Our journey began before sun up, and the red sky of day break was vibrant in a way only Africa can boast. We drove on empty roads to the western border of Botswana and crossed into South Africa through the Parrs Halt/ Stockport crossing. Monkeys welcomed us. The roads got quieter, straighter and bumpier as we made our way to Mapunguwe Park. Along the roadsides we spotted Baboon, Ostrich and Hornbill, swapping drivers as we clocked 500km from setting off. Hand held radios connected the convoy, so we named our vehicles. Black Rhino led the pack, so named because black rhino young trail behind their mothers (as opposed to white rhinos where the baby walks in front) and Chris, Lisa and Henry have an off road caravan. Next up was donkey cart, with me, Rob, Rachel and Gaby. Followed by Sean the sheep due to the cars residents, Jill, Jack, Craig and Isla originating from Scotland, England, Australia and New Zealand. Finally ‘Oh F**k’ was the final car as Oisín the baby had coined the phase when referring to the trucks. He was joined by Neil, Sara, Kate and James. 

As we entered Mapunguwe Park the roads turned to tracks and game spotting mode was activated.  We spotted Giraffe, Zebra, Kudu, Impala, Rock Dassie, Klippspringer and Water Buffalo. Our camp was a beautiful collection of rondavels, each chalet consisting of several rondavels and a shower which was outdoors, attached to the bathroom by a bamboo fence. 

The heat was an intense 34 degrees, and after a long day of driving the pool was the priority. A little swimming hole with icy cool water in contrast to the afternoon heat.  A dazzle of Zebra joined us at the pool, frolicking and stampeding, whilst everything else rested from the sun. 

Before sundown, we got back into the vehicles for a game drive through the park. With radio communication, everyone was enlisted to wildlife spot. We arrived at the Limpopo river, the watering hole and border of Botswana, Zimbabwe and South Africa. The wide river bed allowed the meandering stream to dance around the flood plain. Water bufffalo crossed from one side to the other without the border bureaucracy we were still to experience.  Sacred ibis in huge numbers flew across the expanse and nested in the tree tops. Sundowner drinks, a roadtrip staple and in Southern Africa day turns quickly to night at around 6pm. The darkness welcomes a portrait of stars. The rock formations of camp, the red dirt and the night sky, nothing could have felt more perfect for the first night on the road. After a welcome meal, sleep came early and easily. 

The next morning was a big pack down as we left the park ready for another border crossing. As we drove back through the park we came across a giraffe with two calves and a whole gang of zebra in her pursuit.  Impala were plentiful, Kudu – the lions toothpick, were a beautiful sight. Rob spotted a Steenbok with its big ears and slight frame. 

Just before the border we refuelled and stocked the car to the suspension squashing brim, ready for 4 days in the wild. We headed to Beitbridge crossing for a good dose of zimbabwean bureaucracy before we could get through to the other side.