Ashleigh Whaley
Camping by the Great Zambezi River, Zimbabwe.
The Zambezi River, in the northern tip of Zimbabwe, calls us every year for an annual ten day camping and fishing trip. The children say it’s the only holiday we should never cancel, as it is an adventure that does not disappoint…
Now that we are seasoned campers and the children are older, it has become easier to pack up and get going.
Getting Organised.
We have to organise our fishing tackle, collect worms, check the vehicles/trailers, take all our own diesel and petrol, camping gear and solar lights, – not to mention planning and preparing all our meals!
Thanks to our comprehensive camping list, we are now confident that we are well organised and not likely to forget anything, but we still spend a good two weeks, before take off day, preparing, sourcing, and packing.
Two Days Drive.
Due to the very bad potholed roads, means that we have to take a two day trip down into the valley. The first lunch stop is for local traditional sadza and chicken, which certainly gets us into camping mode!
The second day is a slower drive, on a very tricky dirt road.
Over the last 50km, both the children had a chance to drive the vehicles, surrounded by dense natural bush. It is always a great relief, once we arrive safely at our camp site.
Chewore Camp Site.
The beautiful view of the Zambezi River is the perfect backdrop for setting up camp, as we all get down to the task of unpacking cars and raising tents.
I am āthe queen of glampingā and insist upon a comfortable, well organised camp!
Kids Tents.
This year the children were determined to have their own tents, which had to be ordered from South Africa.
They each enjoyed having their own little space, leaving Doug and I alone, in our very spacious tent.
Lion’s call through the Night.
From the first night of camping we heard the lions calling. They were not far behind the camp site, so everyone woke up and listened. In a still quiet night it is a very eerie sound – and a reminder that we are truly in the wilds of Africa.
This was particularly true when, early one morning, we were alarmed to find lioness spore just 30m behind our tents!
Early Morning Game Drives.
Most days, at break of dawn, Murray John drove us out of camp in search of the lions. On one morning, we spotted the four female lionesses lazing in the sun, on the far side of a dry river bank.
Lions About!
As the days went by, the lions continued their nightly callingā¦ We always enjoyed our game drives, as we set out to find the lions lazing in their own environment.
In the end we saw that there were four females, plus two male lions, in our area.
Later in the week, one of the male lions was spotted in the late afternoon, walking just behind the camp.
Baboon Amusement.
As we stopped the vehicle beside a large acacia tree, we disturbed a troop of baboons, who had been using the tree as their night roost. We watched in awe, as baboon after baboon descended the tree. There must have been 60 baboons up the tree, well concealed in its branches! Much to our amusement, they all scurried off, chattering loudly.
Animals Around Camp.
Although the presence of lions made for an amazing camping experience, the elephants in camp are always a joy to observe.
When the children awoke one morning, to see large elephant droppings outside their little tents, it was a reminder that wild animals love to venture through the camp at night.
Often we were awoken by hippos grazing amongst the tents, as well as the odd jackalĀ calling close by. Ā These experiences added much to our morning coffee banter!
Preparing for the day on the river.
The days spent fishing on the river are always busy, fun family days, with much to organise and prepare, before setting off from camp.
This we do at a nice leisurely pace, whilst chatting to neighbouring campers.
Murray John always heads off early, to clean the boat and organise the petrol, whilst Paula Joy prepares packed lunches. After these chores, we cook and eat breakfast – and then the fishing begins…
Fishing, Sandbar Lunch and Games.
The morning bream fishing is quite a chilled family time, followed by a gathering of families and boats, as we take lunch on a large shallow sandbar.
Sandbar games are usually open gates, rugby and rounders, which entertains the children for hours.
Every year we have a parents vs children rounders game, which gets seriously competitive, with loads of laughter and banter!
Tiger Fishing.
I wrote this post, whilst heading up river to do some tiger drifting. With all the rods out, I am able to write, enjoy nature and watch for the sound of a spinning reel. However, when the reel spins, writing is abandoned and the excitement begins!
With our competitive children, there is always a competition for the biggest fish. However, landing a tiger fish in a boat is not as easy as it soundsā¦
Every day ends with drifting for tiger fish, whilst slowly heading back to camp.
The daily sunsets never disappoint and they certainly round off each spectacular day.
Another Magical Trip.
Every year the preparations for the trip are hard, tiring and can often be almost defeating. However, once out on the river, enjoying the beauty around us and our quality family time, the rewards far outweigh the efforts. The Zambezi River is truly one of the most magical places on earth!
Camp Nights.
Lovely camp fire dinners often end with children almost falling asleep at the table.
Then the day ends with prayers of thanks and praise to our heavenly Father. His world is so awesome, exquisitely made for us to embrace, love and enjoy.
Thank you Chewore Safari Camp for another amazing holiday.
Till next year, we shall continue to thank God for this glimpse of His amazing creation.
Here’s more reading about our trips to the Zambezi river; ‘A Family Day of Adventure and Exploration – Chikwenya Island on the Zambezi River, Zimbabwe.’
“Let the fields be jubilant, and everything in them; let all the trees of the forest sing for joy.“ Psalms 96 vs 12.
God bless.
Please leave your comment below…..
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Tell me the kids laughed at those elephant droppings… amiright?! š
Absolutely!