One of the more interesting parts of our trip was our walking safaris.
I have to admit, I found them just a little un-nerving...
not actually frightening...
but I will admit there was always a thought looming in my mind that
danger could possibly lurk around every "corner" or bush!
The last thing a safari company wants is to lose one of its guests,
so they make walking safaris as safe as they can.
An armed scout leads the way, followed by a guide,
then a handful of guests and another guide at the rear.
You are instructed to quietly walk single file...
with additional instructions as to what to do if you encounter a lion, a leopard,
an elephant or a hippo.
The idea of running into any of those made me just a little nervous.
Luckily, the only one of those that we encountered were elephants...
and our scout saw them long before they perceived us as a threat.
We gave them wide berth and safely found our way out of their sight.
A walking safari gives you the opportunity to see all that you wouldn't see
in a vehicle....
animal tracks, insects, plants, dung, skeletons, etc.
A hippo tusk...
Elephant tracks...
Hippo tracks...
Lion dung...
hyena dung...
The guides are well versed in all these areas and are a wealth of information
about medicinal uses of plants and so much more.
This is also a great way to discover the birds of Africa.
the not-so-beautiful Ground Hornbill...
Grey Hornbill...
and Vulture....
the Barred Owlet...
(right in the middle of the photo)
this little finch-like fellow...
Carmine Bee Eaters...
their colony in the cliffs of a riverbank...
Love Birds...
so adorable!
colorful...
Egyptian Goose...
Sacred Ibis (black and white - far right and left)...
Crowned Crane...
Hammercop...
The nest of the white-chested Sparrow Weaver
who builds a tree full of nests for his bride and allows her to choose which one
she wants to raise her brood in.
The others act as decoys for predators.
The African Fish Eagle... Zambia's national bird....
Then there are the creepy and crawlies....
chameleon...
scorpion..
Tomorrow will be my last Africa post.
I have 74 videos that I am compiling into something watchable, I hope.
I'll post some video footage tomorrow...
then it's back to life on the farm.
I have 74 videos that I am compiling into something watchable, I hope.
I'll post some video footage tomorrow...
then it's back to life on the farm.
Comments
The dfferences . . .
Of course one knows that before embarking on a new journey . . .
You Beverly have visualized it in every way . . .
This segment didn’t disappoint . . .
I too would have been a bit nervous on the walking tour . . .
But . . . it let you see, learn even more.
I was fascinated by the
White Chested Sparrow Weaver
and the many nests . . .
Thank you for bringing us along on your journey!
Mary
on your walking adventure. You are very brave!
Simba
I finally caught up to all of them!
Unfortunately, I read them from most recent to older posts, so please ignore some of my questions. They were answered when I read the previous posts! Sorry for that!
It is a dream of mine someday to go and do what you have done!
Thank you for giving me a taste of the wonderful-ness of Africa!