Zambia

Nov 30

Zambia is landlocked country in south-central Africa. It is situated on a high plateau and gets its name from the Zambezi River. It has a total population of around 18.5 million people. I didn’t get to meet all of them but the ones I did were amazing. Kind, thoughtful, decent people with a great sense of humor and are always smiling.

This was once part of the British Empire so English is common language spoken here.

The Republic of Zambia under the Brits was called Northern Rhodesia. Initially, the territory was referred to as "South Zambezia", a reference to the River Zambezi, until the name "Rhodesia" came into use in 1895….according to wikipedia.

Africa has Animals

Unlikely Pairing

You will encounter wild life so pay attention because I didn’t at first. Im not sure how I missed this at first or how anyone can miss a nearly 20 foot tall animal (16’ – 19’ is average adult size) but I did. He blended right into tree. Im also not sure what the relationship between this gentle giant and his 2 compadres is but there they were just hanging out in the shade together like old college roomates. It was so odd to see that I had to check the trees and the animals to make sure they weren’t tied up some how.

Zambezi River

We took a river cruise and this was not only a good time but it is where all the action happens. This land is dry and rugged but the river sustains life. The river and water is the focal point. It’s where people and animals go to bath and drink, wash clothes and very popular for tourists to take in the beauty of this land.

The cruise itself was very pleasurable and our shipmates were interesting people from all over the world that all seemed to be living the good life. Im not positive but Im pretty sure we shared a table with Anthony Bourdain as seen on the left. Also Mosi is the beer of choice in Zambia.

Some time had passed and we saw something lurking in the water creating massive bubble on the surface. We had no idea what it was until 5 minutes later a small heard of bull elephants popped out and disappeared into the landscape.

The cruise ended shortly after we took in the sun setting and it was magnificent! There is never a good time to swim but if there was, this was not it. This time of day is shift change, the day life gets one last drink of water and the creatures of the night come out to play. The bell or whistle signifying the day is over at school or work here is provided by the chant of the monkeys and sound of branches or water stirring to let you know something is out there. It is beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

Avani Victoria Falls Resort

It felt like a dream come true the second you pull into the property. Highly Recommend! The fellas that greet you at the door dressed in full African tribesmen attire also play in the party band later so show some respect when they say hello.

The zebras are always wandering about the property. They are always around to greet you but they are capable of ruining your day in hurry if they so choose so I stay a safe distance. Zebras are “black with white stripes” if you are curious

The room offered great views of the river. You can see an electric fence down by the water that keeps out elephants and hippos…..it does not keep out crocs. On more than one occasion I was walking around and just lying there was a giant croc. Put your phone down and pay attention, they do not care that you are trying to enjoy your holiday.

This place is definitely worth a look, we had a good stay and the staff did an amazing job. Nice, clean, good atmosphere, good vibes. I would however suggest you take pass if you eat the dinner buffet and see an item labeled “Bush Meat”. Don’t do it, immediately go to the next offering. https://www.avanihotels.com/en/victoria-falls?__usid__=95cccfb0-8feb-46ea-87b0-174bad6aad84