Botswana and Chobe National Park

Being placed in Livingstone means we are fortunate to be a short drive to the borders of 3 other countries- Zimbabwe, Botswana and Namibia. A real novelty when you come from Australia!

A few weeks ago we took advantage of our close proximity to Botswana and took an overnight trip with other volunteers to the town of Kasane and Chobe National Park, renowned as an elephant park. Our goal: to see as many elephants as we could!

Chobe National Park, Botswana

I won’t blog too much on Chobe, as I think the pictures mostly speak for themselves. However I will say that it was a truly amazing experience and one that anyone who loves wildlife should come to experience.

Sunset Boat cruise

The boat cruise is where we saw the most elephants as they come down to the water to drink. Hippos and crocodiles were also abundant. Sadly we also saw a dead elephant, a victim of anthrax.

So many elephants!!!

Mother and her 2 week old baby 

Crocodile: Perhaps a bit too close

Hippo: One that is actually out of water

Dead Elephant: Was not pretty to look at and yet difficult to look away.
Vultures really are horrible birds!

Beautiful sunset

Early morning Safari

The morning safari required a bit more patience than the cruise when it came to animal spotting. It really is all luck. We were fortunate enough though to see a lioness taking it easy under a tree, plenty of game and baboons.

Lioness relaxing away from the morning under a tree

African Fish Eagle: Also Zambia’s national emblem

Kudo

Baby Baboon



World AIDS Day- 1st of December 2010

World AIDS Day (WAD) is a big occasion in Zambia, given the impact it has on the country. Working for a HIV/ AIDS focused organisation meant I was able to take part in a couple of the events which took place, all to raise awareness and present messages on prevention and advocacy for those living with HIV/ AIDS.

On the evening before WAD a Candlelight Ceremony took place in Livingstone, beginning at one of the local churches. The evening was filled with song and dance, advocacy messages and prayer. A minute silence was held prior to our candles being lit and a procession from the church up the main street of Livingstone. Unfortunately my candle kept going out, but it did look impressive when looking back down the main street.



Candlelight Procession down

Mosi-oa-Tunya Road



WAD began in Livingstone with a march down the main street to the showgrounds. Various NGOs, businesses, churches and government agencies participated, many dressed up in t-shirts and hats prepared by their organisations for the day, making an array of colour

World AIDS Day in Livingstone: 1^st December 2010

World AIDS Day March: Lots of colour

World AIDS Day March

The march lasted about 45mins before the gathering at the Livingstone Showgrounds and a 3 hour event of more song and dance, advocacy messages, prayer, poetry by local school children and viewing some of the stands that has been set up for the day.



World AIDS Day Event: Villa Ground



World AIDS Day: Song & Dance

WAD in Livingstone was very telling of the impact that HIV/ AIDS has on Zambia, especially when hearing the stories from those infected and affected by the virus. I wonder if the messages that were presented here on WAD are remembered all year around? I guess time will tell. Nonetheless it was a great event to be apart of, especially so early on in my placement.