The “Tour de Hwange” held in Hwange National Park last week went well with lots of fun and good game viewing.
We are very grateful to all the riders for their considerable effort and support.
Thanks also to the Area Manager for granting authority to host the event and of course all the helpers, sponsors, donors who contributed in cash or kind. It is support from you people that ensures our wildlife survives. We owe this not only to the animals but also to our children and future generations.
DAY 1
The riders left Main Camp at 9am on Wednesday morning 23rd May and had only gone a few hundred meters when they encountered the first pride of lions. The going was tough as the road was sandy for most of the 35km ride.
Our first camp was at Jambili with everybody erecting their own tents and getting organized after which we went on an informative walk with Paul de Montille.
Gary, Tommy and the Rangers who were part of the security team returned to Main Camp for the night. On their way back to join us early the next morning they came across a leopard on the road close to Caterpiller Pan.
DAY 2
The ride to Ngweshla was a longer, 45km, but the road was easier. The riders had to pass through a large breeding herd of elephant both sides of the road which was “exciting” as there were a number of young with protective mothers in attendance. On arriving at Ngweshla we came across the resident male lion, Bubesi shadowing a big lioness. They both drank at the pan and then walked off into the thick bush. There was another lioness around with small cubs which we did not see; obviously Bubesi is working hard at ensuring a continuation of his dominant genes! We set up camp and then went for a short game drive and sundowners on a mound overlooking the surrounding area and wonderful sunset. A little after dark Paul showed the riders another group of lions on the road close to the camp.
DAY 3
Early the next morning the entourage set off for Kennedy 2 pan. We saw many animals along the way with a spectacular sighting of a big group of giraffe. There were elephant most of the way and at the pan the normal big bulls (Boys Club!) were drinking the fresh water (at the bar) provided by the solar pumps.
The teak forest across the vlei is a must see so the riders were escourted along the track through the long grass and deep into the forest. The road was very sandy and the riders were tested to the limit and needed a drinks stop after a few kilometers. Soon after completing the loop we were back on the road to Kennedy campsite. The 35km ride had taken quite some time with all the stops along the way. After a bite to eat we went on a short game drive and watched a number of elephant herds coming to the pan to drink. The elephant were doing their normal thing throwing dust over their bodies and the golden light illuminating the scene was a typical Hwange sunset spectacle.
A short while later the lions started roaring and were having a “hondo” with a group of hyenas. We were not sure exactly what was going on as elephants were trumpeting and the noise was deafening. Jackals joined the chorus and for a few hours the riders were treated to amazing sounds of the bush. A group of Giraffe had been close to the camp all afternoon so possibly the lions had killed one and the hyenas were trying to join the banquet.
DAY 4
The final ride to Main Camp was sandy in parts so the riders had to summon what energy they had left. The “Peleton” rode into Main Camp to applause from a small but appreciative crowd. The ladies shed happy tears as they hugged and congratulated each other on their achievement.
The food throughout the tour was outstanding thanks to the various companies and individuals that donated it and the excellent preparation and bush cooking by the Friends of Hwange Team Cheffs.
Camping in the bush is a great experience as you are very close to nature. The animals, birds and general vegetation are great to see and experience. Camping is fun especially with hot showers courtesy of the bush boilers donated to all the camps by Warapp Engineering (not to mention the water from the solar pumps!)
The whole event was a wonderful success with plenty of camaraderie and friendship. Every single rider completed the entire course and we achieved our objective in raising money for the Park and it’s surrounds.
The Harare people have done Hwange proud by supporting the event in cash and kind. More importantly we have enhanced awareness of wildlife and in particular Hwange National Park which is truly one of the best and wildest places in Africa.
Sincere thanks to Dave Bain and his group of “Trotting Porkers”
Work in the Park is ongoing so please assist as and when you can.
BANK ACCOUNT: NMB, Borrowdale Branch, Branch No 11106, Acc No
- Acc name: Friends of Hwange Trust
ECOCASH: 0775 215598 (name David Dell)
Every dollar counts.
Yours truly,
The Trustees
Friends of Hwange Trust