Fruit Bats and Braais


     Just before Thanksgiving my intake of RAP (rural aquaculture promotion) volunteers took a trip to Kasonka National Park to watch the annual fruit bat migration.  Its ranked as one of the top natural wonders of the world and it was truly phenomenal.  We did a 4 night 3 day camping trip in the park which included two walking safaris, a barbecue, and some night walks.   The park was BEAUTIFUL and made me a little sad knowing that a lot of Africa doesn't look like this anymore, but at least its close to where I am (about 8 hours) and I will definitely being going back next year. 



  Here we are hanging out in the bush waiting for twilight. 


The gang.

Still waiting for twilight, when the bat start flying, so killing time in typical PC fashion

Finally! Were all getting ready with our cameras

While we were waiting we saw some other wildlife lingering around - here are some hippos

I believe these guys are called Puku.  They arent too common throughout the rest of Africa and Kasanka Park has one of the largest herds in Zambia. 

Elephant tracks.  Unfortunately we saw no elephants 

View from the tree stands.  We got to climb up these to get a better look at the bat eating and roosting

African python. 

THE BATS!!  I know you cant see them too well, but all those little black specs in the sky are all bats.  There are roughly 5 million bats that come and roost in these tree groves within the park and each bat is 1.5 meters in wingspan.  

The sky was literally flooded with bats



Right after the park it was Provincal meetings up in Kasama.  Most of the week was meetings and getting arrangements together for programs that will be taking place (such as GLOW, but more to come on that in December).  But you can be assured that Wednesday and ALL of thursday were dedicated to great American holiday.  Of course feeding 50 people with a turkey is impractical and expensive so instead we bought (and killed) a whole pig and cooked it over the grill and fire pit (or Braai style).  I was in charge of making crab soup, roasted carrots/green beans, and mac and cheese. It was all most delicious


Here are some of the men of the house taking take of the pig

And heres half of it roasting over our fire pit


While we were waiting for things to roast/cook we moved the couches out to enjoy the weather with card games and beer. 

The spread!

Crab soup! Tastes just like home!

Found these two guys outside this morning and I just thought they were really cool.  Of course Zambians hate them and associate them with juju.  They change color insanely well though! 


Comments

  1. Mary.Mary,I.Am.MaryNovember 29, 2013 at 6:26 AM

    Wow!!! 1.5 meters in wingspan that's frightening! I will be showing these pictures to my Dad, Garrett.

    Love,

    Mary (Cristov-Gustav)

    ReplyDelete

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