So, we have traveled by train through Zimbabwe and South Africa – I had only been to the northern parts, Tunisia, Egypt and Morocco before. And, honestly, I never thought I would go on a trip like this one…to the heart of the continent. But, some of my L-A friends have truly inspired me to make this journey. And I don’t regret it. One of the novels that’s made the greatest impression on me, is Heart of Darkness by Joseph Conrad. (If you haven’t read this masterpiece, please give it a try – or see the prize winning movie with Marlon Brando.) It’s an intriguing continent, Africa.

These kind of varied trips are difficult to describe, and it can easily be a bit too much for both friends and readers. It might be a good idea to try a reasonably short version. What were the highlights, what are the memories that will stay with me forever? Maybe the big surprises? The animals, the people, the culture, the landscapes? This week it will be interesting to see how you choose to present a short or long trip (maximum 10 images), what will be your main points and why?

We flew from Copenhagen to the Victoria Falls Hotel in Zimbabwe to start our main journey from there. This Colonial style hotel has a magical view towards the falls. Not to mention its Victorian atmosphere – down to the smallest detail with dress code and grand piano.

Walking the whole stretch of the majestic falls made us both filled with awe – and soaking wet! ”Mosi-oa-Tunya” – means ”the smoke that thunders.” And the sound was indeed deafening.

As this was a once in a lifetime experience… we decided to do the helicopter flight over the falls. We were visiting during the high water season, when this is the world’s largest curtain of falling water. 1700m wide and 108m deep. ”Discovered” and named by David Livingstone in 1855.

The Zambezi River, above the falls, made for a sundown trip with crocodiles (look closely and there are two of them in the picture), hippos and bee-eaters among other things. In the background you see the Victoria Falls sending up steam and clouds.

After some astonishing days, it was time to board the famous Rovos Rail train – a new adventure! A South African man, named Rohan Vos, buys old trains, wagons and engines and restores them to their former glory. It felt like treading into an Agatha Christie movie. Dress code here too, and the local food served was extremely delicious. Breakfast and 5 courses twice a day. My sincere compliments to the chef (we saw the incredibly tiny kitchen they had to work in…).

The Diner cars were gorgeous, old time beauties. After three days on the train, stuffed and without the Milo excercise I am used to do every day, we finally reached the end station in Pretoria. (I promise – I rolled off that train…) From there, we went by bus and jeep to a private game reserve.

The wild life was wonderful of course. One of my favourites (from Tina’s treasures) is the Lilac breasted Roller. What a joy to see it with my own eyes!

One of the main highlights was the opportunity to see the big cats. On our first day at the camp, we came across two relaxing Cheetahs. I was overwhelmed, realising this was what I had been waiting for all along. Our camp was not fenced in, so the animals could walk freely through it – and they did every night. We saw footprints of antelopes, lions, monkeys and more every morning. After dark we had to rely on a ranger following us to our tent. He told us they see lions there at least twice a week .

Then, after some days with antelopes, ”Pumbas”, giraffes, zebras and birds, we met five beautiful, peacefully relaxing lions. I love this picture of one of the males who heard us coming and slowly turned his head to take a look at us.

Big cats are very special, and I chose to close with these wonderful creatures. So powerful, but somehow still looking gentle. I always had cats when I grew up, and there are many similarities between big and small. You never really know when, or if, they will strike…

There are many more stories to tell, but that will have to wait for another day. I haven’t even looked at all the pictures yet…

Thank you, John, for a lovely challenge, and thank you all for the great variety of answers! If you participate, please remember to use the Lens-Artists tag and link to my original post.

Next week, Anne will be our host – be sure to visit her beautiful site for more inspiration. Until then, stay safe and enjoy your precious time.

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