Zimbabwe safari Reports 2013

Page 3

Zimbabwe Trip Report 2013

Hwange National Park

The following day we set out early for a very scenic drive to Hwange National Park and reached the park gates late morning. (Image 12) This Game Park approaches the size of Wales and our self-catering lodge was still some three hours travel from the entrance. (Image 13) After numerous stops for Game Viewing along the way we arrived late afternoon. Just in time for a local game drive to get a feel for the concession area on which our lodge was situated and to which we would have exclusive access for the duration of our visit. We were delighted to locate the near resident pride of 22 Lions. 8 adults, including two magnificent male brothers, and 14 cubs of three slightly differing age groups. (Images 14-15) Legendary numbers of Buffalo and Elephant frequent the area as well as a wide range of antelopes, primates, warthogs etc together with a mind-blowing array of birds of all sizes, shapes and colours. There are a number of purpose built hides and viewing platforms in the area that are so located as to allow you to watch a never ending succession of animals coming in to drink, with some degree of comfort. (Images 16-21)

In the three or four days that we spent there the Game Park lived up to all its expectations and I would hope to post some of the images I obtained there shortly.

Transfer to Victoria Falls

A three hour drive through scenic and varying landscapes took us to the home of the "Smoke that Thunders" - Victoria Falls. Our Hotel, on the outskirts of town and right on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, was spectacularly situated and very well appointed. The rooms were luxurious with all "mod cons" and the dining areas geared up to suit all occasions. A fair mix of local Wildlife wandered unconcerned through the extensive grounds and we were regaled with birdsong as we took our refreshments by the pool. There was time for a late afternoon visit to Vic Falls Game Park and we enjoyed our sundowners on the banks of the river to the musical accompaniment of various Hippos, Elephants and the ubiquitous frogs.