Maramba River Lodge at Victoria Falls was
just the stop we all needed after a few hectic weeks and so we decided to spend
three nights here, which would mean an early start on Christmas Day to reach
Lusaka, 500kms away. The cats saw the gap and headed into the bush, settling
down in the damp shade and if not for their reflective leashes, would have
disappeared into the greenery without trace. We used the WiFi access to catch
up on correspondence, swam, watched the hippos and relaxed. The Victorian train
ride across the Zambezi was investigated and discarded – travelling on ZAR
regrettably puts many exciting activities out of financial reach.
On Christmas Eve we moved 20 metres away to an adjacent site right on the river bank. To our astonishment, within minutes a groundsman arrived to toss a large rock into the water – chasing away the resident crocodile who only 3 weeks before had taken out a fisherman in that very spot. We can’t say we weren’t warned – the site had a sign cautioning about wild animals!
Our sundowners later were disturbed by a gruff hippo call
just below us, so close we instinctively rose to our feet and looked for cover.
The splash reassured us they were still in the water.
As the afternoon heat receded, it was time
to visit the Falls so we hopped into Henry. Mosi-Oa-Tunya,
the smoke that thunders, is simply breathtaking: a magical place of rainbows
and water sprinkling sunkissed skin and layering our hair with silver beads. The
towering cliffs are covered with bridal veils, white as ice, formed by millions
of tonnes of water jettisoning over the rocks. The experience is so
awe-inspiring, I don’t think that I’ll ever tire of it and hope that one day
we’ll pass this way again.
Dragging ourselves reluctantly away as the
gates closed, we headed back to base. Christmas Eve is traditionally our family
Christmas Meal with all the pomp and tradition imaginable. Camping or not, home
or away, we don’t miss this ever. There was a forced menu change, thanks to that
monster baboon. I’d left the Christmas
pud baking in the sun while we were out but that bloody ape trespassed and
sampled the goods. Apparently it wasn’t to his taste, so he ripped it to pieces and spread it around the
camp, ensuring that no-one else could enjoy it! Mince pies and custard for dessert it
is, then. The table was laid, strewn with Lindor choccies (thanks Keith and
Maria!) and the microwave and gas stove set to work. Even in the wilds, we have
our comforts – a fridge to chill champagne and make ice are travel essentials.
Our Christmas meal is also a time of
reflection and gratitude, and this year our family has much to be appreciative
of and grateful for. The traditional toast to absent loved ones was longer than
usual as well at our little riverbank table set for two.
Seasons greetings to you all.
No comments:
Post a Comment