LAKE KARIBA: LIFE ON RETURN TO EDEN

Описание: LAKE KARIBA: LIFE ON RETURN TO EDEN

Usually when one sets off on a house boat on Lake Kariba, there’s sunshine, pool dipping and nights slept under the stars. We kind of had that experience, but kind of didn’t. We lucked out with mostly rain, a little bit of sunshine, and a lot of sick people on a boat. Nonetheless, we weren’t disheartened and as the evenings cleared up, we geared up for the pontoons in search of the larger local residents - crocodiles, elephants, hippos, and lions. Aside from the lions (always keep your ears peeled), these guys are everywhere — you can’t miss them.

Fun Fact: over the last several decades, crocodile farmers have been required to release a certain percentage of all crocs hatched on the farms, back ‘into the wild’. Not only has this release program completely thrown off the natural food chain in the Lake, it has also contributed to these now ‘wild’ crocs being too comfortable around humans and associating us with food. There are crocs everywhere in this Lake, and it is incredibly dangerous. As temping as it may be to jump in that water for a refreshing cool down (if you’re lucky enough to have days of sunshine) — you are putting your life at major risk. Stick to the house boat’s dipping pool!

One of the perks of experiencing days of rain on the Lake, was seeing elephants in a different light. We’re used to seeing them grazing on land, but imagine looking out into the grey mist, and watching a massive bull elephant slowly walking off a slope of grass, and completely submerging himself into the water. Then all you see is a moving trunk, camouflaged by tree tops, poking out of the water for air. I have never seen an elephant swim like this, and I will never forget it. This wasn’t a moment for the cameras — I was in total awe and I could have watched this for days.

A special thanks and shout out to DC on the Return to Eden. If you find yourself on this boat, DC is your man!

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MUSIC: Peponi (Paradise) by the The Piano Guys