Sunday, Feb 2 (02/02/2020). Transfer from Hwange National Park to Toka-Leya Lodge (a few miles north of Victoria Falls on the Zambia side of the Zambezi). Few animals seen on the trip. Stopped nearby the airport to experience a low-style strip mall. Visited a wood-carving Co-op. Stopped briefly at the hotel where we’ll stay for the last two nights of the Adventure. Very non-African. Wifi, which actually wasn’t essential as our final destination has it (hence my updates). Walked across the Victoria Falls Bridge. Surprised to learn that the river flows in the opposite direction than I expected. I wasn’t alone. Bungee jumping available (NO!). Zipline (maybe). Our full day at the Zimbabwe-side Falls is on the last day. This was just a taste.
The lodge is in a small national park with no “cats”. Giraffes, which have a much light shade of hair. Hippos! On land. Terrific lawn mowers, grass being the only thing they eat. Monkeys. After an extremely late lunch (I was watchful for food-stealing monkeys), we had a brief siesta.
Boat ride towards the Falls (3 miles away) to spot wildlife. A seemingly infinite number of bird variety. Hippos of course. A couple of crocks, which were immobile. Lots of party boats, sparsely populated. Sundays is not actually a busy time for the Falls. I only carried my camera, so naturally the battery died. Must always carry the bag with spares.
Apparently, the repetitive action of bringing up the camera and holding it to my eye caused stress to my elbow. This morning, while washing the back of my neck, something popped. It’s still functional (except for washing), but it’s a pain I feel every time I take a photo.
The lodge’s rooms are elevated, meaning I can stand on the porch without fear of hippos. There is a lower part of the boardwalk (literally a hippo crossing), so walking around unescorted is forbidden. But it’s hot out there and the room has AC(!). Incredible room, except for mosquitos.
Skipped dinner. Wasn’t hungry, didn’t see any food I wanted, and a little tired of all the social interaction. Everyone is really nice and very experienced, but several speak in whispers that I can’t hear without exhausting concentration.
Albert, our driver for the past three days. 
A park ranger. 
Our vehicle. 
Wood carver 
There are elephant crossing signs that depict Asian elephants. This one is correct. 
Landed just outside my room where I was typing. 
