Harare to Kanga Camp

We arrived at Harare airport without any problems, although after 3 flights, we were a little stressed as to whether our bags made the same journey.

After coming through Zimbabwe immigration we found the people who were looking after our next travel leg by way of the sign "Ruth & Julian Josem - x2".

The first thing they noticed was that we had packed conventional suitcases.  We had not realised the import of carrying luggage bags no larger than 25cm x 30cm x 62cm.  The plane we were about to board couldn't fit suitcases into its baggage hold. 

Oops!



We were provided with duffle bags into which we emptied the suitcase contents, and the empty suitcases flew in the cabin with us (behind the 6 seats). 

Life was cramped, noisy, but somehow satisfactory in this 6 seater Cessna U206.

I've never been a good traveller - you may recall that I easily suffer from motion sickness. 

I was good until the last 30 minutes of the 90 minute flight, but thankfully managed to keep it all together till we landed.

It was interesting to see how many people lived in compounds as we took off from Harare.



You can see the compound walls surrounding most of the properties there.  I'm not sure how pervasive this security option.

Flying across Zimbabwe, the terrain looked quite dry.



Apparently, their rainy season had them experience quite a shortfall compared with most years.



So, I was watching the Garmin navigation display counting down the km to arrival, and I have to say, I was very happy to arrive at Mana Pools Dundawa Airport.  I didn't realise how remote we had gone for our first stop.

But still, we had the normal amenities you expect at an airport on arrival.  Here's our airport shuttle bus:



Before getting on board the "shuttle", I needed a few minutes to settle my inners down.  A little stroll alongside the airstrip, and I'm ready to use my new Nikon D7500 with my new Tanron 18 - 400mm zoom lens to take pics of any and all animals.

Thank you Peter Michael from Michaels Camera & Video store - the advice I received from Gerry there has turned out to be invaluable (as you'll soon see).

So... show me the animals.

My first bird photo:



My second bird photo - four in one photo indeed!



Here's another bird:



So we get on the airport shuttle to take us to our camp.

On the way, we might be able to snap a few animals, so I get my camera on the ready.

Here's 3 kudu:



Here's looking at you kudu!



Another bird.



Impala



Warthog



Zebra



A family of elephants



An elephant that had seen better times:



I don't think I've experienced a more interesting ride from an airport as I had on this day.

We soon arrived at our "camp" where they have built a verandah overlooking a watering hole.  The wild elephants came forth to welcome Ruth.  Ruth was a little apprehensive, not Linda, our co-passenger - Linda engaged in close communication with the boss-elephant. 



An eagle also came out to oversee the introductions.



After a brief welcome, we were offered an excursion to have pre-dinner drinks watching the sunset out in the wilderness.  On the way, a couple of buffalo became interested in our journey.



No way was I sharing.  But again, quite a unique pre-dinner drinks scenario:



I never realised how useful the bull bars could be!

Oh well... day 1 complete.

In summary, it was Melbourne, Perth, Johannesburg, Harare, Dundawa, Kanga Camp.

We saw a few animals and made use of the new camera equipment, and we have all our luggage.

But I'm F#@ed!