On the Kafue River

ON THE WATERFRONT

This one we had to play without Marlon.

Oh well, with his sullen face, he would just have been a damper on the adventure.

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In DJ's boat equipped with a 35 hp outboard motor we started early the next day on a river tour.

The Kafue river runs quietly.

There is another river which joins it.

A river, whose name I have forgotten. But, as John would say: “It makes no never mind”

DJ was the Captain and Pilot of this aluminum cruiser.

John acted as spotter, even though we had no 'crow's nest'.

I had appointed myself to the position of the 'official photographic record keeper' of this Journey.

“We're hardly on the go, and look over there” John tapped me on the shoulder.

A "Hippo Mamma," protecting her Calf. 

Your thoughts start to wander and wonder about 

"motherly love" and "animal instinct!"

Whatever it may be, it produces a wonderful, thought provoking image.

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"Haven't we seen this one before?" John asks thoughtfully, but with a broad smile on his face. "Oh well" he continues, "Hippos all look alike. You seen one, you've seen them all. But you gotta believe this: Each new sighting is wondrous and exciting."

“Did you know that Hippos cannot swim?” DJ asked, and continued with the explanation. “Their bulk and weight relationship makes them unlikely swimmers.

They walk on the ground, where they can remain under water for up to 5 to 7 minutes.

Then they push up, rise to the surface and float a while. When you see a Hippo in water for a long time, you can be sure that it's standing in shallow water.”

Three "Pied Kingfishers" on one branch, 

each one watching the water for a fish, careless enough to swim by.

This bird wishes to be known as the "Goliath Heron"

 Nothing smaller will do.

In a nose-dive, this "African Fish Eagle" cuts an imposing figure.

I simply cannot resist "just another picture" of this "Lilac Breasted Roller"

He seems to know that he is beautiful

A Zambian fisher man spreads out his nets 

and hopes for a good catch.

Drifting along this river you may encounter 

'reflections' of two kinds.

The shore line only "looks" peaceful.

On the shore line: Zebra, Wildebeest and Cattle Egret.

One of the last rays of the Sun 

must have just hit the head of this Hippo.

I cannot explain the lighting of this image any other way.

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The Sun had gone down.

A well prepared meal had been consumed by hungry mouths.

We sat at the edge of the wide, overgrown pond, next to our comfortable hut.

DJ had prepared a semi-strong G & T and we reminisced about days gone by in Kafue.

“Are you happy with your days here?” DJ asked.

“And how” I answered.

“Could not have been better” said John. “Everything was perfect. The weather, the river, most of all, the animal sightings.

“The boat trip was a sensation. Close encounters with Hippos, Crocs!”

“The bird world”

“The lighting in the morning and at dusk. Simply perfect.”

“I particularly loved the big Hippo Mamma with her baby”

“I'm sorry that we have to leave tomorrow morning” John said.

“you will love 'South Luangwa' “ DJ said. “I happen to know one of the guides there.

Vic Chulu. He's one of the best.”

“That name rings a bell” I said. “In my e-mails with Luangwa, his name was mentioned.”

“You're lucky then. Vic is very busy and normally booked to the brim.”

The night sounds had begun and a breeze cooled the air.

It was a day and an evening, better than those described in Travel Books.

“Well, I'll hit the sack now” said DJ. “heavy day tomorrow. Group of twelve Hollanders”

“You won't be driving us to the landing strip?” I asked DJ.

“One of our drivers will” DJ answered.

“Well then, thanks for everything. Thanks for all your knowledge, thanks for your patience” I said.

“Yeah, you were great” said John.

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