Hippobay
Let's dive into the nitty-gritty, starting with the less-than-stellar aspects of Hippo Bay, although rest assured, there are plenty of silver linings to discuss. The ablutions, if you can call them that, are somewhat present, and you might catch a whiff of hot water if you're lucky. But brace yourself for an encounter with the manager (or is it the owner?) – let's just say they've perfected the art of exuding arrogance.
As for the campsite itself, well, it's less like a picturesque haven and more like a designated dust bowl. Shade is but a distant dream, while dust seems to be an overeager guest that refuses to leave.
But now, onto the good stuff – location, location, location! Hippo Bay boasts a front-row seat to the majestic Itezhi Tezhi Dam. Imagine waking up to that kind of view – it's the stuff postcards are made of. And if you're a fan of critters, you're in luck. Wildlife is your constant companion, from antelopes prancing around like they own the place to breathtaking sightings of elephants and hippos making their star appearances right by the camp, with lions adding their dramatic roars to the evening soundtrack.
Speaking of evenings, let me regale you with the tale of our second night escapade. We hopped onto a game drive, destination: the ultimate sunset vantage point. Armed with binoculars and a couple of ales, we settled in to watch the sun work its magic as it kissed the waters of the Itezhi Tezhi. It was a scene straight out of a nature documentary.
On our way back, a chance encounter led us to some guides who were bubbling with excitement. They had just spotted lions – talk about a rare treat! But the real jackpot was for the folks in the other car – our American comrades and the others. They struck leopard gold, spotting a rather hefty specimen. This feline revelation set the anticipation ablaze for our upcoming journey to Kasabushi.
In the grand scheme of things, despite the camp's dusty disposition and the manager's inflated ego, Hippo Bay managed to redeem itself through its awe-inspiring natural theatre. From wildlife parades to dramatic sunsets, the negatives seemed to be mere footnotes in a story written by the wilds of Zambia. -
Sunrise fire - quite chilly!
Cooking breakfast while watching the ellies.
Our braai veggie gadgets were a hit!
Preparing for potjie day.
Brand new spanking hot Brammage potjie pot!
The most beautiful sunset spot for drinks and snacks!
The washing up crew - a sight to behold!
How many men does it take to pour a jerry can of fuel into a vehicle!!! Clearly 3!!
A fun time lapse of the guys packing up the Rob & Karen's awning.
