Victoria Falls: Wonder of the Natural World

Since there had been barely any rain, even though it was supposed to be the rainy season, the Falls on the Zambian side were completely dry. Thankfully, we were able to purchase Kaza visas (combined Zambia/Zimbabwe entry) just in case.

We were picked up at the lodge at precisely 7:50 am, and headed for the Zimbabwe border. Thiswas definitely a third-world experience. People and cars everywhere. Trucks lined up. People lined up at the emigration office. It was a miracle we got through in a matter of minutes. 

Check out this stowaway. Turns out these baboons are as common as squirrels in the US.

A short bring spanning the grand expanse between the two sides of the Falls:

Anyone up for bungee jumping into the great expanse? No thanks!

Before we took a step down the path to the Falls, we ran into this adorable pair:

Expert garbage pickers!

Our first sight of the glorious falls. . .with a rainbow as an added blessing!

Crazy kids paid $140 dollars each to have a guide bring them to the brink of the falls, in order to lay back over the edge for a daring shot for FaceBook. No thanks! It made us nervous just watching them from across the gorge.

I had no worries about safety. . .these thorn bushes kept us in line. One step to far, and the pain would catapult you backwards. Ingenious. . .the Zimbabwean version of the electric fence. 😉

Of course, no trip is complete without a photo next to Dr. David Livingstone (I presume?) who discovered the falls!

A panoramic view. . .

The happy travelers!

So good to have our missionary friend, Martha Logan join us in our Zambian/Zim adventures. . .

Fire Balls!

Heading back accross the border from Zimbabwe to Zambia. . .but not before snapping a photo of this adorable baby!

And believe it or not, by 11:30am, we were at the airport, ready to board our flight back to Johannesburg!

An Afternoon Safari

We took a dip in the pool overlooking the Zambezi River, and then moved on to our next adventure: a safari through the smallest game park in Zambia, close to our hotel.  The adventurous trio. . .

It was the habitat for the major African animal groups, except the lion and leopard. Due to its proximity to our lodge, and the probability they would eat the creatures systematically in this small park, the keepers decided against keeping them.

                                                     

     Our first encounter: Cape Buffalo

                           

                               Bok (or buck) of all varieties. This one is an Impala

                                                                   Giraffe, of course. . .

                                      

                                           Couldn't resist this guy. . .

     Baboons. . .our flight's landing was delayed because of mischievous monkeys!

                        

                              Zebra (the "e" has a short, not long sound in Afrikkans)

                                                  

                                                The elusive Guinea fowl, who scattered each time our jeep approached.  

      About 8-10 elephant crossed the road in a parade, coming from the river at dusk. The perfect time        

      to see wildlife!

                                    

                                          What a treat to see the white (or wide-mouthed) rhino, which were     

                                          sequestered in a fenced off area for safety. We were yards from them, out in     

                                          the open!

                                    

                                           These guards were monitoring them 24/7. . .

     Years ago, these were the barracks of officers who guarded the entire park. . .

                             

                                    Now it's the hideout for the monitor lizard!

      The day ended with a brilliant sunset . . .but not before we returned to our 'gated community'.

                                 

            Stay tuned for our continuing adventure: Victoria Falls and the border crossing . . .

On to Zambia Where Adventure Awaits. . .

When we arrived in Livingstone, Zambia, we stepped on this platform as we disembarked:

It's true!

The David Livingstone Lodge and Spa was everything we expected and more:

After checking in, we took a Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi River, and saw this comical character:

And many birds along the banks:

And then, the sunset, of course!

The sky is on fire!

Bright and early the next morning, we began our next adventure: riding elephants. We were instructed, signed the papers, and pulled ourselves onto the back of these gentle giants. Along the way, staff would stop and take photos. Here are a few Highlights:

Our missionary friend, Martha, joined us . . .

Cute little guy!

Ant hills. . .

My guide and elephant, who evidently, was orphaned then rescued.

The flame tree, which blooms BEFORE the rain. . .now that's faith!