Friday, 28 June 2013
Mana Pools - Nyamepi Camp
We tried to take a scenic route to Nyamepi but could not cross the Sapi River - sand to deep and soft. Had to recover vehicles and deflate tyres and eventually did a u turn and went the main route so only got to camp at about 5pm. Our 1 hr trip turned into 7 hrs !!
Nyamepi camp is very big with quite a lot of people which we are not used to after having all previous camps to ourselves. We do have drinkable tap water, flushing toilets and a hot shower.
Sun sets over the Zambezi are beautiful and temperatures perfect reaching 31 at 4pm.
Hyenas and monkeys are a problem in camp. We must have had about 10 hyena scavenging around us whilst having supper last night..an odd pebble tossed in their direction and large bonfire kept them at bay.
Have seen quite a lot of game but because there is still water inland the animals have not arrived in large herds as yet.
The park has spectacular trees and lovely scenery especially along the river edge.
We have driven to Vundu Point which is very pretty with huge pods of hippo. The river is very wide here and you can see Zambia across the other side..quite a few lodges and moored boats .
Nyamepi camp is very big with quite a lot of people which we are not used to after having all previous camps to ourselves. We do have drinkable tap water, flushing toilets and a hot shower.
Sun sets over the Zambezi are beautiful and temperatures perfect reaching 31 at 4pm.
Hyenas and monkeys are a problem in camp. We must have had about 10 hyena scavenging around us whilst having supper last night..an odd pebble tossed in their direction and large bonfire kept them at bay.
Have seen quite a lot of game but because there is still water inland the animals have not arrived in large herds as yet.
We have driven to Vundu Point which is very pretty with huge pods of hippo. The river is very wide here and you can see Zambia across the other side..quite a few lodges and moored boats .
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| Zebra are extra black and white |
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| Looks like a golf course with all the large trees |
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| Sun downer |
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| Enjoying the camp fire |
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| Large herd of inquisitive impala |
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| Local ladies going fishing |
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| Camp along the banks of the Zambezi |
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| Anyone for tea or coffee? |
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| Beautiful herd of Eland |
Wednesday, 26 June 2013
Mana Pools - Chitake 1 - 24 June
The trip out from Matusadona was a bit quicker only 4.5 hrs. Gavin and Rita had a blow out probably caused by the rocks. Made it to Karoi and camped at the Twin Rivers Motel - they let us use the chalet bathrooms.
Gavin got a new tyre fitted early Monday morning and Nico, Marian, Hennie and Ronelle arrived and we set off.
Not a bad trip except for first 30 km into Mana which is quite badly corrugated. Went through 3 check points before arriving at our camp around 13.30 .
Park fees are US$15 per person per day and $10 per vehicle.
Before we could finish setting up camp a lion came strolling past us in the river bed so everyone scrambled for cover then cameras came out. A lone elephant followed shortly after then a buffalo. Animals were coming down for a night cap. A huge troop of baboons entertained us until they went to bed in the trees across the river bed.
We had so much activity around all night we got little sleep. Lion, hyena, elephant and baboons
Up early and collected water from the spring for our showers. There are no facilities at the campsite, just a beautiful massive Natal Mahogany tree. The little stream suddenly started to flow yesterday afternoon and is now trickling right past our camp.
Baboons are up and there is a hive of activity must be about 100 of them providing us with great entertainment.
Took a stroll up the river bed then drove around to see the avenue of old baobabs very impressive. Stopped for tea and watched a few buffalo come down to drink.
Heading back to our own camp which seems to be the best place for game viewing and enjoying a few ice cold beers.
Last night our camp was surrounded by 3 lion calling each other - they sounded like they were in bed with us!!
Leave for Mana Pools this morning...have not been able to get data signals to send to the blog.. Will remove the pictures and try again.
This last picture(when they eventually come thru.) shows everyone trying to help Rita & Gavin put their shower cubicle back in it's cover...I think you need a degree!!
Gavin got a new tyre fitted early Monday morning and Nico, Marian, Hennie and Ronelle arrived and we set off.
Not a bad trip except for first 30 km into Mana which is quite badly corrugated. Went through 3 check points before arriving at our camp around 13.30 .Park fees are US$15 per person per day and $10 per vehicle.
Before we could finish setting up camp a lion came strolling past us in the river bed so everyone scrambled for cover then cameras came out. A lone elephant followed shortly after then a buffalo. Animals were coming down for a night cap. A huge troop of baboons entertained us until they went to bed in the trees across the river bed.
We had so much activity around all night we got little sleep. Lion, hyena, elephant and baboons
Up early and collected water from the spring for our showers. There are no facilities at the campsite, just a beautiful massive Natal Mahogany tree. The little stream suddenly started to flow yesterday afternoon and is now trickling right past our camp.
Baboons are up and there is a hive of activity must be about 100 of them providing us with great entertainment.
Took a stroll up the river bed then drove around to see the avenue of old baobabs very impressive. Stopped for tea and watched a few buffalo come down to drink.
Heading back to our own camp which seems to be the best place for game viewing and enjoying a few ice cold beers.
Last night our camp was surrounded by 3 lion calling each other - they sounded like they were in bed with us!!
Leave for Mana Pools this morning...have not been able to get data signals to send to the blog.. Will remove the pictures and try again.
This last picture(when they eventually come thru.) shows everyone trying to help Rita & Gavin put their shower cubicle back in it's cover...I think you need a degree!!
Sunday, 23 June 2013
Tasinga campsite Matusadona 22nd June
Decided to do the Black Rhino 17k drive..saw very little and the road was so bad once again that we turned back and drove around the edge of the lake..very beautiful. The plumber with diving kit arrived by boat to fix the submerged water pump ..waited for an armed guide to keep watch for crocodiles !!
The photo shows the beautiful sunsets we have been having.
Last night was full moon and a lovely calm night so could hear the hippo and elephant eating around the camp with the hyenas adding their 5 cents.
Leaving for Karoi this morning. won't make Kariba due to the bad roads. Enquired about getting out of here by ferry but it only comes by on Tuesday !
All is well...another shit day in Africa !!!
The photo shows the beautiful sunsets we have been having.
Last night was full moon and a lovely calm night so could hear the hippo and elephant eating around the camp with the hyenas adding their 5 cents.
Leaving for Karoi this morning. won't make Kariba due to the bad roads. Enquired about getting out of here by ferry but it only comes by on Tuesday !
All is well...another shit day in Africa !!!
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