt comfortable. Only one stayed near the inside, keeping close to the security of the wall as the rest of us ventured a little closer to the wild side. I was probably a little closer tan I should have been when my balance and grace is taken into consideration. I only tripped once and my harness was secure enough that I wasn’t going to go anywhere if I did fall. This was very reassuring.

We played around again on the edge, leaning back, reaching out, then we leaned forward. With the guideline pressed up against my shoulder, I slowly rolled towards my toes which were dangling high above Toronto. I looked down at the cars which appeared the size of ants. It was a long way down and my adrenaline was a long way up.

The experience was a lot of fun and I never felt my safety was at risk. The edgewalk wasn’t as terrifying as a bungy jump but would still be rattling for someone scared of heights. The great thing about this adventure is that you can choose your comfort level. If you would rather stick close to the inside walkway and have the security of the wall , no one will hold it against you. As you gain confidence and are feeling like taking a risk you can go as far as you are comfortable whether it’t having a look over the edge or dangling your body off the side.

After the EdgeWalk we were each given a photo and video DVD which was included in the $195 cost. This was a bonus as many of these types of activities love to charge and extra $20-$30 for these. The EdgeWalk ticket also gave me a fast pass to the observation deck so I didn’t have to wait in the long and winding trail of visitors. I was surprised by that fact as I had just been told I had a pass to the observation deck, I had no idea it meant I would get to skip on the long wait time. This was a great bonus!

If you’re looking for a way to get out of your comfort zone but aren’t ready to jump off a bridge or out of a plane just yet, the EdgeWalk is a great place to start if you find yourself in Toronto. Despite having done three Bungy jumps and a Skydive prior to my visit I still had a great time at the CN Tower. If you visit on a clear day you can sometimes see the skylines of New York State and Niagara Falls 160 kms in the distance.

A Dance With The Devil’s Pool

“I acknowledge that I am aware of an appreciate the real dangers and risks that are associated with visiting Livingstone Island on the Zambezi River arising inter alia from slippery rock surfaces, river currents, flash floods and the presence of wild and dangerous animals, reptiles, and insects and the real risk of suffering bodily harm, injury and even death.” As we waited for our boat at the dock of the Royal Livingstone Hotel each of us signed a waiver, as you do when participating in any risky activity. We were all aware that the risk of swimming at Devil’s Pool was a little higher than many other adrenaline activities, but that’s half the thrill of it, right?

Rafting and Riverboarding the Mighty Zambezi: 19 Rapids, 3 Injuries, 2 Girls, 1 Mighty Adventure

The magazine fell open to page 81, as if it was calling to me, “And the Zambezi’s dozens of rapids, which roil with waves as high as 30 feet, are famed as the best commercially run white water in the world”. My attention was caught. The Zambezi River runs between Zimbabwe and Zambia, fed by the great Victoria Falls, was one of the stops I would be making on my trip through Africa. I kept reading. “…Boaters buck through house-size rapids and dodge hippos and crocs”. Okay, a little danger there, but what the heck! I turned and headed to the counter with “National Geographic Adventures of a Lifetime” tucked under my arm. In that moment I made the decision that I would raft the Zambezi. Little did I know that I would take it just one step further.

Botswana: Chobe on Water

After an early morning game drive through Chobe National Park, with a heart-stopping lion encounter, spirits were high at our campsite. We enjoyed what was left of our breakfast after a raid by a group of mongooses and took the afternoon to relax. Or relax as much as you can when there is a spitting cobra in your bathroom.

Botswana: Chobe on Wheels

Botswana was the best country of the nine we visited for game viewing along the roads. As soon as we crossed the border into Botswana we started to see elephants everywhere, a few giraffes too. They were scattered along the sides of the highway, causing traffic to slow down and often come to a stop when the large mammals decided to cross the road. As most traffic kept puttering along, not phased by the elephant sightings which occur regularly for them, we stopped to take photos. The giants came right up to the edge of the highway, where we were parked. Our first close up encounter.

9 Reasons You Should Travel South Africa’s Garden Route

1. Great White Shark Cage Dive

Kick things off in Cape Town with an adrenaline pumping cage dive with the most feared creatures of the sea, the great white shark. Book a trip with one of the many reputable companies then head on out to Gansbaai for your opportunity to suit up and climb into a cage and watch these terrifying creatures circle you. If you choose not to get into the water there is always a great view from the boat as well where the sharks can sometimes be seen breaching and swimming uncomfortably close to the boat.