Before I get to my new country, I FINALLY have a great internet connection so here are some videos from my safari experience. Sabi Sands Nature Preserve is on the western border of Kruger National Park and is made up of several private game reserves. The one I stayed at is Notten’s Bush Camp, one of the few privately owned camps left.
One advantage of being on the private reserve rather than the national park, is that the drivers can go virtually any place that’s accessible to the jeep. We followed many animals into the bush as opposed to in the national park where the drivers must stay on the “roads” such as they are.
Here’s a video of my cabin at the camp. For some reason the video wouldn’t embed so you just have to click on the link, and it will open a YouTube window.
This video is of one of the leopards we saw on the first game drive. She’s different from the mom with the babies. I think it was the only time we saw her.
Here’s a white rhino having a bit of breakfast.
I wanted to upload videos of all the big 5 animals, but I guess I didn’t take one of the buffalo….sorry. They didn’t really do much but sit and stare at us so you aren’t really missing anything.
I think we’re finally all caught up with the safari. The entire 3 days was an unforgettable experience. To see these animals up close and personal is just incredible. On the other hand, it was sad to be here without Peter as he wanted so badly to come. I thought about him a lot while I was there and I’m sure my angel was smiling down on me the entire time.
On to Zimbabwe. This morning (Tuesday), my driver, Gladys, picked me for the 2-hour drive to the Kruger International Airport. On the way out of Sabi Sands, we saw a different pride of lions.
We only stopped for a few minutes, just long enough for both of us to grab pictures.
After an uneventful 1:35 flight, we landed in Zimbabwe which is my 59th country. Three planes landed at the same time, so I waited about 20 minutes to get through immigrations. Even though the research I did said I didn’t need a visa, I actually did. I had to get a double entry visa as I need to get back into the country after my day trip to Botswana, so it cost $45. I was shocked to discover that the US dollar is the accepted currency here. They have their own currency, but no one uses it. I thought I had plenty of money for driver tips, but I had to pay for the visa so my remaining $40 wasn’t going to be enough. I asked the desk clerk how to get more money and she said the only currency I can get from the ATM is USD, so it was an easy fix. Who knew??
I’m staying at the Shongwe Lookout Lodge just outside of Victoria Falls. It’s a beautiful little place with independent cottages.
I decided to go to the Victoria Falls Hotel about 5 minutes from here for afternoon high tea. My driver in Cape Town mentioned it so I thought it would be a great way to have dinner.
The hotel called a taxi and Stanley, the taxi man, is my newest best friend. He took me to the ATM and then the hotel. He also gave me his WhatsApp number, so I had a ride back when I was done.
The hotel was built in 1908 and while it doesn’t overlook the falls, you can see the spray from the falls.
The food was delicious and incredibly inexpensive, only $15 per person. Compare that to the $75 per person Peter and I paid at Highclere Castle when we were in England. The sparkling wine doubled the cost, but it was still a bargain at twice the price.
After chatting with a lovely couple from Sydney, I WhatsApped Stanley and he had me home in no time.
Tomorrow, I have a morning guided tour of the falls and a late afternoon sunset cruise on the Zambesi River. I should have enough time between to call Stanley to take me to the markets. I’d love to see some of the local handicrafts. I still have a little room in my suitcase. I’ll let you know how it goes.