Good morning from the shores of the Zambezi River. It is a gorgeous day - hope to be able to post a photo later...). Having coffee on the deck observing an African Darter which looks a little like a large cormorant.
Yesterday to we flew into Livingstone and were transferred to Tongabezi by van through Livingstone. The area is quite rural with some small businesses along the side of the road and many, many people walking, especially school children, as well as women carrying items on their head and also others on bikes.
After we got settled in our rooms and went through a short orientation, we had lunch of homemade gazpacho, bread and a lamb burger which we split as we weren't very hungry after the large breakfast AND the meal on the 90 minute flight from Joburg.
After unpacking, we headed for the dock for the sunset cruise in a pontoon sort of boat. The compound is set up with elevated planked walkways everywhere. We saw a family of monkeys. In my room was a beautiful tiny black spotted lizard. I'd love to identify it. Also lots of ordinary lizards around.
On the boat, Fabias - who had picked us up at the airport - motored us around looking for animals. We finally spotted large "rocks" in the river which were moving. Hippos! A few even yawned for us, showing their huge jaws and teeth. Most were in groups of 3-4. They were cute completely submerged except for ears and then their eyes. They spend the day in the water because of the heat - at least 95 yesterday - and then come on to land at night to feed. You know they are there when you hear their frantic and loud munching. Some even come onto the property according to the guides. Consequently, we are escorted to and from dinner in case animals are nearby.
We also spotted a few elephants in the distance feeding along with an African darter, African eagle and a reed cormorant. Soon we pulled up to an island where they had set up drinks and snacks on a small table. Some of us had Pimm's as a nod to the British... Off to the side were large hay mounds. They were what I thought - elephant dung!
The views on the river were peaceful, and the air was breezy. A perfect preamble to dinner on the deck not too soon after we returned.
Today we go to Livingstone to see the island, Victoria Falls and the David Livingstone museum.
You type really well on your phone:)
ReplyDeleteWe have the Memphis zoo right behind the school so I get to see these animals every week, but it is hard to imagine (and a little bit sad) to think of them in their natural habitat. How wonderful!!
A little bit sad to see them cooped up in the zoo, I meant to say:)
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