TRAVERSE Issue 30 - June 2022 | Page 83

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riding on an easy gravel road that became increasingly narrow as we proceeded .
The emotions were running wild , because we knew that we are entering an untamed territory full of wild animals , that very well might be watching from behind the nearby scrub as we passed by . Camp was set at Mayukuyuku where we would remain for two nights and immediately , we saw a heard of elephants coming to the river to drink . Unbelievable !
In Zambia , camps are not fenced , and wild animals are free to roam wherever they please : we soon realised that we were guests in their wild territory . In fact , during that night , we could clearly hear many animal calls and the most diverse sounds of nature , including the footsteps of these gentle giants reaching close to our tents .
In the morning we got ready for our first game-drive in the Kafue National Park but would have to leave the motorcycles behind because of the dangerous animals we could come across ; we would enjoy our adventure on specially modified “ Game Viewing ” 4x4 vehicles to maximise this experience . These vehicles , almost like motorcycles , are completely open on all sides , and allow the passengers to sink deep in the surrounding nature , still granting the highest possible level of safety .
The park opened before us with a view of the Kafue river , where we could see hippos and crocodiles in the water and antelope , buffalo , and many elephants on the shores . The atmosphere was charged with expectation until we finally came across five lions , four female , one male , laying in the shade of an acacia tree . We drove closer and switched off the engine just a few feet away from them ; our cameras start shooting their lazy yawns full of sharp teeth .
Suddenly , one of the lionesses
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