Hello from Victoria Falls! The fun continues and there is no shortage of adventure! As we speak, dad is flying in a helicopter over Victoria Falls. Definitely the best way to see them. Can't wait to see his pictures! We've already walked as far as we could on the Zambian side. You can't see much before the entire thing is shrouded in mist and you get soaked. Apparently the dry season, around June/July is the best time to see the falls because the water is at it's lowest. As I've already mentioned, southern Africa has gotten a record amount of rainfall this year. There is a crazy amount of water falling over the cliff right now. But even the edge of the falls that was visible showed an incredible force of nature! Dad and I attempted to go to Zimbabwe for an afternoon. The visa was only supposed to be $20, but they obviously have a beef with Canadians because on arrival at the border customs office we were told we'd have to pay $75. For a few hours - no thanks. We had already paid an extra $30 at the Zambian border crossing under the belief that we were also getting a Zimbabwean visa there. So we've wasted enough money on a country we won't be visiting.

Although the falls are supposed to be more impressive from Zimbabwe, we had fun on the Zambian side and in no man's land. There is a bungee jump on the bridge in between the two countries. We know people who did it and were there with a few of the girls. Their videos are awesome! Almost makes me want to try it - but not quite.

Prior to the falls we travelled through Botswana. Wildlife abounds, as well as talented locals. We spent a couple of nights bush camping in the Okavango Delta. We were taken up river in a big pontoon boat to meet our polers for the adventure. These people poled us through the delta in makoros (dug out canoes). They took very good care of us. We went on nature walks on islands in the delta, makoro sunset cruises, swimming at the swimming hole, and were entertained by the poler choir. A wonderful time - even if it was hot and the bugs were biting and there was no water for washing! We saw zebras, giraffes, wildebeasts, a hippo and finally the elusive elephant. Upon return in the makoros, our pontoon boat had not yet arrived and so we were able to walk through the local village. What a treat. This was not touristy Africa, which is pretty much what we are seeing on this tour. This was a simple village of clay huts and no communal electricity. Power comes from a generator or solar panels. And water is fetched from a communal tap.

After that the elusive elephant became anything but. On our way to Chobe National Park, elephants were regularly seen on the side of the road, and even crossing the street. In Chobe we did a river cruise and a game drive in a safari truck. Both were awesome! Saw lots of interesting birds, elephants, crocs, hippos, and added to the big five with many buffalo. Finally saw warthogs too, and even found a hippo on land. Lots of baboons, impalas and banded mongoose.

But the leopard continues to avoid us. It is the only one of the big 5 that we have not seen. Fingers crossed for the Serengeti!

It turns out our GAP tour is a combination of 2 tours. So this weekend we've said goodbye to our truck, our guides and half our group. But the new gang are looking promising. The truck is definitely nicer with wider, reclining seats. Tomorrow we are off to Lusaka, the capital city of Zambia. Can't wait for Lake Malawi! A few more days to go - and lots of driving!

Love, Debbie