Our last morning started as every other - brilliant sunrise- the only difference was we were packing and leaving after breakfast. The 3 hour landrover trip back to Ruckomechi enabled a whirlwind tour of the national park but importantly we got to see the pools that make Mana pools famous - including the biggest - long pool - lined with crocodiles and hippos.
On arrival at camp we walked the last 100 metres as the jeep sustained another puncture....just grateful it got that far! We said our goodbyes to Matthew and Henry,then had brunch before leaving at 12.15 (Matthew unexpectedly returned to take us) to catch our 1pm flight to Lusaka - it arrived early - and after a big hug from Matthew - we left immediately and headed for Kariba paid our $50 departure tax had our passports stamped and then headed for Lusaka where we paid our $50 Zambian visa fee ......an expensive day........and entered the country for our one night stay at Pioneer Camp -the bush 20 minutes from the airport.
If you are thinking of going to Zimbabwe do - we found it safe and a great place to visit; the people were very welcoming and hopeful for the future. Tourism is picking up but they are not overwhelmed; and importantly the wildlife and hospitality are as good, if not better, than anywhere in Africa.
Next stop Brazil at the end of July!