Lions and tigers and falls, oh my!

Hwange National Park

The start to Zimbabwe had us making our way to Sikumi Tree Lodge on the outskirts of Hwange National Park. Since we were the only guests there during our stay, we were able to enjoy the hospitality, nature, and private animal watering hole all on our own.

Tree houses for the win!

The lodge was wonderful, the food delicious, and the private game drive amazing. However, their pool was out of commission (you're really messing with my tan) and we (read: Mirek) got in trouble more than once for "touching" the refrigerator.

Mirek enjoying his reason for touching the fridge

Given that this was our moms' first time in Africa AND on a Safari, we were hoping to see as many animals as possible. So we donned our most "safari-esque" clothing, and headed out.

We blend right in... right?

Our first spot of the day? Just a family of giraffes munching away.

Followed by these bad boys...

Careful, Mirek. Don't want to get bit by a wild animal!

Still, the most widely seen animal of the day had to be Dumbo.

More to come from them later

By lunch time, we had been driving for about 4 hours and had seen a plethora of animals. However, the one our moms' most desired remained elusive. Where... are... the... LIONS!?

Our guide had been trying his best, talking to other guides, and following trails, but it was starting to feel like it might not happen for us. Sensing our despair, our trusty guide decided that park rules are only a suggestion and did a little off-roading... Cue the lions!

Jindra, pet the nice kitty

We followed them to a nearby watering hole, all the while enjoying our own celebratory drinks.

We brought our own watering hole

While the game drive might have been over, the animal viewing party was definitely not. That evening, our lodge's watering hole was visited by some cute little monkeys, herds of buffaloes, a mama lion and her cubs, and the star of the show... some very excited elephants.

Mom, why is that one elephant on top of the other?

Male elephants, mind you. I guess practice makes perfect?

After a relaxing few days, it was time to say goodbye to Sikumi and hello to Victoria Falls.

Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls was one of the highlights of our time in Africa. None of us expected how incredibly big and beautiful it would be. And since a picture is worth a thousand words, we'll let them talk.

Mirek saw a spider and got scared

He was so happy I saved him, he took a photo to appreciate still being alive

There is so much spray coming up off the waterfall that the surrounding area is completely lush and green.

The moms were not big fans of the massive ledge... or the fact that I put my leg over the "fence".

But after a while, everyone got a little closer to the edge. The view was just too good to pass up.

A+ for you, Victoria.

Drum Party!

That evening we ended up at a restaurant with a drum party. The Kuklas and Dyers like to dance, so this was a natural next step. Upon entering the restaurant, you're handed a sarong and greeted by dancers. I'm not sure if you are supposed to join in, but we did.

Mirek ate a worm, twice...

... and I'm pretty sure Mirek and Jindra single handedly finished this lamb.

Obligatory cute mom photo

We capped off the night with some drums and a show.

This guy was LOVING it

The Devil's Pool

Our last activity in Zimbabwe was technically in Zambia - two stamps, one plane.

At certain times of the year, when the water is low enough, you can take a boat to the ledge of the falls... and look over. We obviously had to do this. However, as Jindra had had her share of extreme water activities in Uganda, she decided to sit this one out.

On our way to the launch off point, we entered a hotel that has its own animals on the property. Here, we met this guy.

After a quick boat ride and a short swim, you come to the edge...

... aaaaaand look over.

Success!

After successfully not dying, we enjoyed an all-inclusive meal (read: all you can drink), where we definitely got our money's worth.

Zimbabwe and Zambia, with your nature, your animals, and even your micro-brewery (don't ask for photographic evidence): you did not disappoint. Now if you could just have cash in your ATMs next time, that would be greaaaat.

Side note: Zimbabwe is currently going through an economic crisis, and as of our visit, there was not a single functioning ATM in the country. If you don't bring any cash in with you, you're screwed. So if you plan to go to Zimbabwe anytime soon - which we highly recommend you do - make sure to bring some with you.