Africa 2009

Cats

Going to southern Africa, the wildlife most people want to see are the cats. Leopards, which are magnificent animals, are generally difficult to find, but we were able to see quite a few of them in Sabi Sand. We encountered two prides of lions, one feasting on a buffalo they had recently killed. In addition to seeing cheetahs in the wild, we visited the De Wildt Cheetah Sanctuary and were able to pet one of their tamer cheetahs.

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Elephants, Buffalo, and Hippos

We saw elephants, buffalo, and hippos in the bush. Elephants often cover themselves with mud or dust and we also see a mother and her baby. Buffalo travel in large herds and we encountered them on the road and at a couple of drinking holes. Hippos stay near or in water, and we see them sleeping on the banks of rivers and swimming. Check out the sequence of images of the hippos stuffing their faces with grass and then entering the Zambezi River.

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Animals

There are lots of other animals to be seen. Here are images of various antelope, zebra, giraffe, crocodiles, white rhinos, wild dogs, and a warthog.

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Birds

If none of the larger animals are around, there are always plenty of birds to be seen. Seemingly endless in variety and color, only a few of the birds of Africa are seen elsewhere.

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Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls is located where the Zambezi River drops into a narrow canyon at the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. There are scenic overlooks along the canyon, but the best views are from a helicopter.

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