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