Home » Zimbabwe Zambia Malawi » The Kingsmill's Trans-Africa Overland Trip, Part 8: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi

18 December 1998

The Kingsmill's Trans-Africa Overland Trip, Part 8: Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi

Geoff Kingsmill
2006-04-25 21:06:58

Displayed times (last time: )

G'day Friends,

Since our last newsletter we have covered a lot of miles and been in four countries.

On the morning of 2nd December we reorganised Troopie to fit in Wendy, Mal, Jasmine, Liana and Lyndon and their luggage. Yes we did fit everyone in, however there was not much room to spare.

In Harare we bought Yellow Card third party insurance for three months to cover Zimbabwe, Zambia, Tanzania, Kenya, Uganda and Ethiopia.

Wendy and Mal wanted to see Victoria Falls so we left Backpackers and Overlanders camp near Harare airport on a cool overcast and drizzling morning. We called into Westgate shopping centre and were very amazed to find such a trendy upmarket shopping centre - one could hardly believe that this was Africa. After a spending spree on pies, doughnuts, garlic bread and two loaves of bread we headed for Bulawayo. Interesting to note that we have been able to buy good bread and pies everywhere we've been.

We arrived in Bulawayo just as it began to pour rain. This is the first time we've had to set up our tarp on the side of the vehicle. It worked really well and of course the rain stopped just as we were going to bed. The next morning we set off for Hwange NP, Zimbabwe's most popular game park. Wendy, Mal and family were excited to see their first Giraffe, Kudu, Hippo and Elephants. We spent two nights in Hwange NP and then went to Victoria Falls.

At Victoria Falls we sent Wendy and Mal off to view the Falls whilst we did a few errands around town and caught up on our E-mail. From here we crossed the Zambezi River into Zambia. On leaving Zimbabwe we were told that as of 1-Dec-98 Australians (and many other nationalities) now need a Visa which costs US$30 each - a money raising exercise. Our Yellow Card Insurance was money well spent and the border crossing into Zambia was smooth going and cordial. We did not need to use our Carnet, instead we were given a temporary import ...