
Zambia
Elephants and hippos by the Zambezi
date of entry 17/03/1989
mileage 15,416
capital Lusaka
area 752.614 km²
population 13.460.305
GDP 11.156 M. US-Dollar
official language English


The former Northern Rhodesia, once a British colony, still boasts an impressive abundance of wildlife. The Holtorfs encountered countless elephants as well as groups of hippos on the Zambezi. Many of the paths they used were almost too overgrown. Especially impressive were the visits to the world-famous Victoria Falls and the new South Luangwe National Park.

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The children watched with curiosity as the Holtorfs cooked every evening26 of 26
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"Welcome to Zambia" – majestic pachyderms and breathtaking nature1 of 26
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The sign did not exaggerate: Zambia is a land of elephants2 of 26
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In the early 1990s they would suddenly appear on the road in front of Otto time and again3 of 26
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Adult bulls can weigh up to seven tonnes and could have been dangerous even to Otto4 of 26
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With the then still youthful Otto – on their first visit he had just 15,000 kilometres on the clock – Gunther ventured even into rough terrain5 of 26
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And onto completely overgrown tracks, ...6 of 26
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... which no-one had obviously used for a long time.7 of 26
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Deep in the jungle Gunther and Otto found this hidden waterfall8 of 26
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A group of shy impala9 of 26
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But even Otto was able to help every now and again: here he pulled a Toyota four-wheel-drive vehicle out of the water10 of 26
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Thankfully, before one of the many crocodiles showed an interest11 of 26
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Major rivers like the Zambezi were crossable – even for Otto – only by ferry12 of 26
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Hippopotami may appear to be placid herboivores, but are among Africa’s most dangerous animals13 of 26
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Even the elephants steer clear of the group14 of 26
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Hippos are known for running down everything that blocks their way to the water.15 of 26
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The elephants did not approach the water until the hippopotami had disappeared.16 of 26
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Then, though, the large herd moved in. On one occasion the Holtorfs saw a herd of over 100 animals.17 of 26
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An impala antelope ...18 of 26
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... can be easily identified by its light belly and dark back19 of 26
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The Holtorfs saw many unusual creatures in Africa. The red-billed hornbill was one of them. It can be recognised from afar by its bright red beak and the likewise red skin around its eyes.20 of 26
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Many tracks that Ottos used were in a poor state21 of 26
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Close to major towns the roads are better, but also a lot dirtier by the roadside22 of 26
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Almost as soon as Otto had stopped anywhere, the local children gathered23 of 26
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Even close to towns many people live in traditional dwellings24 of 26
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From the small corrugated-iron huts, whose roofs are held down with stones and branches, the inhabitants sell foodstuffs25 of 26