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-- Log 22 --
Nyanga - Zimbabwe
Mare Camping Ground (the turn off is opposite the reception turn off if
you are interested) Z$ 150 pppn did not stay, we were put off by the
sign see below call us chicken is you wish!
We decided to look for another option, and as we are getting a taste for
luxury decided to stay at the lodge on the shores of a trout dam.
Rainbow Lodge Nyanga Camp S18.17.745 E032.46.235 6 691ft amsl
Z$1 500 per lodge per night (5 sleeper) 02/12/02 05/12/02
Mare Dam Nyanga National Park stocked with Rainbow and Brown Trout.
The Lodge was very comfortable, with sleeping arrangements for 5 people,
a fireplace, and kitchen with a coal stove, and lounge/dining area. We
found the coal stove to be a bit of a challenge. Making breakfast took
all morning on our first attempt at working the coal stove what with
lots of smoke and no heat! After that though we got the thing taped! We
enjoyed all the winter foods, which we have missed like soup and
curries! Yummy!
We took a drive out to Troutbeck decided to use the back route which
included some interesting 4x4 driving sections of the road have not
been used in a very long while. It was fun again! At least we came out
unscathed this time. We enjoyed a little game viewing saw the
healthiest hartebeest we have ever seen lovely specimens. The area is
truly stunning and we have enjoyed the cool crisp air.
Time to set off for even greener pastures this time Mutare and Mvumba
(we have been told that there is a farm which produces some excellent
cheese a must find!)
Along the way we came across the Mutare Caravan and Camping Grounds,
which are not bad, just a little close to the highway S18.56.860
E032.38.548 4 313 ft amsl ZD650 pppn. We did not stay, as it was too
early in the day, so we trekked off to Mvumba.
The drive to Mvumba was outstanding, beautiful mountain scenery, and
views of lakes, and rivers below. Driving through forests and mountain
passes on good roads was a real treat.
At Mvumba we found the Vumba Gardens, a National Park. They have a
stunning caravan site and camp ground (S19.07.137 E032.46.969 5 128 ft
amsl ZD 125 pppn with US$10 pp entrance fee Lodge Z$1 250 pn) with
amazing views, the only problem we had was that it had been booked out
for the weekend for a social function which left us temporarily
homeless. We decided to have a cup of coffee (innocent enough) and
contemplate our next move! Fortunately there was a delightful little
coffee shop at the turn off.
Tonys Coffee Shoppe an experience of note! Tony serves coffee, tea,
hot chocolate and 4 different types of cakes during the week. What we
did not know is that Tony is a Chef extraordinaire and he was able to
make a menu of the above, a metre long! The selection was mind boggling,
but with Tonys help we placed our order and enjoyed the extraordinary
fare. The prices were unbelievably expensive (US$ 7.00 for two coffees,
1 slice of chocolate cake and 1 slice of fruit cake) BUT the experience
was worth it! It certainly was a treat!
Fortunately for us, just up the road from Tonys was the Ndundu Lodge
where we were able to camp.
Ndundu Lodge S19.07.075 E032.46.562 5 380 ft amsl Z$700.00 pppn
06/12/02
We made supper, spent some time in the lounge (where it was warm) and
then hit the sack. During the night we heard the gentle patter of rain,
and enjoyed the coolness. Next morning the fog, and rain had settled in,
and did not look like it would be lifting for the day. We decided to
take our chances and still try and find the farm.
As we descended the mountains the weather cleared and we had a very
enjoyable drive through the lower lying forests. We found Crake Valley
Farm, only to discover it was not open on Saturday! DASH and DARN!
Fortunately there is a small local shop nearby which sold the precious
cheese! The cheese certainly lives up to its reputation very good
stuff!
Having stocked up on cheese, we decided to try out the hot springs
unfortunately our Zimbabwe book is a little outdated and the Lodge at
the Hot Springs no longer allows camping Accommodation with 3 meals
ZD17 000. We decided to press on to Masvingo.
On the way we crossed the Birchenough Suspension Bridge over the Save
River.
It is an amazing sight no photos - unfortunately people are touchy
about taking photos of bridges.
There is a lovely caravan park in Masvingo, on the shores of the river,
but also close to the highway. There was not a sole there not even the
caretaker, so we decided to go to Lake Kyle.
Kyle View Holiday Resort S20.15.051 E030.59.820 3 446 ft amsl
ZD650 pppn 07/12/02
The park is a shadow of its former glory, now run down and tatty, but it
was a place to stay. The food in the restaurant was good, but the
service was appalling, even though the staff were pleasant. Aah
it was
for only one night.
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