2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #AB - Mammal Checklist

Leopard Hills Mammal Checklist

Common Name	Sub-Type	Photo
Aardvark
Baboon	Chacma
Badger	Honey
Buffalo	Cape
Bushbaby	Lesser
	Greater
Bushbuck
Caracal
Cheetah
Civet	African
Duiker	Grey (Common)
Elephant	African
Genet	Large Spotted
	Small Spotted
Giraffe
Hare	Scrub
Hippopotamus
Hyaena	Spotted
Impala
Jackal	Side Striped
	Black Backed
Klipspringer
Kudu	Greater
Leopard
Lion
Mongoose	Banded
	Dwarf
	Slender
	White Tailed
	Water
Monkey	Vervet
Nyala
Otter	Cape Clawless
Pangolin
Porcupine
Reedbuck	Common
Rhinoceros	White
	Black
Squirrel	Tree
Steenbok
Warthog
Waterbuck
Wild Cat	African	got a glimpse in the dark; no picture
Wild Dog	African
Wildebeest	Blue
Zebra	Burchell's
Serval

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #B - More Photos

During our trip to Africa, we spent four days and three nights at the M@kanyi Private Game Lodge.  Our guide was Carl and the tracker was Rondy. As I said in my musings about the trip, I really enjoyed this game lodge!

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #A - Musings

Struggling to find the words to describe the trip, I heard Sharon tell someone that it was phenomenal. It really was a once in a lifetime trip. At one point, Sharon ranked it as the best trip that we have ever taken.

One of the things that made it so amazing was the itinerary by Rothschild Safaris. We used Rothschild because Holly and Van had done two trips with them: one with Van and Stacey, and; another with Van and Holly. I can't say enough good about Rothschild. Everything was top shelf: the acommodations; the guides; the transfers, and; the airport greeters. Although we moved around quite a bit over the three weeks, the trip went extremely smoothly. As Donna said, the airport greeters at Capetown and Johannesburg were the bomb. Although we have had better individual meals, the food for the whole trip was very good.

The service everywhere was also very good. With high unemployment rates in several of the countries and tourism an important part of the economy, they throw people at service.

The prices were very reasonable in South Africa. We were surprised that dinners weren't more expensive. In contrast, in Zambia, everything was pricey.

Taken in total, the games drives at the two Safari Lodges were unbelievable. [Note to self], I need to build an index of all of the animals that we saw. As I said over the course of the trip, I am amazed that the predators are so comfortable with the jeeps. We got a chance to see lions, leopards, cheetahs and wild dogs up close and personal.

Before the trip, Drew asked me what I was looking forward to the most on the trip. I said the Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve. It was supposed to be the most luxurious of the two game lodges. As it turned out, I enjoyed the M@kanyi Private Game Lodge more. I liked the acommodations, the food and the guide at M@kanyi more than at Leopard Hills. Nevertheless, we had some remarkable experiences at Leopard Hills, including: cheetahs; the vultures on the cheetahs' kill; a large group of elephants drinking at the watering hole outside our room; Sharon's encounter with an elephant; and lots of leopards. Leopard Hills also included the Sands River; the terrain was very different from M@kanyi. When we were with the guide at M@kanyi, we felt like we were with Indiana Jones. The Leopard Hills guide was more of a college professor. I wouldn't hesistate to recommend either lodge.

While we won't ever go back to Zambi, I really enjoyed the Tongabezi Lodge.

When we were at the Tongabezi, we ran into the Nicci Bonella, the Group General Manager for Green Safaris, on an inspection tour of their lodges. Having a drink with her on the second night, I asked her where she would go back to in Africa. Somewhat surprisingly, she said Fundu Lagoon on Pemba Island. While I don't think that we will ever get there, I have added it to my places to travel. She also talked favorably about Lake Malawi.

Interestingly, on our last night, we ended up talking to a travel agent, Sandra Schonbachler from Anderson Expeditions. Originally from Switzerland, she came to Africa and fell in love with countries. Sandra was checking out the Tongabezi for clients. She also mentioned Lake Malawi as a destination. Although I don't think that we will get there either, I added to my places to travel.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #20 - Carmicheal

41 hours door to door

Sharon and I both found the premium econony seats on the British Airways 380 more comfortable than some of the other premium economy sections that we have flown on other airlines. We were both able to sleep in the early morning on the way to London. Oura gave me about 3 1/2 hours of sleep; more than I can usually sleep on a plane.

We were on the ground at Heathrow ahead of schedule just after 7 am. By the time that we worked our way from the C gate back through security, we had less than two hours to kill. We had coffee at Gordon Ramsey's Plane Food where we had dinner on the way out.

Making our way back to the C gates, the plane started boarding just after 9:45 am. As we were loading the giant British Airways Airbus 380 (470 passengers!?!), Heathrow Airport was hit with a cyberattack. Although we were already on the plane, they had to use paper to finish the boarding process.

The flight ended up leaving about 45 minutes late. The flight was uneventful. Both Sharon and I got restless. Neither of us slept. Although I had downloaded a couple of movies for the trip, I ended up reading Dan Brown's Secret of Secrets.

Oddly, they waited until about an hour from landing to serve the second meal. It turned into a very rushed affair that was very unsatisfying.

The flight landed at SFO on time. I was shocked at the line for Global Entry. At one point, there were probably 50 people in front of us and 100 behind us. Nevertheless, everything went fairly quickly. We were through passport control, collected our luggage and were standing on the curb waiting for the shuttle in about 50 minutes.

The Gainsleys had come back through Istanbul. They landed a couple of hours before us, but waited for us. The five of us took an El Dorado Express shuttle home. Dropping the Gainsleys in Elk Grove and Tom in Sacramento, it was 6 pm by the time we were home.

A phenomenal trip! I am going to post a summary in the next week.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #19 - Livingstone to Johannesburg

I wrote this blog entry using the Wifi on the British Airways flight from London to San Francisco.

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

TRANSFER
Departure time 10:00AM: This morning, you will be transferred to Livingstone International Airport for your flight to Johannesburg where you continue on to your international flight home.

LIVINGSTONE-JOHANNESBURG
SA Airlink 4Z483 - Departs 13:25 - Arrives 15:10

MEET & GREET
Upon arrival in Johannesburg, a special meet & greet has been arranged to assist you through the airport and on to your connecting flight.

Donna and Kevin
JOHANNESBURG-ISTANBUL
Turkish Airlines TK43 - Departs 17:55 - Arrives 04:40 (+1)
Note: (+1) Flight will arrive the following day.

Sharon, Mark, and Thomas
JOHANNESBURG-LONDON
American Airlines AA7105 - Departs 21:15 - Arrives 07:30 (+1)
Note: (+1) Flight will arrive the following day.

We were up just before 6 am. We did our final packing; I had a hard time getting my bag closed. I did two 5 minute Peleton Core workouts on a yoga matt on the deck in front of our room.

We joined Donna, kevin and Tom for breakfast at 7:30 am. I had an omelet.

Although I am never coming back to Zambia, I really enjoyed the Tongabezi Lodge. The service was top shelf.

They picked up the bags at our room at 9:45 am. We loaded up at 10 am to go to the airport. I am terrible with names but the activities guide that we had for the last four days took us to the airport. Donna thinks that his name was Phixion.

Livingstone is a very small airport, but the international terminal was nice. There were a lot of shops. I ended up buying Sharon a Christmas Ornament. The SA Link flight from Livigstone was on time and eventful.

When we landed in Johannesburg, we were meet at the end of the jetway by two greeters. As Donna said, "the greeter service is the bomb." The greeters shepherded us through passport control, to baggage claim, to the check-in for our next flight, through an assisted security line and then to our gate. It made the whole process very stress free. As part of the post trip observations, I need to talk more about Rothschild Safari. Everything about the trip has been excellent.

While Donna and Kevin had less than a three hour layover, Tom, Sharon and I had six hours. We had a drink and a cheese board at Bottega Whisky and Wine Bar. It boasts the world's largest whisky and wine collection available at any airport.

Eventually, we wandered to our gate. The plane for the flight is an Airbus 380, a very large quad engine jet. British Airways configures these planes for 470 passengers!.

We had a very late dinner on the plane. It was close to midnight by the time that we ate. I had chicken. We were somewhere over Congo.

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #18 - Tongabezi Lodge

After 2 1/2 weeks of pushing hard, we planned a down day at the lodge before we start home tomorrow.

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Livingstone

TYPICAL DAY IN LIVINGSTONE
Time in the Livingstone area is what you make it. Most visitors want at least a guided tour of the famous falls, either on the ground or from above, or both! Then, you may choose to pump yourself full of adrenaline on some of the many activities available like the gorge swing, zip lining, or rafting. Or perhaps the more mellow activities are more your style things like sunset cruises, a steam-train dinner experience, or a traditional high tea? Relaxing in your unique accommodation is always an option for you, too! No matter what you choose to do (or not do), your time in the Livingstone area is sure to be memorable and perfectly tailored to you.

LIVINGSTONE ISLAND BREEZER
Departure time to be advised by management
Please meet in the reception area of your accommodation
Recommended attire casual clothing, hat, sun protection
Activity inclusions - transfer to/from starting point, guides, entrance fees, food & beverages
Special notes - Tour operates dependent on water levels. Cruises depart at 7:30 AM, 9:30 AM and 10:30 AM. Tour duration approximately 1.5 hours.

When 19th century explorer David Livingstone traveled down the Zambezi River in November 1855 with the local Tonga tribesmen, he camped for several days on an island to explore his 'discovery,' the Victoria Falls, and its surrounds. Now you can follow in his footsteps and explore the aptly named Livingstone Island, located in the middle of the Zambezi River and is perched on the very lip of the Falls on the Zambian side. Cruise down the Zambezi in search of crocodiles, hippos, and other wildlife along the riverbanks. Birds are plentiful and gorgeous.

Land on Livingstone Island where you will enjoy a light breakfast (coffee, tea, bacon or egg rolls, and biscuits) along with a traditional "Maheu" drink right in the middle of the Falls, whilst surrounded by the stunning views which makes for an unforgettable and breathtaking experience not to be missed. Following your tour, return to your lodge for the remainder of your day to spend as you wish.

**Swimming in the Devil's Pool is optional (bring your bathing suit, a change of clothes and shoes that can get wet. Towels are provided), subject to timing on the excursion and water levels - only possible during low water which is usually mid-August to mid-January.

SIMONGA VILLAGE VISIT
Today you will visit Simonga village to experience life as it really is in rural Africa. A short drive takes you to a local village where you will be shown all aspects of African village life. Visits allow you to spend quality time in the environment of these traditional African settlements, meeting local residents and visiting children at their school. There are very few people who don't come away from the experience feeling enriched by the time spent there.

MARAMBA & MUKUNI VILLAGE MARKETS
The Maramba and Mukuni markets are visited daily by hundreds of locals from Livingstone and surrounding areas. They come to buy everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to chitenge, the bright patterned fabric characteristic of Southern and East African fashion. A guide will escort you through the marketplace and will be there to help when buying from vendors if required.

Sharon and I took an opportunity to sleep a little later. It was almost 7 am by the time that we both got up. We had a lazy breakfast with the group. I had french toast.

After breakfast, Kevin and I fished off the dock with the guide. Using casting rods, we were fishing for tiger fish. Fishing for about an hour, neither of us caught anything.


After starting to pack, I went to the fitness center. I did a 30 minute upper body Peleton strength workout and then walked 40 minutes and 2.4 miles on the treadmill.

Getting cleaned up, the staff said that they had a surprise location for us for lunch. We met the group at 1:30 pm. It turned out that we were having lunch in the middle of the lodge's garden. The chef described it as farm to table. The five of us walked through the garden and picked a number of vegetables and herbs for the meal.


The chef then prepared the meal right there. The meal included a fennel soup followed by chicken, beef, salad and cauliflower rice with vegetables. It was very good. It turned out to be a very lazy, late lunch.


After lunch, I scrambled to get my blog updated for Wednesday. I have never gotten more than a day behind updating the blog on this trip, but I still feel like I am spending too much time working on it. I have got to figure a better strategy that uses templates for the blog entries when we are traveling.

The plan for the late afternoon was a sunset cruise. We spent a little more than an hour crusing up the Zambezi River. We got a chance to see hippos and crocodiles. All of the boats from the lodge stopped on an island across the river from the lodge. We had a cocktail and watched the sun go down.

d
When we got back from the cruise, we rushed to get ready for dinner. The second surprise of the day was that they were serving us dinner on a dock in river. We had watched a couple have dinner out there on the prevous night.

It was an interesting experience. The bugs weren't too bad. I had soup starter and a pork main.


Given it was the last night of the trip, Sharon and I had a drink with Donna and Kevin in the bar. Tom crashed. We ended up talking to a travel agent. Born in Switzerland, she has lived and worked in Africa over the last twenty years. Over the course of the trip, I had a number of conversations with an assortment of people about visiting Africa. I need to pull together a blog entry that summarizes the discussions.

Sharon and I crashed just after 10 pm.

A footnote. I finished reading this blog entry abroad the British Airways flight from Johannesburg to London somewhere over the Congo...

2025 South Africa, Zimbabwe & Zambia - Day #17 - Livingstone

from our Rothschild Safaris Itinerary

Livingstone

FLIGHT OF ANGELS | 25-30 MINUTE SCENIC HELICOPTER
Departure time 7:15AM
Please meet in the reception area of your accommodation
Recommended attire casual clothing

Activity inclusions - transfers to/from helicopter pad, headsets during flight, Zambian Aviation Fee Special notes - helicopter flights are subject to weather conditions, accommodates four to six passengers, and includes a middle seat, so window seating is not guaranteed. Seating arrangements are based on weight distribution and are determined by the crew. There are no age or weight restrictions.

See the world from a bird's-eye view as you fly over the Zambezi River, Victoria Falls, and the surrounding gorges from the Livingstone side. Glide through the misty spray of the Falls, which can reach heights of up to 985 feet (300 meters). With a bit of luck, you'll navigate through rainbows and soft, billowing clouds. This excursion offers a deeper understanding of the zigzag gorge system and its formation, and complements a ground tour of the Falls and its lush rainforest. Return to Earth with your heart racing and your mind filled with unforgettable images from soaring through the sky.

TOUR OF THE FALLS
Departure time following your helicopter tour
Please meet in the reception area of your accommodation
Recommended attire casual clothing, comfortable shoes/sandals as this is a walking tour
Activity inclusions-guide, entrance fees
Special notes - You may get wet depending on season. From September-January, water levels on the Zambian side of the falls are diminished and may be dry.

Today, stand and marvel at one of the natural wonders of the world, The Victoria Falls. Locally known as "Mosi-oa-Tunya" - The Smoke that Thunders - the waters of the Zambezi River plunge over the mile-wide (1700 meters) and 325 feet-deep (100 meters) chasm, creating a shower of spray and a deafening noise. Feel the mists fall on your skin and the 'thunder' vibrate through your core. From February to May each year, the Victoria Falls are in full flood with 132 million gallons (500 million liters) of water tumbling over the edge into a series of gorges each minute! After a briefing and explanation of the Falls, your guide accompanies you along the scenic pathways of the rainforest, stopping at numerous viewpoints to gaze at the Falls.

RIVER CRUISE & SANDBAR SUNDOWNERS
Departure time 4:30PM: Set off on your afternoon river cruise down the Zambezi river. There are great photographic opportunities of the Zambian landscape and wildlife during the day's golden hour as flocks of birds skim the waterline to collect insects, hippos wallow about in the cool water and elephants come to drink along the riverbanks. Stop off on your own private sand bar where you'll be treated to chilled drinks as the sun sets over the horizon. Afterwards make your way back to the lodge for dinner.

Up at 5:50 am, we had breakfast at 6:30 am. I had a very odd breakfast; Sweetcorn Pancake Stack [Stacked pancake served with ricotta, crispy bacon, grilled herbed tomato drizzled with basil pesto and balsamic reduction]. We were in the van leaving the lodge at 7:30 am.

The plan for the morning was a helicopter ride. The pilot was a former British military helicopter pilot named Grant. We started the tour by dropping down into the Zambezi River Gorge. It was definitely Mr. Toad's wild ride. From there, we flew over Victoria Falls. We finished the helicopter tour flying over Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park spotting game.


Although the itinerary shows a hike after the helicopter ride, we did the hike on the previous day. The next stop was the Livingstone Museum. Tom had suggested it as a morning stop. I enjoyed the galleries of stuffed animals and life of David Livingstone. [Note to self], I need to read a biography of Livingstone.


Afte the musuem, we did a driving tour of the Maramba Market in Livingstone. We are not in Kansas any more. This is the third world.

We spent the afternoon on Livingstone Island. While we were on Livingstone Island, Kevin went out and had his picture taken in the Devil’s Pool. Afterwards, we had a pretty nice lunch. During lunch, we were able to see people on the Zimbabwe side of the falls taking the same hike that we did yesterday.



We got back to the lodge a lot later than I thought we would. It was after 3:30 pm.

I rushed to finished the blog entry for Tuesday.

We had a very nice dinner at 7:30 pm. I had the spicy soup and a beef filet. Sharon also had the beef. They are moving us around to different spot for each meal. We were on a elevated platfrom this evening.

It was about 10:15 pm when Sharon and I crashed...