Zimbabwe

Victoria Falls and so much more…

From my film archive - Africa Part 3

Leaving Botswana, I fly over what seems to be an endless carpet of jungle. In the far distance, I see a wide column of dense fog rising from the forest.

As we get closer, I realize that this is mist coming from the mighty Victoria Falls.

The Zambezi River and Victoria Falls define the border between Zimbabwe and Zambia. I arrive in the town of Victoria Falls on the Zimbabwe side.

From town, there is a trail through the forest to get to the edge of the falls. At each end of this trail, there are armed guards warning people of dangerous elephants foraging in the forest and tell me that I must be prepared to flee.

I take the warning seriously. As I walk down the trail the elephants express their strength and power, ripping down trees and throwing them around like twigs. They have let it be known that I am in their territory.

The roar of the falls grows and I am showered with mist. The locals call the falls Mosi-oa-Tunya which means “Smoke that Thunders”. Seeing and hearing them for the first time, this name seems much more appropriate.

I set up my panoramic camera to shoot the cascading walls of water as the sunset colours deepen. The next morning I am back at the roaring falls and rainbows appear as the early light leaks into the deep canyons.

I leave Victoria Falls and begin my drive through Zimbabwe. First stopping at Detema Safari Lodge in Hwange National Park. On a game drive, we see over 100 elephants of all ages and sizes, eating, drinking, playing at sunset.

On the drive back to the lodge a young baby elephant is lost in the bush right next to us. The father is on the road in front of us and the mother is behind us. We can see they are not happy!

There is a long moment full of tension as we are about to be charged. A decision has to be made! My driver suddenly hits the horn and quickly veers around the father in front of us. Smart thinking by my driver and no man or beast is harmed.

Enough of the wildlife, for now, I ask if I can visit a school. The next morning I am assigned a big, beautiful woman full of happiness and laughter. She drives me to Detema school, picking up delighted school children on the way.

The whole school is excited by my visit and it seems I am quite the distraction. Challenging to get photographs other than the children acting out for the camera. I decide to go back the next morning and try my luck again. The children have somewhat settled back into their duties and routines. Finally, I can wander and seek images without causing too much distraction.

From Detema, I drive off on my own again, traveling throughout Zimbabwe’s beautiful landscape. Stopping at a list of wonderful places, including Bulawayo, Matobo, Masvingo, and Mutare. None more impressive than the Chimanimani mountains, on the border of Mozambique. A place I dream of returning to one day.