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Published: September 8th 2011
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We continued our exploration of Victoria falls by going back into Zambia to see them from that side. We didn't think it could get any better - but it really was just as incredible from this other vantage point.
Before entering the park to see the falls from this side - we first stopped at an outdoor craft market - with the intent to browse and shop around at our leisure. Silly Americans - we had NO idea... You do not browse in these markets - you get ambushed and attacked basically! Jeff and I were split up almost immediately and were each being talked up by at least two people if not more and then other people were trying to put things on us... It was wild. We did get to buy some things but were desperate to get out of there after only seeing a tiny slither of the market. As Jeff put it there were 5,000 vendors and us - and all the vendors were desperate to sell us their stuff. So we didn't stay there long...
The falls from this side were incredible. One of our favorite moments was standing on a bridge with the
The Zambezi River / top of the falls
You can see the bridge that is across from the falls in this pic... falls in front of us. To our right was the beginning (or end depending on how you look at it) of the falls. Below us was the Zambezi river, with the water falling down into it and outward under the bridge and behind us. There was a magnificent rainbow coming from the river, arching up and to the right. To our left was the Zimbabwe side of the falls, much more full and powerful. All around us we could see the falls, the jungle across from them, the river below, and the rock formations that make up the gorge. It was truly amazing. We were struck by the sheer magnitude of it - reaching high above and far below us. We were truly surrounded by a natural wonder!
Another very comical moment had to do with a baboon. Baboons are plentiful on this side. Esau had told us the day before that a baboon had taken a woman's camera and thrown it into the gorge below. We saw our first baboon while standing at the top side of the falls - looking out over the Zambezi river. A little while later while looking at Zambia's Livingstone statue - a
baboon started coming right for me. I started to move away - a bit apprehensive - but Esau said to just stay still. It came very close but kept walking by. Esau said the baboons don't bother people when a guide is around - smart little buggers. Also, they apparently only bother women... strange but true. Anyway - the comical moment came while were were looking out over a gorge and at the bridge that separates Zambia from Zimbabwe. A baboon came up and jumped on a trash can behind us and then subsequently knocked it over. It then proceeded to search for food inside and when it found none sulked away. It was hysterical. Esau joked that since he was dissapointed by his search - he will now go steal from a female tourist.
Another highlight was getting to see giraffes and zebra at the Royal Livingstone Hotel. Esau had asked us if we had ever seen a giraffe - to which we replied only in a zoo and from high above in the helicopter the previous day. I told him I would be beside myself with excitement if I saw one - which I guess was all
he needed to hear because he took it upon himself to make a detour on the way to returning us to our hotel. He took us to the Royal Livingstone Hotel - which has resident giraffes and zebras on the premises - and he introduced us to Benny (aka Zebra man) who takes care of the animals. They are not wild like what we will see on safari - but they are still wild animals nonetheless. Benny simply tends to them and trains them so that they can co-exist with the hotel guests. We were able to get amazingly close to these stunningly beautiful animals. It was wild! Not only that but we got to see the hotel - which was like nothing either of us had ever seen. If we ever are so rich we don't know what to do with ourselves - we will definitely go back there and stay. It was out of this world!
As if the day was not great enough - we got lucky on the way back to the hotel and came across a herd of truly wild elephants. They were spectacular! We were able to stop and stare in awe and
get some great pics.
We spent the rest of the day reminiscing about the day's adventures and talking already about coming back someday and the things we would like to do if / when we are able to visit again. It was quite an amazing day for sure...
PS: make sure you scroll all the way down to see the rest of the pictures. They show up at the very bottom below the blog.
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sarah kellner
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ohhhh my goodness i want to see all of your pics asap!!!!!!!!!!! lov you guys!!!