No two days are the same in Victoria Falls, which is why at Khanondo, we love calling this haven our home. On a sunny Saturday afternoon, a friend of mine, and I went on a wildlife excursion where we walked with cheetahs, cuddle lion cubs, and interact with elephants in Victoria Falls The beauty of such an activity is that it is boxed in adrenalin and tied with a bow of serenity.
The Cheetah Walk
TWhen we arrived in the cheetah’s territory, our guide articulated all the safety precautions that needed to be followed during the wildlife excursion. He took a jab at some of the people who were unsure whether the cheetahs would like them, as the cheetahs love being around people and welcome any person who wishes to play with them. The ladies were quick to take a jab at the men by saying they must walk in front so that they protect us, and the men jabbed back saying the world is now one of equal rights, so ladies first! As we walked in laughter towards the cheetahs, the cheetahs lay on the ground as if to gesture that they wanted hugs from us.When we arrived in the cheetah’s territory, our guide articulated all the safety precautions that needed to be followed during the wildlife excursion. He took a jab at some of the people who were unsure whether the cheetahs would like them, as the cheetahs love being around people and welcome any person who wishes to play with them. The ladies were quick to take a jab at the men by saying they must walk in front so that they protect us, and the men jabbed back saying the world is now one of equal rights, so ladies first! As we walked in laughter towards the cheetahs, the cheetahs lay on the ground as if to gesture that they wanted hugs from us.
We took turns hugging the cheetahs and taking photos of each other. It was entertaining to see how when I look at the photos of people I took; the photos start off showing unsure or uncertain dispositions. As the roll continues, these transform into laughter, smiles, comfort, and ease!
Having cuddled the beauties, we went for a walk with them. Each person took turns being led by the cheetah that comfortably navigated its habitat. The women laughed at the men who trailed behind in uncertainty.
Having captured lasting memories, we bid farewell to the elegant beauties and continued to the baby Kings of the jungle.
The Lion Walk
As we approached the lions, my friend quickly whispered, 'why is that lion looking directly at me?' I laughed and responded, 'because it has eyes!' she says, 'But why me out of everyone?' we laughed and listened to our guide, who explained that it might be the yellow-coloured top that attracted the lion to Anna. The guide wondered what colour the lion saw, as they were colour-blind, but whatever colour it was, the lion found Anna extremely attractive!
'You sure I can go and sit next to him?' she asked the guide as she was weary about how he continued to look at her. He laughed and explained that as a cub, all that he wanted to do was play with her, nothing else. We all took turns sitting next to him, patting him and wondering just how beautiful the experience blended with the trees. Laughter echoed across the forest as we enjoyed the playful cubs and a few anxious looks. We escorted the lions back to their abode in the forest and went on to experience the gentle giants of all – the elephants.
Elephant Interaction
'This is crazy; where else would I have been able to hug an elephant?' exclaimed Anna as the guide encouraged her to cuddle and feed the elephant. We bonded together with the elephant, sometimes wondering how swift her trunk could get when feeding her. It would seem as if she was saying, 'you are feeding me too slowly!'
We spent the rest of the afternoon enjoying the that the elephants exuded before enjoying the refreshments as the sun began makings it's way below the horizon. We appreciated the photographs and videos of us that were displayed on the television, and the varied emotions and expressions the images portrayed. People shared stories about encounters they had in the wild and how none closely resembled this particular one. There is indeed a delight that comes with cuddles. It's a different kind of bonding that can’t be put into words.
When it was time for us to return to the vehicle, we all agreed that the excursion had ended too soon. The activity lasted approximately two and a half hours, but it all went by too quickly because time flies when you are in the thick of fun. 'What a day I will never forget,' exclaimed my friend as we returned to the vehicle to drop us off at our respective homes. As she rightly said, no two days are the same in Victoria Falls.
Book Your Experience With Us!
Such a wildlife encounter and experience is a must-have when in Victoria Falls. You can book your experience with us at Khanondo and you will be catered to from pick up all the way to drop off to your preferred destination afterwards. The best combination is to then go on our cruise after the afternoon in the sun, and cool down. Looking forward to having you!
