Africa … a slice of heaven.
We were lucky enough to experience Africa for the first time over our Christmas 2023 vacation. Our dear friend, Lacey, opened her heart and invited us into her special place called Zambia. Our lives have been changed forever. It took me over 6 months to go through all of our photos. It was so perfect and full of magic, I was hesitant to even revisit the photos. It felt like a dream; a true slice of Heaven.
After 4 long flights (our longest flight journey yet), we arrived at a tiny airport in Zambia. We were driven to our lodge and began our 10 day safari experience in South Luangwa National Park. The days start early at sunrise with the sound of hippos and baboons. We would have a light breakfast and head out for a morning game drive which was around 3-4 hours in an open-air, old school Land Rover. I was a little worried the kids might start to unravel with the long drives … and then time and reality just started to slip away as the dream of Africa took over. Our senses were overloaded with natural beauty and abundance of wildlife: Elephants, hippos, giraffes, zebras, warthogs, wild dogs, impalas, hyenas, water buffalo, lions, dung Beatles, termite mounds, crocodiles, snakes, trees, chameleons, sunshine, blue skies and never ending space. Our souls were fed and calm. We stopped for tea time along the way and were able to sit and absorb everything witnessed. English black tea with milk is now a staple at our house and takes us back to those special moments on safari. Suzio was our guide most of the time and would educate us and answer all of our questions. Johnny was like a guide-in-training and eager for more. Lunch time came at some point whether in the middle of the bush or at the lodge; always the most incredible food. The afternoons were for relaxing at the pool or spa before heading out for our evening game drive. And the bliss continued.
On Christmas Day, we went to a soccer game in the local village. It was super hot (maybe the hottest I’ve ever been) and quite a moment to see Zambian kids living in their element. Charlotte chatted with a group of little girls who were mesmerized by her braces and blonde curly hair. Johnny and John chatted with a young boy and tried to explain where we came from as they sat under shade from an umbrella. It will be a Christmas Day we always remember.
The evenings consisted of another game drive and meeting up along the river for sundowners. We chatted about the day and our recent sightings while enjoying some snacks and beverages; a moment I never wanted to end. Once the sun went down, we headed back to the lodge for our final meal of the day. Most dinners, Johnny was asleep before the main course. The days started early and ended late. We soaked in as many waking hours as possible and still couldn’t wait to wake up the next morning for more.
After 5 nights at the lodge, we packed up for a few nights in the bush. I didn’t really know what that meant, but now we all say the days and nights in the bush were our favorite. Internet and cell service no longer existed and we sank deeper into the magic. A big rainstorm rolled in one day, so we stayed “in” which meant under the roof of our treehouse lodge. Lacey broke out a bracelet making kit and we spent hours together beading friendship bracelets. Charlotte says this was one of her favorite moments, mine too. It felt like scout camp but in the middle of Africa. Again, we never wanted it to end. At one point while in the bush, we came across an elephant carcass that had been killed by poachers. It was a very sad and memorable moment. We were able to witness the circle of life as packs of hyenas came to feed on it every night. The smell and the sound will stay ingrained in our minds. Later that night we experienced the explosive hatch of flying termites which apparently happens only a couple times of year. What a time!
We ended our last two nights in Africa at another camp, trying to avoid the heavy rain coming which would wash out the roads. And boy, did the rain start coming! We could feel the ground open up to enjoy a big thirsty gulp. The animals followed in suit. We felt life give and take through the gift of mother nature’s rain. On our last night, we had a dance party in the rain with our safari friends and stayed up late enjoying the smells, tastes, feels and love of Africa. It was hard to say goodnight.
To actually put any of this into words is hard. It’s just beyond words … it’s magic. We hope this moment and grace stay with us forever. Our gratitude will inspire our hearts to give and serve. We will be back soon, Dazzle!
