Zambezi River

Victoria Falls Town

Republic of Zimbabwe

May 27, 2024

Hello,

Below are just a very few details and highlights of the course of the Zambezi. 

The fourth longest river in Africa travels through five countries:  Zambia, Angola, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique.

The Zambezi rises in a black, marshy dambo (shallow wetland) in dense, North-Western Province, Zambia, at about 1,524 meters (5,000 ft) above sea level.

The river flows to the southwest into Angola for about 240 km (150 mi), then is joined by sizeable tributaries such as the Luena and the Chifumage flowing from highlands to the north-west. Zambezi turns south where it re-enters Zambia.

Chobe National Park

Republic of Botswana

May 26, 2024

Hello,

In my very limited experience, a Game Drive is certainly not a continuous stream of animal and bird sightings.  On the contrary, the day is usually a series of brief encounters.  And also, a matter of luck.  Of course, the Guide/Driver uses his knowledge of “the bush” to locate the animals.   Maybe we will see a giraffe today.  Maybe not.

Today the Main Feature is Elephants.

Chobe National Park

Republic of Botswana

May 26, 2024

Hello,

Up before dawn. Camera and phone charged. 

Buffet breakfast served. 

Caravan departs.

Game Drive begins.

A Sedge of Cranes.

A Harem of Antelope.

A Parade of Elephants.

A Journey of Giraffes.

Dominant male lion cruises by our 4x4.  Uninterested.  Decamps to the river.  Breakfast?

Hwange Safari Lodge

Hwange National Park

The Republic of Zimbabwe

May 24, 2024

Hello

The Game Drive this afternoon is a feast for the eyes.

(Game Drive: A multi-hour excursion in a four-wheel drive vehicle in search of wildlife or game.)

One carnivore today.  

The Martial Eagle (Polemaetus bellicosus!)

Grazers and browsers.

Springbok. (Antidorcas marsupialis)

Kudu. (Tragelaphus strepsiceros)

Zebra. Specifically, Plains Zebra. (Equus  quagga)

Hippopotamus. Hippopotamus amphibius.

Elephants. African Bush Elephant. (Loxodonta Africana)

Hwange Safari Lodge

Hwange National Park

Republic of Zimbabwe

May 23, 2024

“There’s no better place to be.”  

So spoke Ingrid, a fellow traveler who I met on the grounds of the Hwange Safari Lodge.  We chatted for a moment.  Apparently, Ingrid is a digital nomad.  She sits for hours at one of the shaded tables on the expansive lawn of the lodge, head bent over computer. 

Me? I’m waiting for my sandwich, salad and coffee.  The very young and cheerful waitress serves an attractive meal.  French press!

At dawn this morning I encounter my first game in southern Africa.  A troop of baboons scurry across a distant section of the lawn..........