11 August, 2015
Chinhoyi to Mana Pools, Zimbabwe
Up bright and early and off we go .. In and out of Mopane bushland & up and down the hills climbing to + 1000 meters then down again the river. There are a large number of trucks as this is the main road to Zambia. The hairpin bends & long laden road trains make the drive a bit frustrating but we follow our instructions and are soon bumping over a very corrugated road - 60 km which took us a very long time. Eventually we reached Mana Pools National Park then it's another bumpy hour to Vundu Camp run by Riverside safaris. Here we are welcomed like long lost friends by our host & guides. A delicious lunch overlooking the river followed & our afternoon plan was presented. A short rest in our delightful tents complete with inside & outside showers followed. It's very warm (over 30 degrees of very dry heat).
After an hour drive through the reserve we launched our canoes and had our first lesson in dodging hippos & crocodiles. It is gorgeous paddling along - quite scary at first when the hippos surface right next to you. I'm paired with Similian (our guide), Ray with Wellington and A & G together. I feel very confident in Simi and he makes me look so good as we glide through the water. After a 2 hour paddle & numerous hippo, crocodile & bird sightings we head back for showers and drinks before being presented with another amazing meal. 3 delightful courses served out in the open amongst the candlelight. We meet our fellow guests although our trip is just the four of us. So special to be traveling with our adult offspring.