Matthew and I have traveled through most of southern Africa, but decided it was finally time to go further north to Zambia. We have both been on African safaris for the past two years, but for some reason we have never gotten as far as Zambia. Zambia, known as one of the last unscathed African wilderness areas, is the place to appreciate nature.
Our abode
During our stay in Zambia, we stayed in a thatched-roof hut in the Luangwa Valley. Located along the Luangwa River, we were in the perfect place to watch games. From time to time we witnessed a deer, elephants or a herd of buffalo that came to the banks of the river to drink water every day.
Staying in a cabin felt like heaven after months of sleeping in a tent on a paper-thin mattress. Don’t get me wrong, both Matthew and I like camping, but I think after a while you start to miss little luxuries like a bed.
After a nice long shower, I sat on our deck overlooking the valley at sunset. With so much beauty in the world, a sunset is still one of the most beautiful. He seemed dead of silence even though there were people laughing in the background. All I really heard was the soothing sound of the water and the birds softly calling to each other. She was at peace and was soon joined by Matthew when he returned from the local supply store with a bottle of wine.
The rest of the night we enjoyed our dinner, some wine, but mostly the sounds of nature. Being on the road for almost two years, I can say that we have both become more peaceful on the inside. The topic of discussion was how many people enjoy nature these days. Matthew was emphasizing that he felt that people would enjoy life more if they could be more surrounded by nature, go camping, go on safari, or just have a picnic. But life seems too rushed these days.
Freedom land
The next day we left in the early hours of the morning on our first day’s trip. Zambia is known for its vast protected wilderness areas. It is the sad truth that Africa’s wildlife areas are rapidly disappearing thanks to economic growth and with it Africa’s wildlife, but countries like Zambia are committed to saving Africa’s wildlife and its land.
The Luangwa Valley specifically is a bird lover’s paradise. According to tourist information, more than 400 species of birds have been registered in this area alone. During our trip we saw quite a few antelope, buffalo and zebra. But it was only after lunch that we were granted a special scene from survival plays. Not everyone would enjoy witnessing nature’s oldest war, that between lions and hyenas.
Lions are by far the strongest of the two groups, but hyenas have another factor that counts in their favor: their numbers. This was a fight for territory. It is a well known fact that male lions specifically hate hyenas with a passion. It was a large pride of lions, and it looked like it was a fight without competition, but never underestimate the cunning of the hyenas. Using their even higher numbers to intimidate, it looked like the hyenas were going to win this one. But when a young male lion stepped forward, we knew it was the end.
The lions were too strong and soon the hyenas fled. My heart raced throughout the ordeal, I didn’t know if I should see this display of hatred and dominance or just look away, but the sounds alone were horrible. Some would say they were lucky to witness such a fight, I say it was heartbreaking. Matthew tried to film as much as he could, but it was difficult to concentrate as it all happened so fast. This was definitely a very unusual sight to witness, as generally the rangers are very careful not to take their tourists to the actual scenes of the massacre, but to the aftermath. When we spoke to the ranger, he told us that we really did observe something weird as most of these situations only happen at night. This time, we were in the wrong place at the right time, so to speak.
After that, we headed back to the cabin. I think we were both a little stunned after the episode. I’ve seen videos of these types of fights before, but never in my life would I imagine witnessing something like this in real life.
Well, no matter how the fight happened, I’m sure neither Matthew nor I would ever feel the same after that. It was the incident that would change our lives forever. It reminded us that there is more to life than the hustle and bustle of city life. That life is meant to be enjoyed and that you must experience every emotion wholeheartedly. Zambia proved to be one of the most exciting African safaris we have ever experienced, and yes, we will be back!