Zimbabwe: Part 1

Zimbabwe packs a punch. A punch of activity, that is. There is just so much to do here. And if you are an adrenaline junkie... well, stay tuned. We crossed over an enormous dam to enter from the Zambia side, and were met with a rather quick and efficient border crossing. Now that's a big plus in my book!

We move right onto Lake Kariba, where half of our group boards a houseboat and sets sail. 

We make our way across the lake and drive the nose of the ship right onto land. Then we hop into a smaller boat for a sunset cruise. 

We spot elephants and hippos along the shore as the sun puts on a dazzling show. 

Back on board we are fed well by a happy and organized crew.

Next day we have coffee at sunrise, have an amazing breakfast, then sunbathe and read on the top deck, life is rough. We hop back in the small boat to find some more animals and take a walk on an island  

I make sure to get in a nap, a man needs his rest after all. And what a peaceful rest it is, my room facing right off to the water. No need for windows here. 

We spend two nights on the water, then climb back on our truck and continue further into Zimbabwe, spending a night at the Crinhoyi Caves Recreational Park. Here we are treated to an amazing, piercing blue water hole that goes down at least 600 feet (that’s as far as anybody has gone down at least). Then we explore the cave system here. Good thing we brought our phones as it’s pitch black. 

 

Our next stop is the Great Zimbabwe Ruins. Here we have the opportunity to explore the ancient capital of the Shona people and their city which dates back to the 11th-15th century. Back in the day, this was the main spot of Africa, where the kings ruled. Check out the views and some of the locals! 

Further down the hill, within those large round walls, was where the king's main wife lived. Of course he had an additional 199 wives in case she began to irritate him. As well as over 2,000 kids. Busy man!

From the Zimbabwe Ruins, we move past the capitol, Bulawayo, to Matopos National Park. We are rather busy over the next two days, trekking rhinos in the wild: 

Viewing cave drawings of the San Bushmen which are dated from 1,000 to 100,000 years old:

Visiting a local house and watching some local entertainment:

And, finally, visiting the grave of Cecil Rhodes at sunset (checkout the ride up and the fun seat located in the front of the Land Rover). Perhaps you've heard of a Rhodes scholar or Rhodes scholarship? Yeah, that's him. 

Also this entire region was once part of his claim. They called it Rhodesia, and it included Botswana, Zimbabwe, and Zambia. Rhodes also  founded the DeBeers Mining Company which is still in operation today. You know, where you can buy those beautiful diamonds… This guy really was the man!

Then, finally, as if we haven't done enough within Zimbabwe, we make our way towards Victoria Falls. A stunning waterfall, and one of the biggest in the world. 

But I'll just let the pictures do the talking. Also, while here at Victoria Falls, some of us take the opportunity to go whitewater rafting down the mighty Zambezi River, zipline over a gorge, visit a little thing called Devil's pool, bungee off a bridge, crocodile cage dive, helicopter tour and miniature plane rides, and so much more… 

But all you adrenaline junkies will have to stay tuned for Zimbabwe Part 2 in order to witness all the fun. 

Like I said, folks, Zimbabwe packs a mean punch!