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Michelle & Jez's Adventures
Vic Falls
After 4 weeks in a 'stable' African democracy, we thought we'd see what Mr Mugabe was up to. Quick flight to Vic Falls, a former richman's playground. Amusement at airport where customs officials charge what they want for visas (in US Dollars) depending upon which country you are from. UK is clearly blacklisted (thanks Tony B) so Jez was charged top whack
Small beaten up taxi (& driver) took us along dusty deserted road through The Bush. 'We want cheap' we say - he say 'I know just the place' (oh dear) - bring on Shoestring Backpackers. 700,000 Zimbabwe Dollars - ouch - but for those travelling experts that we are, we cleverly knew that this was 15 GB Pounds for the room. Only two dead cockroaches on floor - so we thought this was a good deal.
River Safari
Both jumped on small boat that night for river cruise to the edge of the Falls. Chased by hippos on heat, almost swept over the falls etc. Wonderful birdlife to watch as the sun went down, some almost as big as hippos. All good fun. We were the only customers on the boat so were taken good care of by the two crew.
Morning Elephant-Back Safari
Early start, transferred to Game Reserve at 6:30 a.m. Safety briefing - 'now listen carefully, do NOT feed them sweets'. Introduced to our elephant, Sweetie (now you know where this is going don't you). Jez was not allowed to drive, big tears (almost elephant tears). Sweetie did cope admirably with our combined weight along with our driver, Bolton (he's not been there by the way). While on our ride was saw Impala, Sable, Warthog, Buffalo, Zebra & of course, elephant. The destruction these animals cause as they potter about in the bush uprooting trees etc is amazing. Would not want one in my garden. After safari we were allowed to 'interact' with our new friend & even feed her (but not sweets though). Great stuff - huge gentle beasts. All followed by breakfast at table out in the Bush.
Visit to THE Falls
(Please refer to pictures. Fairly self-explanatory - stunning, scary, loud, WET)
Night Safari (on Land-Rover this time)
Back to game reserve. Set off at dusk watching sun disappear - with cold beer in hand. Soon came across some remarkably tame looking lions being 'walked' by chaps. with guns (clearly not 100% tame then). Fantastic creatures, even allowed to pat them. Big cats then demonstrated tree climbing skills etc. So great to see them close up. Surprisingly not a scary encounter (we were told afterwards that it certainly would have been if we made any sudden movements). Back onto the Land-Rover - as sun disappeared we used spotlight instead. Loads of wonderful animals appeared. Best of all was to drive right into the middle of a herd of 5 Bull Elephants who were grazing at the top of a hill. They we quite simply IMMENSE. That WAS scary. Luckily Michelle knows The bush and could tell by the look in their eyes that they were relaxed so did not charge. They were no more than 20 metres away. Inspiring stuff. All this followed by a major 3 course meal again out in the bush around the camp-fire (known as the 'Bush TV').
Jet-Boat on Zambezi
(No photos of this as it was WET. Big boat used all of its 400 horse-power to go upstream at walking pace such was the speed of the River due to the water-level. Literally under the Falls themselves we could see almost nothing due to the spray. The driver was clearly more mature than me as he paid no attention to my cries of 'Go faster!' That was a shame.
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