Ivo Geerinckx

Hi,
I'll be visiting Zim & Botswana this summer. Would
greatly appreciate info on accommodation [hostels, camp sites, cheap hotels] in Harare, Bulawayo, Masvingo-Great Zimbabwe, Vic Falls. What should we
definitely do/see in Botswana? Things or places we should avoid? Please let me know! Thanks.
Ivo Geerinckx

Penelope

In Harare, near the international airport, are two establishments owned and operated by Simon Silcock which seem to fit your criteria. One, the Wayfarer Lodge, at 47 Jesmond Road, Logan Park (tel. 04/572125) has bunk style rooms and also camping grounds. You can get meals there, as well. The other, Drifters, is a bed and breakfast at 47 Logan Road, Hatfield (tel. 04/572125). There is free pick up from the airport. We had a good experience at Drifters last June and can never thank Simon enough for his help when we were mugged in downtown Harare. In Botswana, at Nata, a nice oasis of palm trees enroute to Maun or Kasane (Chobe), there is the Nata Lodge with chalets, camping, and erected tents with beds and bedding. The telephone is (+267) 611260; fax is (+267) 611210.

Dan

Hi, <BR>I haven't been to that area for several years. Re: Botswana - I'd say Chobe Nat'l Park is a must. I've been to parks in Kenya, Tanzania, S. Africa and none come even close to the numbers of elephants and Lack of vehicles. <BR> <BR>The Okavango Swamp is also Terrific if you can get over to Maun - stay at Crocadile Camp and rent a canoe for a couple of days (cheap). I don't know about now, but before, you would run into the occasional Bushman if you go in a ways. Very friendly. <BR> <BR>If you go to Zimbabwe and can give me feedback, I'd like to know 2 things. <BR> <BR>1. Can you rent a vehicle in Harare and drop it off in Vic. Falls? <BR> <BR>2. There are 3 stretches of canoing on the Zambezi - east of Lake Kariba. Which are the best to canoe - and do you have to get a guide or can you just rent ? <BR> <BR>Have a great trip. <BR> <BR>

Penelope

I'm just back from Botswana and Zimbabwe. Re: canoeing on the Zambesi: you cannot do it on your own because everyone has to get a permit from the Parks Office on the Kariba-Chirundu road which regulates the number of voyagers at any one time. Shearwater in Harare, as well as other agencies, run trips. I took one of theirs in 1989, going from Mana Pools to Kanyembe on the Mozambique border (5 days). Everyone says that it is the prettiest stretch on the Zambesi and I agree that it is beautiful. Two weeks ago, lodging at Ruckomechi Camp, my husband and I canoed twice near Mana Pools in the late afternoon. It is even more important to have a guide now than in earlier years because the hippo population has increased drastically and guides know their habits and concentrations. P

Tony Celino

In September 1996 my wife and I spent 7 weeks in Africa. We did safari drives in Kenya and Tanzania <BR>and we saw lots of animals. In Boswaina we stayed at the Chobe Game Lodge and it was awesome. We were able to chose our daily activities. Early morning game drive, Late afternoon drives, or private launces on the Chobe River from which you can see many animals as they come to water or cross over into Nemebia. We saw thousands of elephants and almost as many Cape Buffalo. In Zimb we stayed at the <BR>Victoria Falls Hotel which we really enjoyed . In <BR>the evenings after a long walk to see the falls, which is just to the rear of the property, we would <BR>have a dinner in the dining room with live music, <BR>dancing and great food. It is like stepping back in time into the hotels of yesterday. Very British.

Sue

Hi, If your hiring a car in Zim be warned - they have to be the most expensive cars in the world to hire, and don't be fooled by the exchange rate - its still very, very expensive. <BR>Places to stay in Bulawayo, an absolutely excellent home with the people who have built self catering apartments which are beautifully appointed and serviced. Audrey Brebner, Telephone: Bulawayo 63381 Fax: Bulawayo 66679. You'll enjoy their hospitality. <BR>