Wild Life Encounters in Africa

 

Cheetah in Namibia ©Solange Hando

Did you know? Namibia was the first country to include conservation in its Constitution and in this big but sparsely populated country, wild life always has the right of way.

There are 200 mammal species on land and you will see them all over the country but top attraction is the Ethiopia National Park in the north where I came across this beautiful cheetah in the nearby AfriCat Foundation reserve.

                                                                     Elephants in Botswana ©Solange Hando

This is in the Chobe National Park by the namesake river, a wonderful place to see the wild life, especially in the dry season. 

Lions, giraffes, buffaloes, gazelles and more, it's amazing but my favourites were the elephants, such as this mother and babe who just swam across the river to spend the night on Sedudu island, the safest place for the young.

                                                             Gelada Baboons in Ethiopia ©Solange Hando

What's special about them? They're only found in the Ethiopian Highlands with the largest population in the Simien Mountains.

Notice the young one on the left clinging to his mum and to the right the father, displaying the red patch on his chest. The larger the patch, the more attractive he will be to the other sex.

                                                               Penguins in South Africa ©Solange Hando

This is Boulder Beach, not far from Cape Town and part of the Table Mountain National Park Marine Area. Stay on the trail, keep quiet and enjoy the display as they wobble across the white sand and you might even spot a baby's head popping out of a nest. 

Others venture up on the granite rocks, sharing the space with cormorants drying their wings in the hot African sun.

                                                                         Rhino in Zambia ©Solange Hando

How close is that on a walking safari? Pretty close as we trekked in single file, two of us with six armed guards to keep away poachers, not rhinos... Not far from the Victoria Falls, so if you go there, check it out.

Black rhinos are a true success story in Zambia though you do find white ones too. Both similar colour but the difference between black and white simply refers to the length of the horns and shape of the lips.

                                                                     Lemur in Madagascar ©Solange Hando

What an island this is, so rich in flora and fauna, best known of course, the incredible lemurs living undisturbed in their natural habitats.

There are over 100 species of lemurs -and probably more yet to be discovered-, though my favourites were the playful ring-tailed, the black and white indri, the largest we know, and this lovely silky sifaka and babe, often called the dancing lemur, hopping along with the grace of a ballerina.

                                                                Sunset with the Wild Life, Namibia ©Solange Hando

 

Victoria Falls, Zambia versus Zimbabwe

Arial View of the Victoria Falls from Zimbabwe (left) to Zambia ©Solange Hando

In November 1855, Dr Livingstone was the first European to set eyes on the falls, from an island in the Zambezi river and the top of a baobab tree near the town now named after him. 

Called Mosi-oa-Tunya in the local language, or the 'smoke that thunders, the Victoria Falls stretch for 1708 metres as the Zambezi rushes on its way through five gorges. The highest fall is a sheer 108 metres and in the wet season, the spray might be seen from over 40 km away.

Eastern Cataract on the Zambian side ©Solange Hando

 Zambia claims only a small section of the Victoria Falls but easy access from Livingstone international airport attracts most tourists to this side of the border. 

Nearby hotels such as the Zambezi Sun  and Royal Livingstone allow visitors to walk to the falls to view the Zambezi upper reaches and the mighty drop of the Eastern Cataract.

Knife Edge Bridge (Zambia) ©Solange Hando

Walking across the knife edge bridge is the most exciting experience but expect to be drenched as the spray pours down from great heights like inverted rain. Equally thrilling, when conditions allow, is bathing in the Devil's Pool right on the edge of the fall on Livingstone island. 

On a gentler note and still in Zambia, you can see the statue of Livingstone near the entrance, follow the photographic trail or scramble down to the Boiling Pot where the river exits the gorge to rush around a tight corner.

The Victoria Falls Bridge ©Solange Hando

Open in 1905, the bridge spans the gorge to link Zambia  and Zimbabwe. The border is half- way across and providing you leave your passport at the Zambian exit, you can walk to the end of the bridge into Zimbabwe. However you'll need a visa to go any further and view the falls from that side.

This is a rail and road bridge, with loads of trucks waiting to cross, one at a time, It's also a favourite spot for bungee jumping.

Just one of 16 Viewpoints in Zimbabwe ©Solange Hando

During the dry season, it's best to view the falls from Zimbabwe since, unlike in Zambia, the water doesn't dry up. Trails guide you safely through a patch of rainforest to 16 viewpoints but beware of 'danger point' 15 when very wet.

See the Devil's Cataract, Main Falls, Horseshoe, Rainbow and Armchair Falls and further along, the Zambian side of the falls in the distance as well as the Victoria bridge.

Viewpoint 2 along the Trail in Zimbabwe ©Solange Hando

When the Victoria Falls are in full spate, the spray can obscure the view but the thundering roar still sends shivers down your spine, whichever side of the border you are on. For a complete picture, I would recommend viewing the falls from both sides.

Victoria Falls Zambezi Sun Hotel

All Welcome at the Zambezi Sun in Zambia ©Solange Hando

Set within the Victoria Falls National Park, this spacious hotel has lush open grounds where wild life is free to roam.

These zebras are regular visitors keen to feast on tender grass but guests might also spot a giraffe or two, plenty of baboons and crocodiles by the lake though it would be wise to keep away from the bank.

Swimming Pool at the Zambezi Sun ©Solange Hando

On the other hand, the pool is perfectly safe and irresistible for a swim, followed by a light lunch at the waterside bar.

There's plenty of shade if you want it or sun to work on your tan. It's also a popular meeting place for pre-dinner drinks.

Twin Room African-Style ©Solange Hando

The Zambezi Sun claims 212 guest rooms and suites with all mod.cons. from tea and coffee making facilities to TV and free Wifi.

Furnishings are a mix of soothing and bright African colours enhanced by traditional Zambian crafts such as woodcarving on headboards.

Besides the poolside bar, local and international food is available in the steakhouse, the buffet restaurant and the Crocodile Café near the activity centre.

The Victoria Falls near the Zambezi Sun, Zambia ©Solange Hando

But wild life and comfort aside, the greatest asset of the Zambezi Sun is its location, just a few minutes' stroll through the grounds to the Victoria Falls, with unlimited free access when you present your room card.

 On the Zambian side, you can view the upper Zambezi rushing towards the cliff's edge, the Eastern Cataract (pictured above), the Boiling Pot down in the gorge and the Victoria bridge which marks the border with Zimbabwe and the rest of the falls.

Sunset on the Zambezi River ©Solange Hando

Guests who feel like a change from the falls can book various activities at the hotel such as land safaris, either jeep, elephant or horse back, or river cruises for wild life viewing and spectacular sunsets over the water.