Category Archives: Southern Africa Here I was in Zambia for the first time, and all I could do was compare it to Zimbabwe, where I had lived for over a year. The two countries share a similarity in name, culture, food, and history, after all. But for all the similarities, Zambia felt different – like a Zimbabwe minus Mugabe. It felt good to be in Zambia.  After spending several months in Botswana, South Africa, and Namibia, it was time to head back into Zambia and the “real Africa”. We began our time with a trip to the infamous Victoria Falls. I had seen them the year before from the Zimbabwean side, and here I determine which country offers the better view.  Bwabwata National Park, in Namibia’s northern panhandle, is a special place. A campsite in an island of trees surrounded by grassy savannah, rare roan antelope and cheetah sightings, and some very skittish elephants surrounding our vehicle and visiting our campsite. It was perhaps as close to Nature as I’ve ever been.  Elephants are astounding creatures. Playful, patient, solid, wise. Here, along Botswana’s Highway, are a plethora of opportunities to come face to face with these most African of animals. You don’t even need to pay park fees for most of them.  I didn’t expect a bird sanctuary to become one of my favorite places in all of Southern Africa. But Botswana’s Nata Bird Sanctuary blew away all my expectations. It was beauty personified, and I could have stayed here forever. Surprised? Read on. |
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