Zurich, Dubai, Lusaka. Really? Three cities that had always seemed entirely foreign to me I would now cover in the space of 16 hours. Touching down at just past two in the afternoon, I stepped off the Emirates Boeing 777 to breath my very first breath in Africa. Coming from freezing temperatures with icy snow in Switzerland to a very dry 25 degrees Celsius was quite the shock. I had forgotten just how hot 25 degrees Celsius actually feels.
These temperatures are relatively normal this time of year in Zambia, but the dryness is not. The rainy season typically spans from November to April, bringing enough water to fill the rivers and wells, power the hydroelectric dams and soak the vital agricultural plots. But the last two years have been exceptionally dry causing major problems for the country with water at the heart of its economic prowess.
Cosam, a WWF Zambia employee, met me at the airport and drove me back to the WWF Zambia offices. I was immediately struck by the clashing of worlds. Stretches of road lined by little metal and wood huts, with barefoot children playing out front were interrupted by big, perfectly manicured estates that could have stepped right out of Hollywood. Cars whizzing past each other on nicely paved roads left enough space on the edge for dozens of people to walk, some carrying baskets or buckets on their heads. It almost didn’t make sense, as though half of the country had been unceremoniously thrown into 2016, while the other half was left overturned in the wake.
We finally arrived at the WWF Zambia offices in Lusaka, a modest white house surrounded by beautiful plants and trees. Swept into a small meeting room, we began discussing our plans for the next few days. Tomorrow, I will visit the schools, the Kafue River and maybe see a hippo. But for now, it is time for a good night’s sleep in Lusaka. Stay tuned…
insidekafue 