What a fabulous position we have here in our camp at Mana Pools. We are directly on the banks of the wide and swiftly-flowing Zambezi River with the mountains of Zambia over the other side shimmering in the sun. An island in the river right in front of us shelters hippos which we can hear snorting and grunting over the water. It is simply one of the most beautiful places we have ever camped at. Vervet monkeys and baboons are very cheeky here and we have to kee...

This day was the longest stretch of driving we have to do. Nearly 600 km to get to Mana Pools National Park on the northern border of Zim and Zambia. There were no contingency plans or places to stop for an overnight along the way, nor could we arrive at the NP after dark as they are closed at dusk. So we had to hope for no hold-ups, bad traffic or anything else that could slow us down. We left early and drove on the usual rutted and pot-holed roads steadily mak...

This day entailed only a quick trip of a couple of hundred kilometres to our next destination. Antelope Park is a private game park with a lot of its energy and time dedicated to the rehabilitation of lions and their reintroduction into the wild. The park had lodges, chalets, a camping area right on the river, a restaurant and bar, a coffee shop (good, though cold, pancakes but lousy coffee) and loads of touristy activities. Importantly a pillowcase full of washi...

We passed through mining country with the towns looking like all mining towns do. Slag-heaps surround the towns and the countryside is dotted with them. At Masvingo, we refuelled and shopped in the local Spar supermarket, this one being the Balmain Spar! Although the supermarket was well stocked, the selection is nothing like what we are used to at home and simple things like paper towels or tinned soups are just not available. Next 'big thing' was the Great Z...

A long day's driving today to get to Matobo National Park. We fuelled up and hit the main highway, driving on tar for a change. The road was better than we expected though potholes were of a distinctly superior class. Apparently you can tell a drunk driver here because he drives in a straight line… sober people are all over the road dodging potholes. We were surprised at the lack of villages and people in this part of the country. The occasional farmhouse an...