What does a hundred trillion dollars actually look like? During Day 4 of my Vic Falls adventure, I went on a mission to track down one of the most famous banknotes in the world. I quickly realized finding a real one was much harder than I expected and would take persistence, patience, and a bit of luck. Here’s what happened during my hunt for one of the most extraordinary pieces of paper money ever printed, and how the day ended on the most spectacular boat in Africa.
The Dollar Hunt Begins!!
The hunt for 100 trillion dollars. My last morning at Vic Falls was spent hunting around for a 100 Trilion dollar note. I only had to walk outside of my hotel, and I met with locals trying to sell me some, but none of them were Trillions.
It’s amazing the effort that these people go. After telling them what I wanted they ran off in search of it and came back just a few minutes later.
The Fake 100 Trillion Note
Now I would like to think I’m no fool. I question everything, especially when dealing with random people overseas. I knew the 100 trillion was rare, so I was sure to check what I was being offered and wasn’t satisfied.
You could see from the local’s face that he also knew it wasn’t, and I approached one of the concierges of the hotel, who confirmed my suspicions. In the end, I had to settle for 100 billion, which isn’t a bad touch, but not the same!
Next Destination: The Zambezi River
We left Vic Falls and made our way to the Zambezi River, where we would board the Zambezi Queen for 3 days in the Chobe National Park.
The Zambezi Queen is a full board luxury boat offering between 2 and 3 nights cruises along the Chobe River. There is nothing else quite like it and each room offers uninterrupted views of the African landscape. I don’t even need to get out of my bed to look at Elephants anymore!
Room view
My Luxury Safari Experience on the Zambezi Queen
The Zambezi Queen is a full-board luxury boat offering 2- to 3-night cruises along the Chobe River. There is nothing else quite like it, and each room offers uninterrupted views of the African landscape. I don’t even need to get out of my bed to look at wildlife anymore!
The Zambezi Queen Gave Me the Reset I Needed
The boat is really something, and if I’m honest will be a welcome break to the frantic trip it has been so far! Not to mention Dad is still ill, so it’s a great place for him to recuperate, even though he can see everything from the comfort of his bed in preparation for the next leg in Mauritius.
Zambezi River….
- 4th largest river in Africa
- 2,700 km (from its source in Zambia to the Indian Ocean in Mozambique)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Now $100 billion better off and enjoying a cruise down the Zambezi, I’d say life is looking pretty good. After all the chaos and stress, it feels great to finally sit back, take in the views, and enjoy the moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 100 trillion dollar Zimbabwe note?
The 100 trillion dollar note is one of the most famous banknotes ever printed during Zimbabwe’s period of hyperinflation. During my time in Victoria Falls, I went searching for a genuine one and quickly realised how rare they are.
Was it difficult to find a real 100 trillion dollar note in Vic Falls?
Yes, finding an authentic note was much harder than I expected. Many locals were selling versions of the note, but after checking carefully, I discovered most were not genuine.
Did you manage to buy the 100 trillion dollar note?
Unfortunately, I couldn’t find a real 100 trillion note during my search. In the end, I settled for a 100 billion dollar note, which still made for a pretty unique souvenir.
What is the Zambezi Queen?
The Zambezi Queen is a luxury safari houseboat that cruises along the Chobe River near Botswana and Namibia. Staying on board allowed me to relax while watching African wildlife directly from my room.
Is the Zambezi Queen worth it?
For me, the Zambezi Queen was absolutely worth it. After weeks of fast-paced travel, it was the perfect chance to slow down, enjoy the scenery, and experience a completely different side of Africa.
What wildlife can you see from the Zambezi Queen?
During the cruise, I could spot animals like buffalo and birds directly from the boat, sometimes without even leaving my bed. The views across the river and the surrounding landscape were incredible throughout the trip.
Where does the Zambezi River flow?
The Zambezi River is the fourth-largest river in Africa. It begins in Zambia and flows around 2,700 kilometres before eventually reaching the Indian Ocean in Mozambique.
NEXT UP
Village trip and fishing tomorrow. Click to read
SAFE TRAVELS, DS x
125/229
This post is part of the Southern Africa Series, click to explore or for episode 1 click here.
To watch the video of my trip, head to my Instagram highlights.
Question Time
- Have you visited Chobe National Park?
- Have you done a safari cruise?
- What is your favourite memory from it
Let me know in the comments below . . .
