Biblical Africa and Safari

Driving through Malawi to Zambia and seeing all of the people has given me some thoughts. It is no wonder that one of the only places the church is growing is in Africa. When you think of biblical stories it makes sense that the people of Africa can relate more closely. The professions in the bible, carpenter, shepherd and problems of the bible, thousands of people wondering how they are going to have enough food, the use of actual Yokes are all around in Africa. It is no wonder the stories make sense here.

In passing by towns and markets you will see many little booths of second hand clothing, shoes, English textbooks and such. It is obvious that this stuff didn't originate in Africa. They have U of Kentucky sweatshirts, Bulls jerseys and other hand me downs. I was told that much of the stuff is donated by organizations in thoughts that it would be given out for free. So somewhere along the way it got caught up in a commerce scheme. I can't tell if this is good or bad. On the one hand, it is allowing for more trade and money exchange than a handout would, but...

At the Zambian border they were handing out condoms through the Zambian Health Department. That is the first place in Africa I have seen free condoms, good job Zambia. Way to keep your people safe:)

Part of the road to South Luangwa was very modern with even painted lines, but the other part was being built so we had to travel on the "deviation" which was just a little dirt road they had made on either side of the actual road. It felt like we were driving through people's back yards at times. It is amazing what one can carry on their head, or even better, on a bike! And near our lunch stop there was a field of wild orange gerbara daisies, which are my favorite. Beautiful.

And now we have arrived at our camp, Trek and Trail camp at South Luangwa National Park. It is awesome, and rustic. We share the camp with a pack of baboons, are in tents (but we have beds and bedding) and at night we must be escorted to the Ablution by a guard in case we were to run into any hippos or elephants. Apparently that happens more in the dry season when food is more scarce, but still! And you can hear the hippos in the river not 50 feet from our tent. They have a funny low laugh sound that they make that Malawians say it sounds like "Mvuu! MMvUUU!" This is cool, much more in the thick of it than other Safari's that I've been on. So we'll be up and at it at 5am for our first game drive in the morning.

Friday, I woke up to Yvette returning from the restroom saying "there was a hippo!" Apparently it walked right by our tents as well, and I'm the only one who slept through it! Darn, but there were plenty to see once we were off. We were up early for banana crepes and toast. Then were met at the park gate by a pack of Baboons. We saw hippos, crocs, all kinds of birds, Zebras, buffalo, water buck, impala, and an old lonely male giraffe. It was awesome. And we even got out by the river for a cup of coffee and biscuits. After we got back it was a very chill afternoon with reading and chatting by the pool, playing some bawa, lunch and overall relaxation. Liz's quote of the week was "I can't believe we are getting credit for this." After tea at 3:30 we are back in the park at 4pm for an evening drive.

The evening turned out to be interesting with warthogs, more elephants, hyenas, birds, zebras and a lion that we didn't see but could definitely hear. It was a bit scary, turning the engine off in the dark and listening, then moving toward the sound of it. We never caught up with them though. And then it was back to camp-- but we saw lots of hippos on the road on our way there. So I didn't get to see the one outside our tent but I got to see plenty all the same.

Saturday within 30 minutes of entering the park we came upon a male lion. We stalked him for about 30-45 min. And even heard him roar. Our guide Moses said he was looking for the female pride. It was awesome. After we saw lots more giraffe, warthogs, hippos, etc... It was a lovely clear morning. Another lazy afternoon with naps and swimming and then off to the park again! Last time this round!

The evening ride we saw the lion again and some giraffes and others, but no leopard, wah wah. Oh well, next time. When we got back to camp for dinner Liz and Ang as well as Jeff and Dana noticed something in their tents was askew. Apparently the baboons had broken into the tent to search for food...nothing stolen, but a few broken items. Jeff was none too happy about this!

And now it's time to head back to Malawi. Goodnight. Zikomo Zambia.

The mess hall, hippos and crocs in these waters!

Our "tent" accomodations