Wading in the Zambezi
Trip Start
Apr 04, 2006
1
65
80
Trip End
Oct 23, 2006
Livingstone, Zambia
Friday, August 25, 2006
After setting up camp, the group headed for Victoria Falls - some of us, this is the 2nd visit. This time around, I got to act as a quasi tour guide of the falls.
One of our co-group leaders was a young man who is known as Disaster. It was he who I guided at Vic Falls and this is his story. He was a Mokoro Poler in the Delta since 12 years of age. He has chosen to leave that life to be a tour leader in Botswana and work for Delta Rain. In order to get this job, he has had to study and write exams but he has never been to school. When I enquired on his ability to read and write, I am told that it was his younger siblings that taught him these skills. Quite admirable as he is the eldest child.
Up until today, he has never left his home country so border-crossing was a completely new experience. Because he grew up in the largely flat environment of the delta, he has never seen waterfalls until today. It has been a priviledge for me to experience Victoria Falls through his eyes of wonder and apprehension (when crossing the bridge over the gorge). I did have a laugh or two when trying to get him closer to the edge to look at the river.
We did walk around to the back of the falls and I sat on a rock with my feet dangling in the current. Even the sight of the river's current was new to Disaster. The day ended perfectly with a spectacular sunset over the falls. I do hope to meet Disaster on my next visit to the Delta and to find that he has become a success in the industry where few (if any) of his people have worked.
