Leaving Zimbabwe and Arriving in South Africa

 On our way to the airport we stopped to see Big Tree that is a Baobab tree and is estimated to be around 1200 years old. It is truly an impressive tree. While we were checking in for our flight the electricity went out at the airport in Zimbabwe. It came back on in about 25 minutes. I was glad when we left because it was still very hot and the airport had no aircon and no fans. 

Flying into the airport that is closest to Kruger National Park one observation I made was how green the area is. Our guide said thie area is one of the main produce areas of South Africa. One of the major crops is macadamia nuts. (Sorry Tasha but I am sure that they out produce Hawaii. 

The airport was very small and my guess is that the majority of the visitors are tourists on their way to Kruger National Park. 

Evening entertainment

At last night's dinner an African group came and sang for us. I took videos but they aren't loading correctly on my blog so for now a still picture will have to do. After dinner we walked to a nearby theatre and saw an song and dance performance about young lovers whose families forabde them to marry.  it was good entertainment and meant for tourists.

Back on Safari

This morning we left to cross over the Zambezi River and enter Zambia. That meant having my passport stamped to leave Zimbabwe and then walking a bit and having my passport stamped to entry Zambia. It went rather smoothly and the line at immigration moved quickly.

Our destination was MOSI-O-TUNYA National Park. It is a white rhino sanctuary. They have armed guards against poachers 24 hours each day. We walked through the bush and saw 7 of the rhinos resting under a tree. Our safari vehicle was very comfortable. 

After seeing the rhino we drove around the park and saw other animals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Zebra, Impala, and my least favorite animal - Baboons. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We stopped at a local market and the vendors who were selling curios for tourists were quite aggressive. 

I walked across the bridge to go back through immigration and had a nice view of the Zambezi River. There were many large transport trucks lined up to cross on the bridge. Only one truck can be on the birdge in either direction at a time. There was a very long line a trucks on both sides. 

Day after Election Day in the US

I woke up early and checked the New York Times and was thrilled to see the early results of the US election. Finally voters spoke loudly and clearly that MAGA is not what they want. This renews my hope for some oversight on Trump.

On the travel news I spent the day at our hotel. I have been battling a bad cold and digestive issues and realized what I needed most was rest. So I took a morning and afternoon nap and also headed to bed early. The day was again extremely hot (103) and the group was going to a local village, school and market. It would have been interesting but I decided walking aorund in the heat was not something I wanted to do.  ---- I keep smiling about the election results! 

Victoria Falls

I am here during the dry season so there is about 20% volume of water going over the falls compared to the wet season which is normally Dec. to March. It is still a massive water fall. 

There is a statue of David Livingstone who 1855 became the first European to see and name Victoria Falls on the border of modern-day Zambia and Zimbabwe. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We walked about 2.5 miles on trail on the opposite side of the falls. There were many viewpoints and it was a blazing hot 102 degrees. I am not made to walk in such extreme heat!

Notice the safety barrier that is to keep visitors from going over the cliff!

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is the bridge that connects Zambia (left side) to Zimbabwe. We were in a national park so saw some wildlife. I didn't get picture of the warthogs but did snap a picture of this bush baby,

I have to admit that I was not nearly as impressed with Victoria Falls as I was with Iquazu Falls. I also realize the extreme heat and the low season for water flow probably clouded my point of view. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

We ended the day eating dinner in the home of this delightful Zimbabwean family. Eating a meal in the home of a local family is a tradition for O.A.T trips. Five in our group went the the family's home. 

Sunset Dinner Cruise

After a much needed nap for me our group went on a sighting and dinner cruise on the Zambezi River. We saw crocodiles, lots of hippos and on our way back to the hotel 2 elephants in the road. All of the town of Victoria Falls is part of the national park so animals can roam in the town and be protected.

It seems a bit strange to be back in Africa after leaving in 1993. As we drove from the airport to the town of Victoria Falls the broken signs, trash on the roadside and women walking and carrying loads balanced on their heads is all seemed familiar and almost as if time has stood still. Zimbabwe is clearly a third world country. Their currency is now unofficially the US dollar. The visa tax is $50.00. Our local guide explained that the town of Victoria Falls exists as a tourist town. There are many stands selling local crafts.

Short night in Johannesburg and then off the Victoria Falls.

I arrived about 10 pm at the hotel in Johannesburg and felt pretty raw. I only slept a little on the plane. We had a 6:45 am departure for Victoria Falls. After some very restless sleep for me the group headed off to the airport. Our boarding gate was clearly marked. It had rained in Johannesburg all night and our guide said rain is needed in Zimbabwe and and at Victoria Falls. We landed and it was 100 degrees. 

As we flew in to Victoria Falls it was evident how dry the area is. 

The arrival area made it clear that we were in Africa.

The pool at the hotel is inviting and my room is ready to protect me from mosquitoes.