Journey to the Zambian Savanna: Meeting Hippos and Crocodiles

Leo arrived at the Luangwa National Park in Zambia to witness one of the wildest and most beautiful places on Earth. The savanna stretched for miles around, covered in tall grass and scattered trees, and nearby flowed the Luangwa River, home to a variety of animals. Leo couldn’t wait to meet the local wildlife and learn more about African nature.

He was greeted by a guide named Tanda, who knew the animals in the national park very well and was excited to show Leo the incredible sights of this place. “Welcome to Luangwa, Leo! Here you’ll see hippos, crocodiles, and many other animals that live in the savanna,” Tanda said with a smile. Leo was thrilled and ready for an exciting adventure.

The first stop Tanda took Leo to was the river where hippos lived. The water was calm, and Leo could only see a few large heads sticking out of the water. “These are hippos — the largest animals in the river,” Tanda explained. “They spend most of the day in the water to avoid overheating in the sun.” Leo was amazed that such large animals could hide almost entirely underwater, remaining barely visible.

One of the hippos suddenly opened its huge mouth, and Leo saw its big teeth. Tanda explained that while hippos may look peaceful, they can be dangerous if their peace is disturbed. “They protect their territory and their young, so it’s always important to be careful,” he added. Leo looked at these majestic animals with respect, realizing that nature could be both beautiful and powerful.

As they walked along the river, they noticed a few crocodiles lying on the shore, basking in the sun. Tanda told Leo that crocodiles are excellent hunters and can lie still for long periods, waiting for their prey. “They look like living statues, but if someone gets too close, the crocodile will strike in an instant,” Tanda said. Leo watched the crocodiles with interest; they seemed completely still, blending in with the surroundings.

Tanda also explained that both hippos and crocodiles play an important role in the river’s ecosystem. Hippos, for example, enrich the water with plant matter, which benefits the fish, while crocodiles help maintain balance by preying on weak and sick animals. Leo was fascinated by how interconnected everything in nature was and how each species played its role.

Later, they saw a flock of birds circling above the river. Tanda said that hundreds of bird species live in the park, many of which feed on fish in the rivers and lakes. Leo was surprised by the diversity of life in the savanna, where every corner was filled with life and activity.

During a short break, Tanda explained that the Luangwa National Park was created to protect nature. “Many animals, like hippos and crocodiles, need protection as their habitats are shrinking due to human activity. Here in the park, they can live safely,” he said. Leo understood how important it is to preserve nature and protect places like this for future generations.

At sunset, Leo and Tanda sat by the river, watching the hippos and crocodiles resting after a hot day. The sun slowly set over the horizon, painting the sky in golden and pink hues. Leo felt that this journey had left a deep impression on his heart. Now he knew how important it is to respect nature and appreciate every living creature.

As a farewell gift, Tanda gave Leo a small wooden figurine of a hippo, so he would always remember his adventure in Zambia. Leo thanked him for the incredible day and promised to tell his friends about meeting hippos and crocodiles and the importance of conserving nature.

As Leo left the Luangwa National Park, he looked back at the river where hippos and crocodiles lived peacefully in their natural world. He realized that this journey had been one of the most exciting and educational experiences of his life.