We packed up and with light hearts had our last breakfast at Kaingo. It had been a truly special, and spectacular experience. Without a doubt one of the most beautiful and stunning series of days, in terms of natural beauty and connecting with the “wild” Africa, in my service so far. What’s more is that I was able to share it with my family, making the experience richer, and much more rewarding in every sense.
We said goodbye to our hosts, jumped in the modified land cruiser, and started on our last game drive of the experience – the long drive out of the park. We were loath to leave, but excited at the same time for the next adventure and to experience Livingstone. We arrived at the Mfue airport after a brief stop at Tribal Textiles – a gorgeous little shop and textile manufacturing factory which was trying to keep the spirit of Zambian textiles alive. The Airport had some issues at first (the power went off and on a few times before they could register and print our tickets and check us in), but then it was off into the wild blue skies and on our way to Livingstone. We had a short layover in Lusaka, which proved interesting as usual, and then we were off again.
We arrived at the Livingstone Airport, and were greeted by Emmanuel from the Jollyboys Backpackers Hostel. He picked us up and drove us into the town and then over to the hostel. We checked in, checked our mail, charged up, and relaxed. Arrived safely, and ready for a few moments of respite, it was then time for us to go out and grab a bite to eat.
We decided we’d go to the best restaurant (in my opinion) in Livingstone, Olga’s Italian Restaurant. Alex was a bit nervous about the food, but it turned out to be great! Although Livingstone is a fun packed, activity filled area, it’s unfortunately very pricey, touristy, and aside from the organized tours – kind of boring.
During our stay we visited Mosi-Oa-Tunya, the smoke that thunders, better known as Victoria falls, and the craft markets, town center, bazaar/street market, the folks went off to see the David Livingstone National Museum, and we finished up with a trip across into Chobe National park for a three day, two night adventure. We had chosen to spend 6 days in Livingstone, and we decided by the 4th that we should have put a bit more time in at my village and allocated just 2 or 3 days at most. Still, we loved the experience, and best of all got to spend more time together as a family!
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