We began the day with a flora and fauna walk around the island. Despite not seeing any large animals there was an awful lot of elephant dung directly behind the camp. The millipedes are enormous, nearly the size of my feet! Having packed away our saturated sand covered tents we departed Sikoma Island by boat, saw two crocodiles and went back through the Namibian immigration office to receive another stamp in our passports, then the Botswana immigration office before boarding the truck for Victoria Falls. Within the hour we had the meat call from Paul and once again we stashed the meat produce in the bin at the back of the truck. We left Botswana and approached the Zimbabwean border. Fortunately for us the border was relatively quick and being British citizens was actually an advantage to us as Ian and I were the only people who did not require a fee incurring visa. We were instantly granted a tourist visa valid for three months. Wonderful! Eventually the meat was recovered from the bin.
Arriving at Drifters Inn in Victoria Falls, where we now stay in beds for three nights, we were warned about walking outside the perimeter fence after dark, us being situated in the middle of a game park where there may be elephant, leopard or buffalo around. We saw a warthog, named Billy by our taxi driver, just outside the gate but that was all.
Some kind chaps from a local adventure sports tours shop, Shearwater Adventures, visited us at the Inn and sold their adrenalin filled days to us. Ian and I had budgeted for such activities so we decided to go white water rafting, after much persuasion on my part from fellow 'Inn' mates, and elephant riding. I'm dreading the beginning of the rafting but know I will love it once in motion. I am very excited about the elephant riding.
We visited the curios market in the afternoon in Victoria Falls. It was an unbelievable experience. So many Africans who are desperate to sell you their craft. Children being used to sell the goods, some of such early ages as they have only just learned to walk! Such magnificent crafts, however our only limiting factors being space and weight, we won't be able to buy anything. I felt so guilty that we didn't buy from them but I guess that's just the way I've been brought up.
Following a swim in the grounds by the bar we headed off for dinner in a casino in town. We could have been anywhere in the world but Africa it was so far from tradition.
We have another early start tomorrow for the rafting. I'm feeling rather anxious yet excited. My only real concern is my contact lenses!
Copyright 2002 Helen Fuller. All rights reserved.