South Africa - Zimbabwe - Zambia
August/September 2009

Before we started, we did not really know, what we could expect from this vacation ... We were lucky, that we could return to the black continent. This time we planned to cross Zimbabwe. But we really did not know, in what political situation is the country. There are no current guidebooks and the information situation is thin. But after a lot of research we decided not only to cross the country, we wanted to enjoy the spirit of Zimbabwe!

At this point I would like to spare you my experience with the cars of "Just Done It". The vehicles were in a pitiful state. That had the effect, that we spent nearly three days under our cars to fix them.Unfortunately, we lost a little bit of the vacation-feeling. But we made the best of it. That’s all I’ll write about it.

Our route took us from Johannesburg to the north. We steered straight towards the Zimbabwean border. Even the border crossing was an experience. As poorer the country is, as more stamps you need to get in. We collected plenty. On the South African side went all PC-based, in Zimbabwe we diligently filled out forms. You should plan nearly two hours to cross the border and without the help of local people it would have been nearly impossible for all the formalities. Zimbabwe had well-developed and intact streets.Moreover the fuel situation was in order. Only locating camping facilities turned out a little more difficult, because no one knew whether the campsites after 10 years still existed. Often without electricity and with bad sanitation, but they were there. Compensated for the lack of electricity was a gigantic sky. We were back in Africa.

Early in the morning we left Todd's farm and drove over a side road to the Matobo NP. The people were so nice. And we were impressed by the nature. ISomehow, not typical for Africa. There were many mountains and bizarre rock formations. In the Matobo NP itself, we were almost the only guests and shared the large campground on the lake with just another tourist. Fantastic! IIn the park there are plenty of rhinos, and a large leopard population. Because of the car problems, however, we saw no leopards. But the park is highly recommended.

From Matobo Np we drove to the We drove from Matobo NP Fromsecond largest city of Zimbabwe, Bulawayo.There is a lot of architecture from the colonial period. Further north, we arrived at Vic Falls. Here were more tourists. But we expected this. The Victoria Falls were once again a highlight. Simply majestic as the water rushes over 1.6 kilometers  app. 112m depth. A particular thrill was my bungee jump! We enjoyed the view and atmosphere of Vic Falls for two nights.

After that we went to Zambia. In Livingstone, we made a trip to the African Queen. With a Gin Tonic, we glided across the Zambezi River and looked at the many animals on the shore. The tour is probably a must. A little decadent, but easy to glide silently over the beautiful river. We left Livingstone westward and still arrived the same day the Lower Zambezi NP.We already knew this park. It is still intact and you meet only a few tourists. That makes him so appealing. Even if Zambia abolishes the individual tourism, you have the chance to see real African nature. Most of the animals we saw on the Zimbabwean side in the Mana Pools NP. The most beautiful camp site on this trip was Mvuu Camp. Astonishing. It right at the banks of the Zambezi with a gigantic view over the river.

We crossed again the border of Zimbabwe, and enjoyed the Mana Pool NP. It is worthwhile and I would always prefer this park to the Lower Zambezi NP. Although there are only a few routes that traverse the park, but he is very diverse and there are many amazing animals. The state-owned campground is easy, but also great located on the banks of the River. The entire fauna of Africa was represented and we spent wonderful days in Mana Pools NP. Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe, looks not like a typical African city. You feel back in Europe. Unfortunately we had no time, because Great Zimbabwe was waiting for us.It is considered the most important place of the continent, south of the Sahara and in fact, it impressing. Starting to build it in the 6th century, they still do not know, what it was for. We were once again the only guests and the sunset in Great Zimbabwe will probably stay with me forever in my head.

At the end of the trip we went to the Kruger National Park. It’s a easy and certainly a great way to see all the animals very close. But it reminded me of a great safari park. Anyone who has a little time for Africa has to get into the Kruger NP. Anyone who wants to feel Africa, needs to go north.

Summing up, the trip was again fascinatingly beautiful. Above all, Zimbabwe has surprised and convinced. The country is battered, but is slowly coming back to fomer days. Go to Zimbabwe right before it is again overcrowded by tourists!

It was a pleasure to have you with ... We'll come back!

Our car	Gnu	Look at the blue ...
Saurian	Kudu	Lions

Impressions	Blyde River Canyon	Giraffe
Giraffe	Lions	Sunset at Great Zimbabwe
Impressions	Great Zimbabwe	Buffalo
Sunset	Elen-Antilope	Zebras

Sunset	Crocodile	Elephant
Elephants at the Zambezi-River	Sunset at the Vic Falls	Victoria Wasserfälle
Jörg in front of the Vic Falls	Victoria Waterfalls	David Livingstone

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