Dear Reader,

​

​

After months of anticipation, the day finally arrived — my adventure to Zimbabwe. It began with a long journey to Johannesburg and then on to Harare, where my sisters and I stayed with a dear friend. The warm welcome, the tropical night air, and the excitement of being reunited set the tone for what would become one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.

​

From Harare we flew to Victoria Falls, where we met up with the rest of our group — the team and other artists who would share this journey with us. With luggage full of art supplies and hearts full of anticipation, we set off for Hwange National Park.

​

Our safari guide met us at the Painted Dog Conservatory and gave us what was supposed to be a simple transfer from the bus to the lodge… yet even that short drive was overflowing with wildlife. We were already in awe.

​

​

​

​

We were originally booked to stay at Robins Camp, but to our surprise we were upgraded to Sable Valley. From the deck we could see a sweeping green valley, affectionately called “the golf course” because of the way herds of animals cross it like golfers walking a fairway. Zebra, elephant, buffalo, wildebeest — life everywhere we looked. It didn’t feel real.

​

​

🦁 The Safari Begins

Our first full day of safari welcomed us with a breathtaking moment:
a lioness with her kill. It was raw and humbling — nature in the truest sense.

​

​

​

A little later, we saw giraffes among the trees. I’ve seen giraffes in zoos, of course, and they always stand out boldly — impossible to miss. But in the wild, their patterns merge with the sunlight and the branches so perfectly that they almost vanish. Watching these towering animals become one with the landscape was unexpectedly profound.

​

​

From there, every day brought something new.

A mother hyena with her pup, a bird trying to engage in a conversation with my sister, hundreds of cape buffalo, and a standoff in the middle of the road with more giraffes.

​

​

​

A mother elephant, protecting her calf, gave a false charge toward us. It all happened so fast — ears wide, trunk high, that deep rumbling warning. It was terrifying and beautiful all at once… a true reminder that we were in their territory, and that wildness still exists in this world.

(You can view the video here)

And then — the moment that will live inside me forever.

​

​

On our last morning, we were in what’s called the bunker, eye-level with the watering hole, when a family of elephants walked toward us. They came close… so close we could see the thought in their eyes. They looked directly at us — held the gaze — and then nodded, one after another, before turning to walk away. As if saying goodbye.​
It was deeply spiritual. I don’t think any of us spoke for several minutes.

(This video can be seen on my Instagram here)

🎨 Finding Time for Art — Almost

Somewhere between early game drives and sunset viewing, I managed to slip in a little painting. I shared a short lesson on:

• Using a water brush for quick washes
• Layering pen sketches over those washes
• Putting shadows in first as a guide

But when the day is filled with elephants, lions, zebras, giraffes, buffalo, and birds in every color — time disappears. We brought our supplies across the world… and barely opened them. And honestly, that’s how you know a trip is extraordinary.

🌟 A Night of Celebration

One of our first evenings included a magical Boma dinner — drumming, dancing, singing, and joy shared between resort guests and employees. We all joined in, and the rhythm, energy, and laughter were contagious. It felt like celebration… of the land, of community, of simply being alive.

​

​

Those first few days in Zimbabwe were filled with awe, adventure, connection, and moments that felt almost otherworldly. And the most beautiful part?
This was only the beginning.

Part 2 — including our time at Lesedi School — is coming soon.​
And yes… paintings inspired by this incredible trip are already forming in my mind.

Thank you for traveling with me — through my art, my stories, and my heart.

​

With love and gratitude,
​Leslie Lambert

​

P.S. More about this part of my trip can be read on my Patreon page by clicking here​

​