Zambia & Tanzania, June 2011

This trip was inspired by a conversation high in the Himalayas, a discussion developed comparing Niagara and Victoria Falls. Deborah decided she had to check out Vic Falls for herself!

Water levels on the Zambezi were the highest they had been for many years, needless to say we got soaked when we went in to see the falls but fortunately on the second day the wind was a little different which allowed us to see more of the spectacular drop. The verdict: it was close but I think Vic Falls won out!

White-water rafting was closed due to water levels but there was plenty to be had on the bridge by way of gorge swings and bungee jumps to satisfy the adrenaline.

After a night spent with my family in Lusaka, and checking out how 2 million rose stems are produced every week we set off for the Lower Zambezi. 

The high water levels restricted a little our game drives but we still saw incredible game, great leopard, lion, elephant as well as all the usual suspects, and a blissful afternoon Tiger fishing; not great with the dirty water but Deborah landed the only fish of the day!

Starting our safari in Tanzania on the night of a full lunar eclipse, we made our way from Arusha leisurely north. Starting with an afternoon in Manyara National park with some amazing close up views of elephant. 

Overnighting in the wonderful Plantation lodge and taking in the Ngorongoro Crater the following day. Onward to the Serengeti, we found some amazing 'rock star' lions perched on the kopjies in central Serengeti on the way to our mobile set up in the Western Corridor specially to catch up with the migration; scores of wildebeest and zebra with the cacophony of noise that goes with the wildebeest at this time of year; rutting season. 

A balloon flight, bush breakfasts and on to the northern Serengeti for the last few days of our safari.

What a pleasure to arrive there and experience untrammeled Africa without the crowds! Out of season is definitely the way to travel these days. Leopard, lion and cheetah in our time here not to mention wonderful vistas of seas of grass with zebra and topi navigating their way across the plains.