Gonarezhou Trip Pics

[AdrianBarnesPTA]

Hi all,

Just spent a fantastic week travelling to Gonarezhou via Pafuri. We stayed 1x night in Punda Maria, 4x nights at Chipinda Pools, 1x night Shingwedzi and final night in Balule.

For any who are interested, its a brilliant trip, however Id stay 2x night Mabalauta next time, then 2 or 3x nights at Chilojo (if its been fixed up) or Fishans the next time.

The game seemed to focussed more in the Chilojo area than Chipinda, so we found ourselves driving in that direction each day... and its quite far! Being based in that area would be better I think, however the Chipinda campsite is possibly the best campsite I have EVER had!! Game drives in the area though are slightly frustrating, too few drives, and as mentioned, you need to travel quite a bit!

There are quite a few trip reports on this type of trip, so Im not going to go into too much depth here, but will answer any questions anyone might have!


Crossing into Moz at Pafuri



Took the wrong turn (old T4A!) and ended up scratching the daylights out the cars, only to get to a dead end in the fever tree forest!



Crossing the Limpopo



Campsite at Chipinda Pools



Rundu river and Chilojo Cliffs in the distance from Chinguli campsite



Rundu river in front of Massassanya campsite



Rundu river in front of Massassanya campsite



Sunset over Rundu river ontop of hill behind Chipinda Pools campsite



Chivillila campsite... quite a drive to get there down rocky road...



Chilojo Cliffs



Chilojo Cliffs



Chilojo Cliffs



Old bridge over Rundu river



It was VERY dusty!!



Police stop just before crossing Nuanetsi river bed on the way back



Olifants river from high level bridge in KNP

[erasmusdries]

Hi Adrian

Amazing trip photos and some valuable info,one question would you attempt the route you took as a single vehicle towing a trailor? My trip is next weekend and I dread the prospect of going through Beitbridge.

[AdrianBarnesPTA]

I would definitely say its possible! We were 2 vehicles, never needed assistance though.

Just ensure tyres are deflated correctly for the sand in the river beds, and you should be fine! Im assuming your rig has been offroad before, and that you have pulled the trailer through sand...

[MikevR]

Well done Adrian, Great pics - I am glad you enjoyed your trip. Bush camping is the best if you can get permission. Some folk don't ask. Your vehicle looks in good nick what kilometres?
Regards

[AdrianBarnesPTA]

Thanks Mike! We though about the bush camping option, but had NO idea where to even goto for permission!

My Paj has 262000km on, and has given me 20000km trouble free km's! Older vehicles need some extra tlc, but I cant think of a vehicle Id rather have! Rugged, tough, power, yet very comfortable cruiser! Thanks!

[hou da amper da]

Hi Adrian nice pixs we leaving the weekend for Gonarezhou and would like to know how the weather is(nights cold)? How warm is the days? Have you perhaps been to Pokwe, i know according to Mike there is only a longdrop, but is it asleast a seenic spot?

[OFFROAD ADDICT]

Thanks for sharing...looks great

[AdrianBarnesPTA]

Hi! The weather was amazing, days between 24 and 29! Nights a little colder, but we still could sleep with the main canvas door rolled up, using only the mesh... I'd say it got down to maybe 10/12 at night!

Have an awesome trip, it's a great place!!

[AdrianBarnesPTA]

Didn't go to Pokwe, so sorry can't answer that!!

[sswarts]

Adrian

I know that Chipinda Pools has Toilets and running water . Do you maybe know what is available at mabualate?

SS

[AdrianBarnesPTA]

Yip, Chipinda has hot water and toilets, but the water is not drinkable...
Not too sure of Mab though...

[AdrianBarnesPTA]

Take a look here, it seems as if there are ablutions:
http://www.zimparks.org/index.php?op...d=17&Itemid=83

[jonno99]

Really nice pics! Thanks for sharing.

[Oomspuyt]

Sswarts,

Mabalauta is a great camp! There is a tap at each camp site, ablution block ( old) but relatively neat with toilet and shower. Donkie for hot water! Try for campsite 1 or 3! Enjoy, its amazing!!

[sswarts]

Oomspuyt

Tx for the info. Got back my booking conformations Yesterday for Zimparks. First night at Punda Maria. Then up to Gona .We start at Mabalauta (nr2) for 2 nights, then 2 nights at Hlaro , then 3 nights at Chipinda Pools (nr6) and the last night at Mabalauta (nr2) again. We are planning to come down to Mapai, crossing the border to SA at Chiriyondo. Cant wait for our trip. How was the water level at crooks corner?

SS

[Subok]

The water levels are quite low. We went through there on 24 June. The deepest section probably only touched the running boards. Enjoy!

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[AdrianBarnesPTA]

Agreed, water is very low! Reached my running boards when I wanted to make a bit of a splash!

Have a great trip SS, very jealous! Your planned route and campsites seems the best rout, Id do that next time!

[mozguide]

Sounds brilliant! Been to Gonas perhaps twenty times over the past 30 years.

Strange, but I don't see any pics?

Admin, can you help?

Mike

[ortelius]

Do you realize this is a 12 years old post you are replying to?