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4 December 1998

The Kingsmill's Trans-Africa Overland Trip, Part 7: Zimbabwe

Geoff Kingsmill
2006-04-25 21:02:30

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pine tree plantations and is extensively logged for timber. Next day, we set out to drive through Mutare to Bvumba. However, due to driving rain and fog we decided to head straight for Harare.

We stayed in the Backpackers and Overlanders Resort(?) campground which is on the outskirts of Harare not far from the airport. We took their free shuttle bus to the city. We had heard a lot of stories regarding security in Harare however we felt safe and had no problems. On reading our E-mail we discovered that my sister Wendy and family were arriving a day earlier than we expected, so it was good we arrived in Harare when we did.

Last night we picked up five weary travellers from the airport much to their relief and delight. It was good to catch up with Mal and Wendy and hear all the news from home.

Tomorrow we will take them to Hwange NP and then back to Victoria Falls before heading into Zambia en route to Malawi.

Zimbabwe is a great country. The people are very friendly and this is the cheapest country we've visited to date. Last month, fuel prices were increased 67% however fuel is still the cheapest we've had at A$0.46 cents per litre. Zimbabwe is a big beef producer and meat is very cheap and of good quality. The handicrafts here are reported to be some of the best in Africa. So far we have resisted the temptation to purchase any handicrafts due to lack of space however the wood and rock carvings have been exquisite. One common item is a 5-foot tall giraffe carved out of wood, which would be difficult to transport home.

To date we have not yet had to buy drinking water. The local tap and bore water has been safe for drinking and our good health bears testament to this. The mossies have not been a problem as we've been going to bed around nightfall and getting up just after sunrise.

We are still really enjoying ourselves and look forward to travelling to Malawi, which we have heard, is very nice with wonderful friendly people.

Cheers,

Geoff, Kienny and Su-lin Kingsmill

PS: It was very sad the morning we left Victoria Falls. For the first time in over a month we were travelling by ourselves and missed Ross and Caroline's company. Thanks Ross for the all the Land Rover training.