Hwange, Zimbabwe

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Sunset with elephants, Hwange National Park — September 27, 1998


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Photo by Azaroafrique

Baby elephant, Masuma Dam, Hwange, Zimbabwe — October 1998


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Wild giraffe, Hwange, Zimbabwe


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In Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe — September 27, 1998


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Elephants, Masuma Dam, Hwange, Zimbabwe — October 1998

The Masuma Dam was a highlight of our stay in Hwange National Park. We discovered this water hole and its ample wildlife during an afternoon game drive. After a couple hours here late in the day, the park ranger asked us to leave and proceed back to our camp because the park was closing for the night. Instead, we asked if we could camp here, at the Masuma Dam. What seemed like a funny request became a very good idea. The ranger was delighted to have company and let us stay the night. We cooked food, watched animals, played guitar, drank wine and ultimately didn’t leave for two more days. Now this is the way to see Africa…


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Hungry and thirsty elephants, Hwange — September 27, 1998


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Dwafed by Africa, Hwange, Zimbabwe


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Our group, Masuma Dam, Hwange, Zimbabwe — October 1998


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Thirsty elephants, Hwange, Zimbabwe — September 27, 1998


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Zebra and impala, Masuma Dam, Hwange, Zimbabwe


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Sable and water eels, Masuma Dam, Hwange — October 1998


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Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe — September 27, 1998


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Four giraffes, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe — September 27, 1998

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Zimbabwe Journal Entries
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18 August, 1998 — Welcome to Zimbabwe

We graciously enter Zimbabwe (our third country in one day.) We have survived the Tete Corridor. After push starting our car at the border, we go directly to the airport and there, unbelievable, is Chris Tymchuk, sitting, waiting, (for us) and for all I know, he could have been sitting there for two days. We then proceed to the Backpackers and Overlanders where we are reunited with the Dutch, Aren and Marieke. We exchange embraces, have a game meat dinner, drink beers and eventually fall asleep. It is looking as thought the hardest parts of this trip have passed.

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Our Itinerary

19 August, 1998 — The Dutch Arrive

We go to the Harare International airport to meet Mies and Roland. The Air France A340 is delayed a bit, so we relax on the verandah overlooking the runway and watch the other planes scramble around. There is an executive looking plane that reads “Burundi.” I enjoy a cold Sprite and a greasy tomato toasted sandwich. The plane arrives and the Dutch emerge from their 10 hour flight across the continent of Africa. We meet Mies and Roland in the terminal below. Mies looks like a hot Euro-model. Her hair is up in a pony tail and she is sporting some nice boots. Roland is sporting a gross safari hat and has the air of a European businessman. We go back to the Backpackers and play Mex and get drunk, and swim and laugh.

Zabezi Lager
Zimbabwe’s Own Lager: Zambezi
Zimbabwe journal entries

20 August, 1998 The worst day of the trip

Somewhere in the early-morning hours, my backpack gets stolen. “FUCK.”

Thieves manages to get the keys from Todd, break into our car and take my bag. I lose 17 rolls of the best pictures of my life. I am devastated. I just sit and mope all day.

I can’t deal. I feel as if I have lost everything. All I can do is go and play some tennis with the Dutch.


21 August, 1998 — Tennis

We play more tennis today.

And this, my friends, is where my journal stops. To be continued…

Next Countries: BotswanaZambia


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My Shona sculpture

Love and family bonding are the two most fundamental elements on which the Shona culture thrives. The sacred love between a mother and her child is especially celebrated throughout the Shona culture.

Medium: Mutare Serpentine, Width: 5.5", Height: 13", Depth: 2", Weight: 8.38lb

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Countries visited - Africa 1998 - 1999

Africa route map

Our scehdule

I am not sure how it all got started. It wasn’t a magical spark of lightning that began the cataclysm, nor was it the supreme words of a higher being sending us on our way. Somehow, though, the powers of the universe contrived enabling our journey through the Heart of Africa.

It began quite innocently as an alleged trip to Bulgaria and Romania. This idea was eventually vetoed and placed “on hold” for future girlfriends. Zap—a long awaited spark was kindled—The Middle East: Yemen, in particular. And the visas were applied for, the air tickets purchased; and on a fine March 4th day we were on our way aboard a gleaming Air France 747 en route to Cairo, Egypt, via a five day layover in France.

We never did make it to Yemen, nor the Middle East for that matter; we headed South, instead, into the Heart of Africa, and what follows is the story of events as they unfold.

Egypt Ethiopia Eritrea Botswana Tanzania Madagascar Namibia Zambia Kenya Zimbabwe South Africa Uganda Malawi Mozambique