My First 24 Hours in Zimbabwe

I have arrived safely at Antelope Park after traveling for the past two and a half days. The traveling actual wasn’t that bad. The longest flight was from London to Jo’berg and I spent just about the entire 11 hour trip. The flight on the small plane from Jo’berg to Bulawayo was interesting. Here I am on a quest to save the African lion. Who do I get stuck traveling with? Seven loud-mouth, American hunters from the South. Oh, they were chewing on unlit cigars and slapping each other on the back. I was tired, cranking, and trying very hard not to lay into them. I figured it was a little too early in my trip to get arrested.

There was only one flight expected into Bulawayo that was my plane. There were about 35 of us on the plane and around 50 officials waiting for us at the airport. They were all very friendly. They did however; thoroughly question me about the contents of my two large duffels that contained the donations for the orphanage. I basically said I planned on taking most of the contents with me into Botswana and everything was fine. They went through all contents of everyone’s belongings, but were very nice.

On the drive back we passed a police road block that waved us through, but were stopping other vehicles. Further down, we passed a truck full of zanu-PF military men waving guns and trying to rally support for Mugabe. Our driver just waved and we proceeded. Once we arrived to Antelope Park, we were in our own little paradise. The manager jokes by saying, “They will never bother us here. If they ever do, I will just tell them if they don’t leave we’re going to set all of the lions loose.”

The first photo is Impie the Impala. She came to greet me as soon as I arrived to my room. Her mom was hunted shortly after giving birth and she was found during one of the boundary patrols. She kept following the staff member on duty like a poor lost sole. So, she was brought back to the staff quarters and just kind of hangs. I slip her some granola so I’ve quickly become her fave.

She and Tom the cat are buds. Tom will even give her a bath.
Went on my first lion walk this afternoon. We escorted three female cubs, Swahili, Sahara, and Sango who are nine months old. They were very lazy and not much in the mood for walk, more interested in lounging.

If you are worried about what kind of food I’m eating… don’t! It has been outstanding. Butternut squash soup, seasoned beef over rice, sautéed cabbage, chicken and cheese casserole, Swiss roll with warm custard and never ending rohibos bush tea.

That’s all for now. I have my first 6:30am lion walk with the big cats. They are about two years old and I’m looking forward to meeting them. Stayed tuned for more pics!