Cape Town to Victoria Falls.

[dizzyblonde]

Yeah yeah, none of us are jealous are we, specially me, ooo nooo, I'm perfectly happy not riding


Great pics Mel, good time by the looks again, lucky sod
Catch up soon, promise.

We raced into Bulawayo with the sun setting behind us. At one point I looked down at the speedometre -180km/hr!!

We arrived in the dark. Street lighting is not brilliant and we managed to get separated. Jurgen and I together, Bruce and Jerry together and Joerg on his own. After much ado, dodging large potholes, swearing and going the wrong way down one way streets we finally re united at Banff Lodge. Thankfully they were able to accommodate us. I'd have slept in the dog house if they'd said other wise. We were all so tired, hungry and and my nerves were well and truly jangled.

Nothing a hot bath, a hot meal and a good night's sleep couldn't sort.


We decided we would have a rest day today and head for the Falls the following morning. After breakfast he went into town and we all made sure we had local mobile phone SIM cards. The previous night's drama had been made worse by the fact we didn't all have roaming facilities on our mobile networks.





Quick visit to the local Art Gallery which was a WiFi hotspot and a quick walk around the city.




Street scenes around Bulawayo













I'd called my mum earlier and we all headed over to hers for some home cooked lunch.

My sister, very keen for a go on a bike went pillion with Gerry.






The long arm of the law promptly caught up with her for riding without a helmet.

Late afternoon we headed for the Matopos national park, about 40km outside Bulawayo.




















Watching the sunset over the Matopos is brilliant.

[Bibio]

wow that brings back some vague memories, thanks melody. looks like you had a great time.

[garynortheast]

Fantastic pics and story. Makes me want to pack up and set off straight away! Is there any more to come?

[appollo1]

fantastic pics

that big smile on your face lets us see you had a great time

[Richie]

many many fantastic photos there T.
but This so far is my fav..

Loving the World's View shot, keep them coming!

Thanks for the comments and sorry it's taking so long. Not much spare time on my hands at the moment.

Day 6 and we leave Bulawayo for Victoria Falls.



We left around 0930 for the 500km journey. It was boiling hot. 36 celcius.

Leaving Bulawayo.




















The road to Victoria Falls is pretty boring and straight. The Eastern Highlands is where the twisties are.







Passed through a couple of police stops. We never had any hassle from the police at all. They were fascinated by the bikes.



We encountered a herd of cattle with a very nervous calf. Jurgen and I managed to get past as the herd was still deciding whether or not cross. Joerg, who was behind me was not so lucky at the calf bounded straight into his path and there was no avoiding it. Thankfully Joerg managed to keep the bike upright after wobbling about as he collided with the calf.
The calf walked away too, without any obvious injury.

Stopped to inspect Joerg's bike. No apparent damage.



Stopped for fuel and refreshments in Lupane, a rural village.

These chicken buses as we call them bring back many fond memories. If you want a real taste of Africa, you have to ride on one of these.



















Three young brothers on an errand to collect fire wood.







We stopped for lunch in a town called Hwange, home to the Hwange National Park. I was so hoping we'd spot some elephants along the way as often happens around Hwange, but we weren't so lucky.
On their way back to Bulawayo, Jerry and Bruce struck gold as a whole herd of elephant crossed the road right before their very eyes. Jealous!!







We had lunch at Baobab Hotel with spectacular views over Hwange.











We arrived at Victoria Falls around 1530. It was great to be able to get off the bikes as it was so hot and humid. The view from the terrace of the Victoria Falls Hotel is simply stunning.






The following day was spent enjoying the experience of being in Victoria Falls. in a moment of madness, I signed up for the bungi jump. In fact, I signed up for the combo, a bungi jump, gorge swing and zip line!

On the bridge, between Zambia and Zimbabwe.





The jump. It's a 111m drop.


















The gorge swing. Twice I got to the edge and just couldn't take the plunge. I found it harder to jump feet first than head first. Fortunately for me, one of the the guides volunteered to go tandem with me.








The zip line.










In the afternoon we went to see the Falls. No white water rafting this time as the water levels were far too high. It's not the best time to see the Falls as the visibility is very reduced due to spray.










Jerry and Bruce went off for a bit of fishing.



The rest of us had a lazy afternoon. I needed it to settle my stomach, still queasy from the jump.







In the evening we all went off on a sunset river cruise.










A beautiful African sunset.

[squirrel_hunter]

Cool pics. Loving the on board/ helmet cam shots. What setup did you use?