We were amazed at the numbers and diversity
of the wildlife, including Africa’s “Big Five,” which
refers to the lion, spotted leopard, rhinoceros,
elephant, and Cape buffalo. Additionally, we
saw countless giraffes, impalas, African wild
dogs, crocodiles, hippos, zebras, wildebeest,
kudu, different species of vultures, as well as
numerous other birds including African eagles,
and abundant flora. The game drives far exceeded
our expectations, always capped off by an evening
“sundowner” when the safari vehicle would stop in
a clearing as the sun set. Frank and Simon would
serve evening cocktails, wines, and snacks to cap
off a wonderful day. Then back to the lodge for a
five-course dinner and some welcome respite.
It was a bittersweet moment when we departed
from Thornybush and flew to Johannesburg to stay
overnight in an elegant hotel before boarding the
luxurious Rovos Rail, a fully restored retro train
for a three-day trip to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.
Train staff pampered us, starting with champagne
at the station, exquisite meals in elegant dining
cars — dinners paired with fine wines — beautiful
accommodations, and unparalleled service. It was
like stepping back in time: no television or wireless
network, just the sound of clickity-clack as the train
travelled toward our destination. Along the way we
stopped at a private concession for another exciting
game drive in Hwange National Park. This time a
lion sauntered so close to our safari vehicle that I
could have touched it!
Our final destination was Victoria Falls where we
stayed in the magnificent Victoria Falls Hotel. We
toured the awe-inspiring Victoria Falls discovered
by David Livingstone in 1855. Our final game-drive
and river-cruise combination was in Chobe National
Park, Botswana, highlighted by herds of elephants
from horizon to horizon.
While visions of Africa danced in our heads, it was
time to return to Canada.
Africa!? Are you crazy? I’d go again in
a heartbeat! ●
Since retiring as a senior high school science teacher
and department head in Calgary, Lethbridge, and
Edmonton, Adrienne Radford and her husband have
travelled to places they had only imagined. Southern
Africa was a worthy “bucket list” destination.
Impala at Thornybush - note bush with thorns used to keep animals
away from villages. Wicked on tires!
Hippo basking in backwater in Chobe National Park
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