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Fri, Jun 12th, 2015

African Expedition 2015

Jim and I had not been to Africa in the months of May or June for several years, so we decided to see Victoria Falls in high water and experience the wet season, rather than do our typical visit during the dry season in November.

Although Cape Town was less crowded, the lush green vegetation made it much harder to spot wildlife, and the animals were much more spread out, since water and food were abundant everywhere.

We had gotten used to being warm all day, and the mornings this time of year were definitely cold. Hot water bottles in our beds sure helped!

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Another fun and successful African safari
Another fun and successful African safari
This year we decided to travel in May (Africa's fall) instead of spring. Lots more water everywhere and everything was green.
Another fun and successful African safari
We begin by exploring Cape Town and the tip of Africa
We begin by exploring Cape Town and the tip of Africa
Besides the fascinating history and wonderful wines, one of the highlights of Cape Town is our visit to the iconic Table Mountain with incredible views of the Cape of Good Hope.
We begin by exploring Cape Town and the tip of Africa
The Cheetah Outreach Center
The Cheetah Outreach Center
Our visit to the center is always fascinating. Getting to interact with cheetah cubs, bat eared foxes and meerkats is exciting.
The Cheetah Outreach Center
Cape of Good Hope
Cape of Good Hope
Our group of friends at the tip of Africa. We had a great lunch overlooking the confluence of the Atlantic and Indian oceans. (And great wines, too!)
Cape of Good Hope
We visited the famous Rupert Fine Art Gallery in Stellenbosh
We visited the famous Rupert Fine Art Gallery in Stellenbosh
We visited the famous Rupert Fine Art Gallery in Stellenbosh
Rupert collected works of some of the best South African artists
Rupert collected works of some of the best South African artists
Rupert collected works of some of the best South African artists
Next we visited our friends at the Stark-Condé Winery
Next we visited our friends at the Stark-Condé Winery
Next we visited our friends at the Stark-Condé Winery
What a wonderful setting for a wine-paired gourmet lunch
What a wonderful setting for a wine-paired gourmet lunch
We ate overlooking a beautiful lake, in a valley nestled between beautiful mountains.
What a wonderful setting for a wine-paired gourmet lunch
Marie, the owner, has become a collector of my artwork
Marie, the owner, has become a collector of my artwork
Marie, the owner, has become a collector of my artwork
In Cape Town, we stayed in the center of the Victoria and Alfred waterfront
In Cape Town, we stayed in the center of the Victoria and Alfred waterfront
The Grace Hotel is rated as one of the Top 10 hotels in Africa and the views over the water are stunning.
In Cape Town, we stayed in the center of the Victoria and Alfred waterfront
Our friend, guide and wine expert Steve gave us the
Our friend, guide and wine expert Steve gave us the "inside scoop"
Steve has been making wine himself for many years, carrying on a family tradition. He is able to give us the history and background of South African wines. They are made from some of the oldest and most established vineyards in the world.
Our friend, guide and wine expert Steve gave us the "inside scoop"
After four days in Cape Town, we traveled north to Botswana
After four days in Cape Town, we traveled north to Botswana
Finally, I'm in the bush with my lion friends at Grasslands Lodge, in the middle of the Kalahari desert. Here, their Predator Project is saving lions and painted dogs.
After four days in Cape Town, we traveled north to Botswana
Problem lions are captured with nets and brought here
Problem lions are captured with nets and brought here
These lions would've been shot by farmers, but here they are conditioned to eat only game and not cattle.
Problem lions are captured with nets and brought here
It's a great project and a great place to see lions in action
It's a great project and a great place to see lions in action
It's a great project and a great place to see lions in action
Watching male and female lions interact is an interesting experience
Watching male and female lions interact is an interesting experience
Watching male and female lions interact is an interesting experience
Grasslands also raises endangered wild dogs
Grasslands also raises endangered wild dogs
Watching them feed from only a few feet away, with no fences between us and them, is quite a thrill.
Grasslands also raises endangered wild dogs
Cheetah cuddles
Cheetah cuddles
Cheetah cuddles
Spending time with the San bushmen is incredible
Spending time with the San bushmen is incredible
The bushmen are the oldest existing culture on the planet. We spend the day with them and learn how they survive in the desert.
Spending time with the San bushmen is incredible
We learn about their medicines, games and primitive way of life
We learn about their medicines, games and primitive way of life
We learn about their medicines, games and primitive way of life
This is
This is "Mama"
Although we have never spoken the same language (except through an interpreter), we managed to communicate quite well.
This is "Mama"
Our friend Connie, drinks from a shaved root, bushmen style!
Our friend Connie, drinks from a shaved root, bushmen style!
Our friend Connie, drinks from a shaved root, bushmen style!
Bushmen dance at sunset
Bushmen dance at sunset
We watched as the bushmen showed us one of their ancient dances, just as they have done for thousands of years.
Bushmen dance at sunset
Over the years, these bushmen have become our friends
Over the years, these bushmen have become our friends
Over the years, these bushmen have become our friends
Willy and Annka, the owners of Grasslands, surprised us
Willy and Annka, the owners of Grasslands, surprised us
Willy and Annka have become friends over the years and arranged for our group to watch a wildebeest roundup.
Willy and Annka, the owners of Grasslands, surprised us
They used helicopters to herd the wildebeest into a truck
They used helicopters to herd the wildebeest into a truck
You wouldn't believe the gyrations this helicopter used to drive the wildebeest into this giant funnel. The animals were then herded into a chute and into a truck to be relocated in the Kalahari game reserve.
They used helicopters to herd the wildebeest into a truck
Our friend Valentino with the lion he raised from a cub
Our friend Valentino with the lion he raised from a cub
This lion is only 2 years old but weighs about 380 pounds. It's quite a sight to see them wrestling together.
Our friend Valentino with the lion he raised from a cub
We left Grasslands and flew northeast to the Okavango delta
We left Grasslands and flew northeast to the Okavango delta
From the dry desert to an island in the middle of the largest inland delta in the world. Surrounded by water, marshes and wildlife we sipped cocktails at sunset.
We left Grasslands and flew northeast to the Okavango delta
We explored the Delta in boats and four-wheel-drive vehicles
We explored the Delta in boats and four-wheel-drive vehicles
We explored the Delta in boats and four-wheel-drive vehicles
We saw elephants, giraffes, hippos and antelope everywhere
We saw elephants, giraffes, hippos and antelope everywhere
We saw elephants, giraffes, hippos and antelope everywhere
This Cape Starlet was typical of the colorful birdlife
This Cape Starlet was typical of the colorful birdlife
This Cape Starlet was typical of the colorful birdlife
One day we tracked Lions to a fresh wildebeest kill
One day we tracked Lions to a fresh wildebeest kill
It was a large pride with many cubs, yearlings and lazy adults.
One day we tracked Lions to a fresh wildebeest kill
The feast was on...
The feast was on...
The feast was on...
There were many different ages of lions feeding and playing
There were many different ages of lions feeding and playing
There were many different ages of lions feeding and playing
The smallest cubs were the cutest and we watched them for hours
The smallest cubs were the cutest and we watched them for hours
The smallest cubs were the cutest and we watched them for hours
We were also treated to a family of spotted hyenas with pups
We were also treated to a family of spotted hyenas with pups
We were also treated to a family of spotted hyenas with pups
Hard to believe such a deadly carnivore can be so cute
Hard to believe such a deadly carnivore can be so cute
Hard to believe such a deadly carnivore can be so cute
At Little Vumbura, we ate under the stars and danced with the local staff
At Little Vumbura, we ate under the stars and danced with the local staff
At Little Vumbura, we ate under the stars and danced with the local staff
We explored the marshes in native
We explored the marshes in native "mokorros" (dugout canoes)
We explored the marshes in native "mokorros" (dugout canoes)
We were even able to spot some very endangered wild dogs
We were even able to spot some very endangered wild dogs
We were even able to spot some very endangered wild dogs
Saddleback storks were beautiful and colorful
Saddleback storks were beautiful and colorful
Saddleback storks were beautiful and colorful
We ran into tons of hippos (literally tons!)
We ran into tons of hippos (literally tons!)
We ran into tons of hippos (literally tons!)
Since it was the wet season, we saw lots of babies
Since it was the wet season, we saw lots of babies
Since it was the wet season, we saw lots of babies
We saw several journeys of giraffes
We saw several journeys of giraffes
We saw several journeys of giraffes
This leopard was amazing!
This leopard was amazing!
This leopard was amazing!
Animals that can't see color have trouble spotting leopards
Animals that can't see color have trouble spotting leopards
Animals that can't see color have trouble spotting leopards
Duma Tau just after sunset -- our next camp and one of our favorites
Duma Tau just after sunset -- our next camp and one of our favorites
Duma Tau, which means "lion's roar," sits on the eastern edge of the Savuti Channel, so we spent lots of time on the water fishing, watching sunsets, looking for swimming elephants and sipping cocktails.
Duma Tau just after sunset -- our next camp and one of our favorites
You could watch elephants and wildlife while sitting at the bar
You could watch elephants and wildlife while sitting at the bar
You could watch elephants and wildlife while sitting at the bar
One of the great thrills of that camp was watching dozens of elephants playing in the water from only a few feet away
One of the great thrills of that camp was watching dozens of elephants playing in the water from only a few feet away
One of the great thrills of that camp was watching dozens of elephants playing in the water from only a few feet away
The Sable antelope were beautiful
The Sable antelope were beautiful
The Sable antelope were beautiful
At night we dined the end of the pier
At night we dined the end of the pier
The candlelight dinner was absolutely beautiful, with the sun setting in the west and the moon setting shortly later, the water shimmering like diamonds.
At night we dined the end of the pier
Elephants were all around us
Elephants were all around us
Elephants were all around us
This baby zebra was so cute
This baby zebra was so cute
This baby zebra was so cute

There's nothing like a delicious
There's nothing like a delicious "bush brunch" in the middle of nowhere
We usually woke up early to explore the bush by boat or safari vehicle looking for animals. One day we were surprised to find linen table cloths, silverware and a beautiful brunch and bar set up on the shore overlooking miles of water and marsh.
There's nothing like a delicious "bush brunch" in the middle of nowhere
Another lovely African sunset over the water
Another lovely African sunset over the water
Each night we stopped somewhere special to have sundowners and watch the sunset. At Duma Tau, we were on a boat watching elephants swim across the water.
Another lovely African sunset over the water
As always, the birdlife was incredible!
As always, the birdlife was incredible!
As always, the birdlife was incredible!
Our next adventure was canoeing the mighty Zambezi River
Our next adventure was canoeing the mighty Zambezi River
Our next adventure was canoeing the mighty Zambezi River
Hippos were the biggest danger here
Hippos were the biggest danger here
Hippos were the biggest danger here
It was a beautiful day and the river was running fast
It was a beautiful day and the river was running fast
It was a beautiful day and the river was running fast
Eagles watched our progress down the river
Eagles watched our progress down the river
Eagles watched our progress down the river
There was just enough white water to make it interesting and fun!
There was just enough white water to make it interesting and fun!
There was just enough white water to make it interesting and fun!
As the group floated down the river, we took turns fishing for tiger fish!
As the group floated down the river, we took turns fishing for tiger fish!
As the group floated down the river, we took turns fishing for tiger fish!
Not a giant tigerfish, but the teeth were enormous for its size
Not a giant tigerfish, but the teeth were enormous for its size
Not a giant tigerfish, but the teeth were enormous for its size
After canoeing and fishing we had a beautiful luncheon on the banks of the Zambezi
After canoeing and fishing we had a beautiful luncheon on the banks of the Zambezi
After canoeing and fishing we had a beautiful luncheon on the banks of the Zambezi
Crocodile kebabs and white table cloths on the banks of the Zambezi!
Crocodile kebabs and white table cloths on the banks of the Zambezi!
Crocodile kebabs and white table cloths on the banks of the Zambezi!
Of course we had to stop next to this 1,500-year-old Baobab tree
Of course we had to stop next to this 1,500-year-old Baobab tree
Of course we had to stop next to this 1,500-year-old Baobab tree
The next morning we explored Victoria Falls. Beautiful but very wet!
The next morning we explored Victoria Falls. Beautiful but very wet!
The water is highest at this time of year: 300 feet high and almost 2 km long. No wonder it's one of the wonders of the world!
The next morning we explored Victoria Falls. Beautiful but very wet!
We again taught children about art and wildlife conservation at a local school
We again taught children about art and wildlife conservation at a local school
We again taught children about art and wildlife conservation at a local school
Our group helped us set up the Arts for Animals Wildlife Center
Our group helped us set up the Arts for Animals Wildlife Center
An unfinished building was donated to us, and we converted it into a center to teach children about the arts and the value of wildlife.
Our group helped us set up the Arts for Animals Wildlife Center
Using art donated by several artists, we decorated the room
Using art donated by several artists, we decorated the room
Our old friend Sharon Bartlett collected several pieces of art from friends and donated art of her own for the center. Sally Maxwell, another renowned artist, donated a few pieces of her wildlife work as well.
Using art donated by several artists, we decorated the room
The children were amazed, interested and inspired by the artwork
The children were amazed, interested and inspired by the artwork
The children were amazed, interested and inspired by the artwork
That day, another 50 kids made the pledge to become an Animal Protector.
That day, another 50 kids made the pledge to become an Animal Protector.
This year we brought 2,000 wristbands for the Arts for Animals Animal Protector program. Our goal is to have thousands of African children appreciate the value of wildlife to their heritage and future.
That day, another 50 kids made the pledge to become an Animal Protector.
This is Descent Karubo, whose beautiful artwork won our first scholarship award
This is Descent Karubo, whose beautiful artwork won our first scholarship award
Descent lives with his grandmother and eight other children. He had dropped out of school and was herding goats. He is an incredible natural talent, and this scholarship will enable him to finish his schooling and perhaps go on to be a wildlife artist.
This is Descent Karubo, whose beautiful artwork won our first scholarship award
Although the building is still unfinished, we couldn't be more proud
Although the building is still unfinished, we couldn't be more proud
Many tanks to members of our group for their support and donations that made this wildlife center possible.
Although the building is still unfinished, we couldn't be more proud
As always, our visit to the local orphanage was a high point
As always, our visit to the local orphanage was a high point
Lee had the children dancing singing and playing games within a few minutes. It was such a joy to see these kids laughing and smiling.
As always, our visit to the local orphanage was a high point
We brought kazoos and took turns playing our national anthem and goofing around
We brought kazoos and took turns playing our national anthem and goofing around
Although the kazoo is a simple instrument, it enables any kid to make music any time, anywhere.
We brought kazoos and took turns playing our national anthem and goofing around
Ellsworth and Mercy, two incredibly talented orphans
Ellsworth and Mercy, two incredibly talented orphans
Ellsworth is a natural artist who was raising chickens to live. Mercy supported herself by selling small dolls she made at the orphanage. She is an incredible seamstress and self-taught.
Ellsworth and Mercy, two incredibly talented orphans
This 4-month-old baby was found abandoned in the bush, and everyone fell in love with her
This 4-month-old baby was found abandoned in the bush, and everyone fell in love with her
Sarah decided to donate the funds guaranteeing this baby will grow up healthy and educated. Markeeta was also inspired to donate the funds for Ellsworth and Mercy to finish school.
This 4-month-old baby was found abandoned in the bush, and everyone fell in love with her
It's hard to decide who got the most out of this visit
It's hard to decide who got the most out of this visit
We tend to believe it was us and our friends!
It's hard to decide who got the most out of this visit
That evening we went on a sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane
That evening we went on a sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane
The small mahogany boat came replete with leather chairs, hors d'oeuvres. This is one of the high points of Victoria Falls.
That evening we went on a sunset cruise on the Ra-Ikane
The next morning we woke up early to visit the rhinos and explore the park by elephant.
The next morning we woke up early to visit the rhinos and explore the park by elephant.
The next morning we woke up early to visit the rhinos and explore the park by elephant.
The world certainly looks different from atop an elephant!
The world certainly looks different from atop an elephant!
The world certainly looks different from atop an elephant!
We saw giraffes and zebras
We saw giraffes and zebras
We saw giraffes and zebras
The most fun was feeding the elephants afterward
The most fun was feeding the elephants afterward
The most fun was feeding the elephants afterward
Rick and Mary feeling the smoothness of the tusks
Rick and Mary feeling the smoothness of the tusks
Rick and Mary feeling the smoothness of the tusks
The shopping in Victoria Falls is incredible
The shopping in Victoria Falls is incredible
The shopping in Victoria Falls is incredible
The last night we went to the Boma to eat, dance and party
The last night we went to the Boma to eat, dance and party
The last night we went to the Boma to eat, dance and party
The next morning we checked out of the Victoria Falls Hotel and returned to Johannesburg
The next morning we checked out of the Victoria Falls Hotel and returned to Johannesburg
The next morning we checked out of the Victoria Falls Hotel and returned to Johannesburg
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