My holiday snaps.

[melody]

Woo hoo!

I survived the Grade 5 rapids of the Zambezi.

I managed to avoid the hippos.

I wasn't mauled by a lion.

I wasn't squashed by an elephant.

I had a fantastic time.

Just a couple of pics for now.

More when I get the time to sort through the ridiculous amount we took.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009514.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009502.jpg

Not the best quality on this one. Taken using a disposable water proof camera. I need to sort through the professional ones first.


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009069.jpg

[Bluefish]

wow, cute little kittens, lucky girl. more pics please. :D

[Shellywoozle]

Wow brill pics Melody ..... the middle piccy looked like a weighty pussy ;)

[missyburd]

Ahhh how cute are those cubs, you lucky devil :-D

[kwak zzr]

oh great holiday snaps! oh id love to do something like that.

[lukemillar]

Cool pics! - Which countries did you go to?

[Dave20046]

amazing, like you last holiday snaps too :thumbsup:
look forward to seeing some more

[SuzukiNess]

more more more :smt118


that one that with you holding the cub in your arms is boooootiful... musta been an amazing experience :D!

[Ed]

Terrific!!!:cool:

[Richie]

You lucky Girl, I'm not at all jealous, no not at all... Well maybe slightly..

Ok a lot then. Happy now...?

[melody]

Thank you guys. It was indeed an amazing experience with gorgeous weather.:D


Wow brill pics Melody ..... the middle piccy looked like a weighty pussy ;)

:D:D:D. He did weigh a fair bit.

Cool pics! - Which countries did you go to?

We flew into South Africa. Drove into Zimbabwe and Zambia. Flew to Qatar.

Few more.

I loved the walk with the lions. Not that we walked very far. Lions are apparently very lazy. They walk a few metres then they lie down for a rest. The heat didn't help either. So we only walked no more than a few metres and spent most of the time interacting with them as they rested.

At the start point, 9 month old Wobbles and 12 month old Jacob were the first we spotted. They were so adorable and any apprehension I had was gone in a heart beat.

Wobbles.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009497.jpg

Jacob.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009496.jpg

Then 18 month old Alex came sauntering along. . . :smt119

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009499.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009500.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009515.jpg

I wonder what Wobbles was thinking here?

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009503.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009527.jpg

Alex was the laziest. He just plonked himself down and wouldn't play ball.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009553.jpg
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009552.jpg

[Luckypants]

Hmmm piccies of cuddly kittens are all very well but where is the video of you taking the ejector seat on 12? :smt066

[plowsie]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009069.jpg

Luckypants went with you aswell :shock:

Pics look great, love to get that close to Lions.

[Owenski]

SOOOOOO jelous of the playing with lions!!! I'd love to do that :( We had to pay a game keeper in Kenya a fortune to let us into the cheatah compound so we could stroke them. I'd have paid 10times that to play with lions like you have. Lucky lucky lucky melody :) great pics keep them coming.

[the white rabbit]

Lovely.

[missyburd]

I wonder what Wobbles was thinking here?

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009503.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009527.jpg



In the first pic probably "How tasty does that hooman with the camera look...#proceeds to lick chops# " :-P

In the second pic "Oooo my what big paws I have, daaaaaang"

Hehe. Great pics Mel, you're a lucky lucky gal :-D

[Owenski]

LOl, that 2nd pic you selected there missYc that lion does seem to be looking at his paws and thinking "im sure I had a big juciey steak here a second ago". or something along those lines.

[melody]

SOOOOOO jelous of the playing with lions!!! I'd love to do that :( We had to pay a game keeper in Kenya a fortune to let us into the cheatah compound so we could stroke them. I'd have paid 10times that to play with lions like you have. Lucky lucky lucky melody :) great pics keep them coming.

Walk with lions. US$115.Bargain!



Luckypants went with you aswell :shock:



LOL. You're gonna be in trouble. . .

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009045.jpg

;)

Hmmm piccies of cuddly kittens are all very well but where is the video of you taking the ejector seat on 12? :smt066

Rapid No. 12. Three Ugly Sisters.

We were ejected at No. 8. Midnight Diner. Grade 5.

One moment we were furiously paddling away. The next I was down under. I panicked for a few moments (seeing as I can't swim) till I resurfaced. But even then it was impossible to fill my lungs as we were bang in the middle of the rapid and I just had wave after wave crashing over me. One of the safety kayakers paddled up to me and I clung on to his kayak till I was hauled coughing and splattering into another team's raft. LOL. What a buzz it was!

I have a brilliant DVD of the rafting and it has some great photos on it too.

Unfortunately I have absolutely no idea how to get it up on here.

Here are some taken using a disposable camera so quality is not great.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009041-1.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009038.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009048.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009044.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009043.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009040.jpg


This is Rapid No. 9. Commercial Suicide. Grade 6. This is not included in the run, so we all get off here and launch the rafts off on their own and collect them past the rapid. All that is, except our guide, Tatani, aka Tatanic :D

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009032.jpg

Lunge at Commercial Suicide.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009033.jpg

[Owenski]

Awsome!

Oh adn 115usd? A bloody steal!

[Speedy Claire]

wow, wow and wow, fantastic pics.... the cuddly lion ones are so cute!!!! the rafting ones makes Bala look tame lol. Looks like a fantastic action packed holiday, glad you had such a great time

[Warthog]

Damn you Melody, everytime you come back form holiday you make me incredibly jealous! Looks like you had an amazing time. Very inspirational.

[melody]

A little walk with the gentle giants.


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009439.jpg


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009447.jpg

The view from atop Makukwe.


http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009450.jpg

A couple of other tourists on their ride, Dumpy. Every tree or shrub we passed she grabbed at it for a quick snack. LOL. Their guide spotted a pair of buffalo up ahead, so the ranger with his rifle went ahead.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009456.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009465.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009467.jpg

This just looks so wrong, but so cute.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009479.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009488.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009491.jpg


The spectacular Victoria Falls. A view from the Zimbabwean side. (the best side ;))

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009846.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009816.jpg

And from the Zambian side.
http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009705.jpg

The controversial Devil's Pool, off Livingstone Island on the Zambian side. I can't swim in deep water, so I piggy backed my way across with one of the guides. :D

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009710.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009715.jpg

Sunset over the Zambezi. Not a great shot, but you can just about make out the mist from the falling water, hence the name, The Smoke That Thunders.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009721.jpg

[the white rabbit]

Who did you travel with?

When I was there the water wasn't high enough (or was it too high can't remember) for the rafting :( or maybe a relief :lol:

I think going to Devil's Pool was verboten also for some reason.

Did see a moon rainbow over the falls though.

[Tim in Belgium]

Another great holiday :thumbsup:

Loving the devil's pool.

[Warthog]

Hang on, that pool is like a foot away from Victoria Falls?! Christ that makes my palms sweat just looking at it!!

[missyburd]

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009710.jpg




The woman furthest to the left with the striped bikini, loving the face! Is she demonstrating her distaste for how the woman in blue is attempting to butterfly, or is there far too much cellulite that we fortunately can't see :-P

Only kidding, am sure the lady in blue doesn't have any cellulite....nah who am I kidding, we've all got it :D

Another great set of pics Mel!

[melody]

Who did you travel with?

When I was there the water wasn't high enough (or was it too high can't remember) for the rafting :( or maybe a relief :lol:

I think going to Devil's Pool was verboten also for some reason.

Did see a moon rainbow over the falls though.

Travelled as a group of friends. Or do you mean travel agent?

I know they sometimes cancel rafting in April and May when the water levels are far too high. Same with the Devils Pool. You have to be careful how you get to it as the current is really strong in places.

Hang on, that pool is like a foot away from Victoria Falls?! Christ that makes my palms sweat just looking at it!! You and me both. I was the last one there and the last to leave. For me, it was getting to it that freaked me out. I am petrified of deep water. Once there, not a problem.Even managed to peer right over the edge.

The woman furthest to the left with the striped bikini, loving the face! Is she demonstrating her distaste for how the woman in blue is attempting to butterfly, or is there far too much cellulite that we fortunately can't see :-P

Only kidding, am sure the lady in blue doesn't have any cellulite....nah who am I kidding, we've all got it :D

Another great set of pics Mel!

LOL MYC. I hadn't even noticed.

And yes I'm sure we all have the dreaded stuff!

[the white rabbit]

Travelled as a group of friends. Or do you mean travel agent?

I mean did you do with a company or travel alone (well with your friends) and find guides along the way?

Oh, and how was the Zambian Visa. I ended up having to pay £270 last year (multiple entry) as they had a tit for tat fall out with the UK :thumbdown:

[melody]

I mean did you do with a company or travel alone (well with your friends) and find guides along the way?

Oh, and how was the Zambian Visa. I ended up having to pay £270 last year (multiple entry) as they had a tit for tat fall out with the UK :thumbdown:

I see. All we booked in advance was the rental cars in SA and accommodation in Vic Falls. The rest we sorted along the way. So much more fun and flexible and cheaper.

£270 for multiple entry visa!

Well it's now US$30 for a single entry visa into Zim. US$10 for a day visa into Zambia. If you spend the night in Zambia then your visa for Zim is cancelled and you have to pay for another single entry visa.

[the white rabbit]

I see. All we booked in advance was the rental cars in SA and accommodation in Vic Falls. The rest we sorted along the way. So much more fun and flexible and cheaper.

£270 for multiple entry visa!

Well it's now US$30 for a single entry visa into Zim. US$10 for a day visa into Zambia. If you spend the night in Zambia then your visa for Zim is cancelled and you have to pay for another single entry visa.

Well done! I was screwed as we entered Zambia, left for Botswana and then re-entered Zambia on the way back. Embassy said we could buy two single entries on border (one on arrival and one on way back), although some managed to. I thought it not really worth kicking up a stink and demanding a refund under the circumstances of the border crossings, as it was the Embassy in London had still screwed our visas up with the wrong info on them :lol:

Actually just checked it was (and still is) £240. Robbery!

I must confess I did it full-service trip ;)

[melody]

Well done! I was screwed as we entered Zambia, left for Botswana and then re-entered Zambia on the way back. Embassy said we could buy two single entries on border (one on arrival and one on way back), although some managed to. I thought it not really worth kicking up a stink and demanding a refund under the circumstances of the border crossings, as it was the Embassy in London had still screwed our visas up with the wrong info on them :lol:

Actually just checked it was (and still is) £240. Robbery!

I must confess I did it full-service trip ;)

I don't get it.

Are you saying it costs £240 for a visa to enter Zambia?

I assume you were on a British passport?

[the white rabbit]

I don't get it.

Are you saying it costs £240 for a visa to enter Zambia?

I assume you were on a British passport?

Yes, a Visa to enter, stay, leave and re-enter and stay again costs £240. A Visa to enter, stay, leave and not re-enter is still pricey.

You can get day entry Visa's, which are cheaper, I've done that in a couple countries. I guess that's what you had. But it's only valid for a very short period, usually a day. I suppose if you left a day later they would whack you for a whole full single entry Visa.

[melody]

Yes, a Visa to enter, stay, leave and re-enter and stay again costs £240. A Visa to enter, stay, leave and not re-enter is still pricey.

You can get day entry Visa's, which are cheaper, I've done that in a couple countries. I guess that's what you had. But it's only valid for a very short period, usually a day. I suppose if you left a day later they would whack you for a whole full single entry Visa.

:smt103

That is daylight robbery!

Cheaper to get your 90 day visa for Zimbabwe and then just hop across the border as and when you want.

[the white rabbit]

Anway, post some more pics :lol:

Did you drive through much of Zimbabwe?

[melody]

Yes we did a fair bit of driving in Zimbabwe.

Tiring, but brilliant. The landscape is breathtaking. These pics don't do it justice. I am so going back to do it on two wheels!

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009011.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009292.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009307.jpg

[melody]

I loved the baobab trees.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009744.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009305.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE20091180.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE20091220.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE20091257.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE20091268.jpg

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009245.jpg

[missyburd]

Boabab trees are pretty cool, but I never had you down as the tree-hugging type Mel! :-P

[Quiff Wichard]

ace pics Mel.. you look tres happy.. glad you home safe.

[the white rabbit]

Is the chap in the white vest and shorts (lost luggage?) called 'Crap Dave' by any chance?

[dizzyblonde]

Absolutely excellent pics Mel. I knew you'd have a great time regardless with your friends out there, these just show the place is so beautiful.

[melody]

Is the chap in the white vest and shorts (lost luggage?) called 'Crap Dave' by any chance?


LOL.


The heat makes people do all sorts of crazy things.

[melody]

And of course there had to be a bike somewhere in all that.

http://i292.photobucket.com/albums/mm23/tsitsim/ZIMBABWE2009979.jpg

[LK-SV]

Nice bike ........ that looks brand new !!

There is something very cool about Police bikes.... the open road .... the GET OUT OF MY WAY lights - cool !!

[Biker Biggles]

Im not jealous either:---);)

[Gene genie]

finally a bike to drool over. only pulling your leg, breathtaking piccys again mel. ooooh i love your ascot hat too.

[markmoto]

luvin those trees they are ace, had to get your leg over didnt you :D

[markmoto]

see even in africa people have to scrawl there names in things :rolleyes:

[amarko5]

Tsitsi it looks like you had a most amazing time :D

we need to have a ride out and you can tell me all about it at all the fag stops and coffee breaks.


stunning pictures ;)

[melody]

luvin those trees they are ace, had to get your leg over didnt you :D

You know me well. ;)

Tsitsi it looks like you had a most amazing time :D

we need to have a ride out and you can tell me all about it at all the fag stops and coffee breaks.


stunning pictures ;)

Indeed we must. I look forward to it.:smt045

[Quiff Wichard]

Don't you need to get a bike again Mel first ??

[rob13]

What can I say, those Lion shots are truly amazing. I didnt realise you could get so close to them!

I love the Baobab trees! You can get some stunning sunset silhouettes with those.

We will have to go photo hunting around the Dales/NYM soon!