Summary

Anne Bonfert documents a week-long journey of exploration and tranquility at Lake Kariba, experiencing it as a bird's paradise and hippo playground during the low season.

Abstract

The photographic essay by Anne Bonfert captures the essence of Lake Kariba from the Zimbabwean perspective, detailing a week filled with the sounds of birds, the laughter of hippos at night, and the powerful sight of cascading waters. Despite the challenges of the season, which included closed activities and locations, the author found joy in bird watching, relaxing in a hammock, and paddling on a safe dam. The stay at Antelope Park was extended due to its serene atmosphere, and horseback safaris provided close encounters with zebras, wildebeest, antelopes, and giraffes. The journey continued to a bird's paradise campsite near Kariba town, where fishing was cut short by the presence of hippos. The visit concluded with sightseeing in Kariba, including the dam wall, and leisurely mornings observing wildlife from a terrace. The week's experiences are encapsulated in seven photographs, inviting others to join the weekly photo challenge that has been a source of inspiration since 2020.

Opinions

The author enjoys traveling in the low season despite its limitations, appreciating the unique opportunities it presents.
The sound of birds and the presence of wildlife are highlighted as enriching aspects of the travel experience.
The author values personal safety, choosing to paddle in a dam known to be free of hippos and crocodiles.
The horseback safari is presented as a preferred and more engaging way to experience wildlife compared to conventional game drives.
The beauty and clarity of the lake's water are emphasized, as is the local market's appeal with fresh produce.
The author expresses a deep connection with nature, as evidenced by the detailed descriptions of the surroundings and wildlife interactions.
There is a sense of community and encouragement for others to participate in the weekly photo challenge, showcasing inclusivity and shared passion for photography.

PHOTO-A-DAY CHALLENGE

Lake Kariba - a Bird's Paradise and Hippo Playground

Week 130 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

It wasn’t an easy destination to explore from the Zimbabwean side, mainly because of the weather and the season we’re in at the moment. We love traveling in the low season, but it also means certain activities aren’t available and some places are closed.

However, we had a blast exploring lake Kariba from different angles, waking up to the sound of the birds, hearing hippos laugh at night and seeing the water come down with power.

This week started at Antelope Park, where we arrived during sunset and only stopped because of the 1000-kilometer detour we had to make. But the moment we saw the site, heard the birds and felt the freshness in the air, we decided to make this a longer stay.

The second day, I spend mostly bird watching and relaxing in my hammock. But I also went paddling on the little dam, as they had no hippos or crocs, and it was safe for me to explore the water.

Since we were staying inside a game reserve, I decided to go on some sort of safari, but opted for the horseback version instead of the conventional game drive.

From the back of the horse, I passed countless zebras, young and old, saw a few wildebeest and antelopes grazing in the fields, and even got lucky to spot four giraffes in the bushes. We got rather close to them as they didn’t mind the horses.

Do you spot the giraffe?

After three nights in this little slice of paradise, it was time to move on again and head further north back toward lake Kariba. After hearing the lions roar the entire night through, we woke up again to the sound of the birds and slowly packed up our things in the morning hours.

The following day we were in the next bird’s paradise. At a campsite on the lake just outside of Kariba town. Another couple was staying in one of the tented camps, but we had the pool to ourselves.

That afternoon we decided to go fishing by the lake but soon backtracked as we were surrounded by hippos in the water and didn't feel too safe.

We broke down our tent the next morning, just to be able to drive into the town of Kariba and get to certain viewpoints in the mountains surrounding the lake.

We bought fresh fruits and vegetables at the local market in the township, got teased by the crystal clear water that looked so inviting to jump in, and saw the large dam wall between the countries.

And since it was such a great place, we stayed another day. I spend most of the morning on the terrace overlooking the lake while watching lizards move around, listening to the birds in the trees and seeing butterflies and dragonflies dance through the skies.

And there was this little fella who was rather active, jumping around between the veranda and a tree right next to it. Got him in action.

The next day, we left lake Kariba again, but that is part of next week’s photo essay.

See below where on the map we are:

This has been my week in photographs. 7 days. 7 photographs. Anyone can join. Once. Or weekly. It doesn’t matter. We welcome everyone! Dennett started this photography challenge in 2020 and many have participated ever since.

Erika / Eileen / K. Barrett / Juan / David / Mia / Susan / LensAfield / Kim / Barbara / Diana / Barb / Sandra / Shruthi / Ellie / Pene / Olive / Gustavo / Jane / Penny / Jillian / Shell / Ivy / Lisa / Lynne

And these are the previous weekly photo essays:

Along the Mighty Zambezi River - From Victoria Falls to Lake Kariba

Week 129 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

medium.com

The Start of a Big Journey — 3 Countries in 7 Days

Week 128 of the photographic documentary of my daily life

medium.com

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