Bateleur eagle
Birds of southern Africa
We logged 280 different species during our trip through seven countries. We posted some of these along the way, but here are others we loved in favorite pics. As we reviewed the photos, we realized…
Preparing for marriage vows
How is Zimbabwe doing? How are people coping?
In brief: For months, we wrestled with the viability and safety of visiting Zimbabwe. We went...and we were both pleasantly surprised at what we found and also encouraged by its people’s resilience. Go or No…
Women's palace walls, Great Zimbabwe
The Great Ruins of Zimbabwe’s Past Kingdom
We were astonished and humbled during our visit to the Great Zimbabwe National Monument, the UNESCO World Heritage site in southeast Zimbabwe, as well as the Khami Ruins in the west of the country. And…
Rhino whisperer's rhino
Rhino, Rhodes, and Rock whispering at Matopos
In brief: In northwestern Zimbabwe, Matobo National Park offers three unusual experiences: rhinos, Cecil Rhodes, and awe-inspiring landscape. In northwestern Zimbabwe, Matopos (or Matobo) National Park is an unusual reserve between the city of Bulawayo…
Zambezi River, Mana Pools
Riches of the Zambezi: Lake Kariba and Mana Pools
During our drive through Zimbabwe we lingered at two of its most notable parks, both along the Zambezi River: Matusadona at the edge of Lake Kariba and Mana Pools. Sailing to Matusadona on Lake Kariba…
At the big drop-off
Double dare at Victoria Falls
In brief: We walked the lip of the falls extensively in both Zambia and Zimbabwe. We also took on two challenges: Zambia’s Devil’s Pool and Zimbabwe’s rapids rafting. You can view Victoria Falls, the great…
Schoolgirls, National Museum, Lusaka
Zambia’s welcoming human capital
In brief: Unfailingly gracious and welcoming to strangers, Zambians - from the capital to the tiniest villages - were among the best of all the peoples we met in Africa. Lusaka, the capital We had…
Shoebill stork
Endemics in Eden: Bangweulu and Kasanka
We had seen so many large wildlife parks that we chose a few unusual options to finish our tour through Zambia: the wetlands of Bangweulu and Kasanka, both in the central part of the country…
Playful young elephants
Not to be missed: the best of wild Zambia
Our stay at Kafue River National Park delivered some of our most delightful days during our long tour through southern Africa. At South Luangwa National Park, we enjoyed seeing the greatest concentrations of wildlife in…