Zimbabwe - Hwange National Park Part 1

Yellow Billed Horn Bill

Today, August 21, we were escorted on 2 flights that eventually got us to Victoria Falls Zimbabwe. This country was once part of Northern Rhodesia and received its independence from the British. Our guide, Thompson, is a Zimbabwean and he related a balanced history of the country and its complex political system. Suffice it to say, the current leader is now 92 years old. Corruption is rampant in the government and this man has managed to stay in power for many years. When we checked through immigration we paid $45 each for a visa and received a lovely sticker on our passport. This was not required in South Africa. In fact, SA is probably the only foreign country that we ever visited whereby we did not have any immigration forms to complete! 

Sable Antelope

It was 8:30 pm on Sunday when we arrived at the lovely Sable Sands Lodge. Each couple or individual is in a separate little thatched-roof hut building. These structures surround a pool that also serves as a watering hole for the animals. The main lodge is open aired and reminded me of Hawaiian architecture only with an African flare. We sat down to a late dinner that was plated (a local fish, home-made soup, etc.) Just delicious!

The next morning, an early start brought us to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe's largest, over 6,000 sq miles. At a protected overlook, we watched a virtual Noah's Ark of thirsty animals drink at the watering hole. We were lucky because most of the animals drifted away just ten minnutes after our arrival. We got our first look at a herd of wildebeest. Everyone was amused by the giraffes. They splay their legs into an inverted “v” to reach down to the water for a drink. From their towering height they can keep a watch out for all the prey animals. Many animals take advantage of these lookouts to safely get a drink. More later...