Zambia’s biggest park, Kafue is another wonderland of wildlife. West beyond Kafue, visitor numbers dwindle. People are somehow warmer and more welcoming than their eastern brethren. There are a few sights to see and cultures to experience on the long road to Namibia.
The mighty Zambezi river plunges at two points, Victoria Falls and the lesser known but (not quite equally) impressive Ngonye Falls.
Zambia's west remains largely undeveloped.
The shower at Ngonye Falls campground. That was it really for facilities.
A traditional dancer takes a break from Independence Day celebrations in Mongu, Zambia.
A small river port functions as a market on the edge of Mongu.
Royal Barges in Lealui, a small kingdom in the west of Zambia.
On the way to Ngonye Falls. We got their eventually.
Hitching in Zambi was a breeze, even if these two aren't so sure.
Dancing for Independence Day in Mongu.
Mongu, Zambia.
Just a couple of youngsters with big smiles and snotty noses, Mongu, Zambia.
If not for Victoria Falls, Ngonye Falls would be world famous.
Rain clouds threaten, Ngonye Falls, Zambia.
On Zambian Independence Day, there was a parade and performances in Mongu. Many people their wish to be part of an independent Barotseland, free from Zambian rule.
Behind that great smile is the fence of the Royal Palace in Lealui. To visit the wee town, we had to pay our respects to the rulers first. Fascinating.
Mosi-oa-Tunya, “the smoke that thunders” seen from a helicopter.
Bungee jumpers, be my guest.
The Zambezi River with the falls in the background.
The launch pad for jet-boating on the Zambezi River, as well as helicopter rides.
We shared Ngonye Falls with two other people, and were the only overnight campers.
In the rainy season, all those walls would be under a torrent of water.
Ngonye Falls viewed from the camp ground river bank.
As we ate, bathed and went to bed, we knew lions were close. Very close. In the morning, we saw just how close.
Hippos play in full view of our camp, Kafue, Zambia.
A bushbuck waltzes through our camp at Mayukuyuku, Kafue National Park.
Despite being the size of many European countries, Kafue National Park remains an intimate and quiet destination.
Some of the nine lions who shared a camp with us for the night. I had hoped to go to McBrides Camp, which is famous for its big cat visitors. Mayukuyuku was good enough!
With their great big ears, and somewhat dopey faces, kudus are hard not to like. And, I confess, they taste good too.
Wildlife frequently passes thrugh campgrounds in Zambia's national parks.
When on safari, don't get tied up in a Big Five Tick Off. Vervet monkeys need love too.
Impala, on a morning drive in Kafue.
Zambia does not fence the campgrounds in its national parks. During our stay at Mayukuyuku camp, in Kafue NP, lions visited three times, elephants daily.
Dancing away for Zambian Independence Day in Mongu.
The village of Lealui, home to the royal family which was part of an independent kingdom. Western Zambia still resents rule from Lusaka.
A man casts a net into the Zambezi at Ngonye.
A small beach near the park camp at Ngonye Falls. Incredible to be the only people seeing such a sight.
Resplendent in red, a marching band pumps up Independence Day in Mongu.