Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park near Livingstone in Zambia has numerous woodland and grassland sections. It is home to a variety of wildlife including White Rhinoceros that lives on the grassy plains. Mosi-oa-Tunya or “The Smoke that Thunders” is from the Kololo tribe language and refers to the nearby Victoria Falls.

The Rhino (Black and White) is sadly an endangered species in Africa today. Drought and other causes meant that for many years there were no native rhino in this particular park. A small number were imported from South Africa to increase the population again.

I had an amazing experience hiking in sections of the park on a guided tour with a ranger. Standing on foot face to face with a Rhino is something you just don’t forget! In fact two got so close to me they were actually sniffing my leg. This was occurring much to the fear of the ranger and his companions! He was hitting my leg gently with a  stick, telling me to move back slowly so as to not startle the Rhino’s. I decided it was safer to just stay still and enjoy an incredible moment. I am still here to tell the tale, so all ended well!

Later whilst we were having lunch, the Rhino’s came over again and slept right next to us. Now please note these are still wild animals. Like a said, it was an amazing experience!

Sadly a few years after my visit, despite the presence of armed guards, some dirty poachers came and  killed two of the White Rhinoceros in the park. This was terrible news to hear and sickened me at the time (and still does). There were only about 5 in the park as it was. Unfortunately the guards can not be everywhere at once or watching all the time. All they want is the horn for some ridiculous and unfounded medical or stimulant reason. These senseless acts have to stop!