Africa is one of those destinations that gets under your skin. It’s near impossible to leave unmoved by its magic, as I discovered earlier this year in Botswana and Zimbabwe.
My African odyssey comprised three unforgettable destinations: Victoria Falls, the Okavango Delta, and Chobe National Park.
Although photographs could never compete with actually visiting this region, they have made for valuable keepsakes.
Victoria Falls gorge view from Devils Cataract (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
Victoria Falls is known locally as Mosi-oa-Tunya, which translates as ‘the smoke that thunders’. And as far as names go, Mosi-oa-Tunya suits it perfectly.
The only way to take in the falls in their entirety is from the air (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
As I stood across the gaping gorge from the falls, saturated from head to toe by its profuse spray, I was completely enamoured.
The Okavango Delta moves to a completely different beat. There I was able to enjoy Africa at a slower pace, whether it was on the ground during a walking safari, or from within the belly of a traditional Mokoro floating peacefully through the waterways.
Floating down the waterways of the Okavango Delta in a Mokoro (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
The only thing more impressive than being in the Okavango Delta is flying over it (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
This is the Africa to truly slow down and take in the smaller, otherwise hidden aspects of nature. While each stop offered up an amazing and life altering experience, the highlight of my trip was Chobe National Park with its daily game drives.
Sunset on the Chobe River (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
During an early morning game drive in Chobe National Park we came across a pride of female lions hunting impala (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
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This cub wasn’t too keen on resting, so he made his own fun in this dead tree as the rest of his pride chilled (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
There are wild animals everywhere. The wildlife is diverse and plentiful, and it’s surreal.
A sunrise game drive in the Savute region of Chobe National Park (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
On my first safari drive I came face to face with more than one herd of elephants, more giraffe than I could count, kudu, impala, sea eagles, and one of the most impressive sunsets I’ve ever seen.
This giraffe appeared curious, twisting his long neck to get a good look at the safari jeep (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
Most days I felt like I’d set foot in a David Attenborough documentary. And it never got old.
Africa’s potent allure comes in many forms: its people, the landscape, the wildlife. It’s easy to fall in love with Africa and its many treasures.
The way the calf snuggled up to the older elephant melted my heart (Image: Sarah Vercoe)
For me, it was the elephants. There is something about the way their enormous feet kiss the earth, how lovingly they protect their calves, that melts your heart.
A trip to Africa humbles you and puts everything into perspective. It leaves you in awe and wanting more, with the only cure a return trip.
See more of Sarah's inspiring photographs on her blog, which are also available for purchase from her online print store.
