Our African adventure began in spectacular fashion at the Royal Livingstone Lodge along Zambia's Zambezi River. The property itself felt like a wildlife sanctuary, with giraffes, zebras, impala, and baboons wandering freely across the grounds—a perfect introduction to the enormous continent's magnificent creatures.

Victoria Falls demanded exploration from every angle. At dawn, we soared above the mile-long cascade in a microlight aircraft, watching the first rays of sunlight illuminate the mist rising from the churning water below. Later, we hiked down to the Boiling Pot at the base of the Falls, where the Zambezi's waters collect in a swirling pool. Our descent was accompanied by families of baboons who seemed completely at ease with human visitors. From this unique vantage point, we also had an incredible view of the historic Victoria Falls Bridge spanning the gorge.

Meeting the Matriarch

Crossing into Zimbabwe brought us to Elephant Camp, where we joined our fellow Tauck travelers and met fourteen orphaned elephants who call this sanctuary home. The morning we spent with a family of seven elephants, led by their matriarch Jambo, remains etched in my memory as one of life's truly transcendent experiences.

Jambo commanded presence—enormous, majestic, and beautiful in equal measure. Walking alongside her and her family through the African bush felt almost dreamlike. The earth literally trembled beneath their massive feet as they made their way to a clearing prepared with treats. Multiple handlers positioned themselves strategically around us, their expertise ensuring everyone's safety while allowing us remarkably close access to these magnificent animals.

The Art of Elephant Feeding

Feeding these gentle giants proved to be both thrilling and surprisingly technical. We learned there are two distinct methods: "trunk up" and "trunk down."

With the "trunk up" command, Jambo and the others would raise their trunks high, anticipating their reward. Tossing handfuls of treats directly into their open mouths and watching them chew and swallow was utterly mesmerizing. The "trunk down" command brought a different kind of excitement—the elephants would extend their long trunks toward us, and as we held treats over the outstretched appendage, they'd create powerful suction to vacuum the food straight from our hands into their trunks. I'll admit to a moment of nervousness, wondering if my hand might disappear along with the treats, but the elephants proved remarkably gentle and precise.

Beyond feeding time, we watched in awe as they used their tusks to excavate roots and insects from the earth. Their raw power became visceral when they began uprooting entire trees to feed, casually dismantling vegetation that would take multiple people and tools to remove. The trail of destruction they left behind in the forest served as a humbling reminder of their overwhelming strength.

A Lost Ring and African Kindness

Safari life comes with its own rhythms and routines. Every third day meant packing all belongings by 8 AM for transport to our next destination. On the morning we departed Elephant Camp, I rushed to pack my photography gear from the bedside table to meet that unforgiving deadline. Success—or so I thought.

Hours later, en route to Chobe Game Lodge, I realized my wedding ring was missing. My heart sank. We were in remote Africa, constantly moving between locations. The ring seemed lost forever.

When I explained to our trip leader Nancy that I was certain the ring had fallen into the mosquito netting around the bed while I hurriedly packed, she responded with remarkable calm. "We have to pass by there on our way to South Africa after Chobe, so we can stop and pick it up—assuming they find it."

Six hours later, Nancy showed me a photo on her phone: my ring, safe and sound. A few days later, we retrieved it during our journey to South Africa. That moment of relief and gratitude still resonates with me—a testament to both Nancy's resourcefulness and the kindness of the Elephant Camp staff.

Completing the Circle

Our time with the elephants marked the first of Africa's legendary "Big Five" sightings. Over the following days, we would encounter hippos, rhinoceros, lions, and leopards, completing the full circle. But beyond these famous five, we were equally captivated by the baboons, zebras, impala, kudu, wildebeest, painted dogs, and giraffes—each species perfectly adapted to its role in this complex ecosystem.

Walking with Jambo and her family through the Zimbabwean bush wasn't just about seeing elephants; it was about experiencing their power, intelligence, and surprising gentleness firsthand. It's one thing to observe wildlife from a vehicle. It's something else entirely to walk beside them, to feel the earth move beneath their feet, and to look into eyes that reflect ancient wisdom. That morning at Elephant Camp didn't just start our journey through Africa—it transformed how we see our place in the natural world.

Walking with Giants: Our Unforgettable Encounter at Elephant Camp, Zimbabwe

Cape May: Footsteps at Sunrise