Little did we know we’d
soon be returning to Africa only a few years after my first ‘safari’ (see
previous post). This time, it was aboard
ship, via an around-the-world voyage with the venerable Royal Viking Line in
1974 as guest artist and lecturer.
We had several ports of call in South Africa,
Cape Town and Durban. Then onwards to Lourenco Marques in Mozambique, followed
by Mombasa, Kenya. From Durban we headed due west inland to the Valley of the
Thousands Hills, Zulu country. We also
visited a snake and crocodile farm. The
latter stop did not amuse us because we knew they made handbags and
shoes out of their skins.
Rhino, the most dangerous animal in Africa
Mombasa was the departure
point for a safari to Tsavo Park with wildlife galore. Lions, wildebeest, giraffes, antelopes, the
funny Secretary Bird, and rhino. Our
guide told us the rhino is the most dangerous animal of all.
Secretary Bird
Tsavo Park is known for
its “red elephants”. They’re not red, of
course, but like to roll in the clay soil for relief from insects and the heat,
and spray themselves with red sand.
While roaming through the Park in a safari Van - - - with open
roof (to facilitate viewing and taking pictures - - - we came upon three lions
sleeping in the shade on the road.
This is exactly how our lions looked
The Van approached slowly,
they gradually got up and without even glancing in our direction, walked
away. Next we went off-road amongst
trees and bush, and came face to face with a herd of elephants. The male Bull Elephant was not amused and
began flapping his ears.
The guide explained this
was a warning signal: the elephant was
ready to charge. The guide whispered to
us, “Hush! Be very, very quiet!” and prepared to
reverse the Van. A sharp and loud shriek pierced our ears – a woman passenger
became hysterical when the dangerous situation suddenly dawned on her. A few moments before she had been happily
taking pictures. Luckily, our cool-headed driver continued to slowly back up
and brought us all to safety. And how
close was the Bull? Ten metres!
To be continued, Part
Five.
Henri van Bentum
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