Artiodactyla in Zambia

Bushbucks are very attractive antelopes- with distinctive white markings- both stripes and dots- marking their sides in the Zambian variety. White marks are also on their legs and a white dot is on their face. A black band encircles the neck. Overall, there are upwards of 40 varieties.

This one was spotted from Mfuwe Lodge's excellent game viewing platform.

Cape Buffalo

Species: Syncerus caffer
Lifespan: 20 years
Weight: 1500 lbs (700kg)

The Cape Buffalo, also called the African Buffalo, is very common in Zambia and over much of the southern half of Africa.

We were on a walking safari when we spotted this group, and since they sense safety in numbers, they are not so dangerous. Meet up with one alone, and you'd better be careful.

This is the larger herd we saw during our walking safari. The walking safari was one of several differences with the Serengeti. In Zambia, we were allowed to get out and walk, and we walked for 3-4 miles, with a trained guide and a trained guard (just in case). It was great to be out in the open, both to get exercise, and to just feel more a part of Africa, instead of seeing it from a motorized bubble.

Giraffe

Species: Giraffa camelopardalis
Lifespan: 25 years
Weight: 3000 lbs (1400kg)

Although the giraffes in Zambia are the same species as those in Tanzania, they have a different, reticulated pattern. Any experienced guide can tell you the difference, and tell if you try to pass one picture off as one from the other place.

We spotted the ones above and this one just barely inside South Luangwa National Park, right after we crossed the Luangwa River, which forms the southern boundary of the park.

This photo falls under the "isn't that cute?" category. This is probably one of my luckier shots on the trip. Animals are hard to photograph, in my opinion. They move so much and frequently move away from humans, so you primarily photograph their backends. The secret is to take many photos, and take them often.

These pictures were taken during our driving safari, which was done in an open top vehicle. We stopped for tea at the midpoint of the drive (a nice holdover from the days of English influence), and got out and stood outside the vehicle. This was all a departure from Tanzania as well- no getting out of the vehicle for any reason (although on a few occasions we did anyways).

These were also taken while having our mid-safari tea. There were quite a few giraffe around- six of them in this picture alone.

This giraffe was on the banks of the Zambezi River, quite a distance from South Luangwa. Notice how much lighter in color it is- it's almost blonde in color, very faint spots and a redder mane going down the neck.

I'm not sure if it is a regional difference, or that these giraffe inhabit a more forested area than in South Luangwa. This was just upstream from Victoria Falls, and was taken from the boat during our sunset cruise.

Hippopotamus

Species: Hippopotamus amphibius
Lifespan: up to 50 years
Weight: up to 7000 lbs (3.5 metric tons)

This is the best hippo photo I have taken. It was shot just after we entered South Luangwa National Park, actually taken from the bridge at the entrance, which looks down on the Luangwa River and the floodplain immediately surrounding it.

It was slightly unusual to see the hippo out of the water already, as they tend to stay submerged during the day to stay cool.

In fact, just a few tens of meters over, these fellows were submerged in the Luangwa River, also photographed from the bridge.

It is these hippos in the river that lead to the killing of fishermen. There had been three in the first half of 2006, when we visited in July. The hippos tip the boat and the crocodiles get them.

These hippos were on the bank of a pond in South Luangwa National Park, next to Mfuwe Lodge. In fact, they are just meters from some of the lodges, and a few years ago, a guest at the lodge did not heed warnings and was killed by one.

Hippos kill more people in Africa than any other animal. They are fast and will trample you to death if you get too close. You cannot outrun them, so best bet is to stay away.


	This pod of hippos, submerged to protect from the hot sun, are in the same pond at Mfuwe Lodge inside the park.

Back at Wildlife Camp, it's also dangerous to get too close to the Luangwa River (it sits just outside the Natoinal Park) or go into the river floodplain after dark.

This hippo was feeding on the opposite bank of the river in mid-afternoon.

Walking back to Wildlife Camp from the floodplain, I spotted these hippo footprints in the sandy soil leading up to the camp. They come into the camp at night, trolling around looking for food.