Hello to all our Lilydale Vet Centre community and furry friends!
If you’ve noticed my absence from the clinic over the last few months, it’s because my husband and I swapped the winter chill of Melbourne for the rugged bushveld and warmth of Southern Africa.
We’ve been on an incredible journey touring through Zimbabwe and Zambia, and I wanted to share a bit of what we’ve been up to while I’ve been away from the consult rooms.
Our journey kicked off in Zimbabwe, a country of stunning landscapes and massive wildlife populations.
Spending time in Gonarezhou, Hwange National Park, the breathtaking Mana Pools, and Victoria Falls, we were treated to spectacular sights of massive elephant herds, lions, incredible birdlife, and even some local fish!
We spent hours watching pods of hippos navigating the waterways, catching glimpses of leopards slipping through the grass, and ending each day beneath the breathtaking colours of spectacular African sunsets.
Beyond the safaris, we also had the privilege of learning about local conservation initiatives—from vital anti-poaching efforts to the inspiring work being done to re-establish rhino populations.
Seeing the dedication of the people protecting these incredible animals was something I’ll never forget.
Of course, a true African road trip wouldn’t be complete without a bit of drama! Out in the bush, our vehicle snapped a shock absorber, which forced us to make an unexpected detour to Harare to get it repaired.
It was a classic overlanding hurdle, but it just added to the adventure (and gave us a chance to experience the capital!).
Once the car was fixed, crossing the border into Zambia brought a whole new set of adventures. We travelled from the banks of the mighty Zambezi River deep into the untamed wilderness of Luangwa and Liuwa Plain.
The raw, untouched beauty of these remote parks is hard to put into words. Seeing these massive, wild ecosystems thrive completely naturally was one of the biggest highlights of the trip for both of us.
Bringing it Back to Lilydale
This trip has been a powerful reminder of why I chose this profession in the first place, and it’s given me a wealth of fresh inspiration and gratitude for the remarkable animals we’re privileged to care for every day.
That said, as beautiful as Africa is, we are both missing home, and I am really missing the wonderful community back home in Lilydale — and I certainly miss seeing all of my regular patients and catching up with their families.
We’ll be heading back to Victoria soon, packed with stories, photos, and a renewed energy to care for your beloved pets.
I can’t wait to see you all again, hear what you’ve been up to, and get back to doing what I love most.
See you all back at the clinic soon!
– Dr. Miranda
