I am making the final arrangements for my elephant hunt this August. I have made arrangements to drive back from camp to Harare and then stay there for a few days with some friends of mine. Have any of you guys/gals made this drive?

My main motivation for doing so is getting a chance to see some of the country side, and hopefully see some villages and meet people. What do you think? Any pictures or stories to share?

Thanks

done it several times - i'd much rather take the drive and see some of the country than i would to fly over it. stop at some of the stands on the way & you'll get an education of the barter system

I've driven a couple of routes from Harare to Omay (and others back). It is very interesting. I found the roadside signs for little worm "shops" on the way to Kariba most funny.

First shop, then second... and so on each trying to out do the previous:
WORMS
GIANT WORMS
NICE GIANT WORMS
ADACONDA WORMS
GIANT ADACONDA WORMS
SPECIAL ADACONDA WORMS
GIANT SPECIAL ADACONDA WORMS
VERY SPECIAL GIANT ADACONDA WORMS
and the last
WORMS OF NOTE

I about peed my pants laughing at the capatialistic advertising spirit of the little roadside salesmen.

Another interesting thing about the trips was that folks would be walking down the road and never tell you that a bridge 500 meters or so further along was out.

Also, if you've never hunted with your P.H. (and you're traveling with him), it's a good time to ask questions, etc.

That's too funny! I CANNOT wait to get this trip started! Actually, I'll be spending a day or two in Harare with my good friend and PH Mike Payne. Then, I'll be taking the charter with Giles up to Chifuti (Big 5) camp to hunt with Ian Gibson, whom I also know well. Then, Mike and his kids will be driving up to the camp to pick me up and drive me back to their house for one last Braii and back to the states.

It's shaping up to be the best safari of my life!

Is the political turmoil over there elevating the risk of doing a drive like that?

Mark - Yes, to/from Chewore North and to/from Sapi. As I recall there are two main routes to get there from Harare, but the specifics escape me. Coming out, the initial ride is on dirt, then the deserted tar roads. Not terribly scenic especially later in the year, more impactful on the way in, but not a bad drive either. I do not recall too many villages (like the rural ones that I saw in Southern and Western Zim) but perhaps if you drive via Dande South (although as I recall this area felt sort of dirty compared to others). Bill

You'll get to see how the Mugabe regime has ffffed the farms in Zim. Maybe not if you didn't see what it looked like in the 1980's or early 1990's.

I really enjoyed the drive across Zim. Maybe not the safest or smartest thing I've ever done but there were no problems and it was really interesting.

You'll have a great time Mark.

Kyler

I did the drive twice in the past 12 months and you are going to have a Great time.
After leaving Big Five you will pass through Chewore South and then Mana Pools National Park. From there you will hit the asphalt and pass through Makuti, Karoi, Lions Den, Chinhoyi and then beautiful downtown Harare.
Have a Fantastic safari Mark!
Post Script: Have your Ph take you to the newly renovated Gecko Lodge in Harare. Their new Bar is called the 'Tusker Tavern' designed in a hunting motif with real Elephant Tusks mounted on the wall. May help you to finally get exited about this hunt! www.zimgecko.com

Mark,
It will be a great trip.
Say hi to Giles and Ian for me would you.

Adam.