Layover in Doha, Qatar

Arrived safely in Doha after the fabulous service on Qatar Airways. Gourmet white table cloth meals and our cubicles made up into full beds so a decent night’s sleep. We have an 8 hour layover here before the 2nd leg of our trip to Johannesburg.

The Doha airport is spectacular and the special lounge area stunning, private restrooms, full showers, food, drink, wifi – all the amenities. We can explore the two different garden areas within the airport while waiting for our flight at 2:00 AM Doha time (7 hours ahead).

Our first time in a middle eastern country, even if only 8 hours.

Evening Prayers in the Airport…

Day 1 – The Royal Livingstone

Today we arrived in Africa!  Specifically Johannesburg where we quickly changed planes for our flight to Livingstone, Zambia

and the start of our safari at the beautiful Royal Livingstone Hotel at the headwaters of Victoria Falls (see map below).  

We were greeted at the hotel with an army of security personnel which was initially alarming but then we were told that the heads of state of Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola were all staying at the hotel for a conference on African wildlife.  We said we appreciated them all coming to greet us 😉

Rhonda was greeted with a hand massage and then we settled into our rooms we’ll call home for the next 3 nights.

Then off to the outdoor bar at the banks of the Zambezi River for some libations and a beautiful sunset.  Tomorrow we’ll explore Victoria Falls which is within walking distance of the hotel.  Photos below…