Hwange National Park

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

February 18

We convened as a group once again, as we gobbled down breakfast created by Kioko once again. Three girls, studying anthropology, from Iceland have joined us in the second half of the journey. After breakfast we headed towards Hwange National Park, (190 km – 4 hours), Along the way we stopped to visit the Painted Dog Conservation Group. The education center was very well done and we heard about the plight of the African Wild Dog before hiking to the rehabilitation camp where they are nursing three injured dogs back to health. It was very interesting indeed and worth researching these very unique animals which actually swallow their meet whole after a kill and regurgitate it later to chew and digest it. This seems to be the safest way to eat everything before uninvited guests come to enjoy the picnic. 

We arrived at Hwange National Park by lunch time and after lunch, met Andy and his family. Andy took us on a game drive through the park, stopping frequently to tell anecdotes about the plant life, birds and animals in the park. We were in the park for about four hours and saw herds of zebra, a few giraffe, one lone elephant and on the way back to camp, a lion on the side of the road who gave us quite a show. The sun was setting so we headed back to camp for dinner and a brief break. One hour later, Andy picked up up again for a two hour night game drive. During the night he spotted the animals quickly with a spot light, capturing their eyes which glowed in the dark. Then he would pull over turn the jeep and lights out and we sat and listened to the sounds of the animals just meters away grazing and communicating. It took on a whole other meaning for me as I listened to an elephant right beside the jeep tear at long chunks of grass and grind it to pieces. I wasn't afraid at all. That surprised me!

Bulawaya - February 19

We travelled 310 km to Bulawaya. We settled into a beautiful site with great showers and we all had a room. This was the perfect place to use as a base to explore Matobo National Park. We met Ian, the very knowledgeable guide who spoke to us about the plan for tomorrow and cautioned us about what we should wear and bring. NO BRIGHT COLORS! Hmmmm.