From our camp in Karongwe, we traveled two days (with an overnight in Pretoria), to get to our Camp in Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. We arrived on Wednesday afternoon after a flight and a three & a half hour drive through miles of mostly desiccated land, including many miles of coal mining operations and right through a huge open pit coal mine!
We had a camp orientation, with the usual singing and dancing welcome by the staff, and a nice dinner. Back at the tent, we were overwhelmed by the number of small black bugs that had swarmed our tent (and everyone else’s as well). They were harmless, but in numbers that were appalling. We sprayed the bed and sink - white surfaces where they were especially visible - and then the entire room including our selves with the “Peaceful Sleep” bug spray that was provided. Then we had to turn out all our lights to keep the bugs away, so we had a very early night. Apparently these bugs show up after a rain in enormous numbers. We don’t know what happened to the 2-inch spider in the shower, but maybe the lizards took them out.
This morning, we were up before the sun, listening to birds and watching the sunrise over the valley below us. After breakfast, by 7:15, we were off on our first safari in this park.
The highlights of the day were seeing;
Several herds of impala, as well as waterbuck, the animal that is the symbol of the National Parks in Zim, because they can be found in all 11 National parks.
Giraffes snacking in the trees and moving around with incredible grace and fluidity.
Three lions relaxing after a fresh kill,
Hippos, crocs and lots of cool birds at Mandavu dam,
A big herd of elephants along the road.
Along the way we had morning tea and crumpets overlooking the reservoir and enjoying some of the local creatures and plants.
After lunch, we took a nap, exploring the joys of evaporative cooling (a wet sarong and a ceiling fan make even very hot weather bearable) - what our guide calls “Ten toes up safari”.
Much to our delight and comfort, there was a very welcome big rainstorm, complete with a rainbow, later in the afternoon which cooled things off. The afternoon game drive was especially lovely with the post storm light. We saw some animals and enjoyed the views from the ridges above the valley. Sleeping was much more pleasant with the cooler air.
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