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Peter Craig
Peter Craig

Peter Craig

Travel organiser and tour director at Viv’s Travel Bug
Former founding staff member and Deputy Headmaster Oxley College, Bowral Read more🇦🇺Australia
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  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 37 Friday 15 May Farrer

    May 16 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 19 °C

    Our final day of the trip has arrived.

    Took Beni for a walk on the Farrer Ridge.

    Breakfast with the family before saying goodbye to Al and walking the boys to school.

    Slowly packed the car and eventually left Lara at about 10.30.

    Pushed through Queanbeyan and Bungendore before stopping for a drink in Braidwood. Then it was down the mountain to Batemans Bay before turning north on the Princes Highway and eventually home in Narrawallee.

    And it was sad that such a great holiday had come to an end - but good to be home at last.

    On reflection, everything had worked. The friendship with old friends, the Hendersons and the Whites, was even stronger. The feeling among the tour group was very positive and they had loved what we were able to share with them. We had seen some incredible wildlife and natural phenomenon. All our transport - car, light rail, ferry, airlines and small plane charter flights - had been reliable and on time.

    We couldn't have asked for more. What a holiday!    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 36 Thursday 14 May Farrer

    May 14 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Had a very lazy day as exhaustion has set in.

    Took Beni for a walk on Farrer Ridge.

    Viv walked the boys to school.

    Lara went off to a pottery class mid-morning.

    Had a siesta after lunch while Viv chatted to Lara. They both went off to school to collect the boys.

    After tea Viv and I took Reid to nearby football training while Lara helped Niels with homework.

    Dinner with Al and the whole family.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 35 Wednesday 13 May Dawesville

    May 13 in Australia ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    Both up in time to see Archie leave to catch his school bus. Breakfast and completed packing.

    Loaded our bags into the back of Jemma's huge truck and took Evie to school. From there Jem drove us the one hour 15 minutes to the international airport and dropped us off.

    Didn't have to wait long before our Virgin flight was called. 737 200 and it was an uneventful 4 hour flight through to Sydney. Read and ate a snack lunch.

    Arrived in a rainy Sydney just after 5.30. In a bit of a rush we were able to collect our bags from the carousel, exit the building and catch the shuttle bus to the international terminal and then walk the length of the exterior of the building to find Bus Bay 10 before our Murray's Coach to Canberra arrived.

    The 3 hour bus trip, in the dark, passed very quickly. The coach was half empty so we spread out. Arrived in Canberra at 9.30 pm and Lara was there to pick us up.

    Back to Roseworthy Crescent for a welcome from Al and Beni. Talked for a while before it was time for everyone to head for bed    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 34 Tuesday 12 May Dawesville

    May 12 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 21 °C

    Had a very quiet morning. Watched the kids go off to school. Chris working from home but disappeared to look at a storage unit for a while, returning mid-morning..

    Jem, Viv and I took Samson for a walk down to the water's edge of the estuary.

    For lunch, Chris took the three of us to the local golf club (The Cut) and we ate out on the patio on a lovely mild sunny day. A good meal.

    Back home for a siesta.

    Chatted to the kids when they returned from school.

    Early dinner - a Domino's pizza - and another early night in preparation for a long day of travel tomorrow.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 33 Monday 11 May Dawesville

    May 11 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 25 °C

    We slept very soundly and obviously needed it! Viv had 13 hours and I had 10!

    Came through to find Chris had gone to work and the rest of the family were getting ready for school. Archie went off on the bus and Jem took Evie by car. Relaxed by the pool before coffee and a bite to eat.

    Jem took Sam(son) for a walk and I joined her. Viv got washing sorted out.

    Later in the morning, Jem drove us north to visit Chris' new factory in Bibra Lake. Most impressive. Chris showed us around and explained the various components of a Reverse Osmosis system that they were building for Murdoch University.

    On the way home, we stopped in the Halls Head mall and Jem and Viv went food shopping while I found a SpecSavers to straighten up my bent glasses.

    Home for soup followed by a siesta while Jem went to get Evie from school.

    Read, chatted, Archie arrived and then Chris. Early dinner followed by an early retirement.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 32 Sunday 10 May Overnight flight

    May 10 in Australia ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Tried to sleep on the South African Airways (flight SA280) 8hour 30 minutes flight to Perth but were not particularly successful. Good food and friendly air hostesses.
    Read

    Finally reached the Australian mainland ahead of time and landed safely at Perth's International Airport at 12.30. Jemma was late because of our early arrival, plus heavy Mothers Day traffic.

    Finally the Chevrolet Silverado turned up and we loaded up for the hour-long drive to Dawesville.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 31 Saturday 10 May Laroo la Tau

    May 9 in Botswana ⋅ 🌙 8 °C

    Viv's birthday!

    Awoke to the call of fish eagles in the Botete.

    Slow start to a cold morning as the sun rose and the red light weakened. Partially packed before walking along the sandy path to breakfast. Ignored the politics being discussed by a Canadian and Americans and took a coffee down to the riverside chairs. Also examined the Hide, which had potential.

    Back to our room for a final pack and then our bags were collected and we were transported to the airstrip. Our little GA8 Airvan arrived within minutes. 4 of us got on board for the 30 minute flight to Maun. Generally followed the Botete/Thamalakane River. Very flat landscape.

    Met at Maun and helped through luggage. Decided to try to see the Liversedges but they had sold their shop. Sat in the terminal while Viv went shopping. Security then Customs before sitting waiting for our Johannesburg flight.

    Flew on an Airlink Embraer E195. 1.5 hours with a snack meal. Very comfortable.

    At Oliver Tambo International Airport we checked our bags into, then killed time in the Departures Concourse. I looked after the bags while Viv went gift shopping. Finally made our way to the flight departure lounge and had to go through another carry-on bag check. Finally on board and we departed late.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 30 Friday 8 May Camp Okavango

    May 7 in Botswana ⋅ 🌙 13 °C

    We had our first lie-in for ages and relaxed into the morning.

    Breakfast at 8.00 all by ourselves as most other guests were out on activities. Chatted to the cook and waitress. After breakfast strolled to the viewpoint along raised board walks.

    Final packing ready for our flight south. Viv browsed in the lodge shop.

    Taken by boat for about 30 minutes to the nearest airstrip. Winding channels edged with varieties of reeds and birds.

    Direct flight from Xugana to Laroo la Tau took about an hour. A very competent female Botswanan pilot handled the little GA8 Airvan extremely well. Plenty of water in the Delta so few islands and large vistas of green reeds.

    As we crossed the main road from Maun to Gaborone the landscape became considerably drier and acacia thorn bushes dominated.

    Finally saw the Botete River and a landing strip came into view. Met by Kets and with 2 others from another flight (joined later by 2 more), we went on a game drive. Very different sort of country compared to most of our previous travels. Dry, sandy and we had to watch out for acacia thorns. Our vehicle had to cross the Botete by pontoon while we were taken by boat. At the top of the bank was the Kumaga Gate into the Makgadikgadi National Park.

    Stopped to watch 7 elephants drinking from the river. And they were soon joined by dozens of zebra. Continued on and saw elephant and steenbok. Stopped for a sundowner and then we made our way back to the exit and the pontoon. A bumpy ride on a dirt road got us to the lodge, Laroo la Tau.

    Shown around in the semi-dark and finally taken to lodge 8. Mix up with bags was sorted out and we showered before dinner. Collected and taken to the dining room by a torch-bearer. A full table of residents but not a particularly interesting conversation.

    Bed by 9.00 exhausted.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 29 Thursday 7 May Camp Okavango

    May 7 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 20 °C

    I got the times wrong and woke Viv at 5.00 instead of 5.30. In the dog box! However, we were on time when the escort came at 6.00 to walk us in the dark to breakfast.

    Left Camp Okavango at 6.30 with guide 'Dallas' and a Swiss couple by boat for a walking safari. Travelled for about 30 minutes in the winding water channels, among the reeds and water lilies, before we eventually reached the island we were to hike on.Read more

  • Peter CraigExploring GujaratTraveler

    Day 28 Wednesday 6 May Kazikini

    May 5 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 30 °C

    Allowed a sleep-in to 6.00 this .morning with breakfast at 6.30. Bags packed and in the trailer soon afterwards.

    At 7.15 the whole crew of 8 came to farewell us. Sang two songs with accompanying dances - it was great! In return Viv tried to get a 'Walzing Matilda' going. I made a speech telling the whole crew what a good job they had done. Then we handed out envelopes of gratuities to Isaac (David Wells), Mpho (Viv), the chefs (Jenny Wells) and the remaining crew (Wendy Wurfel).

    Waving farewell (they had been an excellent team for 8 days), we looked for game as we made our way to the nearest airstrip. Saw little at first but soon we saw giraffe, elephants and zebra. After much bouncing and weaving on backroads we arrived at the Santawani airstrip by 9.30.

    This quiet little airstrip became very busy as 3 planes landed and parked waiting for passengers. Then a few giraffe wandered across the airstrip followed by some zebras. As our departure time got closer Viv and I said farewell to everyone as they were all flying to Maun while we were heading further into the flooded Delta, to Camp Okavango. Our mobile camping safari had come to a successful conclusion - and everyone appeared satisfied.

    Our Mack Airways flight (a Cessna 208 Caravan - 9 passengers?) took us up over the Delta. Plenty of water on Viv's right-hand side of the plane. Saw very few animals from the air. Landed at ? to drop off passengers before flying to Xugana where we disembarked.

    Met by 'Dallas' who loaded us on to the Camp boat and he piloted us through winding papyrus reed-lined channels for 30 minutes to get us to Camp Okavango Lodge. Greeted by an enthusiastic 'Dumela' by about 6 staff (including some ululations). Very impressed with the design of the facilities and the welcome we received from everyone.

    Shown to our room (No.5 with a view out over the water and reeds). Lunched in the dining room and then had a siesta on our huge bed. Back to the lounge for tea before we left for a mokoro ride about 4.30. Relaxing but didn't see much of interest in terms of wildlife.

    Back in our room before dark and were collected later and taken by torch-bearer to dinner. Introductory welcome and talk from staff and chef after a ululating call had seized our attention. A good meal. Chatted to fellow guests as we all sat together on a long table.

    Bed by 9.30, exhausted.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 27 Tuesday 5 May Kazikini

    May 5 in Botswana ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    We were awoken at 5.30 by the water bearer. Dressed and coffee by 6.00.

    With Mpho driving we headed north on a road to Moremi. Bumped around in the mopani forest before turning off to the west.

    Mopani gave way to open grasslands. Came across a pair of steenbok followed by a giraffe family of 6, with a real baby. Further on were herds of zebras. Also watched an elephant and a lilac-crested roller.

    Came back to camp at Kazikini for a late breakfast. Isaac, the chief guide, brought out a map and Viv added her two. A good discussion about the geography of the area followed with everyone asking questions. A very worthwhile session.

    Laundry and relaxed.

    After we went exploring again. Although Mpho worked hard we found very little. Giraffe,,ebra and elephants in the distance. At dusk we met up with the other truck and had a 'last night' sundowner.

    Back to camp for a shower, drink around the campfire, another good .meal prepared by Kevin, and finally bed.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 26 Monday 4 May Khwai

    May 4 in Botswana ⋅ 🌙 16 °C

    Up at 5.00 today,breakfast at 5.30 and the tents down before we left.

    Game-viewed until 9.00. Watched baboon mothers climb down a tall tree with their babies. First surprise of the day was a leopard lying on a branch. Watched for a while as it lay sunning itself,, and then it climbed down. Followed it for a while on the ground and achieved some more good sightings.

    Zebra and a large family of mongooses.

    Morning coffee came as a welcome stop. Ooma's rusks. No

    We then abandoned game-viewing as such and set about driving to our next camsite. Bumpy sandy road all the wat to Mababe Village. Looked at the river flowing steadily into the Mababe Depression. The road after that had been graded but after a while it deteriorated into badly destroyed sections and detours into the bush to get around them

    Sankuyo Village and then we found a shady tree off the road and stopped for lunch. Very slow afternoon as we were in no hurry to reach our new camp site in the
    Kazikini community concession. This new camp was not part of the original booked itinerary but the change has been forced on Okavango Expeditions by heavy local rains and flooding, making the Moremi National Park's closure a certainty.

    Arrived in camp late afternoon and unwound, with nobody interested in an evening game drive.

    Hot shower water appeared at 6.00 and then we moved across to the fire and a G&T. Cook Kevin gave us his usual description of the evening meal. Soup, followed by kudu stew and then banoffee for dessert. The 2 cooks have been superb on this trip, cooking over an open fire. Dinner was late so got to bed about 10.00.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 25 Sunday 3 May Khwai

    May 3 in Botswana ⋅ 🌙 17 °C

    Slept soundly until my toes got cold at 4.00.. Wrapped them up and a hour and a half later we were woken by the morning warm water delivery.

    Washed and dressed. Breakfasted at 6.00 and by 6.30 we were out searching for wildlife. Not much to see but the highlight was a small group of tsessebe, something we had not seen before. Morning tea under a large tree overlooking the flooded Khwai River. Some flocks of fowl.water.

    Continued on but saw little before arriving back at came mid-morning. Took the opportunity to catch up with washing and diary writing.. A warm day so retreated to the shade.

    Lunch was at midday and we managed a siesta before departing at 2.00 for a mokoro ride. Drove for about 30 minutes to a new riverside mokoro ride starting point.

    For me, the mokoro ride was a disappointment. Rex, our poler, tried hard and we talked all the way as we progressed upstream through waterlilies. Had a drink on-shore. Rex discussed the content of some elephant droppings with the group. Our return to the starting point was very similar. Saw no wildlife at all.

    Embarked on a game drive at the completion of the mokoro ride. Elephants, zebra, baboons, Found a green algae-covered pool with a hippo in it. Saw a flock of about 20 bright-green Meyer's parrots which brought back memories for Viv of Peter the parrot, the family Meyer's parrot in Kalomo. Watched for a while before heading slowly back to camp at dusk.

    Before entering our tent we became aware of a bull elephant 20 metres away
    Gathered our laundry in haste. Viv also discovered a bushbaby outside our shower wall. Great excitement! Parrot plus bushbaby..

    Shower, sundowner around the campfire, dinner. Bed at 9.00 with the camp very quiet.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 24 Saturday 2 May Savuti

    May 2 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    We were awoken at 5.00 by one of the crew bringing hot water for a morning wash. Dressed and breakfasted by 6.00 and on the road soon afterwards as the camp was demolished in preparation for a move to Khwai.

    For the first few hours we went on a game viewing drive in the Savuti area. Again had a great start to the day as we sighted 5 sleepy lionesses. Moved on and learned that 3 cheetahs were close by and we managed to get a good look at them before they disappeared into the undergrowth.

    Next, as we entered some grasslands, we saw huge herds of zebras. Also sighted elephants and giraffe.

    Aftera stop for coffee, we began our move southwards towards Khwai. A very bumpy road, which was either very sandy or scattered with water-filled dips that we either avoided with side roads or attacked in low gear. Very slow progress.

    Stopped for a picnic lunch in the Mababe Depression grasslands under a large camel thorn acacia. A couple of hornbills watched us closely hoping for food.

    Our drive afterwards took us passed swamps and huge colonies of water birds
    Also occasional giraffe, lechwe, wildebeest, and elephants.

    By late afternoon, we had reached the boundary of the Chobe National Park and we entered the Khwai Community concession. Turning north-east, and driving alongside the flooded Khwai River, we reached our camp-site in the early evening It was a new destination (Mogotho Khwai community concession) because the flooded Moremi National Park had been closed to us. A large bull elephant came close to our camp-site and shook the fruit from a tree 20 metres from our tent, before wandering off.

    It had been a hot, bumpy,but interesting, drive so a hot shower was most welcome. A G&T (or two) around the campfire was relaxing and a late dinner followed. Kevin has been an excellent chef, cooking his meals over an open fire.

    By 10.00 everyone was in bed and the camp quiet, apart from the occasional call of an owlet. Slept soundly..    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 23 Friday 1 May Savuti

    May 1 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    We were awoken at 5.30, had coffee at 6.00 and were out game-viewing soon afterwards.

    As the sunrise we came across a male lion sleeping in the road. Watched for a while then saw 2 young females playing in the distance. Moved around to get closer to the frolicking. Kept in touch until they climbed a sandy hill.

    Word came through that some cheetahs had been sighted and we were lucky enough to watch a mother, and later her 2 cubs, before they crossed the road and disappeared into the bushes.

    Went in search of a leopard that had been seen yesterday. En route we saw a steenbok, some zebra and wildebeest. And then suddenly we were looking at a large male leopard that was focused on an impala. Eventually the impala realised and moved off quickly and the leopard moved passed us and out of sight.

    On our way back to camp late in the morning we saw impala, wildebeest and zebra.

    Relaxed and did some laundry. Late lunch and slept in the tent in the heat of the afternoon. Afternoon iced tea and carrot cake before we left for the afternoon game drive.

    A comparatively quiet session after this morning's excitement. Waterbirds, zebra, and wildebeest. Sat, watched and absorbed.

    Back at sunset for a shower, G&T around the fire, dinner and then more fireside chat. Asked Isaac and Mpho questions and had an interesting session.

    Bed about 10.00 and slept soundly.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 22 Thursday 30 April Chobe NP

    April 30 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    Up at 5.00 with large bags packed before a 5.30 breakfast. Tents being 'dropped' as we ate, while the whole camp prepared to move to Savuti. On the road soon after 6.00, well rugged-up.

    Spent the next few hours game-viewing along the Chobe River front. Great sightings of a male lion, jackal, elephants . warthog, waterbuck and a herd of 30 giraffe. Amazed at how flooded the Chobe River was.

    Left the river and finally turned towards the Ngoma Gate as we exited the National Park. Continued westwards on a tarred road as we followed the river boundary. Small villages with their kgotlas (community meeting places). Acacias appearing for the first time as the vegetation changed to savannah. We stopped for lunch by driving off the road to the shade of a large tree. Views across farm land to the river.

    As the road turned south (and the Chobe turned north) we left the tar and embarked on 80 kms of sandy bush tracks. 4WD low traction, bouncy. Very slow progress and we only saw a couple of elephants. On the second part of the rough track we had to negotiate large pools of water in the dips. Finally reached the Ghoha Gate of the Savuti National Park about 4.30 and began to operate as a game-viewing drive, stopping to ask other trucks what they had seen and where.

    Saw a saddle billed stork, zebra, a Kori bustard and finally 5 female lions (fast asleep). At dusk we eventually arrived at our new camp, to the shouted greetings from the crew.

    Our tents had already been set up and there was hot water in the shower bucket. Great to clean the day's dust off a weary body. G&T before dinner around the fire. A good meal was attacked with positive conversation about the activities of a long day

    A very tired group headed for bed by 9.00    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 21 Wednesday 29 April Chobe NP

    April 29 in Botswana ⋅ ☀️ 16 °C

    Heard lions,hyenas and elephants during the night. Aroused at 5.30, breakfast by 6.00 and we left camp for our first game drive about 6.30. We made our way slowly towards the flooded Chobe River, stopping whenever we saw any fauna of interest.

    By the time we stopped for a morning coffee about 9.00 we had seen impala, lechwe, doves, lilac-crested rollers, fish eagle, Marshall Eagle, baboons and giraffe.

    Continued our search before returning to camp at 11.30. Refreshed and lunch and a drink (a Botswana St Louis beer). R&R until 3.00 pm. A warm afternoon.

    The late afternoon drive was most rewarding. Saw kudu, our first herd of giraffe (26?), and then our first lions. Two females were focused on a giraffe family of 4, with a small baby. The giraffe were aware of the lions and there was a stand-off for a while before the giraffe moved off.

    Back to camp for a drink (G&T) around the campfire followed by dinner. Much talk.

    Headed for our tent about 9.30 with everyone tired.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 20 Tuesday 28 April Victoria Falls

    April 28 in Zimbabwe ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    A slow start to the day. Viv had an outdoor bath while I had a shower

    Packed before walking to the main building for breakfast. Chatted to the others.

    Finished packing. Bags collected and we all met in reception at 10.00. However, the transfer bus arrived 45 minutes later, which really didn't matter.

    Taken by Patricia the 1.5 hours to the Botswana border in small bus. A reasonable tarred road which deteriorated the closer we got to the border. View of the new bridge across the Zambezi as we came into Kasangula. Long lines of coal trucks from Hwange lined up to get through, to go south to South Africa.

    Slow but familiar process of customs departure and entry. Shoes chemically cleaned against foot and mouth by walking through a shallow trough. On to Kasane Airport for a handover to Okavango Expeditions.

    After meeting Isaac and Mpho we were taken into Chobe township and the wharf from which our boat sailed. Issued, after a wait, with a packed lunch before boarding and starting our cruise. Stopped to sign into the National Park office, before starting our game viewing.

    Crocodiles, hippos, elephants, kudu and hyena.

    Back ashore we'll before sunset as still had a lengthy drive to our camp-site. Drove down the main road for a long time before turning off. En route saw a sable, buffalo.

    Reached our Chobe National Park campsite at dusk. Allocated to tent No. 6.
    All gathered for a gin and tonic in front of the fire. Good meal

    Everyone exhausted and headed for bed soon after 9.00. A long day but a good one.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 19 Monday 27 April Victoria Falls

    April 26 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Not the best of nights and we were both up before 5.00 am. Got ourselves ready for the early morning game drive. About 5.45 we were collected by torch-bearing staff and taken to the main building for a coffee before we boarded our safari vehicles. Quite cold.

    Since the lodge is in a game reserve, we meandered from the river to the flatter country in the interior. Baobabs and elephant-smashed msasas. Saw plenty of game starting with impala but also kudu, warthog, elephants and zebra. Stopped on the river bank for a bush coffee, a great safari tradition that I always enjoy.

    Back at the Old Drift Lodge we had a late breakfast followed by a leisurely morning. Swam and read but were interrupted by a herd of 7 elephants very close to our tent.

    Made our way the 500 ms to reception by 1.30 pm and when everyone had arrived the whole group, in 2 vehicles, was taken to the Lookout Cafe for a late lunch. Views of the gorge and a huge volume of water passing through it.

    Moved from the Lookout Cafe mid-afternoon for a visit to the Falls. Issued with ponchos as we arrived and we needed them. Can't remember ever seeing so much water and the spray was soaking. Views from the various viewpoints was limiting.

    Devils Cataract, Livingstone's statue, Main Falls and then drenching mist. Few photos. Danger Point and Boiling Pot impossible to see and the rocks were wet. However, it was still great to be back at a majestic sight and our fellow travellers absolutely loved it. On to the bridge view before walking a drier path back to the exit.

    Showed everyone around the iconic Victoria Falls Hotel and then went on to the Big Tree (baobab) before heading back to the Old Drift Lodge in the dusk. Driven to our tent by one of the drivers.

    By 7.30 we had been collected by a torch-bearer and walked the 700 ms to a Boma Dinner with all the hotel guests in attendance. Good food - had warthog., boerewors, sudza plus. The staff did a singsong and we all joined in.

    On the way back to a tent we saw a browsing hippo in the torchlight and discovered it had made an unintended hole in our board walk before we had arrived.

    Bed by 10.00, downstairs this time. It had been a good day.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 18 Sunday 26 April Johannesburg

    April 25 in South Africa ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Not the best of nights as the duvet was too hot.

    Up at 5.45 and joined everyone at 6.30 when the dining room opened for breakfast. Great choices.

    By 7.30 we were all ready for departure, although Michael's bag had disappeared. Eventually found and we were taken swiftly to OR Tambo International Airport. Assisted by a local, we were soon booked in, and passed through security and Customs.

    Browsed in the book shop + until boarding time appeared. Our Air Link Embraer was reasonably full. One hour 20 mins later we arrived at Victoria Falls airport.

    We were met by the Old Drift Lodge crew and driven into town and then along the Zambezi bank to a jetty. The whole group was transferred to 2 boats and we made our way slowly upstream, looking for wildlife onshore. Elephants, giraffe, and impala.

    Greeted by the staff and welcomed by the female manager. Allocated to rooms and we discovered that we had been given the special sky room facility, 800ms away from the main block, downstream from all the others, with an outdoor bed on a raised platform. Had fun unwinding in the plunge pool.

    At 4.30 we gathered for tea and then set off on a river cruise. Hippos, elephants, maribou storks and an African river sunset.

    Had a kudu steak for dinner and walked back, with a torch-bearer to ward off wildlife, to our Room 12. Showered and then climbed up to our sky bed for the night. (couldn't see much because of the thick mosquito netting, which was a bit of a let down but we were too tired to care!!)    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler
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    Day 17 Saturday 25 April Harare

    April 25 in Zimbabwe ⋅ ⛅ 24 °C

    Up early.

    Finished packing before breakfast.

    Loaded the car by 10.00 and headed for the airport with Graham and Jean. A slow trip but arrived in plenty of time. A really emotional farewell. They gave us a fabulous holiday in Zimbabwe. A beautiful couple - with a fun spaniel, Sabi, - as well as George and Caroline to assist them.

    It was sad to fly out.

    A good South African Airways flight to Johannesburg (1 hr 20mins)

    Made our way to the bus terminal and waited a long time for the shuttle. Eventually dropped off at Peermont L'Oréal Hotel.

    Relaxed before going for a walk within the huge complex. Never seen so many poker machines!

    Joined the whole group for a drink in the bar before adjourning to the table for 12 in the dining room. Much talk as we all became acquainted.

    On the trip with us
    * Gloria Blonde & Greg Bruce
    * Don Butler & John Curotta
    * Liz & Michael Light
    * Jenny & David Wells
    * Wendy & Peter Wurfel

    Everyone tired and there is an early start tomorrow so a reasonable bed time.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler
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    Day 16 Friday 24 April Harare

    April 24 in Zimbabwe ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    Up early after a good night's sleep.

    Lazy morning

    Breakfasted at 9.00 with the Hendersons.

    At about 12.30 we left Glen Lorne and made our way to the Borrowdale shopping centre and the Village Greek. Once there we joined up with Dave and Gilly White plus Rob, Mel, and Ann Garvin (family friends from Viv's past).

    Had a most enjoyable lunch with plenty of bonhomie. Touching book gift from the Whites. It all ended about 3.00 with farewells, which were particularly sad in the case of the Whites. They had been great company during our return to Zimbabwe.

    Supermarket shopping before home followed by the evening stroll with Sabi with all of us chatting away.

    IPL cricket and dinner.

    Some packing. Early night    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 15 Thursday 23 April Nyanga

    April 22 in Zimbabwe ⋅ ☀️ 18 °C

    Awoke to the house surrounded in thick mist - familiar Nyanga guti conditions. After coffee decided to go for walk in the guti. Went up the hill then turned left at the crossroads and headed down for a bit until the road started following the contour. Passed several big properties but no view because of the mist. After 30 minutes turned back, better for the 7 kms exercise but not much else.

    Breakfasted with everyone and we then packed the car and trailer. Said farewell to Ruparo and Nurmar, the workers at Chapungu, and drove down to Nyanga village. Petrol and the electricity office to sort out a fusebox issue.

    Pushed onwards through Juliasdale to a bustling Rusape (much-changed) before turning north on the road to Harare. Many kopjes near Macheke and Headlands before we stopped again at Halfway for a picnic lunch.

    Onwards to Marandera, Norton, Ruwa and finally the outskirts of Harare. Took the backroads to Glen Lorne and arrived at 25 Worplestone Way at about 3.30.

    Unpacked and unwound. Evening dog stroll with Sabi, Jean and Viv to the end of the street.

    Watched some IPL before and during dinner.

    Early bed.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 14 Wednesday 22 April Nyanga

    April 22 in Zimbabwe ⋅ ☀️ 12 °C

    Our 54th wedding anniversary and we are back at Nyanga where we honeymooned all those years ago!

    Up at 4.45 and negotiated Sabi in the kitchen to make a cup of coffee. Decided to walk to the high point beacon up the road.

    A beautiful clear morning and the views were stunning. Followed the dirt road upwards and finally turned off towards the summit. It was a maintenance road that looped around to get access.

    Once there I bushbashed to the old concrete trig point on the highest point. Sat and absorbed the scenery, with views to the horizon in all but the east. Inyangani clear and close. Magic!

    Reluctantly headed back to the path, then down to the beginning of the maintenance road. Back at Chapungu by 8.00. A most enjoyable 5 km walk.

    Viv not feeling well but improving with medication.

    Breakfast with the Hendersons. A lazy morning followed and we sat on the lawn in the sun chatting.

    Left for Troutbeck about 12.30. Took Sabi with us so sat on the terrace out of the cold breeze. Ended up having a relaxing 3 hour anniversary lucheon which we will certainly remember!

    Mid-afternoon Graham took us to the nearby Brackenhills Dam and we walked around the perimeter. Relaxing.

    Back to Chapungu where we all found ways of relaxing. Had something of a siesta.

    Good fire. Soup only for supper. Much talk. Bed about 9.30 after a warm bath.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler
    2
    21

    Day 13 Tuesday 21 April Nyanga

    April 21 in Zimbabwe ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Awoke early and climbed the stairs from our downstairs bedroom looking for coffee. Found Sabi in the kitchen but no electricity or gas, so no coffee.

    Abandoned the idea of coffee, dressed and headed off for a walk up the firebreak to the viewpoint at the top. Had to do some bushbashing because a couple of large wattle had been felled. Spectacular views of Inyangani and vistas to the west.

    Back for coffee and breakfast. Porridge is the staple for Jean and its been a staple this visit.

    About 10.00 we embarked on a car ride and went up the road to the communications tower and its views. From there we drove to Troutbeck and asked about an anniversary lunch tomorrow. Wandered down to the dam with Sabi off the lead and into the water.

    Left Troutbeck and headed further north, on a road I have never been on before. Views of Mozambique and a large mountain to the east.

    Turned off on a dirt road and eventually found Nyamoro Dairy and its cafe. Had lunch in the garden under a tree. Quiche, toastie, chips and home made lemonade.

    On the way back we turned off and went up to World's View and the Connemara Lakes. What a special vista! No wonder it's called World's View. Climbed the topological tower to see how far away other places were.

    Made our way back to Chipungu for a late tea on lawn. Another spectacular sunset. Lit the fire and relaxed after a day of scenic memories.    Read more

  • Peter CraigA Visit to southern Africa 202Traveler

    Day 12 Monday 20 April Harare

    April 20 in Zimbabwe ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Up early and read.

    Breakfasted with everyone at 7.30, then packed and helped load the car and trailer.

    Left Glen Lorne at 10.00 and made our way to the Mutare Road. Big changes there. Filled up with petrol before pushing south-eastwards through Ruwa (big growth area).

    Familiar names of villages as we drove. Marandera, Macheke, Headlands and Rusape. We stopped for a picnic lunch at Halfway, just before Headlands. A familiar stop for Viv during her childhood.

    On to Rusape where we turned off towards Juliasdale and on to the National Park. Rocky kopjes becoming larger and more imposing. Punch Rock, Montclair Hotel and stopped to buy fruit at Clermont. Views of Inyangani.

    Onwards to the Troutbeck turn-off and we climbed for a bit before turning into a sideroad and reaching 'Chapungu', the cottage that the Hendersons have shares in. Stunning views down the valley to Nyanga village.

    Unpacked, had afternoon tea, then went for a short evening stroll with an excited Sabi.

    Evening meal and a fireside conversation before a bath and bed.

    It's great to be back in Nyanga.    Read more

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