Livingstone, Zambia

Waterberry Lodge seemed like a suitable place to wind down our vacation. After seven weeks of being on the go, we were ready for some rest and relaxation. Our only plans were to visit both the Zambian and Zimbabwean sides of Victoria Falls, which we were able to do with our Kaza visa. Our Waterberry guide, Kandenga, did an excellent job of coaching us through the protocol for both visits. For example, baboons are rampant on the Zambian side. Kandenga equipped us with a slingshot, which we merely had to show to the baboons to scare them away. However, you are not allowed to carry a slingshot in Zimbabwe, so while he gave it to us, we did not bring it out past “no man’s land” on the bridge. As it turns out, there are no baboons in the park on the Zimbabwe side, so we didn’t need it after all.
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For those of you who are wondering, at this time of year when the water is low, the Zimbabwe side of Victoria Falls is way better. The water was more plentiful and the spray was very refreshing on a hot day. We wouldn’t want to be there in April when the water level is at its peak. Apparently, you can barely see your hand, never mind the falls. Later that day, we walked to the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel and had gin and tonics on the patio. Our original plan was to splurge on the High Tea, but we knew a gourmet dinner was awaiting us at Waterberry, so we skipped it.

On our first evening at Waterberry, we went on a sunset cruise on the Zambezi River with Cris. We meandered down river and viewed the resident crocodiles, hippos and birds while enjoying our sundowners. It turned out Cris was an avid fisherman and so arrangements were made to go fishing later in the week. On our last night, we left the dock at 4:30 pm and headed down river. Lynda practiced her casting skills, but Craig was the fisherman of the hour. He caught two tiger fish, brought one into the boat, and then released it back into the river after some quick photos. It was a very peaceful way to end the day. Lynda was sure she could have caught a fish if she’d had more time.
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We went on a morning visit with medium Webby to the local village supported by Waterberry Lodge. Unfortunately, school was not in session, but we did see lots of kids who were eager to pose for pictures (provided you let them view themselves afterwards.) We also saw the newly installed water pump. It was generously donated to the village after one of the residents was attacked by a crocodile and nearly lost her leg. According to Webby, it is being used, but many people still go to the river because they prefer the taste of the water. As with anything, it will take people time to transition to the new way of doing things.
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After two months, our African adventure has come to an end. Lynda is quite interested in returning to Zambia to go on safari in South Luangwa national park, but after talking to our new British friend, Fiona, Craig has other plans. He wants to go to Borneo, or to Uganda to see the gorillas. It seems that every time we cross something off our bucket list, five more things are added.

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