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<\/h1>\n<\/h1>\nby Nat Parsons<\/p>\n
My 70th birthday gift from my daughter was a four-day guided tour of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.<\/p>\n
We did a blissful forty five-minute Zambezi River sunset cruise. The shy hippopotami showed just a wee bit of face. Blowing water at cruisers passing by may have been their personal opinion of those who traverse the water in that style!<\/p>\n
The resplendent African sunset across the water, is amazing to behold! The cruise includes bottomless drinks and a tray of delicious nibbles. It is the bush-lover\u2019s and photographer\u2019s paradise.<\/p>\n
\u201cA \u2019Zambesi River Lodge”, is luxury-in-the-wilds. Their breath-taking man-made fa\u00e7ade is in keeping with the general theme of the African bush. Spectacular! Other hotels presented old world luxury.<\/p>\n
Then there was the memorable early-morning elephant ride! Will I repeat the ride? The jury is still out on that. Took this septuagenarian a few days for her hips to forgive her. For forty five minutes that elephant sauntered over terrain its huge, flexible soles took in their stride. Elephant paraded regally, easily carrying handler, daughter and yours truly.<\/p>\n
Dry, stony river beds, rocky inclines, and rutted declines Elephant traversed effortlessly. Left to browse at will, we witnessed up close the extent of its appetite.<\/p>\n
Afterwards we were more than ready for breakfast: boiled, braaied and fried.<\/p>\n
On offer were prints of a sole of your elephant.<\/p>\n
The overseas tourists were ecstatic.<\/p>\n
Mama Africa!<\/p>\n
The crocodile reserve is what nightmares are made of! Fortunately there is no chance of the monsters escaping. Feeding times are staged for the benefit of tourists, otherwise they\u2019re fed in private. For the truly courageous \u201cA \u2018Zambesi River Lodge\u201d offers specially-bred crocodile on their menu.<\/p>\n
Victoria Falls? Well\u2026 she\u2019s still falling. Spectacular is an understatement. There may be bigger and better around the world, I haven\u2019t been there\u2026 yet. A huge statue of David Livingstone greets you at the entrance. Provided are waterproof ponchos for the spray along the solid walkway soaks to the skin. Lianas, shrubs, trees, grasses, flowering plants, vines\u2026 a nature lover\u2019s veritable paradise.<\/p>\n
The Falls enclosure houses an interesting variety of animal species. Interesting was seeing monkeys consuming marula fruit. The fermented fruit actually intoxicates. Rainbows, enormous and bright, snuggled way down in the verdant, spray-filled gorges\u2026<\/p>\n
The tour guides are an invaluable resource.<\/p>\n
Victoria Falls, a piece of paradise in the bush. Wild animal species roam unhindered\u2026 warthogs, monkeys, baboons, and deer in a busy shopping area\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Boma\u201d. What a heady experience! On arrival a pretty, traditional wrapper is knotted over visitors\u2019 shoulders. Saleable traditional commodities form a fantasy-land, a tunnel-like passageway to the dining area. Cloth, metals, wood, one is spoilt for choice. Sculptures of every description.<\/p>\n
Ah-h-h\u2026 \u201cBoma\u201d cuisine! A variety of species, including traditional meats; vegetables and breads, starches and stews, boils and braais\u2026 desserts to diet for.<\/p>\n
The brave bolt down a mopani worm, a local staple, and are awarded a certificate!<\/p>\n
Bongo drums are handed out. Hilarity! The mega energetic performing artists entertain well!<\/p>\n
Ah-h-h-h\u2026 Zimbabwe\u2026<\/p>\n
\u2026I shall be back.<\/p>\n
###<\/p>\n
Nat Parsons is a retired school teacher from South African. He loves to write and lives in Ramsgate in ZwaZulu-Natal Province.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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