Another favourite lion photo ...

Lionesses, South Luangwa

Looking back through the previous few posts, I noticed that I did not add one of the highlight pictures. Well here it is. Prior to this, we had counted 15 lionesses walking through the bush, though only 12 are visible in this picture and in the clearing. The vehicle was positioned between the lionesses and a herd of buffalo behind us which explains the "perfect" pose.

WWF - Rhino poaching surge continues in 2011

WWF - Rhino poaching surge continues in 2011

Lion Video - South Luangwa National Park

From the game drive vehicle from Kaingo camp, we watched these two for about 1 1/2 hrs, and approximately every 20 minutes they would get up and mate again. We were told this was the 6th day of their mating marathon - they must have been exhausted !

South Luangwa National Park, Zambia

It has been a dream of mine for many years to visit South Luangwa after having read so much about it. Well, we have just returned, and I can easily say it far exceeded all our expectations. The guiding, lodges and hospitality of Shenton Safaris certainly was a big part of us experiencing the best South Luangwa has to offer. We had some great and enjoyable days sharing the drives and walks with other guests, but also had some times of exclusivity. Game drives with just the two of us, and on our last morning, a walk for both of us led by Derek, the owner of Shenton Safaris - that was a real highlight ! We had a close encounter with a single male buffalo on the walk, but we moved on cautiously without incident. Although quieter from a game perspective, Mwamba Bush Camp in other ways was extraordinary, just six beds. We rarely saw other vehicles or people on our drives or walks. It was the camp though from where we found part of the Mwamba lion pride, 15 lionesses together ! At Kaingo we had elephant in camp, and two sightings of leopard, although brief. The location of the chalets at Kaingo Camp along the Luangwa river was spectacular. Just an unbelievable concentration of aniamls of many species including Thornicroft giraffe, Cookson's wildebeest and Crawshay's zebra.

Zambezi Canoeing Safari - 6 Days

Crossing the border to Zimbabwe over Kariba Dam wall and admiring the water through the flood-gates, little did we know that the same high water downstream in the gorge would provide a huge challenge the next day. Within a few minutes of launching our loaded canoes, we encountered rough water and whirlpools. Three out of five canoes were completely swamped, one turning over completely. It took a while for the group to get together again and that with the help of a speed boat filled with a plain-clothed heavily-armed Zimbabwean anti-poaching team. Fortunately everyone made it through the ordeal safely. It was a scary experience, I won't elaborate on all the details. Word spread quickly, and we were the talk of the town during a visit into Chirundu on Day 3. We did lose some gear and two of us damaged camera equipment. The next five days were a vast improvement on that first day. The gorge ended, and the paddling was much easier. We camped most nights on islands, when they could be found. With the flood waters, many of the islands usually used as camp sites were under water. We witnessed the lunar eclipse one night. We continously encountered pods of hippos the whole trip, and many crocodiles moved out of the way as we passed. This all without incident. At night, the crocodiles gleaming eyes could be seen in the water by torchlight just beyond our camp-site. Our two Zimbabwean river guides were excellent !

Zimbabwe, Zambia 2011

Well, back from another fantastic trip, although brief, to the bushveld and wilderness areas of southern Africa. This time to Zimbabwe - canoeing down the Zambezi River; and Zambia - a week in the South Luangwa National Park. I know I am biased, but there is no other place on earth that provides the same experience with large animals, herbivores and carnivores, and an incredible diversity of birds, trees, grasses and other creatures. It is a long way to travel from Toronto, our return trip lasting 39 hrs and consisting of 4 separate flights. The long trip is soon forgotten though within a day of being out in the wild areas. The travel arrangements went smoothly including a road transfer between Lusaka and Kariba either side of the canoe trip. The border officials were courteous and professional, and we were pleasantly surprised by Carribea Bay resort in Kariba, and the organisation of the canoe safari. The use of the $US throughout Zimbabwe has made goods and services quite expensive, and we just can't understand how most of the local Zimbabweans are able to survive with those prices. The memory from the canoe trip that will stick with us, will be the late afternoon paddles on the Zambezi with wonderful vistas across to the Zambian and Zimbabwean shores, hardly a ripple on the water, listening to the grunts of the frequent pods of hippos and the sight of occasional elephant on the shore. Add to that the cry of a pair of fish eagles, and it provides for a complete escape from city life ! The density of game in South Luangwa National Park was just awesome, and that was the first time I had seen a pride consisting of 15 lionesses, and that was just one part of the pride !