Sep 5 – Victoria Falls and the drive to Hwange National Park

Some photos from the Livingstone Hotel.

This morning, we were picked up by our transfer and driven back to Victoria Falls.  Mary had missed the walk to the falls so she and Paul took a short walk into the park to so that she could see part of the falls.  We didn’t have a lot of time, so we only walked in part way.  But we were in close enough that we could feel a bit of the mist.

The walkway to the falls had some wonderfully carved handrails. 

We then headed out for our several hour drive to Hwange National Park.  We opted to drive instead of fly so that we could see some of the country.  Most of it is dry shrub with a few large hills. 

We did see a few mining operations.  Most of those are run by the Chinese.  The locals don’t get much in the way of jobs from these operations because the are usually staffed solely by Chinese.

We did see a few traditional villages along the way.

We were met by our guide, Bheki, at the park entrance and we transferred into safari vehicles for about a two-hour drive to our camp, Somalisa. 

We had a stop at a watering hole for a light snack and drinks.  This watering hole had a proper bathroom, which was welcome.  The watering hole attracted a lot of birdlife, particularly yellow‑billed hornbills that were quite habituated to tourists.  They posed nicely for photos.

And there were some lilac breasted rollers.  After some patient waiting Mary managed to get a couple of good photos of the roller in flight.  The wings are an especially brilliant blue when spread out. 

We were met at the camp by the staff drumming, singing and dancing to welcome us. 

We have a really great and large tent with a large deck.

We had some lunch, did a quick refresh and were out by late afternoon for our game drive.

Some lovely flowers.

The roads here are pretty sandy and the park looks pretty dry but they government has been pumping water for the water holes and there was plenty of wildlife and birdlife to be seen.

Some tracks made by a snake.

We stopped by this termite mound in the road.  When the road had been groomed recently the termite mound had been destroyed.  It was already on its way to a full regrowth. 

There is a waterhole right beside the camp so maybe we will be able to watch the animals come in for their daily drink.