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Blog / African Adventure

Serval Cats: Africa's Lesser-Known Big Cat

Africa is home to an incredible array of fascinating animals—among them many of the world’s most majestic big cats.

Serval_Cats_in_Africa

You’ve no doubt heard of lions, cheetahs and leopards, but are you familiar with the slightly smaller African wild cat—the serval?

With their small heads, large ears, long necks, long skinny legs, long slender bodies and short tails, Serval cats have an almost patched together appearance. They’re even referred to as “the cat of spare parts.” From a distance, they slightly resemble a cheetah, as they have similar coloring and markings, but servals are smaller. They typically weigh between 13- 18 kilograms (30-40 pounds) and are around 53-56 centimeters (21-22 inches) tall at the shoulder. Here are some other interesting tidbits about this distinctive big cat from Africa:
  • The name, serval, is derived from a Portuguese word meaning “wolf-deer”
  • Servals have the largest ears of any cat
  • They love to climb, leap and play in the water
  • A serval standing on its hind legs, can jump 2.7 meters (more than 9 ft.) straight up in the air
  • Their hind legs are longer than their front ones
  • They were worshipped by the ancient Egyptians

A Formidable Hunter

Despite their patched together appearance, or perhaps because of it, servals are extremely effective hunters. With the aid of their over-sized ears, servals have excellent hearing. They can hear their prey of choice—small mammals, such as rats and mice—rustling through the grasses and pounce accordingly. Servals can launch themselves high in the air with their long slender hind legs and snatch small birds from the air. But their prey isn’t limited to the land or air. Using their curved paws, servals are able to pluck fish and frogs right out of the water. Of course, servals are not the largest animals in the African savannahs, and must be on-guard from their many predators. As with many wild animals in Africa, servals face threats from those larger than themselves, including leopards and spotted hyenas. And not surprisingly, they must also contend with another usual culprit—people. Human encroachment is gobbling up the servals’ habitat, and unsavory poachers have been known to hunt servals for their beautiful skins, which are used for ceremonial and medicinal purposes, and sometimes sold to tourists. Serval meat is also considered a delicacy by some tribes. Join Zawadee Mailing Lists Join Zawadee Mailing Lists Please read our blog, Help Stop Poaching in Africa: What You Need To Know

Family Life

Similar to cheetahs and leopards, servals are primarily solitary animals. Both male and female servals maintain their own territories and mark them with their scent. The female serval raises her young on her own. A typical litter is between two to five kittens. The male kittens are kicked out of the den at about six months, but their sisters may stay with the mother until they’re two years old. Serval_Kitten_African_Wildlife
photo credit: Ybser_1b via photopin (license)

Out of the Wild

Unlike some exotic animals, servals are not a rarity in captivity. There are 292 servals in zoos worldwide (130 of them in the U.S.), according to International Species Information Service.

There is also a demand from some to have this wild animal as a domesticated pet. Even a cursory internet search brings up dozens of breeders pedaling serval cats as household pets. But if you want to see the beauty of the servals in their natural habitat, you’ll have to book a flight to Africa, as that’s the only place in the world where they’re found in the wild.

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Cover Photo Source: photo credit: Dominik the serval walking via photopin (license)
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Get To Know Africa Series: The Unbelievable Beauty of Cape Floristic

About 25 miles south of the bustling city of Cape Town, tucked near the southern tip of South Africa, is one of the most gorgeous and unique displays of plant life in the world.

Cape_Floristic_Africa_Proteas The Cape Floristic Region is one of just six designated floral kingdoms worldwide. Africa is proudly home to 129 World Heritage sites, spread over 37 African countries. In 2004 the Cape Floristic Region was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes 8 nature reserves and wilderness areas, including Table Mountain National Park. Table_Mountain_Africa
The vast diversity of flowering plant species in the region is staggering. The area represents 20% of Africa’s flora. There are 9,000 plant species crammed into the roughly 80,000 square kilometers that make up the region. And of these, an astounding 6,200 (69%) are found nowhere else in the world.
If you’re planning a visit, be sure to go in the spring—August to mid-October— when you’ll be greeted with an explosion of colorful flowers blanketing the area. The Plants 15 million years ago this area was covered by lush rain forest, but today trees are rare. Instead, vegetation on the Cape is largely made up of fynbos—a shrubland mainly comprised of hard-leafed evergreen, and fire-prone shrubs. The air is dry and all plants must survive the rocky or sandy, nutrient-poor soils. Good drainage is a must for the plants on the Cape. The most recognized plant species in the region are the proteas. These showy shrubs have large flower heads in a variety of colors. The king protea is South Africa’s national flower. There are also numerous other showy flowers, such as orchids (particularly the red disa), daisies and even gladiolus. Orchid_Africa
photo credit: DSC_2924 via photopin (license)
Earth Rangers has created a lovely video gallery of flowers indigenous to South Africa. Definitely worth a look - so beautiful!
Renewal from the Ashes Periodic fires are essential to the ecosystem process on the Cape. Rather than being destructive, many plants depend on an occasional burning of their habitat. Ideally the vegetation needs to burn about every 15 years, for new growth to occur. Proteas are specially adapted to survive wildfires—their thick underground stems contain dormant buds that produce new growth after a fire. The Cape Orchids are also dependent on fire to thrive. Most are dormant for long periods, but after a fire they may spring into glorious bloom. Join Zawadee Mailing Lists Join Zawadee Mailing Lists Don’t Forget the Animals Flashy flowers may steal the show, but there are also many distinct animals—some of which are only found in this tiny region. You can find 320 different species of birds in the area, with six being endemic. The cape sugarbird, orange-breasted sunbird, protea canary and cape siskin all call this small corner home. Cape_Sugarbird_Africa There are 90 species of mammals living in the area. Perhaps the most impressive is the bontebok—a graceful antelope that was nearly extinct in the mid-1800’s. But thanks to some dedicated conservationists, it now numbers about 2,000. African_Bontebok
photo credit: Bontebok via photopin (license)
Reptile diversity is also pretty high, with around 100 species. There are five species of tortoise found almost exclusively within the Cape Floristic Region, including the geometric tortoise, which is one of the rarest in the world. There are only about 2,000-3,000 left on the planet. African_Spurred_Tortoise
photo credit: Bontebok via photopin (license)
You can also find 230 species of butterflies fluttering through the region, which must be quite a site when the area is in bloom. We highly recommend this video by Global Ideas. You will learn about the incredibly diversity of plants and animals in the Cape Floristic area, as well as the challenges facing the health of the flora and fauna of the Western Cape. "Home to 7000 unique plant species, South Africa's Cape Floristic Region boasts the richest flora biodiversity in the world. But fires, agriculture, poaching, illegal felling and expanding urbanization are threatening this unrivaled stretch of earth." Source: Global Ideas Outside Impact on the Area Although the Cape Floristic Region is protected land, there are still threats to its neighboring areas. Because of its close proximity to the city of Cape Town, there’s the ever-present danger of urban encroachment. In addition, the prime weather has also led to an expansion of agricultural land for vineyards. But the greatest threat to the region is invasive alien plant species. These plants have already invaded about 70% of the mountain and lowland fynbos. If gone unchecked this incursion will be devastating to the area.

Looking to echo the vibrant colors of the Cape flowers in your wardrobe?

Well you can, with our collection of Tsandza shawls, scarves and cowls Tsandza shawls, scarves and cowls. These beautiful, soft scarves are all handmade in the small country of Swaziland by talented artisans using specially developed dyes. A wide variety of materials, colours and styles are available. Shop Organic Scarves, Shawls Shop Organic Scarves, Shawls In addition to producing eye-catching scarves, Tsandza provides local employment in an impoverished area, and supports community projects, such as providing clean drinking water and helping out local schools. So, you can feel doubly good about your purchase. Blog Cover Photo Source: photo credit: DSC_0013 via photopin (license)
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Get To Know Africa Series: Wildlife Abounds In the Kenyan Lake System of the Great Rift Valley

Imagine seeing upwards of a million and a half vibrant-colored flamingos congregated on the shores of a single lake.

Flamingos Well, it’s not an uncommon occurrence in the Kenyan Lake System of the Great Rift Valley. The Kenyan landscape is dotted with 64 lakes. And nestled near the equator are three very special lakesLake Bogoria, Lake Nakuru and Lake Elementaita. These lakes aren’t particularly large, and they’re relatively shallow, but together these interlinked lakes comprise one of the most productive ecosystems in the world. A grateful thank you to Michael Douroux for this lovely little video of flamingos on Lake Nakuru.
These highly alkaline lakes have an abundant growth of green algae, which feeds an amazing number of birds. People come from all over the world to watch the flamingos’ majestic feeding frenzy take place. The Landscape In 2011, the Kenyan Lake system was designated a World Heritage Site. The protected property covers a relatively small area of 32,000 hectares, but is an essential feeding ground for hundreds of different species of birds. Major tectonic and volcanic events helped shape the diverse landscape. The lakes are surrounded by hot springs, geysers, volcanic outcrops, forests, and open grasslands. The lakes are located at an altitude of around 1500 meters, so they have a high rate of evaporation. This can cause marked fluctuations in water levels. While the flamingos may be the premier event, the protected area also boasts a number of other impressive animals. Black and white rhinos, Rothschild’s giraffes, greater kudus, lions, cheetahs and wild dogs also roam the area.

Rothschild's Giraffe

Rothschilds_Giraffe

A Bird Paradise The diversity of birdlife in the region is amazing. There are as many as 480 bird species at Lake Nakuru, 450 species at Lake Elementaita and 370 at Lake Bogoria. The area is home to 13 globally threatened bird species. The lake system is the most important foraging site in the world for the lesser flamingo. Lesser flamingos are the smallest species of flamingos, with a standing height around 80-90cm (31-35in). They’re classified as near-threatened, so if you want to see them in large numbers, the lakes are a prime spot. Much of the year up to four million lesser flamingos move between the three lakes taking advantage of the plentiful green algae, which are an important food source for them. Although the algae are blue-green in color, they contain photosynthetic pigments that give the birds their distinct pink color. Greater Flamingos are also found in large numbers in the area. They’re bigger than their cousins at 110-150cm tall (43-60in), and they have a distinctive black spot on the tip of their bills.

Greater Flamingo

Greater_Flamingo
Lake Elementaita supports the region’s main breeding colony of Great White Pelicans with around 8,000 pairs. Great White Pelicans are among the largest birds on earth with an awe-inspiring wingspan of 226 to 369cm (7- nearly 12 ft.).

Great White Pelican

Great_White_Pelican
The lakes are also home to over 100 species of migratory birds including:
  • Black-Necked Grebes,
  • African Spoonbills,
  • Pied Avocets,
  • Little Grebes,
  • Yellow Billed Storks, and
  • Black Winged Stilts.

The Black Winged Stilt

Black_Winged_Stilts
The lakes are part of the West Asian-East African Flyway, which is a migratory corridor for 500 million birds. 350 different species pass through the area, on their way from summer breeding grounds in Asia, to enjoy the warmer temps of southern Africa for the winter.
The Usual Threats Even though the lakes enjoy protection as a World Heritage Site, there are still some dangers. As with many places of natural beauty, the region is surrounded by an area of rapidly growing population and the many ill-effects that come with that. Soil erosion, increased abstraction of water from the catchments, deforestation, growth in human settlements, overgrazing, tourism and pollution are all potential problems that must be watched to ensure this majestic place remains welcoming to the birds and other rare wildlife. The Kisii How about a little piece of the Great Rift Valley for your home? Not far from the Kenyan Lake System, live the Kisii people, who are known for their soapstones. Kisii soapstone is a metamorphic rock that’s soft and easy to work with. For generations, the Kisii people have handcrafted carvings out of this soapstone—making both functional items and beautiful works of art. You can check out our extensive soapstone collection soapstone collection to see just how these talented carvers apply their craft. To learn more, read our blog article, The Soapstone Carvings of The Kisii People of Kenya Kisii Soapstone Kisii Soapstone If you haven't already, you might want to read the first article in this series - The Unbelievable Beauty of Cape Floristic Cover Photo Source: photo credit: 1546 via photopin (license)
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African Wild Dogs: A Beautiful Animal on the Brink of Extinction

There are thousands of animals currently on the endangered species list, many of which call Africa home. One such animal fighting for its survival is the often misunderstood, African wild dog.

African_Wild_Dog African Wildlife Sculpture and Carving

The African wild dogs’ numbers are dwindling fast. They once roamed much of the continent, but today can only be found in a few small pockets scattered throughout Africa. It’s estimated that there may be as few as 3,000-6,000 left. As is often the case, humans have been the biggest threat to these animals. But today, much is being done to increase the population of the wild dogs. Let’s hope it’s not too late.

The Basics about African Wild Dogs

Although about the size of a medium domestic dog, you won’t confuse these animals with your pet. They have mottled coats with patches of red, black, brown, white and yellow fur. Each dog has a unique color scheme, so they can recognize each other at great distances. These long-legged animals have dark brown circles around their eyes and big rounded ears.

African_Painted_Wild_Dog African Wildlife Sculpture and Carving

African wild dogs (Lycaon pictus) also share these interesting characteristics:
  • Typically weigh between 17-36 kg (37-79 lb), and are about 60- 75 cm (24-30 in) tall at the shoulder
  • Only have four toes per foot
  • Are also called cape hunting dogs or painted dogs
  • Can live up to 11 years
  • Can cover an astounding 50 km (31 mi) a day looking for food
  • Sleep during the day
  • Have litters of 2-20 pups, but of course not all survive
Today, African wild dogs are generally found in plains and open woodland in Sub-Saharan Africa. They’re roaming animals, and for most of the year are on the move, usually not staying in the same place for more than a day. The exception is that for roughly two to three months out of the year they occupy a den (usually an abandoned aardvark hole), to give birth and nurse their young. Join Zawadee Mailing Lists Join Zawadee Mailing Lists Formidable Hunters By working together, packs of African wild dogs can take down prey much larger than themselves. Hunting packs can consist of 6-20 animals. They hunt in the morning and early evening. Depending on the area, wild dogs’ prey can include gazelle, wildebeest, impala, and reedbuck—all of which are larger than a single dog. Occasionally, wild dogs do hunt on their own for smaller prey, such as hares and rodents. African wild dogs also have impressive stamina, which can help with the hunt. They can pursue their prey at speeds up to 66 km/hr (41 mph), for up to an hour. Running With the Pack As evidenced with their hunting strategies, wild dogs are social animals. They live in tight-knit packs that range in size from 2-43, with the typical number being around 8-11 members. African_Wild_Dog_Pack African Wildlife Sculpture and Carving The pack is comprised of a dominant breeding pair, a number of non-breeding adults and their dependent offspring. What’s interesting is that all of the males are related to each other, and all of the females are related to each other, but not to the males. Males stay with the pack they were born into, but when females are between 14-30 months they leave the pack in groups of sisters to find another pack that doesn’t have any sexually mature females. Wild dogs in the same pack look out for each other. They share food with one another. Smaller pups are allowed first go at a fresh kill, and dogs help weak or ill members. Even though only one dog in a pack has pups, the entire pack looks after the young. The whole pack even sleeps huddled up together. Efforts to Save the African Wild Dog In 2004, African wild dogs were classified as an endangered species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN).

They do have some natural threats—namely lions, but most of their decimation has been at the hands of humans. Wild dogs’ natural habitat is continually being chewed up by human encroachment. Additionally, they’re poisoned and hunted by some, who consider the dogs as pests, who threaten domestic livestock. They’re also killed inadvertently by diseases that are spread from domestic animals, and are sometimes killed in traffic accidents in the ever-increasing roadways zigzagging through their habitats. This video, courtesy of Journeyman Pictures depicts the beauty of this endangered species.

By the way, we highly recommend subscribing to Journeyman Pictures YouTube channel. Interesting, challenging and provocative content, published every week. "Journeyman Pictures is your independent source for the world's most powerful films, exploring the burning issues of today. We represent stories from the world's top producers, with brand new content coming in all the time." The wild dogs’ population is dangerously low, but there are glimmers of hope. Groups such as, the African Wildlife Foundation and the African Wild Dog Conservancy are working to get African wild dogs’ numbers back up. The already fragile ecosystem will be out of balance if we lose these animals. But through concerted efforts and education, the small population of African wild dogs that are left will hopefully increase and eventually thrive. Join Zawadee Mailing Lists Join Zawadee Mailing Lists

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You might also enjoy our blog series Getting To Know Africa. Here's a taste of this interesting series - Get To Know Africa: Wildlife Abounds in the Kenyan Lake System of the Great Rift Valley.

Cover Photo Source: photo credit: Rare Painted Dog via photopin (license)
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Getting To Know Africa Series: The Journey to Aldabra Atoll

Hundreds of kilometers off the coast of Madagascar exists a special place, which has remained relatively untouched by humans.

Aldabra Atoll There are numerous islands scattered in the Indian Ocean off the coast of Africa, and among these is the Aldabra Atoll. This island ecosystem—which belongs to the Seychelles—consists of four islands surrounding a large shallow lagoon. Aldabra is the world’s second largest coral atoll, and the largest raised coral reef in the world reaching up to eight meters above sea level. At 34 kilometers long and 14.5 kilometers wide, Aldabra isn’t that big, but it boasts the largest giant tortoise population in the world. African Wildlife Sculpture and Carving
Giant Tortoise: Photo Source - Wikipedia
It is largely for this that UNESCO designated it as a World Heritage Site in 1982.
An Inhospitable Land Aldabra remains virtually uninhabited by humans. There’s a ranger and staff, and a smattering of visiting scientists, but that’s it. Centuries ago, explorers thought of inhabiting the island, but with little soil and practically no fresh water, it didn’t happen. In addition, most of the land surface is made up of an ancient razor-sharp coral reef, which will shred your feet if you dare to walk on it. An Ancient Creature: The Giant Tortoise While Aldabra might not be the most comfortable place for humans—other animals thrive. Around 100,000 giant tortoises—the largest population in the world—call Aldabra home. These mighty beasts weigh about 250 kg and can easily live to over 100. In fact, Jonathan, a rare Seychelles Giant Tortoise is thought to be the oldest living animal on the planet,. At an estimated age of 182, Jonathan has seen a total of 28 British governors come and go since he was brought fully-grown from the Seychelles to the island of St Helena in 1882. Jonathan was estimated to be approximately 50 years of age at that time, and was likely an exotic gift for then-governor Hudson Ralph Janisch.

Video Source: One Green Stone

Here are some other tidbits about the giant tortoises:
  • They belong to an ancient group of reptiles appearing about 250 million years ago.
  • They’re related to Madagascar tortoises.
  • Some individuals have been known to live over 250 years.
  • They have long necks so they can stretch and tear branches from trees.
Other Wildlife Giant tortoises aren’t the only splendid creatures living on Aldabra. Coconut crabs—the largest land-living arthropod in the world—can be found scurrying around. These giants can have a leg span of one meter. Or you might glimpse sharks, manta rays or barracudas swimming in the shallows. There are large seabird colonies on the island and 13 species of terrestrial birds, including the Aldabra rail—the last flightless bird in the western Indian Ocean. Boobies and frigate birds also abound. Frigate_Bird African Wildlife
Frigate Bird: Photo Source - Wikipedia
Flora is abundant as well, with 273 species of flowering plants, shrubs and ferns on the atoll, including the tropicbird orchid—the national flower of the Seychelles.
Dangers Dodged Isolation can be a saving grace, but even way out in the middle of the ocean, Aldabra has had its share of threats. In the 1960’s the British military had an outlandish idea to set up an air-staging outpost, with an airstrip and support facility on the atoll. Fortunately this idea faced massive national and international opposition and was soon dropped. At one point the BBC even considered locating a transmitter on the island. Today, the atoll enjoys much protection, but there are still dangers. Efforts to get rid of non-native species continue. Goats were finally eradicated in 2012 after years, but cats, rats and introduced birds still cause some problems on the islands. Planning a Visit Aldabra Atoll is not a place you accidentally visit. It takes some planning. It’s 1150 km southwest from Victoria (capital of the Seychelles) and 420 km north of Madagascar— so it’s out there. The island doesn’t have tourist accommodations but you can visit. First you need permission from the Seychelles Island Foundation and then need to figure out how you’ll get there. Once on the island, you must be accompanied by an Aldabra staff member at all times. Because of its remote location, the expense of getting there and the threat of piracy, not many are fortunate enough to visit. But that’s what makes it so special. Cover Photo Source: Foto Natura 2005, Image Buddy, imagebuddy.com Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter
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The Himba of Namibia

In the harsh desert environment of the Kunene region in Namibia, live the Himba People. Despite the modern world creeping ever closer, the Himba have resisted change and preserved their own identity and rich culture. Ovahimba_Mother_and_Child On the Move: A Way of Life Today, the Himba Tribe numbers about 30-50,000 people. They are closely related to the Herero people and speak the language of Otijihimba, a dialect of the Herero language. The Himba people are semi-nomadic, so are often on the move. As a result, they don’t have a lot of possessions. They breed cattle and goats, which are essential to their livelihood, and must move constantly with their herds to new watering places. Their homes are simple round structures, plastered in mud and dung. The roles within the Himba community are gender-defined. The women typically do more of the labor-intensive work. Women carry the water to the village; they build their houses and tend to the livestock. Women also raise the children in the tribe. Men handle the political tasks of their community, including legal issues, but economic issues are usually decided by the women. When a girl is born, her future husband is decided. They are then married when the girl is between 14 and 17 years old. Interestingly, polygamy is allowed for both men and women. A Distinctive Appearance You many not recognize the name, Himba, but you’ve likely seen photographs of people from the tribe. Both men and women go topless and wear lots of leather jewelry. Himba-Arbeit Photo Source: Himba Girl at Work, Wikipedia: The Himba People But it’s the women’s appearance that is so remarkable. Himba women slather a paste, called otjize, which is made of butter, fat and red ochre, on their skin and hair each morning. The paste gives them a distinctive red hue. It can take hours to apply the paste and to get their elaborate hairstyles just right. The intricate hairstyles include bits of woven hay, goat hair, and sometimes even hair extensions. Appearance is full of meaning for the Himba people. Before puberty, girls have only two hair braids (twins have only one braid each), but get more as they age. After a year of marriage or following the birth of their first child, Himba women add an elaborate animal skin or headdress to their hairstyle. Single men have only one large braid growing backwards from the crown of their head. After they’re married, men stop cutting their hair and wrap it up in a turban. They never remove the turban except for funerals. And after a death, they shave their head. Himba_Men_with_Braid_and_Turban
Western fashion is beginning to creep in to the Himba world, but only with the men. Women are still fiercely proud of their distinctive traditional appearance.
Customs Spirituality is important to the Himba people. They worship the god Mukuru and their ancient ancestors. An important role in the tribe is that of the fire-keeper, called the “okuruwo.” He is responsible for keeping the family ancestral fire burning. Every 7-10 days, people use the fire to communicate with Mukuru or their ancestors. The village chief has the only house that faces the fire. The Himba people also enjoy traditional music and dancing. A popular instrument is a musical bow, called an ohuta.
Video Source: Sommer Films
Tough Times The 1980’s brought difficult times to the Himba people. In addition to the always harsh physical environment they live in, war and severe drought visited their homeland. During this time, some people left for Angola, some men joined the South African Army and others poured into the town of Opuwo for relief food. There, harsh poverty forced the Himba people into crowded cardboard settlements—a very different life than they were used to. These harsh times almost completely decimated their way of life. Around 90% of Himba cattle died, according to an article in National Geographic. Resurgence The 1990’s brought a return of peace and much-needed rain to the area. The Himba people were able to rebuild their depleted herds, and return to their way of life. There have also been recent efforts to give more local control to the Himba people, through local conservancies. Impressively, despite the ever-encroaching outside world, the Himba people have been able to hold onto a way of life that has been relatively unchanged since the 16th century. Cover Photo Source: David Siu, Ovahima Mother & Child Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter
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Getting To Know Africa: Victoria Falls - Mosi-oa-Tunya

It's breath-taking! No wonder this majestic site is also known as "Smoke That Thunders".

Victoria_Falls_from_the_air_1972_Wikipedia

The spray shoots over 400 meters in the air and can be seen from 30 kilometers away. It is twice the height of Niagara Falls.

There’s no doubt about it. Victoria Falls is massive and awe-inspiring. Located in southern Africa, at the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, Victoria Falls is considered the largest waterfall in the world, based on its width of 1.7km, plus its height of 108 meters. The Zambezi River, which originates in northern Zambia, feeds these mighty falls. During the wet season, over 500 million liters of water crash down over the edge per minute. Victoria Falls is considered one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World and was declared a World Heritage Site in 1989. Today two national parks protect the falls on either side. Victoria Falls, with its ever-present rainbows, is a gorgeous site to behold. It’s no wonder several hundred thousand people visit the falls each year. 800px-Lunar_Rainbow_2_-_Double_Rainbow_Victoria_Falls_-_Calvin_Bradshaw_2
Source: Wikipedia
Smoke That Thunders Scottish explorer Dr. David Livingstone is believed to be the first European to view the falls. When first coming across the falls in 1855, he reportedly said, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight.”

David Livingstone by Frederick Havill

David_Livingstone_by_Frederick_Havill

Source: Wikipedia
Livingstone named the falls after Queen Victoria, who was the monarch at that time. But well before Livingstone, the falls had another name. In the Kololo language, the falls are aptly named Mosi-oa-Tunya—meaning “smoke that thunders.” The World Heritage List officially recognizes both names. Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter Exploring the Falls Here are a few of the numerous ways to explore Victoria Falls:
  • Walk the various trails- There are numerous trails on both sides with impressive vistas, but the Zimbabwean side affords the best panoramic view. Baboons and warthogs are common in the area, so you may catch a glimpse.
  • Take a train- Hop on the Royal Livingstone Express—a luxury and historic train that offers lunch and dinner trips
  • From the air- Take in the sheer magnitude of the falls from a helicopter. You may even see elephants and other wildlife. For added excitement—fly over in a microlite (a small glider-like plane with a motor).

The Royal Livingstone Express

Feeling More Daring? Obviously for most people it’s enough to gaze at the falls and absorb the surrounding natural beauty. But for those looking for more, the area around Victoria Falls offers a variety of activities for adventure travelers and adrenaline junkies. Devil’s Pool is a natural rock pool on the very edge of Victoria Falls. During the dry season, it’s shallow enough for people to safely swim in it. A natural rock wall, just below the surface, stops swimmers from plunging over the edge. Obviously this is not for the faint of heart, and you have to be a strong swimmer to even get there.

Experience Swimming in Devil's Pool

Imagine having your guide hold onto your ankles as you scoot out to the rim and peer over the precipitous drop to watch the water crash on the rocks 100 meters below.

If you’re not scared of heights, there’s no shortage of activities. How about bungee jumping off the bridge between Zambia and Zimbabwe? No doubt you’ll feel your heart pumping as you plunge 111 meters into the gorge. Or perhaps you’d like to try rappelling down a cliff or shooting down a high-wire zip line.

For something lower down— but just as exciting—you can go white-water rafting on the Zambezi River to truly feel its power. A Delicate Balance All of the activities and tourist attractions that crowd the area around Victoria Falls are fun, but don’t lose sight of what’s truly special. And that of course is the mighty waterfall itself.
Shona Soapstones The Shona people are the largest ethnic group in Zimbabwe. Today they are known for their beautiful soapstone carvings, although it’s a relatively new art form for them. Zawadee - Bring Africa Home offers a collection of these intricate carvings, including gorgeous serving bowls infused with vivid colors and images of wildlife. Cover Photo Source: Wikipedia - Victoria Falls Shop Soapstone Shop Soapstone
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Getting to Know Africa: The Okavango Delta

The Okavango Delta: Gorgeous Lushness in the Desert

In southern Africa, the Kalahari desert—a large, semi-arid, sandy savanna—stretches through much of the country of Botswana. There is only one river in this area—the Okavango. River deltas typically lead to the sea, but the Okavango never quite makes it there. Instead, it dumps its water onto open land, flooding the savanna with much-needed water for the surrounding plants and wildlife. Okavango_Delta_Botswana This water sustains numerous animals in an otherwise parched land. It’s an oasis for the abundant wildlife from the surrounding harsh, dry landscape. This concentrated lushness has made the Okavango Delta one of the greatest wildlife viewing destinations in the world. There’s beautiful scenery and stunning animals at every turn. It’s no wonder that the Okavango Delta got the cool distinction of being listed as the 1,000th UNESCO World Heritage Site on June 22, 2014. It’s also one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa—no easy feat in a continent filled with natural beauty. Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter Sign Up Zawadee Newsletter Characteristics of the Delta The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas in the world. It’s shaped like a fan with little tendrils of water stretching forward. Lush little islands dot its waters. A_view_down_into_the_Okavango_Delta
Source: Wikipedia
The delta is produced by seasonal flooding, with the floods peaking between June and August. The delta is large, but fairly shallow and flat. There is less than two meters variation in height across its 15,000 square kilometers. Each year the delta sees 11 cubic kilometers of water flow (put another way that’s a staggering 11 trillion liters of water). But by the end of the season, it’s dry. All of the water is eventually transpired or evaporated due to the high temperatures of the delta. Every year the cycle starts anew, with the basin flooded again with river water.
A Flourishing Habitat for Wildlife The Okavango Delta is famous for its antelope and elephant populations, as well as numerous other large animals. Giraffes, buffalos, hippos, rhinos, cheetahs, leopards, hyenas, wild dogs, and crocodiles all enjoy the waters of the delta. Spotted_Hyena_Cubs

Spotted Hyena Cubs: Source: Wikipedia

Of course, these are just the larger animals. It’s also easy to spot gorgeous iridescent dragonflies flitting around, or little reed frogs hiding in the bushes near the water. It’s a sanctuary for over 400 species of birds, including African fish eagles, crested cranes, lilac-breasted rollers and ostriches. Lilac-Breasted_Roller_with_Grasshopper_on_Acacia_tree_in_Botswana_small_c

Lilac Breasted Roller: Source - Wikipedia

To enhance this abundant wildlife, plants thrive here as well. Beautiful water lilies can be found floating through the waters and swaying papyrus line the banks. African_Water_Lily Cool Ways to Explore There is plenty to see in the Okavango Delta. Here are some exciting ways to explore the area:
  • Want a gorgeous view from above? Try a scenic flight so you can truly appreciate the beauty and great expanse of the delta.
  • A safari game drive will give you an up-close view of the animals.
  • A Mokoro ride (a type of canoe/punt propelled by someone pushing a stick into the bottom of the water) is an exciting option for floating through the channels of the delta. Just watch out for the crocs and hippos.
  • Who wouldn’t love to explore on the back of a mighty elephant. Elephant back safaris are another great way to get a unique perspective of the abundant wildlife.
  • How about simply walking. Many guided walking tours are offered to give you the full flavor of the region.
Mokoro_Polers_waiting_for_hippos
Of course, game viewing depends on the season, and water and food availability, so you’ll want to plan your visit carefully. You don’t want to miss out on the awesome wildlife spectacle. Hand carved Topi (Antelope) or Elephant Bookends The Okavango Delta is a great place to spot majestic elephants and graceful antelopes frolicking in or near the water. Our beautifully hand carved Topi (antelope) sculptures and elephant bookends will add interest to your bookshelves and remind you of these wondrous African animals. Shop Zawadee Wildlife Shop Zawadee Wildlife
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Getting to Know Africa: The Magnificent Serengeti

Take a Photo Safari through Serengeti National Park

Serengeti_National_Park When you think of an African safari, chances are images of the Serengeti spring to mind. Nothing quite imbues the grandeur of Africa and its wildlife as the vast open plains of the Serengeti. Serengeti National Park is Tanzania’s oldest and most popular national park. The nearly 15,000 square kilometer park is made up of grassland plains, savanna, riverine forest and woodlands. It was established in 1951 and became a World Heritage Site in 1981. It’s located about 300 kilometers from Arusha and stretches north to Kenya, and borders Lake Victoria to the west. Serengeti is a huge international tourist destination with over 90,000 tourists visiting the park each year, and was of course the inspiration for the wildly popular animated film The Lion King. The_Lion_King_-_Magic_On_Parade_11732440736

Source: The Lion King - Magic on Parade, Wikipedia (Creative Commons, licensed for reuse)

The Serengeti’s ecosystem is one of the oldest on earth. Little has changed in the past one million years. Its climate, vegetation and fauna have remained essentially the same. Amazing Trees and Animals in a Gorgeous Landscape There are hundreds of species of trees in the park. The Serengeti landscape would not be recognizable without the iconic flat-topped Acacia trees that dot the plains. These trees use their thorny outer branches as a defensive mechanism to prevent animals from ripping them to shreds. As one of the most important animal sanctuaries in the world, human habitation is not allowed in the park except for the staff of the Tanzania National Parks Authority. Away from human encroachment, animals thrive. Zawadee - Bring Africa Home does not adovcate any form of safari other than photographic safaris. We strive to contribute to the protection of species at risk. The Serengeti is famously home to the “Big 5”—lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants and Cape buffalo. It has one of the largest lion populations in Africa, with around 3500 lions in 300 prides. 1024px-Big_Five_Game_1
Source: By Vasylysk (Own work) <CC BY-SA 3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
By some estimates there are three million large mammals roaming the Serengeti plains. There are 35 species of plains animals and more than 500 species of birds, including ostriches, flamingos and vultures. You can also find 100 varieties of dung beetles, numerous Nile crocodiles, monkeys, giraffes and much more. The Roar of Millions of Pounding Hooves You can view wildlife any time of year, but for a truly unforgettable experience, try timing your visit to see arguably the greatest land migration on earth. Twice a year over one million wildebeest and hundreds of thousands of zebras and Thomson's gazelles migrate over 800 kilometers across the plains of the Serengeti, in search of water and fresh grazing. From December to February they head south, and from May to July they head back north making these months the best time to catch this unbelievable spectacle. To watch the great migration is to observe a life and death struggle. Witnessing such power and violence in the animal kingdom is unforgettable. Predators, such as lions, cheetahs and leopards lurk on the outskirts ready to pick off a young wildebeest or stray zebra separated from the herd. Crocodiles in the Mara River snap away at the onslaught of animals. And all the while, vultures circle overhead hoping to get a nibble. In the end, 250,000 wildebeest die during their journey, usually from thirst, starvation, exhaustion or predation, but most make it and will make the trip again.
Appreciate Unparalleled Beauty with a Safari Even if you miss the great migration, there is much to see. In Swahili, the word safari simply means a journey. Here are a few safari options to get the most of your journey through Serengeti National Park:
  • Hot air balloon safaris: Imagine your perspective from above where you can fully take in the great landscape and its inhabitants.
1024px-Balloon_Safari_2012_06_01_3126_7522678450
Source: By Harvey Barrison from Massapequa, NY, USA (Balloon Safari_2012 06 01_3126 Uploaded by Elitre) <CC BY-SA 2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons
  • Walking safaris: These can be for a couple of hours or several days for the more adventurous. Going slow on foot is a great way to use all your senses to appreciate the beautiful surroundings.
  • Game drives: You can get a little closer to the big game in a vehicle.
Topis and Buffaloes Have you been lucky enough to visit Serengeti National Park? If so, you no doubt glimpsed a topi antelope or buffalo, which are abundant within the park. Whether you’re looking for a small sculpture for your mantel or a large frame for your wall, we have numerous products that capture the grace of the topis and mighty power of the buffalo. Cover Photo Source: De volta para casa / Going Back Home, Serengeti National Park (Tanzania) Subscribe to Zawadee Newsletter Subscribe to Zawadee Newsletter
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