| Matthew and I have travelled across most of | | | | paradise. According to the tourist information they |
| Southern Africa, but decided that it was eventually | | | | have recorded over 400 bird species in this area |
| time to head further north towards Zambia. The two | | | | alone. During our drive we saw quite a few |
| of us have been on African safaris for the last two | | | | Antelopes, buffalos and zebras. But it was only after |
| years, but for some reason we have never gotten | | | | lunch that we were granted a special scene of |
| as far as Zambia. Known as one of the last | | | | survival plays. Not everybody would enjoy witnessing |
| unscathed African wildernesses, Zambia is the place | | | | the oldest war in nature, that between lions and |
| to appreciate nature. | | | | hyena. |
| Our dwelling | | | | Lions are by far the stronger between the two |
| During our stay in Zambia, we stayed in a thatched | | | | groups, but hyenas have another factor counting in |
| cottage at the Luangwa Valley. Situated by the | | | | their favour: their numbers. This was a fight for |
| Luangwa River, we were in the perfect spot for | | | | territory. It's a well known fact that specifically lion |
| game-viewing. Every now and again we witnessed a | | | | males hate hyenas with a passion. It was quite a big |
| buck, elephants or a herd of buffalos coming to the | | | | pride of lions, and it seemed like this was a |
| riverbanks for their daily drink of water. | | | | no-contest match, but never underestimate the |
| Staying in a cottage felt like heaven after months of | | | | cunningness of hyenas. Using their even bigger |
| sleeping in a tent on a paper thin mattress. Don't get | | | | numbers to intimidate, it seemed like the hyenas |
| me wrong, both Matthew and I enjoy camping, but I | | | | were going to win this one. But when a young male |
| think that after awhile you start to miss small luxuries | | | | lion stormed forward, we knew it was the end. |
| such as a bed. | | | | The lions were too strong and soon the hyenas ran |
| After a nice long shower, I sat on our veranda | | | | off. My heart racing throughout the entire ordeal, I |
| overlooking the valley at sunset. With so much | | | | did not know whether I should watch this display of |
| beauty in the world, a sunset still is one of the most | | | | hatred and dominance or simply look away, but the |
| beautiful. It seemed dead quiet even though there | | | | sounds alone were horrifying. Some would say they |
| were people having a good laugh in the background. | | | | were lucky to witness such a fight, I say it was |
| All I really heard was the soothing sound of the | | | | heartbreaking. Matthew tried to film as much of it as |
| water and birds calling softly to each other. I was at | | | | possible, but it was difficult trying to focus since it all |
| peace and soon joined by Matthew when he came | | | | happened so quickly. This was definitely very unusual |
| back from the local supply shop with a bottle of | | | | spectacle to witness, as usually the game rangers are |
| wine. | | | | very careful not to take their tourists to the actual |
| The rest of the evening we enjoyed our dinner, | | | | killing scenes, but rather the aftermath. When we |
| some wine, but mostly the sounds of nature. Being | | | | spoke to the game-ranger he told us that we really |
| on the road for almost two years now, I can say | | | | did observe something rare, since most of these |
| that the both of us have become more peaceful | | | | situations only happen at night. This time round, we |
| within. The topic of discussion was how many, or | | | | were at the wrong place at the right time so to |
| how little, people enjoy nature these days. Matthew | | | | speak. |
| was making the point that he felt people would | | | | After that we headed back to the cottage. I think |
| enjoy life more if they could be surrounded by | | | | we were both a bit stunned after the episode. I've |
| nature more, go camping, safari or even just | | | | seen videos of this kind of fight before, but never in |
| picnicking. But life seems too rushed these days. | | | | my life would imagine witnessing such a thing in real |
| The land of the free | | | | life. |
| The following day we headed out in the early | | | | Well however the fight happened, I'm sure that |
| morning hours on our first day's drive. Zambia is | | | | neither Matthew nor I would ever feel the same |
| well-known for its vast protected wilderness areas. | | | | after that. It was the incident that would forever |
| It's the sad truth that Africa's wildlife areas are | | | | change our lives. It reminded us that there is more to |
| rapidly disappearing thanks to economic growth and | | | | life than the hustle and bustle of city life. That life is |
| with it Africa's wildlife, but countries like Zambia have | | | | intended to be enjoyed and that you should |
| been committed to saving Africa's wildlife and their | | | | experience every thrill wholeheartedly. Zambia proved |
| land. | | | | to be one of the most thrilling African safaris we've |
| The Luangwa Valley specifically is any bird-lovers | | | | ever experienced, and yes, we will go back! |