Gonarezhou.....the truth ! (....complete!)

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 2:28 pm

Well, Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe has been on our list of things for quite some time :wink2:

Did some research and came up with some interesting info. This link inspired me and plans were made to travel there: Read.....

Zimbabwe.rar: (434.49 KiB) Downloaded 233 times

Our route initially was to enter via Beitbridge, but due to the still problematic border control we decided to head for Pafuri border crossing (S22 26 55.1 E31 18 46.4)

Our route:

Zim map1.jpg: (50.24 KiB) Downloaded 2031 times

Places we wanted to visit:
Gonarezhou
Great Zim Ruins
Motobo Hills National Park

zim map3.jpg: (102.69 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

People in the group:
- Myself, Danelle (0000DS), Kiara (7) - 2.5 DC 4X4 D4D
- Frans (Houdanoudaar), Denise, Heinie (2), Bianca (10), Tersia-Marie (11) - 3.0 DC 4X4 D4D
- Mike, Sonja my cousin from Hermansburg / Greytown - Mazda Drifter 2.5 DC 4X4
- Val - SFA 2.4 DC 4X4

Plans were quickly put into place and we scheduled to leave JHB on 30 June 2012 and returned on the 13 July. So time was a bit limited.

The round trip from Jhb - Jhb was 2950km in total.

The only booking required was at Gonarezhou as it was in season and we did not want to risk the chance of being turned down at the gate as it was during the school holiday's.

Info on Gonarezhou: http://www.zimparks.org/index.php?optio ... &Itemid=83" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Zim Parks Central booking office can be made via Christina Mhuriro, cmhuriro@zimparks.co.zw or RESERVATIONS AGENT
+263-772432148
+263-772111834
But email worked well, provided they have power.......

Val arrived in Jhb at our place on Friday the 29th June (with GI-Jane)

Gonarez Mark2 001 (Medium).JPG: (88.77 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

and plans were to leave the following day and meet up with Mike / Frans @ Millies just before Machadadorp around 10h00 for breakkie.

Gonarez Mark2 003 (Medium).JPG: (92.32 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

After a 'min maar in' disappointing breakkie Frans advised that he still had things to do on the farm and would only join us the following day.
Abel Erasmus pass on route: (S24 27 02.7 E30 36 26.9) just before the JG Strydom tunnel

Gonarez Mark2 013 (Medium).JPG: (99.27 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 019 (Medium).JPG: (80.79 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 020 (Medium).JPG: (66.25 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

So the three of us headed for Phalaborwa where fellow Hilux residents (Nico / Christie) aka Vlak Vark kindly opened their back yard to us where we could climitise for 2 nights and do some last minutue shopping

Wow, what a stunning back yard and once again, many thanks for allowing us to stay over and njoy your company

Much appreciated :wink2:

Nico's back garden with a beautiful view of the Olifants river and KNP ......

Some people are really fortunate....... :wink2:

Gonarez Mark2 026 (Medium).JPG: (111.95 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 049 (Medium).JPG: (111.83 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Nico aka Vlak Vark and Christie our hosts

Gonarez Mark2 048 (Medium).JPG: (97.23 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

We had a wonderful braai that evening watching, ellies, buffalo, giraffe come for a drink

Sunday Nico took us for a nice scenic drive around Phalaborwa

The mine industry which keeps the town alive.....pretty sad to see such a huge industry around the beautiful nature......:

Gonarez Mark2 021 (Medium).JPG: (61.98 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Open cast mine which is no longer active as part of the road has collapsed

Gonarez Mark2 034 (Medium).JPG: (88.41 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 035 (Medium).JPG: (100.33 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Phalaborwa famous for it's palm tree's

Gonarez Mark2 028 (Medium).JPG: (94.25 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

We visited a lodge down the road from Nico's place where we njoyed some sundowners

Gonarez Mark2 038 (Medium).JPG: (42.1 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 041 (Medium).JPG: (70.02 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

: Gonarez Mike 005.JPG (64.81 KiB) Viewed 5882 times

Gonarez Mark2 043 (Medium).JPG: (40.45 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Monday, it was time to say good-buy and we headed for Punda Maria (S22 44 08.1 E31 00 46.6) where we could also fill up with fuel.

Gonarez Mark2 052 (Medium).JPG: (146.18 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 051 (Medium).JPG: (88.31 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

We had a quick breakkie on the go at Punda Maria rest camp (S22 41 31.8 E31 01 05.0)nb. last fuel stop also!

Gonarez Mark2 053 (Medium).JPG: (136.02 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Some nice sights on route

Gonarez Mark2 056 (Medium).JPG: (153.08 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 057 (Medium).JPG: (103.96 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Val, with her mik en druk......

Gonarez Mark2 059 (Medium).JPG: (69.02 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

That evening we camped at Pafuri river camp....which is outside the park....

(S22 25 22.1 E31 02 09.0)
We had an nice quiet evening @ R100 p/p kids half price

Info Pafuri River Camp info@pafuri.co.za

Gonarez Mike 016 (Medium).JPG: (102.67 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mark2 061 (Medium).JPG: (67.32 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Hamburgers and chips for supper...a real winner

Gonarez Mark2 065 (Medium).JPG: (59.69 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

Gonarez Mike 018 (Medium).JPG: (76.7 KiB) Downloaded 2033 times

The following morning it was up early and we headed for the Pafuri border crossing (which when we got there only opens at 08h00 and not at 06h00......

)

Into Moz....to be continued :!:

Donkey · Post by **Donkey** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:17 pm

Lovely report and thanks for them pikchas, love the sunsets

Post by **Mud Dog** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 3:21 pm

Ja, Nico is definitely in a beautiful position ... he posted once before about his 'back yard'

.... lucky bastard!

Nice start, Mark, keep 'em coming!

chopper · Post by **chopper** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 4:01 pm

Keen to hear what the crossing was like as well as the condition of the stretch of road between Pafuri and Chicualacuala? Kambaku Safaris is just 41 km north of the Sambo/Chicualacuala border post, right against the Moz/Zim border and bordering Gonarezhou - we regularly entertain their elephant especially during marula time

Hoppy · Post by **Hoppy** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:14 pm

Baie nice, ek sal weer gaan as die bobbejaan nie meer aan bewind is nie, pragtige land, ek hoop hulle kry hom weer reg.
Hoe veilig is dit nou daar?

african dust · Post by **african dust** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:30 pm

welcome back. looks like you had a great trip. look forward reading the updates as they appear.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 6:42 pm

Donkey wrote:Lovely report and thanks for them pikchas, love the sunsets

African sunsets are always beautiful

Especially when on holiday

chopper wrote:Keen to hear what the crossing was like as well as the condition of the stretch of road between Pafuri and Chicualacuala? Kambaku Safaris is just 41 km north of the Sambo/Chicualacuala border post, right against the Moz/Zim border and bordering Gonarezhou - we regularly entertain their elephant especially during marula time

Ons het kort pad geneem, sien volgende post

Hoppy wrote:Baie nice, ek sal weer gaan as die bobbejaan nie meer aan bewind is nie, pragtige land, ek hoop hulle kry hom weer reg.
Hoe veilig is dit nou daar?

Jy kan maar gaan, dis veiliger as Clifton beach

african dust wrote:welcome back. looks like you had a great trip. look forward reading the updates as they appear.

Tx, busy as we speak

Racing snake · Post by **Racing snake** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:04 pm

Welcome back. Been like a kid on Christmas eve waiting for this report.

Post by **CasKru** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:11 pm

Thanks Mark... sien uit na die res. Daar is darem net iets aan ons Afrika sonsondergange

Post by **Haboob** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:21 pm

As usual, GREAT Report Mark. Can't wait for the rest of it.

Post by **Bugzy** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:24 pm

Welkom terug Mike, like die photo kwai

Val, I love your bakkie!!

GI Jane · Post by **GI Jane** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 7:56 pm

Thanks Buks,... me tooo....

Thanks Ooooms for the report and photo's

must also say that the burgers and chips are a winner....

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:01 pm

Approx. 1.6km from the Pafuri border post (S22 26 59.5 E31 19 52.3) my GPS T4A showed a road (left) which would save us approx. a 192km 4hour detour if possible

So we headed in the direction, as we are always keen for some adventure....and it was :wink2:

Gonarez Mark2 068 (Medium).JPG: (90.59 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 069 (Medium).JPG: (86.11 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

The road got less, however the Luxes were not afraid

Gonarez Mike 019 (Medium).JPG: (65 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

We got to an rather empty Limpopo river...........but we expected it as it is dry season

Gonarez Mike 022 (Medium).JPG: (76.57 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mike 026 (Medium).JPG: (107.64 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 073 (Medium).JPG: (50.9 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mike 033 (Medium).JPG: (84.16 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

From there it was dust and more dust

Gonarez Mark2 077 (Medium).JPG: (68.07 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 078 (Medium).JPG: (110.15 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Some pretty scenery

Gonarez Mark2 079 (Medium).JPG: (59.87 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 082 (Medium).JPG: (62.46 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 080 (Medium).JPG: (109.55 KiB) Downloaded 1956 times

Gonarez Mark2 084 (Medium).JPG: (99.84 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Crossing the Naunetsi river (S22 18 49.5 E31 28 16.3)

Gonarez Mark2 086 (Medium).JPG: (78.32 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 087 (Medium).JPG: (104.99 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

On the other side ot the riverbank we came to an abrupt HALT..........Moz Police....... :!:

They had all the time in the world ...... and searched our vehicles one by one.....almost everywhere

Gonarez Mark2 089 (Medium).JPG: (102.66 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

This STOP took almost an hour.... but we just kept caln and played their game, without any nonsense or prepared to pay any bribes as they gently suggested.....

We continued along the Moz / Zim border where we headed for the border post at Chiquelaquala (S22 04 18.2 E31 40 52.1)

Old railway station in Chiquelaquala, just before the border crossing.

Gonarez Mark2 090 (Medium).JPG: (69.64 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 095 (Medium).JPG: (89.46 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 094 (Medium).JPG: (129.53 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

The broder crossing into Zim was slow as there does not seem to be much traffic going via this route and there was no power so everything was done manually. However after an hour or so we were heading to the entrance gate of Gonarezhou, a 120km good sand road drive.

Gonarez Mark2 097 (Medium).JPG: (58.96 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

The old bridge still washed away by the floods 2002, or somewhere around there.... Runde river (S21 15 49.9 E31 53 26.6)

Gonarez Mark2 100 (Medium).JPG: (74.54 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mike 036 (Medium).JPG: (42.17 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mike 037 (Medium).JPG: (106.44 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Entrance to Gonarezhou

Gonarez Mark2 099 (Medium).JPG: (109.4 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Gonarez Mark2 105 (Medium).JPG: (99.66 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

Road into the park....hippo and croc crossing beware :!:

Gonarez Mark2 106 (Medium).JPG: (88.45 KiB) Downloaded 1965 times

GI Jane · Post by **GI Jane** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:23 pm

The funniest thing at that police stop in Moz, was when I asked the policeman searching my vehicle what he was looking for... his answer was "I will tell you when I find it." Luckily he never found anything he wanted in my vehicle...

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 8:35 pm

Bugzy wrote:Welkom terug Mike, like die photo kwai Val, I love your bakkie!!

Mike....

Mark....

And her GI-Jane sounds good also, you should hear it

GI Jane wrote:Thanks Buks,... me tooo....

Thanks Ooooms for the report and photo's must also say that the burgers and chips are a winner....

For sure

Thabogrobler · Post by **Thabogrobler** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 9:30 pm

Kom, kom, plak nog pics!

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 10:07 pm

Some curious onlookers.....

Gonarez Mark2 108 (Medium).JPG: (39.91 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

We arrived at the Main gate / entrance, exit? Still not sure ... paid our stay...which took almost another hour, friendly staff but not so efficient.... We were booked at Chipinda for the 1st night, three nights at Pokwe and the last noght back at Chipinda.

Gonarez Mark2 114 (Medium).JPG: (111.79 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

and headed for our campsite approx. 4km from the main gate, Chipinda Pools camp (S21 17 15.8 E31 54 51.3)

Just what the doctor ordered

Gonarez Mark2 116 (Medium).JPG: (113.46 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Gonarez Mark2 118 (Medium).JPG: (144.04 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Gonarez Mike 052 (Medium).JPG: (124.8 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

There are x9 campsites at Chipinda, each with a lapa, braai area, drinking water, hot showers and clean ablutions

Wood is available at the gate on request @ 5 US$ per bundle but we negotiated a wheel barrow for that price

Thereafter hunted self as it would have meant a 70km drive to the gate :roll:

I have reserved your booking as follows
Booking Ref XXX
Park Date in Date out Facility Cost/Night
Gonarezhou Chipinda Pools 3/07/12 4/07/12 Site 8 and 9 US$15/person/night
Gonarezhou Chipinda Pools 4/07/12 07/07/12 Pokwe US$25/person/night
Gonarezhou Chipinda Pools 07/07/12 8/07/12 Site 7 and 8 US$15/person/night

Entry Fees
US$12/person
US$10/Vehicle
Note these are once off payment for a period of 7 days.

Print this invoice and pay upon arrival @ the Park

The hippo's kept us entertained all night with jackal / hyena's calling all night

Ladies preparing the salads while we braai'd

Gonarez Mike 051 (Medium).JPG: (79.06 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Gonarez Mike 050 (Medium).JPG: (39.08 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Note: there is no electricity at any of the campsites or bush camps. (bush camps are another story.....)

Kiara doing some washing

Gonarez Mike 054 (Medium).JPG: (65.71 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Bianca helping with the dishes

Gonarez Mike 055 (Medium).JPG: (60.55 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

The following morning, we headed for Pokwe camp, saw this nice Kudu next to the river

Gonarez Mike 057 (Medium).JPG: (132.81 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

View point

Gonarez Mike 059 (Medium).JPG: (105.39 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Southern view

Gonarez Mike 058 (Medium).JPG: (91.81 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Gonarez Mike 060 (Medium).JPG: (53.45 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Gonarez Mark2 122 (Medium).JPG: (70.95 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

The roads were generally in good condition (easy travel) but I think it can be another story in the rainy season

Another time

Gonarez Mark2 123 (Medium).JPG: (80.85 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

On route to Pokwe camp we stopped off at a private camp just to have a look

Called Chivilla camp (S21 18 26.2 E31 54 59.7)....stunning but will be very hot in the summer month's.

Gonarez Mark2 125 (Medium).JPG: (90.64 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Gonarez Mark2 127 (Medium).JPG: (94.72 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Gonarez Mark2 128 (Medium).JPG: (84.43 KiB) Downloaded 1937 times

Gonarez Mark2 129 (Medium).JPG: (115.8 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

MIL swimming area

Gonarez Mark2 131 (Medium).JPG: (76.56 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Val, was in love with this place and really tried hard to convince me to stay but we had move on to our allocated campsite....

Soon we had a view of the cliffs, which is prob one of the main attractions of the park ! Chilojo Cliff's (S21 26 34.3 E32 05 11.0)

Gonarez Mark1 002 (Medium).JPG: (87.65 KiB) Downloaded 1938 times

Johannes van die See · Sun Jul 15, 2012 10:16 pm

Nice Mark!

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Sun Jul 15, 2012 10:28 pm

Johannes van die See wrote:Nice Mark!

Ek wil weer terug .... glo my :!: :!: :!:

Post by **Mud Dog** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:21 am

................

Creed · Post by **Creed** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:28 am

I am enjoying the trip report. However, now I am waiting for more pics, especially of the Great Ruins - can I go to bed or should I wait for more?

Post by **CasKru** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:36 am

Thanks vir die trip report. Baie nice pics en

Daai een foto by die uitkykpunt is vir my net baie snaaks want ek kry die indruk

Toppie · Post by **Toppie** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:30 am

Brilliantreport. This is on our list for May 2013

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:33 am

Toppie wrote:Brilliantreport. This is on our list for May 2013

Lekker

krazy_kameleon · Post by **krazy_kameleon** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:21 am

Wow! Lekker

well put together trip report

Thanks

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:39 am

The cliffs are stunning and we spent over an hour just soaking in the beauty

Gonarez Mike 065 (Medium).JPG: (110.83 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 066 (Medium).JPG: (68.1 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 068 (Medium).JPG: (88.11 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 069 (Medium).JPG: (80.24 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 070 (Medium).JPG: (89.6 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 071 (Medium).JPG: (55.43 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 073 (Medium).JPG: (103.79 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

And another for Cassie......

Gonarez Mike 074 (Medium).JPG: (100.19 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 012 (Medium).JPG: (72.81 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Val, Denise & Frans

Gonarez Mark1 020 (Medium).JPG: (130.01 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 022 (Medium).JPG: (142.17 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

On route again

There are a few legal places one can cross the river.

Gonarez Mark1 024 (Medium).JPG: (79.4 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

But first time for brunch

As the ellies were dinking on the other side of the river bed and we did not want to disturb them

Gonarez Mike 080 (Medium).JPG: (117.77 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 028 (Medium).JPG: (57.96 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 027 (Medium).JPG: (107.92 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 075 (Medium).JPG: (61.51 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 081 (Medium).JPG: (55.26 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 083 (Medium).JPG: (94.32 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 088 (Medium).JPG: (38.61 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Sand was thick, but the water was little, but enough to clean our dusty vehicles :wink2:

Gonarez Mike 091 (Medium).JPG: (75.95 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 095 (Medium).JPG: (82.55 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 059 (Medium).JPG: (88.61 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Mike filling up his shower bag

Gonarez Mike 093 (Medium).JPG: (79.54 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Still on route to Pokwe, quit a 70km drive if you are having fun and stopping frequently!

Gonarez Mike 096 (Medium).JPG: (80.21 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 063 (Medium).JPG: (106.63 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Ellie's obviously visited here.....

Gonarez Mike 100 (Medium).JPG: (69.61 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 101 (Medium).JPG: (94.66 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 103 (Medium).JPG: (132.66 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

The road conditions gradually got worse, think this can be pretty hectic in the rainy season....

Gonarez Mark1 067 (Medium).JPG: (131.48 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 069 (Medium).JPG: (160.37 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 070 (Medium).JPG: (112.86 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Finding the campsite Pokwe was a bit of a challenge......as it is an area and not really a designated site....no toilet, no water just a view of the river bed.

Gonarez Mark1 073 (Medium).JPG: (108.85 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mike 118 (Medium).JPG: (101.05 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

Gonarez Mark1 076 (Medium).JPG: (41.45 KiB) Downloaded 1871 times

TBC....

jacques kotze · Post by **jacques kotze** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 8:49 am

Nice Mark! Daai is maar n mooi deel van die land! Daai plant met die pienk blomme wat jy afgeneem het is n Impala lelie, nogal volop in die Laeveld en Bosveld. Stuur nog n paar pics

Hoppy · Post by **Hoppy** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:00 am

Ai, hoe moet en nou werk met sulke nice pics, nou's my kop innie bos...

Post by **CasKru** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:10 am

Kyk hoe kyk hulle vir my

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:20 am

jacques kotze wrote:Nice Mark! Daai is maar n mooi deel van die land! Daai plant met die pienk blomme wat jy afgeneem het is n Impala lelie, nogsal volop in die Laeveld en Bosveld. Stuur nog n paar pics

Tx Jacques

Hoppy wrote:Ai, hoe moet en nou werk met sulke nice pics, nou's my kop innie bos...

Nou toe....dis mos hoekom ons die regte voertuie het

CasKru wrote:Kyk hoe kyk hulle vir my

Difficult to find

Map of Gonarezhou and where Pokwe is:

Ginarez Map (Medium).jpg: (76.43 KiB) Downloaded 1853 times

Post by **Bugzy** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:18 am

Sorry Mark, ek weet nie waarmee ek besig was nie - belowe sal nie weer nie!!!!

andrevt · Post by **andrevt** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 12:22 pm

dit lyk alte lekker great pics,ons moet dit net heeltyd kon gedoen het baie mooi

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:14 pm

Bugzy wrote:Sorry Mark, ek weet nie waarmee ek besig was nie - belowe sal nie weer nie!!!!

Geen probleem....maar ek watch jou......

andrevt wrote:dit lyk alte lekker great pics,ons moet dit net heeltyd kon gedoen het baie mooi

Man ek wens tog :wink2:

Mr_B · Post by **Mr_B** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:34 pm

Come on Mike... more piccies please!

Awesome trip report!

MOFASA · Post by **MOFASA** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:42 pm

Looks like fun will have to do that trip sometime

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:47 pm

Mr_B wrote:Come on Mike... more piccies please!

Awesome trip report!

I am working late shift again tonite....you will have to wait...sorry .... :!:

MOFASA wrote:Looks like fun will have to do that trip sometime

Without a doubt, you can put it on your to do list

Ratel-06 · Post by **Ratel-06** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:50 pm

Mark...... what an awsome report!!!!!!

If I knew you were going to have so much fun I would have turned around and follow you to Palaborwa !!!!!

PLEEZEEEEE .....

..... post some more phodies.......

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 3:53 pm

Ratel-06 wrote:Mark...... what an awsome report!!!!!!

If I knew you were going to have so much fun I would have turned around and follow you to Palaborwa !!!!!

PLEEZEEEEE ..... ..... post some more phodies.......

Janee Albert, jy moes draai

:wink2:

arnize2 · Post by **arnize2** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:05 pm

Vertrek Woensdag oggend vroeg van Mosselbaai na Pretoria. Daarna Maandagoggend Punda, Pafuri, Gonarezhou, Mana Pools, Kariba, Matusadona, Chizarira, Vic Valle, Hwange, Matobo's. Kan nie meer wag nie.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 4:10 pm

arnize2 wrote:Vertrek Woensdag oggend vroeg van Mosselbaai na Pretoria. Daarna Maandagoggend Punda, Pafuri, Gonarezhou, Mana Pools, Kariba, Matusadona, Chizarira, Vic Valle, Hwange, Matobo's. Kan nie meer wag nie.

Eish, die groepie het my probeer oortuig vir Mana, maar tyd was min....

Maar nog hopelik later die jaar Mana en Matusadona

Ek maak planne

louis fourie · Post by **louis fourie** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:12 pm

Eish Mark, wens ons was saam

The Legend · Post by **The Legend** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:24 pm

Mark,

Jou trip report was weer soos gewoonlik uit die boeke.Ek het dit baie geniet om dit te lees.Julle het voorwaar weer n lekker trippie gehad.

Jy het my nou laat dink aan die grappie van die oom wat die tannie uitvang die Playboy tydskrif lees.Hy se toe vir haar "ag ouvrou dit is soos om die Wegry tydskrif te lees,jy sien plekke waar jy weet jy nooit sal kom nie"

Hou da nou da · Post by **Hou da nou da** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 6:55 pm

Maar nog hopelik later die jaar Mana en Matusadona

Ek maak planne

[/quote]
Dit klink soos musiek in my ore wanneer ry ons

The Legend · Post by **The Legend** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 7:52 pm

arnize2 wrote:Vertrek Woensdag oggend vroeg van Mosselbaai na Pretoria. Daarna Maandagoggend Punda, Pafuri, Gonarezhou, Mana Pools, Kariba, Matusadona, Chizarira, Vic Valle, Hwange, Matobo's. Kan nie meer wag nie.

Julle moet dit geniet Arno-Veilig ry

Post by **Family_Dog** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:02 pm

Mark, you will really have to think about writing a book on all your trip reports! Brilliantly done, as per usual.

Now the question needs to be answered... did Val stick to her "No smoking" promise... "

-F_D

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 9:07 pm

Family_Dog wrote:Mark, you will really have to think about writing a book on all your trip reports! Brilliantly done, as per usual.

Now the question needs to be answered... did Val stick to her "No smoking" promise... "

-F_D

Um, um, um..........I'll be a gent and say ..... perhaps.....

But she was good

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 10:20 pm

The next morning after hearing raging ellies / hyena's and, laaws......we decided to head for pans:

But first a fresh bacon bread, made by Mike and the kids :wink2: Yummy!!!

Gonarez Mark1 090 (Medium).JPG: (92.43 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Gonarez Mark1 089 (Medium).JPG: (108.43 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

...and... yes wait for it...............unbelievable sight........

Shaving in the bucket..........

What a sight.....I am now a dead man......

Gonarez Mark1 093 (Medium).JPG: (122.76 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Gonarez Mark1 095 (Medium).JPG: (91.58 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

While Mike was fiddling with his contacts.....

the advantages of Alu-canopy...... :roll: :roll: :roll:

Gonarez Mike 123 (Medium).JPG: (99.43 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Heading for the oasis via an elephant entrance / exit road :wink2:

Gonarez Mark1 110 (Medium).JPG: (90.59 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Mike requiring some Toyota assistance.....

Gonarez Mike 124 (Medium).JPG: (70.15 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Some big bullies around!

Gonarez Mike 128 (Medium).JPG: (140.34 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Gonarez Mark1 117 (Medium).JPG: (124.42 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Riverbed exit

Gonarez Mark1 123 (Medium).JPG: (116.86 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

And another beauty.....these baobab's are really special, somehow

Gonarez Mark1 127 (Medium).JPG: (109.84 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Upon arrival at the lake / oasis.....was beautiful, zebra's birds, ellies, hippo's and a lot more (was a stunning sight

) Animal Heaven no doubt :!:

Gonarez Mike 135 (Medium).JPG: (93.53 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Breakkie time, what a view

Gonarez Mike 132 (Medium).JPG: (75.71 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Gonarez Mark1 131 (Medium).JPG: (113.97 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Gonarez Mark1 135 (Medium).JPG: (112.15 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Popping in for a drink, right in front of us

Gonarez Mike 138 (Medium).JPG: (124.61 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Gonarez Mike 140 (Medium).JPG: (75.43 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Spend a day her if not two, you will not be disappointed

Ginarez Map (Medium) (2).jpg: (73.76 KiB) Downloaded 555 times

Known as only the Save pans....

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:19 pm

Heading back to our designated site, which could have been better we decided to pop in at some other sites and see what they looked like....perhaps we got lucky and they would be 'leeg'

Gonarez Mike 149 (Medium).JPG: (75.21 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

But first a good luck chant.........

Gonarez Mark1 145 (Medium).JPG: (122.33 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 146 (Medium).JPG: (128.53 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

And stu's bob we found one

Gonarez Mike 152 (Medium).JPG: (91.34 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 147 (Medium).JPG: (123.79 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

The pool was FULL of crocs....I mean full, I counted 28 visible at one time..... :!:

We had the lovely task....."the guys".....of collecting shower water, pretty scary I may add, but the ladies wanted to shower....so off the "braves" had to go....... :roll:

Water is no problem in the park......getting it is :!:

Gonarez Mark1 172 (Medium).JPG: (115.15 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Anyway all was well and so was the camp & sunset

Gonarez Mark1 182 (Medium).JPG: (115.16 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 184 (Medium).JPG: (71.89 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

The following morning it was "difficult" (was gonna say hard....but) getting outa bed..... but that would sound wrong.....

Gonarez Mark1 190 (Medium).JPG: (82.43 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 191 (Medium).JPG: (103.27 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mike 172 (Medium).JPG: (103.63 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Val keeping the tummies full for the day's drive ahead

Gonarez Mark1 193 (Medium).JPG: (88.82 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

The last night we were booked for Chipinda again and decided to drive another route ie via the top of the cliffs! The roads were however in a poorish condition, but what the hec, that's why we have 4x4's so off we went

Animals were scarce along this route :!:

Ginarez Map.jpg: (69.15 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 195 (Medium).JPG: (102.22 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 196 (Medium).JPG: (109.56 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mike 173 (Medium).JPG: (116.61 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

And arrived to this view

Gonarez Mike 177 (Medium).JPG: (88.45 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 201 (Medium).JPG: (101.64 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 199 (Medium).JPG: (87.61 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Gonarez Mark1 202 (Medium).JPG: (112.11 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

Black eagle admiring the same view as us :wink2:

Gonarez Mark1 200 (Medium).JPG: (62.76 KiB) Downloaded 552 times

From there we headed back down to the valley :!:

Hoppy · Post by **Hoppy** » Mon Jul 16, 2012 11:30 pm

Baie mooi kiekies hoor!

Een van die dae draai ek ook daar.

Post by **Mud Dog** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 2:55 am

Great pics, Swaer!!

But first a good luck chant.........

Is this something you learned from the HAKKA!?? .... still waiting for those pics BTW!

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:38 am

Hoppy wrote:Baie mooi kiekies hoor!

Een van die dae draai ek ook daar.

Nou toe, ek weet dis ver vanni Kaap af MAAR dis beter at AD.....

Mud Dog wrote:Great pics, Swaer!!

But first a good luck chant.........
Is this something you learned from the HAKKA!?? .... still waiting for those pics BTW!

Received training from the master :roll:

Post by **CasKru** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 6:47 am

Mark... the next time you find that bloke doing the HAKA moet julle vir hom sê hy moet bietjie sy pens in trek.

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 7:43 am

CasKru wrote:Mark... the next time you find that bloke doing the HAKA moet julle vir hom sê hy moet bietjie sy pens in trek.

Janee kyk, daai vettie moet op 'n serious diet gaan

:wth:

Post by **CasKru** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 7:51 am

OOOOMS wrote:
CasKru wrote:Mark... the next time you find that bloke doing the HAKA moet julle vir hom sê hy moet bietjie sy pens in trek.
Janee kyk, daai vettie moet op 'n serious diet gaan :wth:

As hy 'n accountant was reken ek het hy 'n rounding error gehad

Post by **JohanM** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 8:29 am

Mark dit is n stunnig trip report soos altyd. Lyk na n baie lekker plek om te gaan. Moet se die cliffs is spectacular en dan hou ek van daai pad bo-oor wat julle gery het. Regte "verlate" wereld daai plek!!!

Post by **Bugzy** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:26 am

OOOOMS wrote:
CasKru wrote:Mark... the next time you find that bloke doing the HAKA moet julle vir hom sê hy moet bietjie sy pens in trek.
Janee kyk, daai vettie moet op 'n serious diet gaan :wth:

Jy moet mooi kyk...jou pens is een van die dae grooter as myne

- ek het al 15kg verloor vandat jy my laas gesien het so WATCHIT

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 9:28 am

Bugzy wrote:
OOOOMS wrote:
CasKru wrote:Mark... the next time you find that bloke doing the HAKA moet julle vir hom sê hy moet bietjie sy pens in trek.
Janee kyk, daai vettie moet op 'n serious diet gaan :wth:

Jy moet mooi kyk...jou pens is een van die dae grooter as myne - ek het al 15kg verloor vandat jy my laas gesien het so WATCHIT

Sjoe, dit wil gedoen word

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 10:48 am

We headed down towards the river and time for brunch

There were plenty of nice big trees to choose from

Gonarez Mark1 206 (Medium).JPG: (94.48 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mark1 207 (Medium).JPG: (123.4 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mark1 214 (Medium).JPG: (87.09 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Note to Val.....even if you like monkey's or babboons, make sure to close you canopy and windows while in the bush.......they made off with some goodies....

Group pic....

Gonarez Mike 186 (Medium).JPG: (131.43 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Carefully watching for left overs....

Gonarez Mike 189 (Medium).JPG: (39.61 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mark1 219 (Medium).JPG: (49.81 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Runda river crossing

Gonarez Mark1 222 (Medium).JPG: (83.28 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mike 196 (Medium).JPG: (58.15 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Free car wash, to get rid of some of the dust...... :wink2:

Gonarez Mike 198 (Medium).JPG: (69.61 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Back at camp Chipinda camp, some washing had to be done.

Gonarez Mark1 225 (Medium).JPG: (108.96 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Campsite No 7.

Gonarez Mark1 229 (Medium).JPG: (126.55 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mark1 232 (Medium).JPG: (92.76 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mark1 231 (Medium).JPG: (107.48 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mike 212 (Medium).JPG: (53.39 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Gonarez Mike 219 (Medium).JPG: (78.3 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

The following day it was off to Lake Kyle or also known as Lake Mutirikw....shortest route via Chivamba (S20 36 11.6 E31 23 36.7)

On route via the consession area

Gonarez Mark1 235 (Medium).JPG: (95.65 KiB) Downloaded 504 times

Mr_B · Post by **Mr_B** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:15 am

Wow Mark... these are truly inspiring pics... can't wait to see Val's!

OOOOMS · Post by **OOOOMS** » Tue Jul 17, 2012 11:45 am

Very scenic route and roads were in excellent condition

Gonarez Mark1 238 (Medium).JPG: (57.91 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 246 (Medium).JPG: (66.81 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 249 (Medium).JPG: (94.27 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 252 (Medium).JPG: (94.02 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

What was very noticeable was the cleanliness of the country

Gonarez Mark1 257 (Medium).JPG: (73.72 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 258 (Medium).JPG: (56.44 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Police checkpoint ahead, there were not many along this roure, however the 'main' roads were hectic, prob. no less than every 10km's.......pretty frustrating as this adds a huge amount of time to you travelling time. So take this into consideration. We were seldom stopped due to GP registration, however all locals were stopped and checked at all the points.

Gonarez Mark1 259 (Medium).JPG: (59.74 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Closer to the dam the road become less, but not hectic, just caution for oncoming traffic.....

Gonarez Mark1 263 (Medium).JPG: (94.75 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 266 (Medium).JPG: (67.52 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Some farming, but very little, we also managed to buy nice fruit and veggies along the road

Naartjies, oranges, huge butter avo's and bananna's

Gonarez Mark1 270 (Medium).JPG: (75.05 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Glimpse of the dam, noticed it was rather empty...... :!:

Gonarez Mark1 272 (Medium).JPG: (73.45 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 278 (Medium).JPG: (66.52 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mike 228 (Medium).JPG: (50.04 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mike 232 (Medium).JPG: (116.88 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 284 (Medium).JPG: (98.08 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 283 (Medium).JPG: (91.5 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 285 (Medium).JPG: (109.61 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 287 (Medium).JPG: (79.57 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

A truly spectacular dam...something very special about it! I have said in the past I can easy spend 2 weeks here :!: :!: :!:

Gonarez Mark1 289 (Medium).JPG: (66.81 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

There is little accommodation available around this area, Great Zim ruins being one and an old guest houe nearby, but way to expensive to my liking, however the Lake Kyle boat club offers camping, hot showers and loo's. In summer the pool is blue. There are permanent structures standing around with some delapidated old caravans from the 50's. We stayed here years ago and seems they are pulling things together slowly. Basic, but we are there for the view and atmosphere

Gonarez Mark1 291 (Medium).JPG: (49.56 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Gonarez Mark1 290 (Medium).JPG: (93.51 KiB) Downloaded 491 times

Camping for 5US$ P/P kids free, good value imo :!: :!: :!:
Lake Kyle boat club (S20 15 29.0 E31 00 59.7)