Hello from Antelope Park in Zimbabwe.
We arrived here yesterday afternoon just before 1pm after driving for 3 and a half days from Malawi, through Mozambique and into Zim.
We bush camped in Mozambique as there arent really any campsites available for us to go to, but it was really good. very dark, and quite creepy though, but it was fun... and to be honest, sometimes its probably better off to bush camp than in be in a crappy camp.

Talking of which, we stayed in a place called The Rocks in Harare, in Zimbabwe which was quite crap. Not really their fault mind you. The country is in a really bad way just now; you cant buy food or drink from anywhere, there is often no water supply, and public transport is almost non-existent. It's a shame really as the country is absolutely gorgeous. Would defo move here if it wasnt for President Mugabe.

Anyhoo, to the good stuff....
So when we arrived at Antelope Park (google it.... but only once im done!)... we were taken on a tour round the camp which is gorgeous. We are camping next to a river. Jd and I have upgraded a little to a room, but its only $8US. We then watched an informative dvd on the park so we could decide what activities we want to do.

JD and I both went for the $125 package each. It includes, 2 lion walks, an elephant ride, elephant training, cub viewing, carriage ride to see game, unlimited canoeing and also a three-course meal.

This morning we have done a lion walk and also done the elephant training. Both were brilliant.

We walked for about five minutes and then the three lions were brought to us where we had pictures taken with them, and watched them play around, then we walked for about another 30 mins with them walking alongside us. They were very active and were constantly play fighting with each which was great to watch. We all had sticks as well.... just incase they got a bit too playful and also to use to distract them if they were being 'naughty'.
Jd and I both absolutely loved it. Its unbelievable how close you can get to them. Although they are bred in captivity they are still wild animals. Its a definite highlight of the trip.

After that we went to see the elephants. We were shown the tricks they could do and how obedient they were. They were all gorgeous but one in particular, Cheche, the only male they have, is 17 years old and we took an instant liking to him. He seemed really cheeky and playful, so when we were allowed to interact with them, Jd and I picked him. We have photos of us sitting on his knee and feeding his. It was great to be so close to them!

So, so far it has been a brilliant day. We have another lion walk at 4pm today and then tomorrow we have our elephant ride, cub viewing and carriage ride, and between all of this we will be out in the canoes.

Antelope Park is gorgeous and well worth a visit if anyone is ever near by. As for Zimbabwe, to a tourist it would appear that the country is fine (apart from the fact there is no food or drink available) but other than that there is no sign of violence or anything like that. We are very glad we decided to come here. So far it has been a wonderful experience.

Hope you are all well at home.
Tried to upload photos but its taken me an hour just to get on and do this.

Take care.
Lots of love to everyone.

MUM, can you leave me a message on here with Charlottes number, and also send it to both my email accounts please?! Phone is not working anymore, neither is Jds, they just wont even turn on.
Emails: ashleysfrogers@googlemail.com, kenya_babe@hotmail.com

Thanks,

Lotsa love,
a very excitable Ash and Jd. xxxxxxxxxxxxx