I got an e-mail last year one Monday evening asking me to 'Throw caution to the Wind' and to join a friend returning to Zimbabwe on the Friday. She had never been on a safari, and wanted me to go with her on one. I did not need to be asked twice. I spent the following day on the internet trying to find a flight out for the Friday. Got one, but needed to confirm with my daughter that she could look after one of my cats. The Travel Agent said they could not guarantee the flight would still be available, but I reckloned what will be will be.
On my daughter's agreement over the cat, I found my flight was still available, and I booked it. Amy, my friend, told me she would be arriving in Harare earlier on the Saturday than me but would wait at the airport for my arrival. Great excitment ensued with packing - malaria pills, deet preparations, will my shorts still fit, suntan lotion, hat and most importantly of all my camera.
On Friday morning I got a call from Amy, her flight on Zimbabwe Airways had been cancelled !
She told me she had contacted a cousin and they they would collect me and she would met up with me as soon as she could. Wow great start I thought.
However I need not have worried, all went according to plan and I soon settled into life as it was then in Zimbabwe. You take your life in your hands on the roads, most traffic lights dont work, pot holes a foot deep and very wide were everywhere, no road sign-posts or even house numbers on gates anywhere. So many people just aimlessly walking around as they were without a job. Vendors trying to sell you their goods by the road side. And everyone taking for granted the most beautiful weather.
Amy's son arranged our safari for us and we flew off for Masuwe just outside Victoria Falls. I had only just learnt that Masuwe was able to offer "Walking With Lions". I was overjoyed at the prospect and just could not wait to get there. It was a lovely lodge and we had a great room en-suite over-looking the bush and we were able to see stunning sunsets.
My first 'Walk' was a little daunting as we were with two male 14 month old lions. We were given a stick and our instructions were never ever to turn our backs on them, as they like to 'play'! So off we set and once up close to the cubs I realised they were quite big cats. I tried to appear as if I was doing something quite normal and strode out into the bush with the others. The lions were playful, as they were enjoying their walk and at times rushed past me, brushing my leg with their bodies. I could almost hear the sharp intake of my breath the first time it occured. Soon it was time for photo call. We arrived at an open area where the lions lay down, and we were told to go round behind them, crouch down, touch and stroke the lions while someone would be taking a photo for you, you hoped.
I knew I could get down, but nowadays I am not so hot on the getting up, and my stick I realised certainly would not be any help to me. Penduka let me stroke him quite happily and I soon lost any fear or concern I might have had. After everyone got their photos, we were off again walking. I was able to stroke and pat Penduka as he walked past me. It was just so wonderful I could not believe where I was and who I was with.
At one point both lions wanted to rest, and I found myself sitting down on the ground right next to Penduka. He seemed to enjoy all the attention I gave him and in no time he had his head on my lap and nuzzling into my thigh. He was rolling over wanting his tummy tickled and acting just like any lovable cat. I was in seventh heaven and close to tears with joy.