Trip to Lower Zambezi

While Adam is with us, we decided to visit the lower Zambezi, the area beyond Victoria Falls, taking in Lake Kariba and the confluence of the Kafue and Zambezi Rivers. This is a vast area of the Southern Province of Zambia, the deepest parts of the Zambezi river forming the border with Zimbabwe.

The Kafue River meaders through Southern Zambia and we crossed it twice: first by bridge, then by pontoon, except that when we reached the pontoon, it had broken down...

...and a queue of cars had already formed:

After waiting for about two hours and learning that the pontoon was unlikely to be repaired that day, we phoned our contact at the camp site, who sent a boat for us and all our belongings. We wondered whether the car would be in one piece when we returned, but paid a local to guard it with the promise of further money when we returned in two days.

We then travelled down the very fast-flowing Kafue River for several km, amazed at the many dugout canoes, until it joined the Zambezi:

Kiambi is a beautiful resort overlooking the Lower Zambezi, just past the confluence with the Kafue river:

Sunsets are spectacular:

We camped in small two-man tents:

...with a lovely swimming pool nearby:

The second day was spent on the Zambezi River, reached via steep steps, which were under renovation:

...and a rather narrow path, which became very slippery when it rained:

But once we were back in the boat we saw lots of wildlife along the Zambezi. At times we were very close to Zimbabwe - I thought this tree, teetering on the brink of collapse, was very interesting - almost prophetic!

We saw groups of hippos, with their ears and noses protruding above the water:

...several elephants, especially later in the day:

...and the magnificent fish eagle:

The highlight of the trip, however, was having the opportunity to catch Tiger Fish. This was the first one that was landed, by Andy:

Tiger fish put up a fierce fight to be reeled in and landed:

We all hooked several, often seeing them leap out of the water. Some managed to get away and others were so strong that they broke the line before they could be landed.

I even managed to catch one (with quite a bit of help):

...and this monster was caught by our boatman, Tobias:

...and even though Adam didn't manage to land one into the boat, he kept on smiling to the last cast!

After two nights at Kiambi, we were taken back up the Kafue River to the Pontoon - which had now been repaired. It is obviously a very busy crossing and a vital link for local people:

It was a relief to see the car again, obviously very well looked after!