DAY 61 and 62: Don't worry, we're still alive!

I wonder how many of you thought we had been eaten by hyenas when you didn’t see a post up this morning!?? Don’t worry – we’re alive and very much kicking! Due to a technical reason we were unable to post last night, but I’ve decided to put up yesterday’s post exactly the way I had written it, all be it a day late: 

Day 61: With less than 10 days left on the road a strange feeling has settled within me. One part can’t wait to get home and the other is scared that we don’t make the most of what is left to see and do along the way. You all know the sensation: It doesn’t matter whether you’re away for a weekend or a month – when the horses get close to the stables they start to run! I hope we don’t run. With three of southern Africa’ most scenic reserves (Matopos, Mashatu and Mapungubwe) still on our list we really have to take it slow and soak in the beauty that we are so privileged to see and experience. 

Our mothers will be happy to know that no hyenas, hippos or lions made snacks of us last night. Ji and I went straight to Mana Mouth at first light and enjoyed what felt like a morning at Plettenberg Bay! There was soft white sand, cool running water, sunshine and of course Ji’s now-legendary blue Hawaii shirt – all ingredients in a typical beach holiday. Ji fished for one last time while I took photos. We also had a long interview session in front of the video camera, sharing our thoughts about Malawi and Mana Pools. 

The only thing between us and the wildlife of Mana Pools

Chilling by the 'beach', Mana-style

Ji tried his luck again

It was a memorable three days in this wild Zimbabwean park, which didn’t come without a little bit of disappointment (mostly because of the lack of roads and game). Nyamepi will certainly go down as one of the wildest campsites we’ve stayed in and I’ll never forget the roars, whoops and munches so close to our feeble little tent! 

We left Mana Pools around midday and drove south to the Chinhoyi Caves National Park. Along the way we bought fresh meat, biltong and more drinks, most of which is already in our stomachs! Tomorrow morning we cross Zimbabwe to visit one of my favourite parks – Matopos. There are few people who get as excited about Matopos as my dear friend Servaas and I wish that he and his wife Liese could join us there. But if things keep improving in this wonderful country, maybe we’ll all be up here soon enjoying holidays as we did 20 years ago! Tonight my prayers go out to all the amazing people of Zimbabwe who have endured incredible hardship over the past decade. May this country reach its former glory in the very near future… 

Our lush campsite at Chinhoyi Caves National Park

And now for a short update on Day 62: We left Chinhoyi around 08:30 and crossed most of the country to get to Matopos National Park near Bulawayo. As a family we used to visit Matopos often in the 90’s so I have many fond memories of it. We’re camping next to Maleme Dam, but you’ll have to wait for tomorrow before we show you some photos. It has been raining for much of the afternoon, but it seems to be clearing up for a beautiful evening. Bye for now.

Villiers

Highlight of the day:

Villiers and Ji: The stunning Matopos scenery

Lowlight of the day:

Villiers: Thinking of Zimbabwe's struggles

Ji: The fish not biting