A Fishing Village

I remember coming across the African Toyota Ox-cart on a dusty road leaving Monze. I was being driven by Fr. Kenan - a priest friend of mine.

Just a little way further along the road we came across these young boys herding cattle. It is very unlikely that these children went to school. Their families will have owned cattle for generations. The cattle provide their employment and income.

So where are we heading?

This is Lochinvar. It is about 35km from Monze. Lochinvar is known as a National Park where there are antelopes such as Impala and the local Lechwe – there are also Buffalo, Zebra and other animals that pass through – and beware of hippos and crocodiles! It is well known for its abundance of birds. I remember seeing a Secretary Bird which walks in a very haughty fashion as well as a Maribou Stork, Fish Eagle, Hornbills, Vultures and many more beautiful birds.

But we weren't here on safari!

These boys are part of a fishing community. The families live in these straw huts while they fish the Kafue river.

When the rains arrive each year this area is flooded and the straw huts are all washed away!! 

I had come to Lochinvar to join the fishing community in the celebration of mass.

During the dry season access to the church is by car, but during the rainy season you need to find a canoe! The fishing community have permanent houses which are much further from the river however these house as well as the church need to be on ground that has been built up above the level of the flood water. Sunday mass is an occasional rather than a weekly occurrence because of the remoteness of the village.

I have been very fortunate to have had so many wonderful experiences in Zambia over the past 20+ years. The photos I took allow me to remember these events, despite my Aphantasia.

I will share some more stories if you are interested.

Chris

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