ZimZam 2024 : Part 2 : Gonarezhou NP, Zimbabwe

Friday 16th to Monday 19th August

16 August

Checking in a Chipinda Pools gate takes longer than you think.

And there's deflating tyres and buying and loading firewood too.

The sun is setting when we finally make it into our campsite a Runde Gorge. 

It's always stressful getting 4 vehicles and 2 caravans set up laager style in your camp but this campsite has the added challenge of being rocky, sandy and sloping.

Once set up, drink in hand, we realise the awesome, remote setting with a wonderful view of the river is so worth it.

We are staying 4 nights. Another tip... don't rush around too much...breaking camp every day is horrible...rather enjoy fewer places...

17 August

Settling into camp, enjoying being in the wild, loving the bush cooking and the campfires but frustrated with caravan issues...

Everyone finding their rhythm and their niche..

Stephen, the electrical engineer called upon to help fix everyone's problems with solar panels, batteries, fridges and pumps..But always lots of ice cold beer, GnTs, wine and bubbly..we have our priorities right..

If you drive up the hill to the view point over Chipinda, the data signal is good enough to send what's apps, make calls or post photos..

18 August 

The park is very, very dry and game sightings are few and far between..

A sunset trip to Chilojo (Red) Cliffs...

Full moon and starry nights..

Hot days and balmy evenings that cool down just enough for you to get a good night's sleep.

19 August

A morning drive to the new causeway and Chivilila Falls.

We do some packing up as it's another daybreak departure tomorrow...

Zim Zam 2024: Part 1 : Setting Off

Thursday 15th August

It's been a long time coming; this epic safari through Zimbabwe and Zambia. Over a year ago we planned the route and Hanlie started the bookings for the Zim Parks; the exclusive use campsites book up fast.

It's a lot of work putting a trip like this together...but all the planning pays off in the end.

Our group this year...

Gail and Neil

Hanlie and Andrew

Rina and Rupert

Stephen and Vivienne 

We set off from Joburg on Thursday to spend the night at Zvakanaka outside Louis Trichardt.

We had just picked up the "new"caravan so we had lots to learn. The retractable step stopped working before we left Joburg!!

Friday 16th August

We decided to leave at sunrise, not knowing how busy the border might be...Beit Bridge is one of Southern Africa's busiest land borders..We breezed out of SA and things on the Zim side were very quiet..

This new caravan is double axil, so we weren't allowed through the light passenger vehicle channel..but Neil and I navigated the complex sequence of counters, officials, forms and payments alone without the help of Cleopatra of Zim tourism, the "fixer" helping our travel mates through on the other side. 

Next stop, Econet at the Baobab Spar in Beit for 5 Zim Sims and a few last minute groceries.

Travel in Zimbabwe is slow with single lane roads being in pretty bad condition and loads of trucks and tankers heading north.

We stopped in Chiredzi for fuel ( they do take credit card or even ZAR here ) and then it was off to the Chipinda Pools Entrance to Gonarezhou NP in a cloud of dirt road dust...

Don't underestimate travel times in Africa and stops with 4 vehicles and 8 people always slow you down way longer than you think. 

We always have a roster for meal prep,  which may sound a bit pedantic,  but you will definitely all thank me for this at some stage on your trip. There are no roadside services or take out restaurants in these parts, so it's a real time saver to be handed your 'padkos' for a long journey day like this.

Joburg and around

Catching up in Joburg and around for a few weeks..24 July to 14 August

It's always good to meet with friends..

A few days at Zebula..

Visiting Andrew and Terry in Witbank..