Saturday, April 6 - JNB to Bulawayo to Shashani Matobo Hills Lodge
Checked out of the hotel. Off to the airport. A porter helped us to the Airlink check in counter. We all easily got checked in. She directed me to the ticket counter to cancel George. She gave me a code to use to request a refund.
On to security – others just ahead of us. Easy through security, then long line for immigration/passport. But easy to get through there too. Others were long gone to the gate. We were really struggling with our heavy backpacks and 2 staff with wheel chairs came & offered us rides. We said sure & they took us to the gate. Ken & Danny got pictures of us!! Too funny.
Boarded soon after. Took off 40 minutes late, but then easy flight. They served a meal (small sandwich) & drink on the little over an hour flight.
Walked from plane to the terminal. Easy to get Zimbabwe visa & passport stamp. I was first through & got 2 carts & started collecting the luggage. Everyone got through just fine. I waited behind for Danny & Colleen. Then Tinashe was waiting outside! Big big hugs from him! So wonderful to finally see him again!!!
He introduced us to the driver (Good Enough) and a young
girl from the lodge (Joyce). Easy drive
& Tinashe sat in the back & chatted with the others. I sat with Michele & offered comments
& questions occasionally. His big
booming laugh was fabulous to hear. About
an hour & a half drive. The last 30
minutes was a long dirt road into the Private Animal Sanctuary. We saw a wildebeest first (Michele spotted),
then Impala, Zebra, Yellow billed Hornbill, American bird (keep forgetting the
name) & Egyptian Geese. Marge said
after we arrived that she saw a giraffe & called it out, but no one else
saw it or heard her.
Met at the lodge by John, the manager, Immanuel & a
female & another male. They had a
lovely welcome drink for us. Tinashe
didn’t have everyone’s names yet, so I helped him to assign the rooms. Marge & I have twin beds & an end
unit.
John gave a little welcome speech & invited us to
lunch. Tinashe suggest a quick lunch
& then on to the rooms for 10 toes up.
Lunch was macaroni & cheese, coleslaw & little bunches of
broccoli. Didn’t need it, but ate it all
anyway. Got a beer to bring to the
room. Power is out, so they are hoping
it will be restored, if not, they will run the generator for a few hours to
charge batteries, give us light, etc.
Have a lovely room next to Danny & Colleen. On the end.
The view of the valley is absolutely amazing!!! Did a little to get organized & sat on
the deck while a rain storm moved in.
Marge lay down for a nap. I
thought I might, but couldn’t stand to waste the time sleeping. Thunder growling all around. Wanted to identify the birds near me, but
couldn’t, Merlin not working. Tried
Sound ID, but it’s not even sure where I am!!!
I mostly stayed out on the deck watching it rain &
enjoying being here! The view is simply
incredible. It’s where Cecil Rhodes was
buried because he thought everyone should be able to admire this view!
Thunder growling all around us. Sunset about 6:15pm.
Woke Marge up & about 5:30p. We went to lodge about 6:30p. Most everyone else already there. Dampish, but not raining. Tinashe showed up & gave us a little
talk. He had arranged the trip all
inclusive (except tips of course) and even though the staff was questioning us
about that, never fear, it was including all the drinks & water. Also laundry & all meals. And all transportation besides the flight to
him & leaving him. Staff still
questioning, but I trust him. Someone on
the staff even asked Danny how much we had paid for this stay!!!! ($370 per person per day – but he didn’t
remember that!)
Back to room after dinner & ready for tomorrow. Our first real safari!!!
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