ZAMBIA 2018 Nov 14

After awakening early this morning Sara and I decided to take a walk around the grounds of our hotel which is located within the Mosi-O-Tunya National Wildlife Park. When we rounded a corner on the footpath we encountered a small herd of impalas. I can only say this was just the beginning of the sights that were about to unfold! We also encountered a flock of weaver birds, brilliant yellow making bell shaped nests by weaving grasses. Many more sights and all before breakfast.
     A very satisfying breakfast was had by all before boarding our shuttle en route to Kasane, Botswana. Our final destination the Chobe Nation Wildlife Preserve. Imagine our surprise by catching sight of pack of mongoose and then no 20 paces on a lone giraffe nibbling the leaves from a tree! Friends the surprises kept getting better and better...truly takes your breath away and brings tears to your eyes. Before we got much further we encountered a herd of elephants enjoying the shade of an upland tree. They varied in size from a small baby with its mother to full grown adults. We also spotted a warthog, glossy starling and verit monkeys.
     Our tour guide, Kaiser, was phenomenal, so well versed in botany and taxonomy. He also studied astronomy all before he could qualify to lead game drives. He was patient answering all our many questions and requests all while spotting and angling the vehicle for optimum viewing. 
     We were able to drive along the Botswana side of the Zambezi River. The rainy season hasn’t begun so the preserve is dry driving the animals toward the water. We saw impala by the score. Cape buffalo accompanied by oxpeckers who feed on the tormenting ticks they are followed by egrets who feed on the small fish and insects stirred up by the buffalo. Amazing how nature providers for one another!
     We saw hippos, Egyptian Ibis, warthogs, mongooses, kudu, spoonbill crane and many more birds. As we continued on we heard that old familiar call in the distance a traveled to locate a humongous herd of elephants
     More elephants than one could ever imagine heading to the riverbank and then over the crest innumerable elephants frolicking in the river! A most spectacular scene. Calling, splashing, squirting and snorting we didn’t know where to look first. Each view provided a glimpse into the life of elephants in their own environment!
     We were all hoping to see some lions but being so hot and dry they tend to be elusive. Kaiser was not to be deterred and found us a small pride. Imagine our utter delight. A male with 2 females, a youngster and cubs relaxing in the shade of a large tree. We could have stayed all day just observing these amazing creatures to the sound of dragonflies encircling our vehicle.
     Many more sights were yet to behold as we wondered to river’s edge this evening to watch the sunset over the Zambezi as the mist from Victoria Falls was rising in the distance as hippos frolicked and bellowed closer to shore. The perfect ending to a fabulous day! I am truly astonished witnessing God’s handiwork. He truly is an awesome God.

Amy