Side Trip to Zimbabwe's Hwange National Park

We decided that before we headed into Zambia that we would back track a bit and head south out of Kasane to the Pandamatenga border crossing to visit the northwestern corner of Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe.  When we arrived at the border there was not a human to be found!  Instead we were greeted by clouds of stink bugs that seemed to be everywhere – including in our hair, clothes and vehicles.  Marius and Collin went to find someone to process our paperwork and our fear of crossing the border into Zimbabwe was soon eliminated with some of the nicest guys and most efficient paper processing of the entire trip.  We passed through the Matetsi Safari Area and headed into Hwange.

A Giant Kingfisher 

Gate to Robin's Camp

Our first stop was Robin’s Camp named after Herbert George Robins, an Englishman who acquired Little Tom’s Spruit in the Wankie District of Southern Rhodesia in 1912.  There he farmed cattle and experimented with his scientific instruments.  He built a clock tower to observe the surrounding land and over the years acquired approximately 25,000 acres which he bequeathed to the Southern Rhodesian Government in 1939 on the condition that it be maintained for all time as a game sanctuary.

View of Robin's Camp from the Clock Tower

Campsite at Robin's Camp

Priority #1 - Cold Beer

The Bar at Robin's Camp

Although we did not see many animals in Hwange, I did see my first Grey Crowned Crane during a lunch stop at the Masuma Dam Picnic Area.  The sun was intense so we opened our Bat Wing awning and Collin pulled out his umbrella for a bit of shade.   As we were packing up our lunchables two park rangers found us.  It turns out that they were stranded without a functioning radio and should have been picked up two days prior. They were thirsty and one of them was ill.  We gave them water and imodium and promised to contact the other rangers when we reached our next stop at Sinamatella.

Collin finding some relief from the sun.

We drove on to Sinamatella and camped on an outcrop 55 meters high overlooking a distant riverbed and vast open plain.  We were greeted by Godfrey Khanye who was the perfect host.  We were the only campers at Sinamatella.   We congratulate the staff for doing so much with minimal resources. 

Sinamatella Entrance

Our campsite on the outcrop.

Godfrey Khanye and Marius

The VIEW from Sinamatella

Although the ablution at Sinamatella has seen better days, it was clean and the showers were hot at 7:00 a.m. thanks to Godfrey who arose early to build a fire in the donkey boiler.

A grey foam-nest tree frog sitting on the door frame in the shower stall. (Photo by Carol)

Sunrise

That night the moon was full and a hyena quietly strode through our camp looking for leftovers.  We did not see it, but we saw its tracks in the morning.  

Hyena Spoor (track)

The restaurant was closed as the roof was being repaired.  Regardless, we had brought everything we needed and found this to be a beautiful camp with a breathtaking view. 

Restaurant undergoing repairs.

 We wanted to stay longer at Sinamatella, an unexpected gem, but were on a tight schedule in order to get to our next stop – Victoria Falls before the end of the day.

Our AWESOME travel companions - Collin and Carol