| Matthew and I have traveled across most of | | | | paradise. According to the tourist information they |
| Southern Africa, but decided that it was | | | | have recorded over 400 bird species in this area |
| eventually time to head further north towards | | | | alone. During our drive we saw quite a few |
| Zambia. The two of us have been on African | | | | Antelopes, buffalos and zebras. But it was only |
| safaris for the last two years, but for some | | | | after lunch that we were granted a special scene |
| reason we have never gotten as far as Zambia. | | | | of survival plays. Not everybody would enjoy |
| Known as one of the last unscathed African | | | | witnessing the oldest war in nature, that between |
| wildernesses, Zambia is the place to appreciate | | | | lions and hyena. |
| nature. | | | | Lions are by far the stronger between the two |
| Our dwelling | | | | groups, but hyenas have another factor counting |
| During our stay in Zambia, we stayed in a | | | | in their favour: their numbers. This was a fight for |
| thatched cottage at the Luangwa Valley. Situated | | | | territory. It's a well known fact that specifically lion |
| by the Luangwa River, we were in the perfect | | | | males hate hyenas with a passion. It was quite a |
| spot for game-viewing. Every now and again we | | | | big pride of lions, and it seemed like this was a |
| witnessed a buck, elephants or a herd of buffalos | | | | no-contest match, but never underestimate the |
| coming to the riverbanks for their daily drink of | | | | cunningness of hyenas. Using their even bigger |
| water. | | | | numbers to intimidate, it seemed like the hyenas |
| Staying in a cottage felt like heaven after months | | | | were going to win this one. But when a young |
| of sleeping in a tent on a paper thin mattress. | | | | male lion stormed forward, we knew it was the |
| Don't get me wrong, both Matthew and I enjoy | | | | end. |
| camping, but I think that after awhile you start to | | | | The lions were too strong and soon the hyenas |
| miss small luxuries such as a bed. | | | | ran off. My heart racing throughout the entire |
| After a nice long shower, I sat on our veranda | | | | ordeal, I did not know whether I should watch this |
| overlooking the valley at sunset. With so much | | | | display of hatred and dominance or simply look |
| beauty in the world, a sunset still is one of the | | | | away, but the sounds alone were horrifying. Some |
| most beautiful. It seemed dead quiet even though | | | | would say they were lucky to witness such a |
| there were people having a good laugh in the | | | | fight, I say it was heartbreaking. Matthew tried to |
| background. All I really heard was the soothing | | | | film as much of it as possible, but it was difficult |
| sound of the water and birds calling softly to each | | | | trying to focus since it all happened so quickly. |
| other. I was at peace and soon joined by | | | | This was definitely very unusual spectacle to |
| Matthew when he came back from the local | | | | witness, as usually the game rangers are very |
| supply shop with a bottle of wine. | | | | careful not to take their tourists to the actual |
| The rest of the evening we enjoyed our dinner, | | | | killing scenes, but rather the aftermath. When we |
| some wine, but mostly the sounds of nature. | | | | spoke to the game-ranger he told us that we |
| Being on the road for almost two years now, I | | | | really did observe something rare, since most of |
| can say that the both of us have become more | | | | these situations only happen at night. This time |
| peaceful within. The topic of discussion was how | | | | round, we were at the wrong place at the right |
| many, or how little, people enjoy nature these | | | | time so to speak. |
| days. Matthew was making the point that he felt | | | | After that we headed back to the cottage. I think |
| people would enjoy life more if they could be | | | | we were both a bit stunned after the episode. |
| surrounded by nature more, go camping, safari or | | | | I've seen videos of this kind of fight before, but |
| even just picnicking. But life seems too rushed | | | | never in my life would imagine witnessing such a |
| these days. | | | | thing in real life. |
| The land of the free | | | | Well however the fight happened, I'm sure that |
| The following day we headed out in the early | | | | neither Matthew nor I would ever feel the same |
| morning hours on our first day's drive. Zambia is | | | | after that. It was the incident that would forever |
| well-known for its vast protected wilderness | | | | change our lives. It reminded us that there is |
| areas. It's the sad truth that Africa's wildlife areas | | | | more to life than the hustle and bustle of city life. |
| are rapidly disappearing thanks to economic | | | | That life is intended to be enjoyed and that you |
| growth and with it Africa's wildlife, but countries | | | | should experience every thrill wholeheartedly. |
| like Zambia have been committed to saving | | | | Zambia proved to be one of the most thrilling |
| Africa's wildlife and their land. | | | | African safaris we've ever experienced, and yes, |
| The Luangwa Valley specifically is any bird-lovers | | | | we will go back! |