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!

Fishing at Kalimba

Kalimba reptile park, just outside Lusaka is also a fish farm. I has four lakes, which are artificially stocked each week, available to the public for fishing.

Our son, Adam doesn't eat meat at present, but enjoys fish, especially if it's been freshly caught. So he and Andy set themselves up with 'African rods' - just bamboo sticks with a line and hook, a pot of worms and plenty of patience!

Adam was delighted when he caught his first bream:

...and after a couple of hours they had a decent catch of eight fat bream:

...plus one ugly catfish - which was thrown back:

Near to the lakes, there are thatched shelters where you can enjoy picnics:

...and of course have a braai:

It was a excellent day out and Adam returned home feeling very happy - and full!

Reptile Park

Kalimba Reptile Park, Lusaka, has some interesting residents:




These are Nile crocodiles and there were plenty of them. This was just one of the enclosures:





Another section had the breeding Nile crocodiles in a huge lake - the females were gigantic:

There were also Zambian long-snouted crocodiles - they were much smaller:




This enormous python had recently been fed - look along its body...

There were smaller, non-dangerous reptiles too; tortoises...

...and terrapins; this one was sunning itself:

There were several African snakes behind glass, which unfortunately didn't photograph well. But this is the black mamba:

The 'black' refers to the colour of the inside of the mouth. It is actually olive coloured, with a paler coloured underside. The head is coffin-shaped!

Hard Hats necessary

Our older son, Adam, arrived in Zambia recently. Andy took him to see the progress of the studios in Lusaka; the site is still a building site, so hard hats are necessary:

Adam had a bit of fun watching Andy explaining some alterations, but we decided to have further fun!!

"Is that hat too small?"

"I'll get you a bigger one"

"I think there's a spare one over there"

"That's much better! Now, where did you learn semaphore?"

If you can think of different picture captions - do let me know!!

Here is another interesting photo that Adam took: What's happened to the transmitter tower?

It's just a reflection in the car window!

Wildlife in Zambia

Often in the afternoon monkeys come into the garden, passing through to higher ground. Most of them are scared by any humans, but this one came close enough to photograph, as he sat in a nearby tree...

...and then ran off:

On our way into town, we pass by a small game park, which we have yet to investigate. The other day I saw this magnificent male impala, close to the boundary fence:

Then, two female ostriches:

It's rainy season in Zambia and the dirt road to the farm looks like this, after a downpour:

It takes an hour just to travel 25km, and even in a 4x4 you're sliding all over the road - it's like mud-skating!

Zambian Cuisine

Here is my first attempt at using the bread maker:

Unfortunately there was a power cut towards the end of the cooking time, cancelling the programme. This caused the uncooked loaf to collapse, so I finished it off in the oven!

Novel, I know, but remarkably effective - it tasted delicious!

So did this village chicken, which someone very kindly brought us to try:

It just goes to prove that looks can be deceiving - you can't judge a chicken by it skin, or a loaf by its crust!