5 Billion Dollars… (Pronounce with Dr Evil accent)

Yesterday we arrived in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe nice and early for once. We upgraded to a double room for some luxury as we are here for 3 days and started wandering. A group of us headed down to the waterfalls for a look. After a steep $US20 entry fee (although afterwards I thought it was worth it) we started walking, eyeing up those other tourist in raincoats and ponchos as we had none. The falls are huge and spectacular. We walked along many viewpoints see the falls from all angles. The water is at it’s highest so has millions of litres pouring over it every second. The spray from it all is immense, causing a massive mist in the canyon producing rainbows at every angle. As we walked out to each viewpoint a spray of water would pass over, we hide the cameras, take a quick photo then run back. The very last one, Adam and Amber went ahead to come back completely soaked. All good fun though.

Afterwards we headed to the local market to look at goods. Along the way back from the falls, people are on the street trying to sell items to you, running when tourist police approach so you know it’s a bit dodgy. Once in the markets it’s a bit similar to Turkey how every shopowner becomes your friend, remembers your name and asks when you will be buying items. The scary part is once the start explaining prices and that rather than money, clothing or other items are preferred. “I like your shoes (watch, stanky socks, etc), how much”. You can barter any items here for anything. Offers were made for climbing clips, tissue packets etc. Everything is worth something. We went to the supermarket and you can see why. No fresh produce and very limited other products. Everything that is there is expensive. You start to feel sorry for the locals here as it’s nothing they have done to deserve such a thing. We have picked out a couple of the friendlier shopkeepers and will be heading back tomorrow with some products we bought in Botswana to trade with (sugar, rice, cooking oil and soap).

In reference to the posting title, we exchanged $US15 and received 54, 000, 000, 000 dollars in a mix of 5 billion and 250 million dollar notes. It’s crazy. I’ve kept one of each note for reference

Off to go and walk with some lions.

Luxury Camping

The past week has flown by. It was a long long drive from the Okavango Delta up to the Chobe National Park, with us trapped in the back of the bus as we drove over every pothole possible along the way. As soon as we arrived we jumped into an open topped jeep and headed out for an overnight adventure in Chobe.

Once in the park we were headed directly to the campsite passing the “waterfront” along the way. The parked was packed out with animals coming for a drink and brush their teeth before heading off to bed. Herds of elephants were present, with lots of baby elephants in amongst them. I’ll actually admit they were pretty cute. Because we were in a smaller vehicle than normal we could get closer and got some wicked photos (I hope, still need to develop the film). We found a herd of 100-200 Water Buffalo along the way with heaps of calves. Due to bad eyesight they just stare, but there are so many its a bit unnerving. As dark hit, we got a bit lost and were bouncing along trails in the dark to find out campsite with hundreds of hungry lions in the shrubs waiting for their moment. The campsite was cool, this one was a “luxury” excursion, so no putting up tents, mattress stretchers, duvets and linen to sleep on. Also with real plates for dinner, table clothes and napkins. The toilet facility was basic and a bit scary seeing a few eyes reflecting back at you from the torch light. A cool night in the wilderness. The next morning was an early drive, spotting more elephants, giraffe, warthogs, bok’s, water buffalo and a particularly aggressive teenage elephant tearing down trees. We returned to camp, showered then headed out on a river cruise with everyone.

The cruise was really good. Promoted as a booze cruise as we brought a chilly bin of alcohol. It started off loud but quickly quietened down as we spotted heaps of animals. Watching from the water is a completely different experience as you don’t interrupt the animals, just cruising in stealth mode. We saw a group of elephants coming to drink with another baby one copying the parents in the group. Further along a herd of about 60 buffalo moved in as one to come an drink. Definitely using the safety in number theories. Then we drifted further into the river to spot some yawning hippos and crocodiles. Not sure why they are so tired as they just sit there. Finally we drifted into the sunset ready for another day.