Jump to content

Recommended Posts

Posted

A stunningly beautiful park, amazing landscapes expertly photographed.

The bird photos at your new camp were worth lying in the mud for!

Posted (edited)

I was really thrilled that we also had some Skimmers. They are not here permanently so we were lucky.

 

294504988_TR_0391_Zimbabwe_1994_AfricanSkimmer-Bearbeitet.JPG.6f2877bb9f26c4208c5182b9040ce0e6.JPG

 

1339767642_TR_0392_Zimbabwe_1999_Saddle-BilledStork_AfricanSkimmer-Bearbeitet.JPG.acb08844c1462517c9c6be4c4d5f36ea.JPG

 

There are few things on safari I enjoy more than trying to get Skimmers skim. This was a really good place for that.

 

1900892362_TR_0413_Zimbabwe_2185_AfricanSkimmer-Bearbeitet.JPG.04c64555fe88d3bd4ef2d5b6a47e8a1c.JPG

 

1016101521_TR_0414_Zimbabwe_2188_AfricanSkimmer-Bearbeitet.JPG.9a2ebf2fbd3875ba3b64b0023b4c56bc.JPG

 

783210896_TR_0415_Zimbabwe_2189_AfricanSkimmer-Bearbeitet.JPG.639f8a52fec95a03b0d9c45324f84c4f.JPG

 

1631448241_TR_0416_Zimbabwe_2190_AfricanSkimmer.JPG.b6cb0b59ac09dd1944f25c1cfd0859a3.JPG

 

1304534823_TR_0417_Zimbabwe_2191_AfricanSkimmer.JPG.4af2dd04859657cd3e6cf2bf96f273c9.JPG

 

1875444760_TR_0418_Zimbabwe_2196_AfricanSkimmer-Bearbeitet.JPG.e2285f15d378ba6bf60a9cdd829b6b71.JPG

 

Used up a lot of memory space this afternoon - had a very, very good time. When it got too dark for the Skimmers I tried to pan them but with only limited (no) success:

 

1559187468_TR_0435_Zimbabwe_2350_AfricanSkimmer-Bearbeitet.JPG.8c93125cb24dfd8e7bbb6c4d62b10d14.JPG

 

We had another very, very cool sighting but I´m handing over to Lynn now.:)

 

810978839_TR_0429_Zimbabwe_2292_AfricanSkimmer_Leopard.JPG.bfae065a6f8e2fe543f06da08d6a6eed.JPG

Edited by michael-ibk
Posted
14 minutes ago, TonyQ said:

A stunningly beautiful park, amazing landscapes expertly photographed.

The bird photos at your new camp were worth lying in the mud for!

 

Thanks Tony! It really is, such a beautiful place. Will definitely return, hopefully sooner rather than later. :)

Posted (edited)

Thanks for detailing and illustrating our route to Massasanya.  The Sililijo Valley Loop was very beautiful.  I could see landscape photographers spending lots of time here.  We game drove between Chilojo Cliffs Campsite and Massasanya from 5:15 to 11:45 am.  Doug said a direct route would be under 90 minutes.

 

"I had to be careful - many, many Crocs here, and they seemed to develop an interest in me when I was too motionless for long."  That comment along with the ominous croc shot is creepy.  Actually the shot is really great.  But worth the risk for all your fine wader shots. I must say I was a bit concerned at times looking out at you lying flat and still in the dry riverbank area.  At least  not too close to the water.

 

 

The guys had flocks of carmines in Mana Pools.  I was pleased to get this one.

 

521412788_DSC07562carminebeeeater.jpg.13aa11c4c59976a7e5c182ceb3f279ec.jpg

Carmine Bee-eater, not a common sight

 

519717127_39ttDSC07853ballofredflowers2.jpg.17b75a8d2955cb6171813753d378aae7.jpg

Start of the rains bring out the Lily Fireball.  I combined the flora and my new found love of logs.

 

 

 Can 3 giraffes be called a Tower, especially if one is not really considered "towering" in height?

 

847078310_DSC076573giraffenicelighttighter.jpg.6b542ced1e62c95ed4150dfcf3bae496.jpg

 

825216087_DSC07760giraffesbirdisstar.jpg.251bad89c29cba2176eeb8653db0557a.jpg

With and without the bird.  These were the only giraffes I photographed on the trip.

 

 

1649443201_DSC08197liliesleftgone.jpg.86deae199f12a24806738b2ad17a4fa1.jpg

Doug said his family would use the bristly leaves of this lily to scour pots.  Since he never let us help with the dishes during the self-catering part of the trip, II was not concerned he’d make us pick lilies and scrub pans.

 

1174621453_DSC08259BrownSnakeEagle.jpg.ad3c3ffb0a5aef8a050a273edb6ad350.jpg

Brown Snake Eagle

 

 

The waterhole at Massasanya was conveniently located right outside our cottages and very active.

1907980048_3M7A40472elesMassasanya.jpg.e0ae10368ca4c70d0c779bf000dacc0c.jpg

In come the elephants at Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

807710595_DSC08574elespraymuddy.jpg.2fbba6de7def25e1ce277f4f9505e245.jpg

Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

1671711368_DSC08608eleherdnearwater.jpg.28ad2124f3a6bcf22918247bfb1c6777.jpg

 

1177763798_DSC08609eleherdnearwater.jpg.7fd303982626aa99576678b4bfe32ca9.jpg

Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

733471943_DSC08660eleherdnearwater.jpg.3909f5d1324d1e088a2913615cd5c254.jpg

Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

941045081_11DSC08778playfuleleswater.jpg.a2e18d0e04b993f7b96c1a52a3bd2ef8.jpg

 

1581271410_DSC08789eledarkinwater.jpg.f36f4bcaea614f8a22c1c12a442244c0.jpg

 

1579422409_DSC08781playfulelephants.jpg.352116c992ec3425b12d1778bac1e36d.jpg

Playful elephants at Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

1981736283_DSC08599eleherd.jpg.90a72a6b0b5a6cfa942d0b1ad292ea80.jpg

There go the elephants from Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

It is possible to take some wader shots without the risk of becoming croc prey at Massasanya Camp’s waterhole.

1533114804_3M7A3726shorebirdwhitefrontedplover.jpg.b29ef48ca9af01c9a7d5e424700c1763.jpg

White fronted Plover showing us its white derriere

 

853538046_3M7A3980wader3bandedplover.jpg.460aa3512daf4abaac9d91bc9758ba02.jpg

3-banded Plover

 

 

1323328519_3M7A3745pairtighter.jpg.28e2f17713eaaaeaf9053686c23755dd.jpg

Pair o’Saddle bills

 

 

206579448_3M7A3732yellowbilledstork.jpg.63b93a2daa19934e8cfa16f59da63f10.jpg

I like the errant feather on this Yellow-billed Stork, Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

1232818854_3M7A4018yellowbilled.jpg.3e44f2faa0799459f1cf1a08efc98cb7.jpg

 

1608191761_3M7A3959yellowbilledfly.jpg.6edae9f6c773c3993fa4b77b0f6a9bca.jpg

 

437735949_3M7A3755yellowbillflytighter.jpg.b731c9ec2a0fc3beb81ea88bfb2b3484.jpg

 

1170783490_DSC08340yellowbilledandspoonbill.jpg.1381b1648ba6d5cb9c99bff72c5af8df.jpg

Incoming Spoonbill to accompany Yellow-billed Stork, Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

When we realized we’d be privileged to view some amazing skimmer action, we started making outlandish demands of the birds.  I recall one request for skimmers skimming in front of a lightning bolt.  Michael asked for skimming in front of an elephant.  Yah, right.  Well…

 

465312116_3M7A4075eleandskimmerporttightereven.jpg.0a7deb04f497472362bca50b7478bc18.jpg

 At Massasanya Camp, an African Skimmer skimming in front of an elephant is not farfetched

 

1918700804_11s3M7A3833skimnearcroc.jpg.4e4cfbf708528cf29fed9e7d039c5ebd.jpg

Skimming in front of a croc at Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

1740095758_3M7A4091elegreyheronskimmer.jpg.ed9f415eee623dfa651c04e8d14df638.jpg

Everyone getting into the act at Massasanya Camp waterhole

DSC07562 carmine bee eater.jpg

DSCN5788 greater honeyguide.jpg

3M7A3726 shorebird.jpg

DSC08822 fish eagle fly.jpg

 

Edited by Atravelynn
Posted (edited)

The 15 kg weight limit for our charter flight out had me wondering if I should bring the heavy Canon 7D Mark IV with my 100-400 lens.  My Sony RX10 does such a good job with so much less heft.  Since it was just 3 of us flying out, the 15 kg limit was more flexible, so I packed the Canon and came in at 20.5 kg.  As soon as I saw the skimmers, I knew packing it was the right decision.

 

 Doug suggested a contest of the best skimmer shot.  With the perfect conditions we were all winners!

 

544928608_3M7A3817skimmerandspoonbill.jpg.8fa0c24ba0314af019dc6d07c1b0a7e9.jpg

Skimmers gonna’ skim and Spoonbills gonna’ spoon

 

 

343077606_3M7A3713skimmersandcrocs.jpg.b70f0ca78ef39a594065a9ba6250468d.jpg

Note the crocs at Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

1064202214_3M7A3861group.jpg.49312317d6149c9d84f0b596bf769dfb.jpg

 

2125221371_3M7A3877skim2.jpg.81df6a8d425163319acd85b83473d1ed.jpg

 

 

1313274275_3M7A3902skim.jpg.e8fa98a5eaf623ccdbd31ffd3083fc1b.jpg

 

 

2109958887_3M7A3878skim.jpg.b614ce67f4f33567325fd89616836bc9.jpg

 

1945878651_3M7A3891skimandbackgroundbirds.jpg.74ef249832f377643ba1c2a8dbb75ef0.jpg

There are 3 species present in this shot

 

 

1097702537_3M7A3876skim.jpg.eed8ec5862f3066876db2b14b7a224ca.jpg

 

1750531386_3M7A3897skimmerinair.jpg.50225b602eeaa01b260ea45ec0cc9034.jpg

 

1933127541_3M7A3903skim.jpg.766e6ba59de7f55481f2246c9dde9c0c.jpg

 

442236906_3M7A3906skim.jpg.ef863e6a74ce610b9898f4a81c8af94c.jpg

 

814389969_3M7A3912skimyellowbilledstorkbehind.jpg.4e5b25529559dadb94c2561eaf86c28e.jpg

Skimming with a friend

 

 

9652384_3M7A3917skim90degreeangle.jpg.162e794fb3c8af297930232e1cae4851.jpg

 

1651963572_3M7A3966skimmingreverse.jpg.7982093fba616dd9f1f492db3ff4f5fe.jpg

 Reverse half-twist, extra points for degree of difficulty

 

836186513_3M7A4003flyingskimmersalsocroc.jpg.98faaa7ee502b99a77ef56741c1a4c49.jpg

Note the crocs at Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

1805079584_3M7A4139eleandskimmertightestend.jpg.02cc031b97fe8f43d5951c306eb75dca.jpg

Note the crocs

 

1696096401_DSC09051waterbuck.jpg.24783b878d93735d68932dccc1ceb4f3.jpg

Waterbucks at Massasanya Camp waterhole

 

 

Just when the light for the skimmers was fading, the moon came out, along with a leopard.

845024920_3M7A4223leopard.jpg.fa32fcab221c99d15a8d4d11d813eb6a.jpg

Massasanya Camp waterhole, leopard

3M7A3902 skim.jpg

Edited by Atravelynn
madaboutcheetah
Posted

Love the Skimmers.

Towlersonsafari
Posted

what a wonderful pace that waterhole looks!

Posted (edited)

547975225_DSCN5498Michael.jpg.7dd6e24ec36cae340d856a33362fcca8.jpg

Back at the Runde River—The Man and his Camera and a Bird Above.  Egyptian Goose I think.

 

 

670179967_DSCN5809sunriseMassasanya.jpg.6f91e87ad2dd2f6154e1601e5f25d102.jpg

Massasanya says good morning

 

 

1319330940_DSC09285dassie.jpg.acc7a75d5483fd7a02aaa813fcfdfad1.jpg

This hyrax says good morning with a stretch

 

 

1675031289_DSC09288waterbuckportrait.jpg.67c9b044a2d648a82ddf3a05639de8b1.jpg

Waterbuck

 

 

1803925270_DSC09327grysbok.jpg.99411eb016249de67e28006695c448a3.jpg

Sharpe’s Grysbok

 

 

75671998_DSCN6053malekudumunch.jpg.eb10c4a7d0dadc5a60fc6c3c0a3ffdd3.jpg

 

 1173266062_DSCN6006kuduwalk.jpg.2cec322b6a00d8ccbf922a46b880f671.jpg

 

1887240844_DSCN6299kudumaleandoxpecker.jpg.c9a02134b159c1c48b3ac554728651a5.jpg

Kudu, frequently seen

 

 

2111515744_DSCN6362klipspringer.jpg.7b3415d71c6383ac4a181801ea526438.jpg

Klipspringer

 

 

1809604523_DSCN5937littlebeeeater.jpg.5dddce5326174e8479742e351face80e.jpg

Little Bee-eater

 

 

695306259_DSCN6264brownhoodedkingfisherlandscape2.jpg.e52c6d4be51abbaf06272477dac8cafb.jpg

Brown-hooded Kingfisher

 

 

On a walk we encountered an Eastern Rock Senji and a Giant Plated Lizard.

1465746598_DSCN5830WesternRockSengi.jpg.a50c15a1e12dd602820764bfb5911149.jpg

The Eastern Rock Senji was a quick-moving, cautious and elusive animal.  Seen on a walk.

 

 

1697144660_DSCN5855GIANTPLATEDLIZARDINFIELD.jpg.50a19d1e5c88eddc6c3cec113d9fcdd8.jpg

Giant Plated Lizard.  Seen on a walk.

 

 

At the Massasanya Dam

 

384919454_DSCN6146goodluck.JPG.95385a8e93c231f528085a34f07e73f5.JPG

 A good luck rock is added when driving past the dam.  We did not add a rock.  I considered the Eastern Rock Senji, seen on the way to the dam, to be our good luck symbol.

 

1014044578_DSCN6129atdamele.jpg.c39d71989495a355316dfdd736fbfc32.jpg

Distant elephant near the dam

 

 

1450446191_DSCN6084lesserstripedswallows.jpg.5bcfcfb4d0b11412761432b765ffccc8.jpg

Lesser Striped Swallows near Massasanya Dam

 

 

 

697749952_DSCN6154heronstriated.jpg.47aa0046439084193245e23f81fe7c2a.jpg

Striated Heron at the dam

 

 

Life around the dam was my focus, not the dam itself.  Maybe Michael or Andreas will have infrastructure shots.

441808443_crossedlegsgaiters20221108_123652.jpg.2cdff204d2a5f09d7180bd57d7179fbd.jpg

Back from a “dam good morning,” we are showing off our Doug Macdonald Safaris gaiters.

 

 

 

1756438901_DSCN5995blackcrownedtchagratighter.jpg.48f050467b52ead539da117892ec3c9d.jpg

Golden-breasted Bunting

 

 

372976479_DSC09645browncrownedtchagra.jpg.f4149f81c12c3294e34f476f610f7cc2.jpg

Brown-crowned Tchagra

 

 

Around Massasanya Camp before and after lunch there was lots going on.

42355887_DSCN6587saddlebilled.jpg.475678e1e306531ed2461b3bb9c3d8ea.jpg

Saddle-billed Stork at Massasanya Camp

 

 

The impending rain greatly excited the Village Weavers who lived in trees at Massasanya Camp.  They were in the process of constructing their nests with great vigor and volume.  Fun to watch.

306095219_DSCN6537weaverbuildingnesttighter.jpg.a507ec1fc6a9619a8cc0580d97d55ba2.jpg

Village Weavers at Massasanya Camp

 

 

1829620770_DSCN6550villageweaver.jpg.c9b0d77bdafd5cf96dc184520ad560f6.jpg

Village Weavers at Massasanya Camp

 

 

1136093620_DSCN6579villageweaver.jpg.c5791db28f5751d12234968df0156cfb.jpg

Village Weavers at Massasanya Camp

 

 

The dull light shows that storm clouds are gathering.

896577304_DSCN6412elefamilyandspoonbill.jpg.548dc1e93b7d34a9e9de074e0a59a2d7.jpg

Elephants and Spoonbill at Massananya Camp

 

 

1292078588_DSC09436croc.jpg.16ef104feda5e7242458aa4445060ac8.jpg

Croc at Massasanya Camp

 

 

185929873_DSC09488Massasanya.jpg.874de8b6d8bffb42c4b1902c422ca3d5.jpg

Threatening skies over our lovely Massasanya cottage

 

 

2113832087_DSC09469rainsacomin.jpg.7ac4a4dfdd272f28047457d1efbff6ff.jpg

Imminent Rain at Massasanya

 

 

Despite the threatening skies, we braved a game drive but did not get far before the deluge.  Doug put the pedal to the metal and got us back to camp. 

1436863124_DSC09386rainsacomintighter.jpg.2dc2aafc1c5085a8f7abbce5251046b8.jpg

My sole afternoon game drive photo, before the skies opened up

Edited by Atravelynn
Posted

What a fun time this looks like!  I am green with envy!

Posted (edited)

Lynn showed remarkable restraint with Leopard photos, I don´t have that much self-discipline.

 

TR_0427_IMG_9881-Bearbeitet.JPG.c81db32ec2009d330d2529b77682921d.JPG

 

Obviously this was not the kind of photo-suited close-up sighting one often enjoys in the Delta, the Mara or Luangwa but we were super-thrilled to finally see a Big Cat in Gonarezhou again.

 

TR_0430_Zimbabwe_2312_Leopard.JPG.4c9809e1af6f3df5bfbfb458241c3dba.JPG

 

In general Leopards are quite shy in Zim. So this one was rather bold to do his open parade in front of us, even at quite a distance at the other side.

 

TR_0431_Zimbabwe_2316_Leopard-Bearbeitet.JPG.7a888df227e8b119f11582c770e8335b.JPG

 

TR_0432_Zimbabwe_2322_Leopard-Bearbeitet.JPG.64b038719f4044a68548dc921eea21fc.JPG

 

TR_0433_Zimbabwe_2334_Leopard-Bearbeitet.JPG.72912cc1bc241ee87be9521a4aa524d5.JPG

 

TR_0434_Zimbabwe_2343_Leopard-Bearbeitet.JPG.419087dc334fa4809f23beb6ccac115d.JPG

 

Some more snipptets from our full day based in Massasanya:

 

TR_0441_IMG_3106.JPG.32ca10fe6aebbacde0714fa00dc5c43b.JPG

 

TR_0442_Handy_122.JPG.f626fda28b97102f530eeeb934975437.JPG

Mobile photo

 

Such a nice place to enjoy breakfast. Perfect private seclusion, all of camp was ours of course.

 

227787738_TR_0446_Zimbabwe_2355_EllipsenWaterbuck-Bearbeitet.JPG.c088770bd548ced578476a55cad58e81.JPG

 

Signs of the impending afternoon´s tempest were already there in the morning, basically we waited for the skies to open up all day long.

 

TR_0444_IMG_3113.JPG.06b8de48a1466e4e67e9569fc56df2be.JPG

 

Which did not prevent us from taking a good long walk. The temperature was very pleasant.

 

TR_0449_IMG_3116.JPG.096b5b7229be9399475e29f803748066.JPG

 

TR_0450_Zimbabwe_2361_Klippspringer-Bearbeitet.JPG.9ab4a237eab3ad6f0a8fc605021b1e66.JPG

 

2043050199_TR_0454_Zimbabwe_2371_LittleBee-Eater-Bearbeitet.JPG.9d8b868659b2c4db7f8b5bf74412f24c.JPG

 

TR_0455_IMG_3119.JPG.00701d4fd9282e48bf3adc80333977d5.JPG

 

TR_0461_Zimbabwe_2394.JPG.76a05d02f5e9673732e7715391d2368c.JPG

 

The view to the Runde Gorge bridge - or rather the "Nkwangulatilo (rainbow) Causeway". Try to say that three times fast!

 

TR_0468_IMG_3137.JPG.2541c19654ea4a997eb8ba11835bf80d.JPG

 

An impressive - and very new - piece of construction. It was opened only in 2019. Important too, since in the rainy season (when the river becomes impassable) it´s the only viable connection to the South of the park.

 

TR_0464_IMG_3130.JPG.18de719ea930539fe6c2105e4bf1d804.JPG

 

I found it fascinating how different the river was looking here - like we were in a totally different park.

 

TR_0466_IMG_3135.JPG.9fd390d98d46783fe91a77a5861d9a36.JPG

 

TR_0471_IMG_3142.JPG.4772750b9b5b0a193b70caa58b0ad2ea.JPG

 

A somewhat unusual setting for an Elephant.

 

TR_0478_Zimbabwe_2422_Nyala-Bearbeitet.JPG.493f0b106db6bf4e19255fb07ace0255.JPG

 

A "No, I´m not posing for photos, thank you very much" Nyala bull.

 

939666277_TR_0479_Zimbabwe_2425_GreaterKudu.JPG.d9a9eb0ed34ae77639a77cfa66c27d3d.JPG

 

Very impressive horns on this Kudu - a real backscratcher!

 

1566104486_TR_0481_Zimbabwe_2436_Pearl-SpottedOwlet-Bearbeitet.JPG.3f3b1e2b935a328ed43096cbcef34f66.JPG

 

Not a great photo but Owls (Pearl-Spotted in this case) are always cool to see.

 

681462085_TR_0482_Zimbabwe_2438_Pearl-SpottedOwlet-Bearbeitet.JPG.e777fe0cb33a6b12801f7ee06f5b5d2d.JPG

 

TR_0483_Zimbabwe_2441_Klippspringer-Bearbeitet.JPG.1be192151eb024e5e0eb9ee31e8e1ddf.JPG

 

We are all Klippspringer fans - and this was perfect habitat for them, so we saw several.

 

234762840_TR_0485_Zimbabwe_2449_KoriBustard-Bearbeitet.JPG.9e8e1e0f8a11fb7e2396d6ca436b5a1c.JPG

 

More surprising to see a Kori Bustard (the only one of the trip) in this rocky terrain.

 

TR_0491_Zimbabwe_2466-Bearbeitet.JPG.3e69f4117234300ae773d64557c6e7d9.JPG

 

"Of course, splendid idea to go out now, I´m sure we can zig-zag the clouds and avoid the rain."

 

TR_0493_Zimbabwe_2470-Bearbeitet.JPG.064bed67dfe854926e7b9089401916bb.JPG

 

TR_0497_Handy_132.JPG.e69061ad9bd15f28b9968f29a4e95027.JPG

 

Oh wow, did we get soaked. :D

 

Which was at least a good excuse to drink plenty of coffee with Amarula in camp. B)

Edited by michael-ibk
Posted (edited)

TR_0387_Handy_115.JPG.0c982ce4b9e9021fd0dc28bf7e567412.JPG

 

Meet Matt! Host, camp manager, cook and all around nice guy. He came with us (with two staff members) from the mobile camp here to Massasanya as well.

 

Like most people, I really enjoy good food. But it´s not a priority for me on safari. And normally I quickly forget about what I ate where and when during a trip. Not this time. When Lynn, Andreas and me did a "Top 10 list" for this trip we all agreed the food experience easily made it.

 

Doug told us he had been getting kinda fed up with the token "African night" many camps have. When they present "authentic food". "African food" is a stupid concept in general because there´s no such thing  - Africa is a huge continent with myriads of different peoples and customs. So Doug came up with the idea of showcasing a different country´s cuisine each and every day. And so we enjoyed Ethiopia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Marocco, South Africa - and Zimbabwe of course. A terrific idea, but an idea alone is not enough.

 

TR_0388_Handy_116.JPG.576083d36df6c86244a209a8eaac174c.JPG

 

But fortunately the execution was equally terrific - best and most entertaining meals I´ve ever had on safari. A lot of the stuff (especially the seasoning and the sauces) is prepared in Harare by a specialist cook, and then deep-frozen. Doug came up with most of the menus himself. As we had found out in the Vumba he is a really good cook himself. With the help of staff members Donald and Melody Matt took care of the preparation, especially the meat. We were looking forward to each new meal and were always curious: Which country would it be today? What food would be typical for it? And were never disappointed. I even made my peace with Ethiopian food which was quite an achievement by our clever chefs de cuisine. I had had a pretty nasty case of food poisoning there and swore I would never touch Injera again. Matt and Doug cured me - thank you Gentlemen.

 

TR_0252_Handy_110.JPG.6c2e54a32989fee56bc475fb6e77c1b0.JPG

 

A particular highlight - Nigerian pork skewers with peanut ceme and lemon. My mouth is watering writing about this!

 

TR_0342_Handy_114.JPG.465ee334013677158f82c8559fd82c9f.JPG

 

I think this was Morocco.

 

TR_0487_Handy_125.JPG.15369523baaea136883cea0f9c9604d7.JPG

 

Lunch was always quite light food - welcome in the heat of the day.

 

TR_0437_Handy_117.JPG.f5c14471bd858736e823da14293eb551.JPG

 

A Coastal South African specialty, forgot the name - a brilliant Curry you pour into the bread. Delicious!

 

TR_0489_Handy_126.JPG.c954d098145543e3637e538efe8984d3.JPG

 

Every day we also had these really nice and informative sheet cards about the respective countries and their cuisine.

 

TR_0490_Handy_127.JPG.89081d1f075ab8b9a23327fcc444dcb5.JPG

 

TR_0500_Handy_137.JPG.16ac3be7fce59a8b0db992970ad5f2df.JPG

 

The last evening was of course Zimbabwean, a classic Brai with really interesting side dishes.

 

I´m off now, have to go eat something!

Edited by michael-ibk
Posted
2 hours ago, Double Dare said:

What a fun time this looks like!  I am green with envy!

 

Thank you - it was! Great company, great guide, great staff, great park, great food. :D

Posted (edited)
6 hours ago, Double Dare said:

What a fun time this looks like!  I am green with envy!  Thanks! Not as green as the newly sprouted leaves that surrounded us wherever we went.

I must chime in on the food as well.  Truly outstanding and noteworthy.  Healthy too!  And a fine food photography job, Michael!  The editors of Bon Appétit  will likely be calling soon.

 

When we were summing up our safari highlights at the end of the trip, we all put these African meals on that list.  That noteworthiness extended to the bush snacks, which also were themed after the various countries.  I'll let future clients of Doug's in on a secret.  We were never told which country we'd be "visiting" so it was a guessing game when we sat down to lunch.  But, the snack boxes we took out on the drives were labeled with the country name, so I'd sneak a peek at our mid-morning coffee/tea/nibbles stop.  Hope I don't get banned from future Doug Macdonald Safaris for sharing this!

 

Also, depending on the level of your palate, you might be able to guess the origin of the snack and therefore the country of the day without any secrets divulged by me.

Edited by Atravelynn
Posted

Another safari highlight was our dip in a very shallow crocodile-free section of the Runde River.  It was a sure way to beat the oppressive heat.  I abhor cold water, but this was bath-water warm for the most part though we could seek out pockets of cooler currents.  We all loved it!

1441806384_inthewater.jpg.f2352e962792a9f9f9c375d48b585317.jpg

Into the Runde

Twenty minutes after exiting the river we were all dry.

Posted (edited)

Rain last night, sun this morning.

 

We were in klipspringer territory.

1776859440_DSC00027klipspringers.jpg.7af40bae3b124db033edb75f0dbb1d4c.jpg

 

 

1146976073_DSC00127klipspringers.jpg.3232584c600dcb13e48a40134c76c0d1.jpg

Two klipspringers present in each of the above 2 shots

 

 

701732797_10DSC09905dwarfmongooseruntighter2darker.jpg.c4217420d13b9bb87cd4e745b2d9d48a.jpg

Dwarf Mongoose on the run

 

 

There was a lot of elephant activity at a small waterhole.  We sat beside the vehicle to watch.  The elephants were relaxed throughout.  I like the contrast of the white grass.

36741439_DSC00316ELEATWATERHOLE.jpg.a6d4e0ecb91b9167cca954c41be5510e.jpg

 

 

1061796852_DSC00352eleslurpwaterhole.jpg.95e967887cb690905c2fe54c852f4312.jpg

 

 

1938312074_DSC00395eletowaterhole.jpg.f83fbc64adf1101987cd8553b9ac6368.jpg

 

 

11557334_DSC00526eleandgeesewaterhole.jpg.57e78c0cb1c72cc6501def2fb634e449.jpg

Egyptian geese leading the elephant

 

 

805909604_DSC00551elephantonwhitegrasslandscape.jpg.adb6a90b621bdddc0e2d15faaf3f9923.jpg

 

 

1637169743_DSC00553eleonwaytowaterholeportrait.jpg.35119131728dcaefdb1bea1165fa88f7.jpg

 

 

1523400897_DSC00672eleslurpatwaterhole.jpg.890a1af7c47692ac01d90a8769c2cfbc.jpg

 

 

1905564108_DSC00717eledrinkwaterholetightest.jpg.ffff39e63b09093a080837e38dd6f800.jpg

 

 

991487574_DSC00778bigelenearwaterhole.jpg.d787e2ecdfcf80bf8c5f53203544960a.jpg

 

The ever-present kudu...

732517203_DSC09760kudu.jpg.372e90f1d8895d34dbcc2150b533003a.jpg

 

 

1469006500_DSC09803kudu.jpg.46ac2698d9160e6aacdca9c73001551c.jpg

 

 

18007707_DSC09851kudu.jpg.169d6fda5e772ff709bb3a51cc7827e2.jpg

 

Happy to find my favorite bird.  Doug shared a hoopoe photography tip with us (that maybe many of you already know).  When a flying hoopoe lands, the crest is extended.  That’s a hard shot to catch, but something to try for.  This hoopoe was grooming, not flying.

1597196984_DSC00918africanhoopoe.jpg.6999146035080704ec140473ffdede36.jpg

African Hoopoe

 

 

1301038209_DSC01335elephantincolorfulleaves.jpg.70270e473698b6a31a8b4fcf76a5cf69.jpg

 

 

639041108_DSC01446eleinbrightcoloredleaves.jpg.bad682b4b478185bd2ebf1ec8a9de0d5.jpg

Checking us out

 

 

1682286678_DSC01512baboonswithleavesinmouth.jpg.e355252d526be76e048e0ea1e423dbd3.jpg

My second baboon photo of the trip, which includes leaves

 

 

I managed just one warthog photo because they were always darting off.  Throughout Gonarezhou this skittish warthog behavior was the rule.  Even @BRACQUENE, who was there a couple of weeks before us, made this comment about a rare warthog photo he was able to get, “For once a warthog that didn't start to run away but posed nicely ...”

 

1146257910_DSC01581fleeingwarthogtypicalbehavior.jpg.03819f832f69a29fb4923c8ce17209ab.jpg

Warthog on the run, typical of the warthogs we saw in Gonarezhou.  Cute little tail.

 

 

Arrival at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge, the third of our three accommodations.  We stayed in the Nhambo Cottages. 

752007087_DSC01646sunrisechilo.jpg.8df3b57c7aacd76d0d4690ac89e876cc.jpg

View from my cottage at Chilo Gorge, sunset

 

 

The intricate winding pathways throughout the Chilo Gorge grounds with lookout points over the river could offer a safari without ever going anyplace.  The following photos were taken during our 2-night stay while wandering around those paths from our cottages to the main lodge or gazing out my balcony or scanning the outer walls and floors for life.

 

776377010_DSC01695scorpion.jpg.1164dd4643cfa69252c160ad4687545f.jpg

Scorpion on wall of outdoor kitchen, Nhambo Cottage common area at Chilo Gorge

 

 

1935019077_DSC04106frogonthewall.jpg.1f000538d92525611f694e180b40fce7.jpg

Note the suction on the frog's feet, sticking to the wall of outdoor kitchen, Nhambo Cottage common area at Chilo Gorge

 

 

1482590614_DSC04124lizardandflyingant.jpg.4f42bedc0221d1f57635f1f54f453388.jpg

Flying ants, brought out by the rain, are food for the geckos and lizards, Nhambo Cottages common area at Chilo Gorge

 

 

458471479_DSC04400trumpeterhornbill.jpg.52bfa010c7387c7614a77c846f5c4646.jpg

Trumpeter Hornbills were quite at home on thewalkways of Chilo Gorge

 

 

 

1182782186_DSC04436snail.jpg.9d1acae72bc2c7164ec42459169fe34b.jpg

 

1159227114_DSC04444snail.jpg.5677a87f8d0bba7e267d10787050e34b.jpg

Giant Snail put into perspective, walkways of Chilo Gorge

 

 

792767777_DSC04672lizardcamp.jpg.31b118efd752fc5f52a8105e75a21665.jpg

Giant Plated Lizard on rocks next to the walkways at Chilo Gorge

 

 

662788723_DSC04646lizardonrocksatChiloGorgeLodge.jpg.a59159ddc3172e75706ddf48a3cb4acf.jpg

Giant Plated Lizard posing for closeup on rocks next to the walkways at Chilo Gorge

 

 

500736349_DSC04635lizardpeek.jpg.803bf4df206e8dffeae4cbb4eafda286.jpg

 Looking very reptilian on rocks next to the walkways at Chilo Gorge

 

 

2066255991_DSC03958mockingmountainchat.jpg.b2dffea2addc91f9d944d29d98ccf3f4.jpg

  Mocking Mountain Chat in the dining area at Chilo Gorge

 

 

963965594_DSC04069EASTERNNICATOR.jpg.009b2e90fe9deae08a86b44afbcf7215.jpg

Easern Nicator on the walkways at Chilo Gorge.  About the only thing visible in the rain is the yellow flecks.

 

 

305416302_DSC04458babyhippo.jpg.94cc11077378fc1789e081dd8ac53ab4.jpg

Mother and tiny hippo baby seen from the dining area at Chilo Gorge

 

 

2101327937_DSC04808hippomouthstighter.jpg.06dcca1e09ecc2c4e1b7f02d5f1a9d06.jpg

Seen from the dining area at Chilo Gorge

 

 

280634492_DSC01765chilowindow.jpg.295162364e893591b88244db06266c2f.jpg

Just before rain, elephants seen in the Runde River from my balcony at Nhambo Cottage, Chilo Gorge

 

 

613326310_DSCN7231chiloraincomingin.jpg.33b495b4b21c2db9b5b0f7c9e87f7ffe.jpg

Rain is on the way

 

 

933509744_DSC01661sunriseChiloGorge.jpg.4a2f43da663f401c346333ce5daf0b56.jpg

View from my cottage at Chilo Gorge, sunrise

 

 

 

2031966088_20221110_134510mepointtoyoungbaobab.jpg.1b530be311a87aa2fec9ae636cad07e0.jpg

Baby baobab and me at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

 

Edited by Atravelynn
Posted

After reading this TR so far can there be any doubt ? This is simply one of the best safari’s you can ever book and as I have done most of it myself you may be certain you will have a remote experience you will never forget : and the food is indeed divine !!

Posted

@michael-ibk and @Atravelynnyour wonderful report continues!

Beautiful photos and great writing. You had a really good mix of environments.

The food looks excellent, and was obviously much appreciated 

Posted (edited)

TR_0508_IMG_3172.JPG.ae96f2973516c87cdf2daa2aef46e388.JPG

 

The rains had really cleared the air, it was a beautiful morning when we said our Good Byes to Matt, Donald and Melody and started our long drive to Chilo Gorge Lodge, at the very North-Eastern end of the park. More than 60 km as the Crow flies, and I´d estimate at least double that distance along the road following the winding river.

 

TR_0513_IMG_3182.JPG.75d5684a5a24548aec64be23e5fefa96.JPG

 

The first part of our route lead us through the very same hills again we had transgressed after arriving to Gonarezhou, so we´d eventually pass our mobile camp site again too. Again the hills were very enjoyable, a lot of general game around.

 

1457689429_TR_0514_Zimbabwe_2481_TawnyEagle-Bearbeitet.JPG.cbee3546bc63e3c627c872dd63cefa41.JPG

 

Tawny Eagle, quite scarce this trip.

 

866249393_TR_0516_Zimbabwe_2492_GreaterKudu-Bearbeitet.JPG.0f1d1dee218fa26e106c402582104509.JPG

 

I´m all ears Baby!

 

200997645_TR_0518_Zimbabwe_2499_GreaterKudu-Bearbeitet.JPG.eb4d3954790265c962501af3ac71b92c.JPG

 

The animals were just loving the fresh vegetation everywhere.

 

TR_0515_Zimbabwe_2485_Grey-Go-Away-Bird-Bearbeitet.JPG.0011272040e641dff4f84f4a651a021b.JPG

 

Grey Go-Away BIrd

 

1127508806_TR_0522_Zimbabwe_2515_DwarfMongoose-Bearbeitet.JPG.f712b4c80424c68a29c3cc550215a9a0.JPG

 

Lynn´s Dwarf Mongoose are just running away all the time. Mine are much better behaved, I trained them to pose.

 

TR_0526_IMG_3190.JPG.d90ae67b21d6f1e9a6fb42206c39c85e.JPG

 

TR_0523_Zimbabwe_2520_Impala.JPG.6f4c2cd8301176fdb86c41ad96dd159b.JPG

 

1195452154_TR_0525_Zimbabwe_2524_EllipsenWaterbuck.JPG.46a4b2f84655a29698190ad835b3a137.JPG

 

Quite a handsome Waterbuck male.

 

TR_0533_IMG_3191.JPG.d682f6cc8e6f3dc8e0f353d56ff56bc6.JPG

 

TR_0529_Zimbabwe_2529_Klippspringer-Bearbeitet.JPG.7d38002005fd0094cddd9a3e1bab25c9.JPG

 

1727947991_TR_0531_Zimbabwe_2535_CapeBuffalo-Bearbeitet.JPG.787586b6f7a065779e697eb1d41dffa3.JPG

 

646013541_TR_0537_Zimbabwe_2562_AfricanElephant.JPG.cc17b10fd1c3ec737404f142157ca5f2.JPG

 

Sitting at this waterhole with the Elephants was wonderful, such a peaceful and tranquil setting.

 

 

1075368199_TR_0538_Zimbabwe_2565_AfricanElephant.JPG.88fbd513c184d8130acf4da7fcb64a91.JPG

 

 

Friendly as they all were this one came a bit too close for comfort and Doug asked us with faked calmness to get into the car again. :D

 

1867637214_TR_0542_Zimbabwe_2581_AfricanElephant.JPG.624a592162999799174adb7541899068.JPG

 

TR_0547_IMG_0116.JPG.02a79f61153f9e4e8e1e86fc0610a30d.JPG

 

Another Vulture congregation close to our Cliffs camp site.

 

913400794_TR_0548_Zimbabwe_2598_AfricanHoopoe-Bearbeitet.JPG.a35b75e0533549772e4b7a21eb134593.JPG

 

Lynn´s favourite bird? Mine as well.

 

TR_0554_IMG_3231.JPG.c34c078b05ea7dafca90af0c09e9f6ff.JPG

 

Doug told us a bogeyman story of a criminal who allegedly used to live in this very Baobab for years.

 

TR_0578_IMG-20221207-WA0001.JPG.73c1e785160f2e05fed2aa3494e99d2b.JPG

 

It was noon now, and we had only come halfway. It also was one of the hottest days we had experienced so far. That and the rugged road were getting to us, and I think that´s why that bath in the river also easily made all our "Trip Top Ten" lists. It was vital to cool off.

 

TR_0557_Handy_144.JPG.6662b369f58a87fcba5d6bc52a9ba666.JPG

 

I confess I already had had a "swim" in the morning at Fishman´s causeway. Back then Lynn and Andreas had only rolled their eyes. Crazy stupid childish Michael, let the Crocs have him! Now they swore they would never ever leave the water again! It was difficult to get me out as well.

 

TR_0560_Handy_149.JPG.4ee6b0b09b5a35075c75be68a1af1a0a.JPG

 

TR_0562_IMG_3236.JPG.3e2885dd8cd41914f9250c90d1ff8efd.JPG

 

The scenery changed again, more and more Palm Trees came into view. The Eastern end of the park is a really beautiful area, and it definitely was the most game rich.

 

TR_0567_Zimbabwe_2621_Nyala-Bearbeitet.JPG.2c378bdff7ffda0a559db758cc05aafe.JPG

 

But I think it was just too hot for all of us to really take photos anymore. Only Andreas did never stop of photographing one Baobab after the other!

 

TR_0571_IMG_3266.JPG.5dc3cbccc38e8808da92efaac860a075.JPG

 

TR_0565_IMG_3248.JPG.6f8d91f62611a2ddeecaac1b36f30f0b.JPG

 

TR_0632_1377.JPG.a90f2f962f0f36b5b03f83b8ef72564d.JPG

 

We finallly arrived at Chilo Gorge Lodge at 5 pm. It´s actually outside the park, we first had to cross the Save river.  The crossing point is somewhere at the back end of the river in the photo below.

 

TR_0573_IMG_3278.JPG.5a30ce9504ce2aaf015e02bac443f494.JPG

 

The main lodge is beautiful. Not a real safari type camp, more catering for all audiences. They also run a tented camp within the park.

 

TR_0644_1381.JPG.a8734583b1cc2bd34e5bdfbdbfda1de1.JPG

 

TR_0645_1382.JPG.cdf44679bb69396b9cba5bc701790180.JPG

 

TR_0635_Zimbabwe_2859.JPG.152f585e21b022e894db036a9e18c99e.JPG

 

TR_0647_1384.JPG

 

Our cottages. Very spacious, very comfortable. After all these bush showers (even though I love them) it was so cool to enjoy a shower with high water pressure and non-stop running water.

 

TR_0633_1378.JPG.3a6960478ae10ea527b7a2317453dc77.JPG

 

Our balcony:

 

TR_0648_1385.JPG.4bf88208483e61bfba7e6343ce38132c.JPG

 

1930514393_TR_0636_Zimbabwe_2863_MockingCliff-Chat-Bearbeitet.JPG.cfad786b4c936299d1e0f5102d760d17.JPG

 

Mocking Cliff-Chats were always around.

 

1609856384_TR_0637_Zimbabwe_2866_MockingCliff-Chat-Bearbeitet.JPG.0863de55679ff2fda2eb73343af5e9b2.JPG

 

1979183368_TR_0640_Zimbabwe_2870_White-ThroatedRobin-Chat-Bearbeitet.JPG.42219831737ba170f278ffa34ae295f6.JPG

 

White-Throated Robin-Chat

 

TR_0669_Handy_165.JPG.1093dccac2f89586616d8711f195a54e.JPG

 

The Save River.

Edited by michael-ibk
Posted
1 hour ago, BRACQUENE said:

his is simply one of the best safari’s you can ever book and as I have done most of it myself you may be certain you will have a remote experience you will never forget

 

It really is a remote Wilderness in the very best sense of the word. Like I said, I definitely want to return. :)

 

45 minutes ago, TonyQ said:

Beautiful photos and great writing. You had a really good mix of environments.

The food looks excellent, and was obviously much appreciated 

 

Thanks Tony - it is a remarkably diverse park. Much appreciated indeed, too much actually - but that´s what holiday is for. :)

 

Posted (edited)

Watching the video, MIchael, I was right back at the waterhole with the elephants.  You trained not only the mongoose but these giants as well.  They were very well behaved getting their drink.

 

5 hours ago, BRACQUENE said:

his is simply one of the best safari’s you can ever book and as I have done most of it myself you may be certain you will have a remote experience you will never forget

 

It really is a remote Wilderness in the very best sense of the word. Like I said, I definitely want to return. :)

Totally agree on all your points! This was game count weekend and the park was totally booked because this event draws so many people.  How many did we see?  Just a handful in a week's time.  Maybe 6 sightings of another vehicle or someone camping.  We really had a remote and secluded experience.

 

 

3 hours ago, TonyQ said:

Beautiful photos and great writing. You had a really good mix of environments.

The food looks excellent, and was obviously much appreciated 

 

Thanks Tony - it is a remarkably diverse park. Much appreciated indeed, too much actually - but that´s what holiday is for. :)

And cliffs, we had cliffs!  We only traveled in the northern part of the park but we were amazed at how the terrain changed.  In fact our last couple of days in the eastern most part of the park, it seemed like we were still in the dry season.  It rained the day after we arrived, but when we first got there, it was like we had changed climates.

Edited by Atravelynn
Posted (edited)

Just when you thought the cliffs were a thing of the past in this report, THE ADAPTER appears atop one.  Actually 2 adapters. There are also 2 elephants down below.

 

For the entire Zimbabwe itinerary, the TYPE G ADAPTER was used.  All camps had adequate charging.  We often handed our batteries and chargers to the staff who charged them for us.  Nhambo Cottages at Chilo Gorge had plugs in the room.

1375852780_ADAPTERONCLIFF.jpg.84579df30da97b49ca9bfa4a4c2f9881.jpg

Edited by Atravelynn
Posted (edited)

1667357130_18dDSCN6949waterbuckandscenery3.jpg.821edb3f06aa548e3f376a1b45a514db.jpg

Looking dry in the eastern part of the park around Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

 

 

1843153258_DSCN6894waterbuckandscenery.jpg.8f902d3749911684bcd5a5bed4051554.jpg

Waterbuck and Fish Eagle

 

 

1787578948_DSCN69845baobabsmarked.jpg.14054ab500a77c8d34e351ff417302b1.jpg

Count the baobabs

 

2143017412_40eDSCN6970goliathheronportrait.jpg.004cfc369d4bc60e38e43b2878358ebb.jpg

Goliath Heron

 

1108810277_DSCN6819redheadedweaverportrait.jpg.6b8796d412ad196819ec103d3ff01bb7.jpg

Red-headed Weavers were feeding on flowers

 

767196870_DSCN6873redheadedweaver.jpg.b23de99c90a4c6d2fb75a110073fde60.jpg

Red-headed Weavers were feeding on flowers

 

 

588196037_DSCN6855redheadedweaveronflower.jpg.97d12df7279e7a4388f45563b0972a04.jpg

Red-headed Weavers were feeding on flowers

 

2102528238_DSCN6926woodlandkingfisher.jpg.28ac96caa531b1181db9d7c79a978a60.jpg

Woodland Kingfisher

 

1743361679_DSC03242butterfly2.jpg.c322487dee6ff31ef151dfe1cc04e289.jpg

 

We rounded a bend and there they were, under a tree, not far from the road, as if they had been waiting for us—wild dogs!  I believe 19 were counted.

1456316921_DSC02447groupofdogs.jpg.131348401e0905ec2cf924c3067a73ee.jpg

 

705056971_DSC02469groupofdogs.jpg.aefd686af2db0fecfe3275cd083e4355.jpg

 

1652164243_DSC02530groupofdogs3.jpg.72edc0cc047414dd24a87ac94129aed1.jpg

 

 

287269596_DSCN7075doglooksup.jpg.a6e6d9120fc3f354dd36258341cb8a07.jpg

 

 

1867099520_DSC025823dogs.jpg.9f6bbc359478d2bcd4ddc503a81fcc3b.jpg

 

276688609_DSC02651onedogstand.jpg.96f796a4500fc73095cb67649b8f7021.jpg

 

1680671660_DSC02668mainly3dogs.jpg.44a659ab75f954bc480fe7863c420bb5.jpg

 

804254797_DSC02722severaldogs.jpg.241c50692b26390494ed1914a0ff93d0.jpg

 

1357363914_DSCN7076dogfacemouthopen.jpg.16c50971f3816fff77fd9934af660048.jpg

 

1897560460_DSCN7108dogsit.jpg.69627cb3b67804bb0f281e795f4fa11f.jpg

 

1842668881_DSCN7142onewilddog.jpg.9a12d24262753c1a78c4c89862e67600.jpg

 

2069233274_DSC02458groupdogs.jpg.bff5a00cdc2a0487feac488369f4e158.jpg

 

Our plan was to return to the wild dogs in the afternoon, but heavy rain prevented us.

 

I had been trying to get a good squirrel shot for much of the trip.  Like at home, they were plentiful enough but rarely paused.  Finally, squirrel success!  As was the entire trip, thanks to my safari buddies and guide Doug and of course to the magnificent Gonarezhou!

514287051_DSC02095squirrel.jpg.2df9f1354330f0235e3c9406064a8825.jpg

  Smith’s Bush Squirrel

DSC03242 butterfly  2.jpg

 

1155981757_DSC02025squirrel.jpg.31c5a16cd4411d9d500fa168af522737.jpg

 Smith’s Bush Squirrel

DSC03242 butterfly  2.jpg

DSCN7075   dog looks up.jpg

Edited by Atravelynn
Posted

A great sighting of the Dogs!

Posted (edited)

Well well, our last day already! Quite cool to wake up, step on the balcony and see this:

 

256816461_TR_0585_Zimbabwe_2626_AfricanElephant-Bearbeitet.JPG.ce48cb153bc022c0f8191308ac18aab5.JPG

 

Immediately after we entered the park we came upon a pair of Bushbuck - the female looked very mangy:

 

960775599_TR_0586_Zimbabwe_2634_CapeBushbuck-Bearbeitet.JPG.decc9ca4845da25e7057ffb0565b2c6c.JPG

 

TR_0591_1307.JPG.996d2a18d1e704b5379cbc13fffcbcdc.JPG

 

This part of Gonarezhou is very beautiful - I would have loved to spend more time here.

 

616470558_TR_0588_Zimbabwe_2646_Red-HeadedWeaver-Bearbeitet.JPG.e5e08eb2307f87f1d9465046c37c8289.JPG

 

TR_0589_Zimbabwe_2654_Ant-Bearbeitet.JPG.f205b0f3afe53afff8d2ca2a4b9b8b40.JPG

 

We witnessed a massacre - the Ants had raided a termite mount and were going home, their prey firmly in their jaws.

 

TR_0593_Zimbabwe_2660_Eland.JPG.da6584b4fdfd987b375a90c34513d6f7.JPG

 

Very Mana Pools.

 

1879759784_TR_0595_Zimbabwe_2667_Impala_CommonWarthog.JPG.604ad19ad30a7b4254e7d393de92890e.JPG

 

An exceptional sighting - a non-sprinting Warthog!

 

TR_0612_Zimbabwe_2716_Nyala-Bearbeitet.JPG.2e0af125deaf9175698cc97899f4c068.JPG

 

A strong Nyala bull.

 

TR_0606_1326.JPG.56e89e83f5d6624244fe8e6f0f61c926.JPG

 

588683616_TR_0600_Zimbabwe_2690_White-FrontedBee-Eater-Bearbeitet.JPG.b6dfb41e99733131b8eb468a279e75f2.JPG

 

Common as they are, always difficult to resist a posing White-Fronted Bee-Eater.

 

1412162810_TR_0603_Zimbabwe_2696_SharpesGrysbok.JPG.81e25b832003f00ddcdc2fcebabc3e01.JPG

 

TR_0602_1318.JPG.03964905520ca972f4040e1c85bd3e24.JPG

 

If Sharpe´s Grysbok is your thing Gonarezhou is definitely the top place. I was constantly amazed how relatively easily this normally secretive Antelope was ofen found here.

 

1868471867_TR_0607_Zimbabwe_2701_GreaterKudu-Bearbeitet.JPG.1a2d7c8a5c698912d267f711e6b409e9.JPG

 

1641205975_TR_0608_Zimbabwe_2702_GreaterKudu-Bearbeitet.JPG.c3d69b4329c8f99789d1b5a49490682d.JPG

 

1747748673_TR_0609_Zimbabwe_2706_GreaterKudu-Bearbeitet.JPG.8ae4bef3fe788bb7575ef14665da01c2.JPG

 

Needless to say we were elated to find our Dogs. A great finale, even if the rains spoilt our afternoon plans for them.

 

725980800_TR_0613_Zimbabwe_2721_AfricanWildDog.JPG.a29a0b09d593a2ef08ee1499de7c90eb.JPG

 

2009094314_TR_0619_Zimbabwe_2763_AfricanWildDog-Bearbeitet.JPG.902c5d235de0ef71e1c9867747bb9bc2.JPG

 

They all looked very healthy - and full.

 

545486689_TR_0623_Zimbabwe_2823_AfricanWildDog-Bearbeitet.JPG.e9f8498c4b67389cfbe1fa4a5116f1fd.JPG

 

119939364_TR_0625_Zimbabwe_2832_AfricanWildDog-Bearbeitet.JPG.5ecadf40cd12ea1c51b089213d1011fb.JPG

 

1523960518_TR_0626_Zimbabwe_2840_AfricanWildDog-Bearbeitet.JPG.fac95c80f56ed392583fc9aad0518460.JPG

 

62186082_TR_0628_Zimbabwe_2842_AfricanWildDog-Bearbeitet.JPG.e9e11b11c4f3e685b8567e761e9f0907.JPG

 

1682217345_TR_0629_Zimbabwe_2843_AfricanWildDog-Bearbeitet.JPG.69dfa30418c04498370affa3be4ba1a9.JPG

 

No more Mr. Nice Guy!

Edited by michael-ibk
Posted (edited)

It was raining heavily in the afternoon and also most of the time next morning before our departure. I often went out (the lodge area is lovely and quite productive) but had to retreat to the cottage quickly. Still found a few nice ones (some also from the balcony). Of course I have to finish in a birdy way!

 

779617886_TR_0649_Zimbabwe_2886_EasternNicator-Bearbeitet.JPG.6e0648dc06034a151671bf47f02e143a.JPG

 

Eastern Nicator

 

807460412_TR_0657_Zimbabwe_2903_Yellow-BelliedGreenbul.JPG.1e220a00c29a33525a764c4cc56e0a4d.JPG

 

Yellow-Bellied Greenbul collecting nest material

 

1722279926_TR_0658_Zimbabwe_2906_SpectacledWeaver-Bearbeitet.JPG.8c402b56f81ef6de432ce56796dcbc99.JPG

 

Spectacled Weaver

 

1994678352_TR_0660_Zimbabwe_2912_Black-BackedPuffback-Bearbeitet.JPG.415420a7386c23bc84274bcc672e4681.JPG

 

Puffback

 

675411704_TR_0661_Zimbabwe_2916_JamesonsFirefinch-Bearbeitet.JPG.11052208e79b8c82acdb9c1a6a2ab097.JPG

 

Jameson´s Firefinch

 

864781132_TR_0662_Zimbabwe_2920_CollaredSunbird-Bearbeitet.JPG.3ec7a76ad11dfdf0b8d63036460f597a.JPG

 

Collared Sunbird

 

855269311_TR_0666_Zimbabwe_2933_Green-WingedPytilia-Bearbeitet.JPG.0fc4eb6f01d899bced122274cada42d7.JPG

 

Green-Winged Pytilia

 

1715202436_TR_0663_Zimbabwe_2921_Green-WingedPytilia-Bearbeitet.JPG.03f8dee8b0bdc31758f1ad6fc8f1471a.JPG

 

The female

 

561768137_TR_0664_Zimbabwe_2926_Red-ThroatedTwinspot-Bearbeitet.JPG.adfc43cbd53fefc1b6d687ca41057707.JPG

 

And my highlight - a Red-Throated (or Peter´s) Twinspot. Delightful bird!

 

169431414_TR_0665_Zimbabwe_2928_Red-ThroatedTwinspot-Bearbeitet.JPG.9f23c9f46be2b50a89360068513081ea.JPG

 

Doug had already left after breakfast, we still enjoyed a lunch and then were on our way.

 

TR_0672_1393.JPG

 

TR_0670_1392.JPG.a783bc13596f7dd052084a5f58aac657.JPG

 

It was quite a relief that we were able to depart - we had discussed even leaving one day earlier because of the rains. Which would not have been possible anyway given the weather the previous day. Our pilot had to zigzag the storm clouds to get us to Harare safely. The advantage of that was he flew pretty low - we saw a fair bit of beautiful Zimbabwe. I really enjoyed that flight.

 

TR_0676_Handy_175.JPG.b3bdf7b10a26a8eee2ad662716e1e0a1.JPG

 

TR_0678_1396.JPG.063a202acce0e1f5a98e8846318f8cf2.JPG

 

TR_0680_Handy_183.JPG.004cb7f651dfe4198fa85769c116a61f.JPG

 

TR_0683_1399.JPG.d8dcb57e74b81b063f04c1cea12e8b3b.JPG

 

TR_0685_Handy_196.JPG.f52eed42839d18032b77349fba555fbd.JPG

 

TR_0686_Handy_197.JPG.745f68dbeb4d384dbb50110bbb186d34.JPG

 

And that´s it from me! Andreas and me greatly enjoyed this trip, and like I said really would like to go back. Sure, there are parks with higher wildlife density but for me the beauty and unspoilt vast wilderness of Gonarezhou, the feeling of really being far out, away from everything, totally makes up for that. And we loved all of our accommodations - have I mentioned the great food? The Vumba was cool as well - need to go back just for Tony´s Café. And I do have unfinished business to take care of - looking at you, skulky Gorgeous Bushshrike!

 

TR_0035_Handy_73.JPG.7fd1c8fcf3c1bb4d9671be554d8178f6.JPG

 

And thank you Lynn, as always, you are such a good (and fun!) travel mate. Atravelmate. To many more shared adventures!

 

TR_0144_Zimbabwe_1426.JPG.aa895f23559c4a29aed63dcaa23e06ca.JPG

 

And thanks Doug, great job again! This was our fifth trip together - and we just booked Nr. 6.  If you want a great private guide who´s 100 % about seeing cool stuff and maximising your time in the bush he´s your man.:)

 

 

Edited by michael-ibk

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...

Important Information

Safaritalk uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. By using Safaritalk you agree to our use of cookies. If you wish to refuse the setting of cookies you can change settings on your browser to clear and block cookies. However, by doing so, Safaritalk may not work properly and you may not be able to access all areas. If you are happy to accept cookies and haven't adjusted browser settings to refuse cookies, Safaritalk will issue cookies when you log on to our site. Please also take a moment to read the Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy: Terms of Use l Privacy Policy