Wednesday, October 5, 2016

Africa: Livingstone Island, Zambia

This morning we went on a game drive through the local national park, Mosi-oa-Tunya (the smoke that thunders). Fabias was our driver and guide which was terrific as he is very knowledgeable and can identity birds by their song. We saw elephants, giraffe, and many groups of impala. This park is smaller, but there were still numerous animals. Fabias even pointed out elephant tracks which look like oval disks about a foot long and 9 inches wide. 

Afterwards, we were delivered to the Royal Livingstone Hotel where we met our guide, Alpha Omega, who would take us to Victoria Falls. There was the option of swimming in Devils Pool, a rocky indentation fairly close to the edge of the falls. I chose not to, but most in our group, including Charlene, my traveling friend, suited up and took the plunge! It was necessary for them to swim to one group of rocks, climb on the rocks, and then re-enter the water to get to the Pool. Alpha Omega and other guards were there, but the amount of paperwork absolving them of any responsibility was daunting and an indication of the risk. Still, all who went loved it and were quite happy they had done it. 

Later, under the coolness of a canopy, we were treated to a delicious lunch including beef, chicken, roasted veggies and pineapple sorbet. Some toasted to their courage with wine!

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