At the end of Day 4 we arrived at a wildlife orphanage, Chipengali, located near Bulawayo, Zimbabwe's second largest city. We had a private behind the scenes tour with Cal, the facility's director. We got to get close to the last two of our big five search a rhino and a cheetah. We got to pet the rhinos which will remain at Chipengali until they are no longer endangered. There is a horrible poaching problem with hunters killing the animal for its tusk. The tusks are sold as aphrodisiac at a huge profit.
But, by far the best part of the day and maybe the safari was playing with 3 month old lion cubs. It was so exhilarating! They are strong, lovable, playful and a little frightening. What a feeling! Words can't do it justice.
We stayed at Chipengali that evening. We made a huge bonfire, drank, sang and listened to the animals with the volunteers from the orphanage. They come to Africa from all over the world and are so passionate about saving the wildlife. Being in nature that way really touched me. I just felt more alive.
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