Sunset Cruise on the Zambezi

We settled into Chanters Lodge and sat by the pool to enjoy a Mosi and the sun. Cape Town was cold in comparison and the warmth of the sun was very welcome. We enjoyed some French fries and onion rings and Newman her omelet. 3:30 came and we headed to a sunset cruise on the Zambezi. Bundu Adventures setup the cruise for us on the new boat the "Lady Livingstone". There were about 20 people on board the yacht that could have fit easily 150 people. There were three decks and a full staff on board. Angelina was our bar mistresses and Frederick our knowledgeable guide for the night. We had the local South African beer Castle and chatted with the two women from Holland that were currently living in Mozambique.

We set on our way and saw some different birds, some beautifully colored dragonflies; red, blue, and green. We were served cute little snacks and later small little chocolate balls and learned about the Zambezi River.

It is the 4th largest river in Africa and the longest flowing into the Indian Ocean. It is a natural divide between Zambia and Zambezi. There are crocodiles along the shore as well as families of hippos in the river. On either side of the shore you can happen to see elephants, giraffes, impalas, baboons, vervet monkeys, a wide array of birds, and zebra. We certainly heard a hippo long before we saw one. There were a few hiding behind a tree and further downstream 5 or 6 playing in the water. The people on the top deck saw elephants so we headed up there to see those too. There were at least 3 babies with them. Back on the main floor on the bow we saw a monitor lizard, Egyptian goose, and some crocodiles.

Newman was inspired by the animal print furniture and her cat like personally came out.

Mike and Newman play the drums. African drums were musical instruments, ceremonial objects and means of communication.

The sun set beautifully in a typical African fashion and we were all thrilled to be in the heart of Africa. The Euro cup is on tv and so after the cruise we headed back to the Lodge for a meal and the game. Highly invigorated and looking forward to our walking safari in the morning.