Zeb the Duck Remembers Africa

I, Zeb the Duck, really loved my summer in Southern Africa.   I wanted to show you some of my favorite memories, but there were so many.   Remember this trip started with us volunteering for a couple weeks with Ripple Africa in Malawi.

Ripple Africa

Ripple Africa

The students were so friendly and eager to learn.

Students

Students

We saw this all over Southern Africa.   Living on the shore of Lake Malawi, we appreciated the sunny days and the evenings watching the moon rise over the lake.

Moon rising over Lake Malawi

Moon rising over Lake Malawi

We saw people everywhere carrying items on their heads.

Great posture and great balance as they carry heavy loads

Great posture and great balance as they carry heavy loads

The humans walk so gracefully and have beautiful posture.   These changu changu moto stoves save so much wood and requires so much less work to use.

Changu changu moto wood burning stove

Changu changu moto wood burning stove

They are a huge improvement over the traditional three stone stove.   Men stack wood on frames on their bicycles.

Loading firewood on bicycle

Loading firewood on bicycle

Seeing them ride with all the wood was fascinating.   We smiled at this sign, but it was true.

The monkeys do take things

The monkeys do take things

The monkeys will pick up most items and the items may be gone forever.   Victoria Falls is so big and so powerful.   It really is a sight for all to see.

Rainbow Falls at Victoria Falls, Zambia

Rainbow Falls at Victoria Falls, Zambia

This is Rainbow Falls on the Zambian side.   The rainbow seems to be there almost all the time. Male dancers and singers in the Kingdom of Swaziland entertained us.

Entertainers from Kingdom of Swaziland

Entertainers from Kingdom of Swaziland

Many humans think of large animals and safaris whenever Africa is mentioned.   We loved our safaris and the animals are so majestic, and in many cases, they were playful and entertaining. Impalas are so plentiful and also so delicate and graceful.

Impala

Impala

We never tired of seeing them.   We love the zebras.

Zebra

Zebra

The stripes are so exotic to me.   And the massive elephants, especially in groups always take your breath. And there is nothing like a baby elephant to soften your heart.

Elephants

Elephants

Cape Buffalo always make us smile.

Cape Buffalo

Cape Buffalo

The Swazi candles were some of our favorite souvenirs.   Packing them was a challenge!

Candle from Swazi Candles.

Candle from Swazi Candles.

This monkey candle is bigger than I am.   I loved seeing the Indian Ocean from Bonnie, our horse.  p1000388The money in Africa was very colorful.   We like each denomination a different color.    Makes things easier for humans.   Each country used a different currency, but US dollars were accepted most places.

Money from Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa.

Money from Malawi, Mozambique, and South Africa.

Zimbabwe did not print their own paper money.   The official currency of Zimbabwe is the US Dollar.  We did bring a little local currency home, but most of the left over money is donated at airports to help the local people.   If everybody gives a little, that equals a lot of money and a lot of local help.   We did purchase many Visas, each time we entered a country, and flights between countries in Southern Africa were expensive and not always convenient.   But the experience was unforgettable.   The people–so friendly and helpful.   The land and animals are beautiful.  We were able to visit Malawi, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Botswana, Kingdom of Swaziland, South Africa and Mozambique.    We hope you visit these countries soon.   You will never forget the experience.

Advertisement

A Land Safari in Liwonde National Park with Zeb the Duck

Yesterday we arrived at Liwonde National Park and enjoyed a boat safari on the Shire River.   This morning we get in a safari vehicle and begin looking for more animals.

Our safari vehicle in Liwonde National Park

Our safari vehicle in Liwonde National Park

Soon we see impalas.

Impalas. So graceful

Impalas. So graceful

Impalas are similar to the antelope we see in the western United States.   They are so delicate and graceful.   Several monkeys are seen in the trees and running through the forest.

Monkey

Monkey

The warthogs are so much fun to watch.

Warthog

Warthog

They are always scratching the ground, searching for food.   When they run, they make us laugh, or at least smile.   I, Zeb the Duck, am on this safari, but the ride is fairly rough, so I stay in my travel bag most of the time.   But, here I am now.

I, Zeb the Duck, am on this safari also

I, Zeb the Duck, am on this safari also

This sausage trees has these long, hanging pods that are very hard and look like sausages.

Sausage tree

Sausage tree

Many creatures live in Liwonde National Park.   These ants are very large and very busy.

Busy ants

Busy ants

Here are more nests of the weaver birds.

Nests of Weaver Birds

Nests of Weaver Birds

We saw some similar weaver bird nests on our first outing in Lilongwe, Malawi.   The hippos spend much of the day in the Shire River.

Hippos are always watching

Hippos are always watching

They are such large animals, but in the water you notice the large eyes watching.   Remember this is a premier bird watching destination.   Over 400 species have been seen in this park.   I love the white birds sitting in the tree.

White birds

White birds

Perhaps not rare birds, but a great scene with the white birds, green tree and beautiful blue sky.   There are elephants near the river this morning.

Elephants by Shire River

Elephants by Shire River

Again, large animals that are so comfortable here.   I, Zeb the Duck, like the elephants.   This bird has a beautiful blue tummy.

Pretty bird

Pretty bird

Of course, as a duck, I like birds.   It is time to head back across the Shire River to meet our driver, guides and chef.

Time to cross the Shire River and leave the part

Time to cross the Shire River and leave the part

I like this bridge.

Nice bridge

Nice bridge

We will cross the bridge and leave Liwonde National Park, but we will have another adventure soon.