Well rested? [Massingir Part 3]

Early morning visitor outside my rondavel.

I do hope those of you who stayed overnight at the rest camp are well rested?  I heard lions roaring during the night!  An incredible, blood-curdling sound, I thought they were only metres away from my rondavel. 

Waking up to the many bird calls just before dawn this morning was sheer magic.  I snuggled down a little longer, until the first ray of sun touched the curtain.  I had to get up then and sip my coffee out on the deck taking in the splendour of the new day.  Such peace and tranquility.  I could have sat there for hours quietly absorbing it all!  The song of Africa! 

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The song of Africa!

I trust you found the camp breakfast enjoyable?  Thick maizemeal porridge with creamy milk and sugar, followed by chunks of wild boar bacon and scrambled eggs served with 'farmstyle' toast, browned over the coals on the fire.  The coffee was also brewed on the fire.  I had mine with a generous splash of cream skimmed from the top of the milk.

The birds have been busy since first light...

Hungry chicks to be fed...a parent's work is never done!

Today we shall drive to several points along the Massingir Dam and see if we can spot some more wildlife.  Don't forget to bring your cameras along with you!

The Massingir Dam is one of Southern Africa's largest and supports an active subsistance fishing industry.

As with Part 2 of this excursion, I have decided not to comment unnecessarily, but to rather allow you to enjoy the sights we discover in peace.  I personally find it distracting when someone needs to offer a running commentary.

 

Sunken fishing boats are dotted along the length and breadth of the dam.  Evidence of the turbulent past and overall impoverishment of the majority of these subsistence fishermen.

 

Fishermen heading out for the day's catch!

Did you all spot the hippos?

 

Oh, Wow!  Aren't we lucky.  Elephants coming down to drink and wallow.  Have those cameras ready!

We can sit here for a while and quietly observe them!

There is still plenty to see later, when you're ready to continue.  For now, permit time to stand still, as  you scroll back and allow the unfolding scenes to wash over you a second time...try to capture the essence of this special place!  Let its memory touch your soul.