Zambia 05
Trip Start
Aug 02, 2004
1
26
40
Trip End
Sep 25, 2005
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Chipata, South Luangwa NP, Lusaka, Lake Kariba, Zambia
Wednesday, March 9, 2005
What did we see and do:
- Found a gem of a restaurant called Chef's Pride in a little town called Chipata which does one of the best skinless boneless chicken curries we have had
- Visited the South Luangwa national park, which aside from having some of the worst roads we have been on, it provided some of our best wildlife memories. First night we had a hippo grazing outside our tent for most of the night and then the next day an elephant decided to come visit the camp and took a leisurely stroll through. Not to mention the pesky baboons that run through the camp stealing what they can.
- Did a morning safari in the South Luangwa National Park. In the morning we see lots of wildlife including puku, impala, gazelle, zebra, giraffe (thorny croft), waterbuck, hippos (actually the biggest hippos we have seen anywhere in Africa), mongoose, an albino baby monkey (very rare and very cute indeed!) as well as the biggest bal boa tree ever in the middle of the park. The highlight of the morning drive was when our driver heard some lions and did a bit of bush bashing to find a lioness and a little cub!!
- Shaun followed up the morning safari up with a night safari which proved to be a cracker - saw all the usual animals but the driver found a leopard hanging out in a tree (this rounded out the Big 5 game animals!) which was less than 50m away. Also watched an amazing sunset over the Zambezi and whilst still glowing from the leopard spotting the night safari finished with us driving right up to a male and female lion - they were at arm's length from the jeep which was unbelievable (closer than you could ever imagine)!! Oh and not to mention the elephant that trumpeted and charged the jeep after it became annoyed at the sight of the spotlight in it's face!!
- Leah, envious of the leopard viewing, also did a night Safari in the South Luangwa National Park the next night. No leopard sighting but they came up close and personal to the lioness and her cub again as it lay exhausted on the road in front of the jeep (hearing its little cries is something she will not forget quickly)
- Experiencing the hustle and bustle of Lusaka (Zambia's capital) where you get to see the many South African expats and increasing prosperity that is coming to this African city.
- Traveled Lake Kariba (one of the world's largest man-made lakes) by houseboat where you witness the most dazzling stars
- Visit the world's largest crocodile farms where we get to see some of the biggest Nile river crocodiles being fed other small crocs (never forget the crunching of croc heads) and goats. Croc was on the menu that night for all to try!!!
