Sadly – the last leg of our 2013 MG Tour of Botswana and Zimbabwe

Awaken at the Lodge at the Ancient City.

How fitting a location for our last night in Zimbabwe and dinner at the Lodge of the Ancient City with entertainment was a real celebration of Zimbabwean hospitality. The enormous bungalows, nestled in between huge Mopani trees and boulders, are designed in a style that mimics the architecture of the Great Zimbabwe.

The Lodge at the Ancient City Cabaret

Kevin found the roast ‘tats most agreeable … PJ could not serve fast enough …

Crispy Roast Potato No. 23 0r 32

And Lou Brett was rather partial to the homemade custard, well, following close second to the Leopard Rock crepes!

We highly recommend this Lodge when visiting the area.

28th May 2013 – Happy Birthday Ray Kirkland … Tania’s announcement echoed through the eerie enclaves of the Great Zimbabwe!

After a photo-shoot at the entrance to the Lodge, Mike’s car had starting problems which was fortunately quickly sorted by Clive who noticed a loose wire. In the meantime at a nearby fuel station, other R&M took place –tightening of PJ’s bolt and checking the solitary front shock and Hentie pumped up Koos’ tyres.

About 280kms to Beit Bridge but for Maggie, PJ’s MG, this was to be a very short leg. The Masvingo/Harare road is narrow and well abused by heavy duty vehicles heading north. It is not potholed, corrugated or badly surfaced but somehow is uneven and the vehicle literally ‘drifts’ all over the road, feeling like its driving out of control. With one shock we were reduced to driving 50km/hour and the prospect of clearing Beit Bridge loomed ominously. So, better part of valour … claim defeat, load the old girl before we do any desperate damage and passenger in the support vehicle.

This has to be a reward for the various Brett support expeditions- for instead of being distraught, PJ and I immediately kicked into total relax mode, we were able to communicate without wind bellowing around our ears and since we were not driving, drink a few Bells, all well with good company, comfortable space (you have no idea how relevant this is after 2 weeks in an MGA!) – Thanks to Clive and Tania – the trip continued to improve …

The Lion & Elephant – as ever a welcome pit-stop for loo, beer and toasted sarmies!

Stopped off at Lion & Elephant for a pit-stop

The border clearance was easier than anticipated …Beit Bridge on the Zim side is really a breeze and NOTE: NO queues … we were through in 25 mins BUT the SA side of the border NOT SO MUCH! This is a subject deserving of Derek Watts attention! Need I say more?

Despite the frustration with the Immigration officials, Customs clearance and Police could not have been more welcoming and give us a sense of “happy to be home”!

After a photo at the Tunnels …

@ the Tunnels – Back in SA!

…The Ultimate Guest House in the Soutpansberg just reaching Louis Trichardt (Makhado) was not so easy to reach in our little cars because the 3km or so dirt road is a little bleak but Hey, Maggie is riding on Trailer and so, we doin’ fine!
A “Thank you” to close of this amazing trip, before our ‘last supper’:

Most important HAPPY BIRTHDAY RAY!

Clive & Tania – for your support vehicle and Trailer

Clive and Tania – in Support

Mike Brett – for keeping the support teams fully appreciated and Lou, for you calm sense of humour and appreciation

Ray & Bessie – for giving us something to celebrate on the last night the birthday and by the way the MOST RELIABLE CAR OF THE TOUR!

Kevin & Jenny Loader – for motivating the trip, the support material and Photographer par excellence (and the valuable lessons to Suzette with new camera)

To Hentie Erasmus – your always clean and immaculate car upped the standard as did your gorgeous and Glam wife, Jeanne … thank you for the stories and humour!

The Boshoff Boys! Dad and Son were a pleasure to behold – they had such fun, renewed Bonding and all the while, Koos was the able and appreciated “Tour Mechanic”; Jaco sorry about the dicky-tum but what a pleasure to have you along!

Boshoffs and an EGG story

Our “Boys” from Mud Island, despite a dodgy tummy, sun burn, old foggies found time to give us all a smile and oh yes … a braai broodjie on the last night.

Braai Brooidjies a la Jaco

We loved this time with you all – thanks for trusting us! Next year … Mozambique?
… until next time, fondly PJ & Suzette

P.S.
To the Graham and Heather Forbes … our best wishes for Australia
Rob & Teresa Mercer-Todd … it was over too soon, next time join us for the whole trip!

Graham and Heather Forbes at Falls

Rob & Teresa Mercer Todd – too short?

Our Last leg – HOMEWARD BOUND ON DAY 14!

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 29, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring

Tagged Beit Bridge, Classic Car Touroing, Great Zimb abwe. Lodge at the Ancient City, Great Zimbabwe, MG car tour of Zimbabwe, Self-drive Zimbabwe, The Lion & Elephant, Ultimate Guest House

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 29, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/29/sadly-the-last-leg-of-our-2013-mg-tour-of-botswana-and-zimbabwer/

Finally, heading back south …

MGs visiting Leopard Rock

Clive shot off ahead of the Group to tend to minor cracks in the trailer frame … quickly welded in Mutare and they joined up again with the Group in the centre of Masvingo.

The stretch of road from Mutare to Masvingo is notorious for road blocks – 14 to be exact, although only 6 pulled us over. All very polite and interested in our tour. It is interesting to note pedestrians gesticulating with a sign that looks a little like a photographer composing a shot but in fact offering the sale of diamonds.

This leg of the journey was extremely scenic and very varied …
… Many majestic baobabs, sadly being stripped to make beautiful but definitely not eco-friendly carpets

Baobabs aplenty

Baobab bark carpets

Stunning rock outcrops and huge kopjes

Spectacular stone kopjes

Crossing over Birchenough Bridge, a small replica of Sydney Harbour Bridge

Birchenough Bridge

And on to Great Zimbabwe, Lake Kyle and our unusual Lodge at the Ancient City.

Lodge at the Ancient City

Alas the $15 per person for non-residents was considered an excessive fee for a tour of the Ancient City. (residents fee is $5)

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 27, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring

Tagged Great Zimb abwe. Lodge at the Ancient City, Leopard Rock Hotel

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 27, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/27/finally-heading-back-south/

Leisure is the name of the “Game” at Leopard Rock Hotel, Casino and Golf Club

Home fires burning at Leopard Rock

The morning kicked off with more work to PJ’s MGA. The spring on the brake caliper was broken and Koos found a bolt at the hotel workshop and modified it to fit the brake.

For the remainder of the day, rest and fun at Leopard Rock was the order of the day. Crisp, sunny weather in the Mountains was ideal for walking the golf course, horse-riding and game viewing.

Horse riding through the game park

Game viewing and sundowners

The aloes were in full bloom painting an even more picturesque scene of this award winning golf course.

Aloes in bloom

Samango monkeys on the golf course

Coffee and Cake at Tony’s was a Must and excuse the pun … “a cherry on top”!

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 27, 2013 • Permalink

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Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 27, 2013

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Happy birthday Jaco!

Inn at Rupurara

Happy Birthday Jaco Boshoff!

Before heading for Mutare and Bvumba beyond, we made a detour to Troutbeck Inn where we had intended to stay but where ousted by an exclusive booking for a Hunting Shooting Fishing weekend. The place was abuzz with activity – and looking immaculate. A definite fixture on a return visit.

A day of fun at Troutbeck Inn, Nyanga

A creative steeple chase fence at Hunting- Shooting- Fishing

Road works on Christmas Pass into Mutare

The drive over Christmas Pass was delayed for a long time by a very busy stop start due to road works and a rather nasty incident by a very political local who demanded we move over in the queue to let him pass because “ I am who I am!” It reminds one of a story where an irritating passenger on a flight demanded special service and said to the trolley-dolly “do you know who I am?” to which she responded over the intercom “Ladies & Gentlemen, can I have your attention please … does anyone know this Man? He seems to have forgotten who he is!”. Funny now, but it was rather intimidating whilst he was chasing us with a bakkie through streets in Mutare. Luckily he gave up when he realised we were not taking the bait. This part of the country seem a teeny bit more twitchy.

winding our way up through the Bvumba

The drive up to the Bvumba and the spell-bounding approach to Leopard Rock Hotel and Golf Course is always welcome but this time, not mist and highlighted by flowering Aloes. What a sight.
Quick on the Golf carts to relish the sight before sundown.

Leopard Rock Hotel, Casino & Golf Course – Bumba

Dinner was gracious and with a HUGE chocolate birthday cake to celebrate Jaco’s birthday, making memories that will definitely endure.

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring, PJ's Food & Cars

Tagged Bumba, Inn on Pupurara, Leopard Rock Hotel, Mutate, Nyanga, Troutbeck Inn

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/happy-birthday-jaco/

Heading East to the mountains and cooler ‘climes’

Departing Meikles Hotel, Harare

On checking out in the morning – Lou Brett said she felt like she had been on a luxury cruise – such was the stay at The Meikles Hotel in Harare. The service and friendly hospitality was remarkable and though there is still some surreptitious refurbishment in progress, it did not affect us in the least. Meikles Hotel is back!

The Flower Market on Unity Square outside Meikles Hotel in Harare (Lout Brett)

PJ and Koos made an early start to tend to the (once again) bad knocking sound in the front right – which saw Koos removing the shock absorber completely and perhaps I had jinxed Hentie’s car which suddenly demanded a push to get going.

Price for fuel in Harare

A few kilometres out of the city centre on the Old Mutare road we stopped to fuel up whereupon Mike Brett had a problem of a different sort – now the welsh plug on his radiator cap – a new one was machined by a local youngster Nigel Henwood. During which time the rest of the group made their way on to Halfway House where they would wait for the Brett’s and Loaders to catch up. Plenty of road works under the direction of the Chinese shows signs of a dual carriage way under constructions – soon driving to the Eastern Border with Mozambique will be a breeze.

Halfway between Harare and Mutare there is an Oasis

While we were at the Service Station we were alerted to two guys who were chatting very animated to the Brett’s with open bonnet and boot … seasoned professional crooks who pulled over in a taxi as soon as they saw a car in distress with foreign number plates … only when I took a photo did they abruptly turn their back and disappear as fast as they blew in.

TIP OF THE DAY – Zimbabweans are really friendly so be aware of the exceptional rotten apple with a devious worm!

Travelling with a bit more luggage than us in the MGs

The drive from the Rusape turn-off to Nyanga was spectacularly scenic with the distinct flat topped acacias marking the territory.

Driving to Nyanga

We cruised around the bends in a delightful convoy of colourful MGs until the turn off to Inn on Rupurara and the 3kms of sobering bumpy, undulating rustic road in.

Road to Inn on Rupurara

The Oasis at the end of the road soon had everyone relaxed again. Pre-dinner drinks in front of a roaring fire followed by a Table d’hôtel Dinner a la Gordon Addams with the best service we encountered in the whole of Zimbabwe so far …. All made for a wonderfully memorable evening.

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring, PJ's Food & Cars, Travel Tips

Tagged Gordon Addams, Harare, Inn on Rupurara, Meikles Hotel, Nyanga, Old Mutare Road, Zimbabwe travel tips

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/heading-east-to-the-mountains-and-cooler-climes/

A visit to Harare – and an evening of note at Alo Alo Restaurant

Cutty Sark, Kariba – note the resident Zebra

A 7am start after a lovely breakfast a scenic winding climb up to Makuti although PJ’s MG once again has a loose bolt and the unnerving rattle in the right front tamed the pace. A small section of the road was very warped and at speed would be hard to navigate safely.

The Makuti Hotel at the top, still stands and staff were eager to serve tea while PJ tightened a bolt and Mike replaced a filthy fuel filter.

We passed on an alert from Kevin & Jenny who were already in Harare …

TIP OF THE DAY The stretch from Makuti to Harare is busy with heavy laded trucks and many abnormal loads. They bunch together and poor road markings make over-taking dangerous. We agreed to take it easy and meet up at every town as opposed to keeping in a convoy.

Alas, Mike’s MG started jerking and making progress at a stop/start pace was dangerous with the trucks barrelling down and past, coming to a halt on a rise with almost no verge. PJ (again on Recovery duty) towed the car up to a safe area where it could be loaded on a trailer. Murphy’s ensured that the next safe area to pull off was the same spot the Police had set up a road block. They watched us load the car 100m away, and as we pull off, stopped us and chastised PJ for illegal towing. Some energetic debate about necessary safety measures ensued and we were on our way without a fine!

But not 20 minutes later we were pulled over for a speeding fine – the cars were cruising at 110 and travelling behind at 106 mms/hour cost us US$10 (And a receipt was issued while the Officer was very chatty and wanted to know all about the “Vintage”)

TIP OF THE DAY – stick to 100kms if you are towing!

Unexpectedly, all the traffic lights in Harare were working and we easily guided the small entourage to the Meikles Hotel in the centre of the city.

The Meikles Hotel signature Lions stand guard at the front door

Followed by a great welcome and efficient check-in (particular thanks to Ardmore), the Group split into ladies tending to hair-do’s, guys visiting Buster Bichard’s collection of about 80 cars where Mike was offered facilities to repair his car. Suzette and PJ chased about visiting dear friends and God Children.

Clive Winterstein’s Top 10 from Buster’s collection are:
Lamborghini Espada
Triumphs TR3 and TR5
Alvis LHD Convertible
Mercedes Benz Adenhauer
Mercedes Benz Ponton Coupe
Fiat 23 Coupe by Ghia
Fiat Piccolino
Fiat Multipla
Porsche 356
Jaguar XK

Dinner at Alo Alo Restaurant for 100 people … a social highlight thanks to Lesley, Adrian and staff and the joining-in of the local car enthusiasts – it was a pleasure to spend time with you all and we look forward to returning the compliment when you come to Gauteng! The Group RAVED about the deep fried Halloumi starter and both the chicken and pepper steak main course had us waking up wishing for more.

Hentie Erasmus was the only car “Still Standing” at Dinner – most were left resting back in the Meikles car park so thanks also to great bud, Iain Henson, for escorting the Group home after dinner – yet more old fashioned Zimbabwe hospitality.

TIP OF THE DAY There are many desirable car collections to be viewed in Harare.

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring, PJ's Food & Cars, Travel Tips

Tagged alo alo Restaurant, Harare, Makuti Hotel, Meikles Hotel

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/a-visit-to-harare-and-an-evening-of-note-at-alo-alo-restaurant/

Off the Sea Lion Ferry and into Kariba town

PJ did the rounds irritating everyone by taking pictures with a flash – most of which cannot be shared online. A restful night enjoyed by all, despite sleeping on swimming pool loungers.

The Loaders in Dreamland

The crew were a bit wobbly on the restless sea though we noticed nothing and showed no signs of discomfort when enjoying the hearty breakfast on board as the vessel was preparing for docking at Andorra Harbour in Kariba.

282kms at an average speed of around 14kms/hour – we all loved the experience, ate and drank well thanks to Rob, Karen and team

TIP OF THE DAY – ‘do ‘the local speciality – fried Kapenta with sundowners.

Many supervising the offloading

Suddenly Kevin’s plastic was dead and had to be towed off by the support vehicle, replacing a fuse quickly sorted that problem

“No power” – the Loader’s car dead off the Ferry

The Brett MG after TLC by Mike & Koos yesterday

A bit of retail therapy for Jeanne Erasmus

Saint Barbara Church at Kariba Heights

The biggest NyamiNyami walking stick I ever saw – a must have from the area!

Story telling by Clive Winterstein

The MG Group and The LAKE

Mike’s car was towed off the Ferry and after a tour headed for local Paramore Electrical. George and Pearson rewired the burnt out radiator fan by hand … taking most of the day whilst being bossed by the local security team! I never thought I would spend a large part of a day being entertained by geese …

Patiently we wait – Lou & Suzette

Our time at Paramore Electric entertained by the Geese

George & Pearson – rewiring the radiator fan under PJ’s (watchful) eye

Nyami Nyami – The River God – Presiding over the Dam Wall

We toured around the very sleepy town of Kariba, to the lookout point, the wall presided over by NyamiNyami the River God, the Heights, St Barbara Catholic Church followed by a tasty lunch of Tilapia at the Kariba Country Club. What a view and Keith, the manager’s friendly hospitality !

Lunch at Kariba Country Club

What a view? From the Heights over Lake Kariba

We were planning to come back up for dinner but anticipation of the hairy drive back had us dining at our hotel, the Cutty Sark, by candlelight due to a 3 hour power cut. I thought power was generated here?

The Cutty Sark staff were very welcoming and an a la carte dinner was enjoyed without exception. The resident Zebra do much to lend a great ambience and somehow make one overlook much of the neglect but the hotel is overdue a refurb and though the swimming pool was sparkling, the tennis court and grounds shows a marked lack of TLC.

The Cutty Sark Hotel in Kariba – great Location!

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring, PJ's Food & Cars, Travel Tips

Tagged Kariba, Kariba Country Club, Kariba Ferry, Kariba Heights, Nyami Nyami, The Cutty Sark Hotel, the sea Lion

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 26, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/26/off-the-sea-lion-ferry-and-into-kariba-town/

All aboard … Kariba Ferry – The Sea Lion – to Kariba

Day 6 – a Highlight

A 5.00am departure with Vic Falls Hotel packed breakfast …

Victoria Falls Hotel padkos

….a 3 hour drive to Mlibizi for the Ferry, some open top at 11°C arrived well refreshed.

Fresh and Cool tra-la-la …

A stop en route while the Erasmus’ gave some of the many school children books and pens and the rest of us handed over the Victoria Falls breakfast packs – to much delight and chatter sounding like flock of Babblers.

Goodies for the Kiddies

A few challenging potholes but in general the tar road from the Dete turnoff to Mlibizi is not bad. Petrol in Vic Falls was unavailable due to a week-long power cut due to upgrade (! – must be in preparation for the August UNWTO congress), also en route Hwange and Dete had no fuel.

TIP OF THE DAY – Fill up whenever you can, don’t wait for E for “Empty”

Drive to Mlilibizi

Loading MGs into the Ferry – all in a neat little row

Clive & Tania watching the loading process below

Loading the Ferry become an extraordinary event when Mr Brett’s car (having worked on it in the dark and into dinner-time yesterday evening) overheated and parked itself directly in the middle of the Ferry and refused to budge. It had to be bounced out of the way to make room for the rest of the vehicles.

This Parking just won’t do!

More tinkering enroute~!

Rob Harris – Ferry Host and his safety brief

His brief went along the following line “when things go awry, I’ve got my jacket and will be the first off the back …

Which Lou Brett found quite hysterical …

Jenny Loader asked for some ‘help’ and …

Tania was incredulous!

Relaxing on the Ferry

Siesta on the Ferry

Captain Ray Kirkland!

The most relaxing leg of the journed is the Ferry – nowhere to go, nowhere to hide – eat, sleep and drink! A great sunset and dinner before a good rest with absolutely no snoring!

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 22, 2013 • Permalink

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Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 22, 2013

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Day of Leisure (?) in Victoria Falls – 2013 MG Tour of Bots and Zim

Angela & Simon of Arrive in Africa – paying attention to details in Victoria Falls

Yesterday PJ took Graham Forbes an Mike into the heart of the Victoria Falls Industrial Site to purchase a battery and bulbs, somewhere along the way Mike lost his spectacles. After searching the bedroom with the Fridge …

The Brett’s Fridge – produced from nowhere – well done Victoria Falls Hotel

… he drove back into town to see if he had left his specs at the shop to be flagged down by a local in a passing Cressida who was waving specs out of the window. He had found them in the road and was bringing them to the hotel where the whole town now knew the Group of Mgs were based. How’s that for giving one some faith back in Africa?
Shjoe! A busy day for some …Tania convinced Clive and the Boshoff to go down the river rafting with Simon.

The Rafters with Guide, Simon Moyo

Apparently the pitch of Tania’s ‘giggle-ometer’ was directly proportionate to the size of the rapid ahead. Simon-Rafter Extraordinaire with his excellent sense of humour really got the group revved up, paddling frantically without noting that the effort made no impact on the huge current they were riding.

VIP exit up the Gorge

NO – no one injured, just that Clive arranged an alternative “VIP” exit for him and Koos while Tania and Jaco climbed the equivalent of 70 stories back up from the Gorge.

Flying Fox Zipline

Kevin “Adrenaline Junkie “ Loader did the Flying Fox Zipline wishing he had gone for the 3 in 1 which includes the Foofie Slide and Gorge Swing which many say is more exciting than the famed Bungee of the Bridge.

Koos and Jaco followed up the Rafting with, a Flight of Angels, then a visit to the Falls which left just enough time for a car wash. Phew – exhausting to watch.

Flight of Angels

The heli-flip was a thrill. After 8 years of ‘living’ in the Falls, me (Suzette) had never been up, motivated by the new camera and lens instruction from Kevin, I joined the boys with great photographic results.

Jenny & Kevin spent a few hours with family from Harare in the Vic Falls Safari Hide which was their highlight of the day.

A group strolled down and through the Vic Falls Rainforest, expecting a gentle, sedate morning out …. The amount of water coming down the Falls is so huge that the top part near the Boiling Pot was so wet one could see for the spray. The visit was awesome in the true sense of the word!
Hence, the Aucor rainjackets, courtesy of Koos.

Guess who?

Dr Livingstone I Presume

Ray Kirkland & Bessie thoroughly enjoyed the Tram tour to and of the Bridge hosted by Mr Blondin himself.

Mike “Late Again” Brett had to be retrieved for dinner after working on his car in the dark … more on this subject later.

Tomorrow the Forbes’ & Mercer-Todds head off to Bulawayo and the Farm House in Matopos before heading back home. Considering that their party has shrunk significantly (from 18 to 4) the Forbes were quite brave in presenting the following award to Rob …

An Award for Rob Mercer-Todd

Grateful Rob – we wish you four a safe journey home

Rob & Paddy Francis, dear friends and Vic Falls stalwarts, known affectionately as The Fossils joined us for dinner and offered to be the local help line for the remaining 4 departing later, in the event of fuelling issues or whatever resulting from said wooden spoon!

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 22, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring, Uncategorized

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 22, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/22/day-of-leisure-in-victoria-falls-2013-mg-tour-of-bots-and-zim/

2013 MG Tour into Zimbabwe from Botswana

Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge

In anticipation of a short chip and a putt from Kasane to Victoria Falls … the morning took on a relaxed mood starting with our departing photoshoot at Mowana Safari Lodge and Spa.

Then on to the border starting with a push to get the Forbes’ MG going – they were advised not to buy a new battery locally.

Despite being briefed, the abundance of opinions, instructions, suggestions, directions and every other possible “ions”, the border clearance was a wee bit chaotic, but still only took a little over an hour. Someone in the Group suggested that we pen details of the procedure which will follow at the end of this story and after we have ‘done’ Beit Bridge on our return to SA.

Rush hour traffic in Kasane

TIP OF THE DAY plan to cross the border over late morning and not first thing or late afternoon when the tourist day trippers are transferring between Chobe and the Falls.

A police road block a couple of kilometres into Zimbabwe had us explaining why the incumbents of a 1961 convertible MG were not wearing seat belts. The arrogant young man then wanted to see the yellow safety jackets, 2 red Triangles and fire extinguisher. Another showed concern about what to do when it rains …

A slow drive to the Falls keeping to the 80kms speed limit whereupon PJ’s Maggie suddenly presented a brand new rattle in the front right which got progressively louder …. Having blown the Prado engine with something stuck in the radiator last year … near hysteria from me and some serious unease bubbled up as we drew to a halt with the entourage behind.

PJ hailed Clive with the support vehicle and trailer to carry us the last 10kms to Vic Falls and before some serious damage was done. Mike Brett quickly found the problem and replaced a suspension bolt from Koos’ “proverbial bag of bolts” .

Maggie getting attention from PJ & Mike Brett

We drove through the town to much waving and cheering straight into the porte cochere of the Victoria Falls hotel for our group photo.

Arrival Victoria Falls Hotel – a renowned Grand Old Lady!

Angela & Simon of Arrive in Africa had arranged a Group checkin for us in the gracious Bulawayo room after which they dealt with each person in the Group to advise and select activities from the huge range on offer …. Bookings where received for sunset cruise, white-water rafting, helicopter flips and the new Tram sunset ride onto the Bridge.

The Group thoroughly enjoyed the Dabula sunset cruise and raved about what a great host Tinashe was, even fully up to speed on our trip having followed us on the blog. Now that was some serious attention to detail. We feel seriously special!

Dinner at the Victoria Falls Jungle Junction was very good, accompanied by the tribal dancers in stunning costumes. The Bretts’ managed to acquire a Fridge for their bedroom – the hotel produced a standard domestic fridge from who knows where but again the personalised attention is remarkable.

The Groups splits into the 7 day and 14 day versions on departure from the Falls – 4 off to Bulawayo and the rest on to the Kariba Ferry.

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by SuzetteBouwer on May 20, 2013 • Permalink

Posted in Classic Car Touring

Tagged Chobe, Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge, Kasane, Victoria Falls, Victoria Falls Hotel

Posted by SuzetteBouwer on May 20, 2013

http://suzettebouwer.wordpress.com/2013/05/20/2013-mg-tour-into-zimbabwe-from-botswana/

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SuzetteBouwer's Blog

Sadly – the last leg of our 2013 MG Tour of Botswana and Zimbabwe

Finally, heading back south …

Leisure is the name of the “Game” at Leopard Rock Hotel, Casino and Golf Club

Happy birthday Jaco!

Heading East to the mountains and cooler ‘climes’

A visit to Harare – and an evening of note at Alo Alo Restaurant

Off the Sea Lion Ferry and into Kariba town

All aboard … Kariba Ferry – The Sea Lion – to Kariba

Day of Leisure (?) in Victoria Falls – 2013 MG Tour of Bots and Zim

2013 MG Tour into Zimbabwe from Botswana

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