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the river, with crocodiles lining the banks. the weather, the seasons, and new smells
For rescuing. the nearest crossing for the or sounds that warn them of danger or
crews on the other side was three hours alert them to dinner being nearby. Our
upriver, then three hours back. The balloon guide, a veteran of a decade or so in the
company went to its backup plan: getting region, headed for a few favorite crossing
guides from another camp on this side of areas.
the river to pick us up. Two larger safari Wildebeests move in erratic ways. We
vehicles arrived after about an hour and saw one group turn around and head
drove us to an airstrip on this side of the south, and another just grazed. Our guide
river, where we caught a small plane to fly decided to circle back toward an area
back to the airfield where the balloon com‐ where lions were reported in abundance.
pany was waiting with our Champagne He drove slowly when searching for ani‐
breakfast and a birthday toast! The timing mals. He spotted a female lion hunched
turned out great, too. Our guide was there over and eating a dead wildebeest. A pack
to take us to pick up our luggage, which of hyenas were circling, then sitting, when
had just arrived at another airfield. a male lion approached. A flock of vultures
lined the limps of a distant tree, next in the
Wildebeests on the Move African food chain.
An excited voice came over the radio:
The following day, guides in the north “Crossing at 6.” The wildlife had changed
reported more significant numbers of ani‐ their collective minds, driven by prides of
mals moving toward the crossing. Our pre‐ lions pursuing them out of hiding in the
vious trips to Africa taught us to be patient bushes.
when looking for wildlife. They move with Our guide spun the Land Cruiser around
150 WINE DINE & TRAVEL MAGAZINE WINTER 2025
