We had a 2 hour drive out to the Lamai airport in the Serengeti and along the way we saw a variety of animals including 3 male lions just off the dirt road. We flew to Kilamanjaro where we could connect with a small plane to Nairobi. Though Mt. Kilamanjaro is over 19000 feet high we could really only see its shoulders from the airplane as the clouds were thick. A shock at the airport! They had a Priority Pass Lounge. We had some bites and drinks while we awaited our connection. The flight to Nairobi was just Katie and I. How can that make money? The only note on Nairobi is the Gin & Tonics in the hotel bar were $25 each. We forgot to ask ahead of time. Somehow they always get you. We flew to Livingstone, Zambia in the am and were then driven across the border to Zimbabwe and Victoria Falls. We paid $60 to explore the park at Victoria Falls. Luckily there is still water as we are nearing the end of the dry season. My leg was attacked by a local baboon on the way in. No scars, well I am a little jumpy now. Glad it wasn’t a lion. We ate out at the Lookout Cafe with wonderful views of the bridge and river. We toured some art markets the following day, which led to a discussion over beers and eventually 2 sculptures that we are having shipped home. The people of Zimbabwe are very poor. Some years ago Mugabe the president took all the farmland away from the white owners and gave it to the black citizens. They were unable to afford developing or using the land so it now sits fallow. Apparently Zimbabwe was known as the breadbasket of Africa. No longer. There is reportedly 90% unemployment. In 2009 they experienced hyperinflation with banknotes printed representing billions. Youths are now on the streets trying to sell theses notes to tourists. When you are walking around town, young men follow and beg for money. Very sad though violence and theft is said to be low.
Devil’s Pool