Another day, another country. But first, sunrise on the Zambesi River.

But first again, the BOMA fortune teller last night advised the Dancer to expect 5 grandchildren. Pressure will be on back in the Hunter Valley! The Navigator was told a few things she thought she already knew, thats a surprise!

Also, Warwick  (aka Cowboy) has a new alias, from henceforth he will be known as Wormeater, he says he’s had no backlash from eating the Mopani Worm last night, but he appears a little tired and fidgety at 5.30am – worm or other issues????

Its just turning light when we board our boat, as always the greetings are with a warm smile, the boat is very new, can seat about 12, we have 8 so we’re spread out. As we leave the sun is rising, the boat driver apologises for a few clouds, but, they make the sunrise more impressive. There are hippos in the river, lots of them snorting, grunting and diving, Egyptian Geese, kingfishers, and other birds I can’t remember (our fellow boat travellers were clearly switchers- they knew their birds). We saw a small croc, usually there are elephants swimming but not today. It was a great way to start the day. Breakfast on the boat was  adequate but basic.

Eggs and bacon back at the hotel fill us up, no lunch is needed.

Back to Elephant Walk shopping centre for a bit of final retail therapy, then pack and leave at 3pm for the airport. The ride to the airport is a reminder of how poor this country is, people sitting roadside hoping to get a job, donkey carts, little stalls selling vegetables and drinks, most people walking, it feels more desperate than Laos, but on checking there are 36 countries in Africa that are poorer in GDP per capita.

Thoughts on Victoria Falls

The Zambesi River and its wildlife occupants are beautiful, the falls are stunning, the people are welcoming and generous in nature.

Things to see; The Falls, Zambesi River – sunrise or sunset on the river, the bridge into Zambia (easy) looks really nice Zambia side but we ran out of time, BOMA cultural night, you really need at least 3-4 days here.

We board at 5.15pm, arrive in Nairobi 10.20pm.

Ciao from Zimbabwe

Pauolo