Remember bounce houses, couch forts and tree houses? Those were the days when we had no inhibitions. When we just did whatever we wanted to to do. Now we grow up, become adults and it suddenly becomes “uncool” or “inappropriate” to do those things anymore.

I say, forgetaboutit.

I decided to return to my childhood at The Valley of the Waves, a water park at The Palace of the Lost City Hotel in South Africa. They had these giant inflatable hamster balls. Take a look in this YouTube video.

So it turns out that hamster balls are tougher than they look. And 5 minutes is plenty of time. I was exhausted after 2 and a half. But it was worth every rand to roll around and laugh incessantly. You can laugh some more at some of my Facebook Photos in the ball.

Today’s Lesson: It’s okay to do something childish. Who cares, really? So do something childish. Kids have all the fun. Adults should too. Comment with your most childish adventure.

I’ll see you out there!…Or in there

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If you read my post on accommodation in Livingstone, Zambia, you’ll see the story of how I booked my room at Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. With the power of twitter I was on my way. Here’s a list of the 10 reasons why I enjoyed my stay.*

10. Quiet, Peaceful, Calm

With 11 rooms, you’ll find the lodge quiet, peaceful and well…calm. The location of the hotel is just beyond the main part of town, close enough to be where you need to be quick, but far enough away to get that sense of escape and relief.

There is a pool and garden area to relax, catch-up on jet lag or just relish the fact that you’re in Africa. With rooms sprinkled throughout the complex, you can feel like you’re the only one there, or quickly swap stories with other travelers who are  looking to do the same.

9. African Personality

Traveling through 15 countries I can tell you that a hotel, is a hotel is a hotel. But not Chanters Lodge.

Stepping onto the grounds, you’ll instantly feel like you’re in Africa. High perimeter walls, dirt driveways, painted walls, coffee tables stacked with travel books, newspapers and magazines and well-worn lounges to enjoy them in – it’s the perfect setting to best your fellow travelers with tales of getting doused by Vic Falls, cruising the Zambezi or searching for game.

It doesn’t try to be luxury, contemporary, modern or artsy. It’s African and that’s what makes it special. I’ve posted more photos of Chanters Lodge on Facebook.

8. Comfortable Rooms

Between riding in helicopters, bungee jumping and hiking through the Zim Side of the falls, at the end of the evening, you want a place to unwind and relax.

Rooms are equipped with bug nets, private bath rooms, desks, televisions, space heaters (yep, it can get chilly in Africa) and beds you can slide right into. I fell fast asleep, anxious to discover what adventures Livingstone has in store for me tomorrow.

7. Convenient Location

Chanters Lodge is located just about 10 minutes from the airport and 10 minutes from Vic Falls. Taxi Drivers know exactly where it is so it’s easy to get home. You can make quick trips downtown for shopping, dining or entertainment without worrying about how to get home. You can read more about Transportation around Victoria Falls here.

6. Menu Variety

The Chanters Lodge Restaurant has plenty of options for every palate. You’re in Africa, so try something local: Zambezi Bream (fish), Nshima (a Zambian side dish) and Mosi Lager (a local brew).

But for the less-than-adventurous, there’s the staples too: omelettes, sandwiches, chicken, pasta, etc.

Food comes quick, is priced right, filling and does the job after a busy day crossing borders with Zimbabwe and Zambia. Breakfast is included with your room!

5. WiFi Internet Access

Guests can enjoy 1 complimentary hour of wireless internet access. Vouchers for purchase are available for additional time. Internet speeds in Zambia are slower than what you may be used to, but you’ll have enough speed and time to let everyone know you’ve arrived safely in Livingstone and to brag on Facebook with the photos you took of Vic Falls.

4. Community Radio Station

One of the parts of my stay that surprised me the most was Chanters Lodge’s prominence in the community. Every Sunday Richard Chanter, the owner, hosts The Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient Featuring George Soulchild on 107.7

He’s got a strong following on the show as they talk music, travel, pop culture and more. Each week he gives out a free dinner for two at the lodge to local Zambians, a treat for many!

Guest lodges distinguish themselves from the bland corporate hotels with activities like this. It adds passion, personality and fun to a guests stay. Locals supporting locals, that’s the way it should be.

3. Attentive Staff

I sat down to dinner on the first night and with my meal came several salads, one of them beet salad. Not a beet eater, I politely declined.

During dinner on the second night, my server brought the same salads, minus the beets. That kind of attention to detail is rare. It can’t be taught, practiced or rehearsed. You have to have people who have a heart for service to recognize and deliver moments like that.

Whether it’s the front office staff, the servers or Richard himself, they’ll ensure you are taken care of during your entire stay.

2. Fantastic Price

Considering the amenities, location staff and everything else, Chanters Lodge is the best value in town. Anything cheaper and you’d be slummin’ it. Anything more expensive and you’d be paying for services you don’t need. Chanters Lodge hits it on the mark.

1. Passionate, Friendly Owner

Richard Chanter, the owner of the lodge which bears his name loves being a hotelier. I could tell that instantly. He’ll meet you at the airport, provide travel advice in the area, organize tours and transport, regale you with stories from his past and maybe even invite you to be a guest on his radio show Sunday evenings.

Chanters Lodge is the culmination of decades of experience in hospitality, a place he can call his own.

If you’d like to learn more about Richard, you can read my interview with him.

The Essentials

For More Information: The official homepage of Chanters Lodge can be found here. Other online and social media portals include: Twitter, Lodge Blog, Facebook, Trip Advisor

Hotel Costs: Rates vary according to room size. Chanters offers reasonable rates at a great value. It’s my preferred choice over the higher-priced and less personal chain hotels.

How to get there: Richard himself will pick you up from the airport in Livingstone! No hassles.

Ben Recommends: Relax by the pool for some peace and quiet. After Bungee Jumping, Trekking Across the Falls and Flying High Above them, you’ll need some downtime.

I’ll see you out there…! In room number 3!

*Chanters Lodge was a sponsor of adventureswithben.com. In exchange for advertising space on this site, Chanters Lodge provided complimentary accommodation. The opinions shared in the above post are personal opinions of mine from my 2 nights in Livingstone.

Earlier this week I debated whether or not I should Bungee Jump from the Victoria Falls Bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe. Watch this YouTube video to see how I answered the question…

Can you believe it? I did it!!!

I was jumper number 22 for the day at 69 Kilograms.

Falling from 111 Meters

Bungee Jumping had been on My Adventure List for the longest time. And when given the opportunity here in Africa, I couldn’t pass it up. There are lots of places around the world to do it, but with the backdrop of Victoria Falls as you plummet, there’s truly no other place in the world that could be better.

This was one of the scariest moments in my life. It took me the entire day to build up the courage. I was jumping alone, so there was little support or encouragement to coach me through it – making it even tougher. While I was visiting Vic Falls on the Zambian side, I ran into a school group with some students who wanted to jump, but their chaperones wouldn’t allow them. So this jump, was in part, a tribute to them. The adventurous spirit lives in each of us, we just need a little push. Thank you to my friends on twitter, the Indian Tour Group and those American Students I ran into that helped me through the decision-making process

And with that push I was hurtling down to the ground. While the Victoria Falls Bridge is not the tallest Bungee Jump in the world, it’s higher than most. What must have been around 5 seconds, was nothing but acceleration. You couldn’t feel any tension letting you know you were strapped to something. Pure free fall. Pure terror.

WIth the Zambezi River coming closer, you snap back up, bounce up and down and dangle while waiting for your rescue.

What I Learned

We only live once. When our time is up, our time is up. Seize the day, Just do it, Carpe Diem, Live with no regrets, whatever cliche you want. We could all use a little adventure in our lives.

I took a risk and conquered my fear. I’ve lived to tell the tale and have no regrets. This is a memory and story that I’ll carry with me for the rest of my life. Despite the excuses, despite the fear of the unknown, despite being alone I did it. And you can to.

What’s your biggest fear? And what are you going to do about it?

You can find some of my Vic Falls Bungee Jump photos on my Facebook Fan Page.

I’ll see you out there…! But not with a cord strapped to my ankles.

The Essentials

For More Information: I couldn’t find any official site for the Bungee Jump Outfitter, Big Air, but check out this comprehensive tour operator’s website with all the details you need. You may want to book ahead during busy season. I walked right up.

Attraction Costs: It was $110 for the Bungee Jump. If you want to add on a bungee swing and zipline it’s a substantial savings if you do all three at once. The Bungee Jump was all I needed. The DVD and Photo CD cost me an additional $45 – a very steep price for a few snapshots and video. I was traveling alone so no one could record my jump. If you have a travel partner, have them take photos on rapid shutter mode, and buy the DVD. It’s filmed from 2 different angles, a nice touch.

How to get there: You can’t miss it. As you approach the Victoria Falls Bridge from the Zambian side, you’ll see the steps leading up to the registration desk. You may find lots of people on the side of the road asking you if you’re going to Bungee Jump. Not sure if they get a commission, just trying to make conversation or scamming you. Whatever the reason, you don’t need their services to register.

Suggested Time to Experience Fully: 5 seconds for the fall, 5 minutes waiting upside-down to be hoisted back up. Enjoy the view

Best Time to Visit: As soon as you find the courage to sign the paperwork. The longer you wait, the harder the decision will be. Once you pay your money, there are no refunds. So throw down your cash and jump.

Ben Recommends: Every traveler to Victoria Falls should do this, especially if you’ve never bungee jumped. If you opt out, you’ll regret it as soon as you return home. Stare fear in the face and jump.

This adventure to Victoria Falls was sponsored by Chanters Lodge, Livingstone. Considering a trip to Livingstone? Click the photo to book your accommodation at Chanters Lodge.