The birds woke us up on March 20, 2023, at 5 a.m. A quick breakfast, then we packed up and drove back onto the A1, which took us to Makuti. We were still at 1,200 meters, but shortly afterwards the road descended into the Zambezi depression; where the mighty river – at 2,574 kilometers the fourth longest in Africa – flows towards the Indian Ocean.

We missed the Park and Wildlife Office on the left side of the street. We realized this when the ranger at the entrance to the national park asked us for the permit. So, we had to drive back eight kilometers and climb onto the plateau again. Luckily, the mountain route was double-lane, so we were able to overtake the many (Chinese) trucks loaded with copper from Zambia in third gear and with momentum.

With the permit in our pockets, we headed down the valley to the park entrance, where the friendly ranger allowed us entry. The track took us through an area with baobabs of all sizes. We reached the headquarters at 2 p.m. The first thing we were asked was whether we had a reservation. «No, we are sorry, but we would like to stay for two nights.» Luckily our wish was granted and soon we were on Camp 1, which is directly on the Zambezi, which flows wide and lazily in front of us.

In the late afternoon we set off on our first game drive and encountered elands, the largest species of antelope, elephants, crocodiles and hippos. Not to forget the many birds that frolicked on and in the water.

PS: If you want to know more about the “Elands”, read here.