Unbelievable Zimbabwe

A small group of 12 bowlers flew into Zimbabwe's Harare International Airport on Monday 16th April 2012 and were met by members of the Zimbabwe Tourist Authority. After clearing immigration Staff from our agents "Premier Holidays" and reporters from the Daily News were there to welcome us. It was as an enthusiastic welcome as anyone could have wished for. Also on hand was our driver "Silas" who would be our constant companion for the next fortnight. We boarded our mini-bus and in the gathering twilight headed for our base at Bushman's Rock some 35 kilometers outside Harare. We arrived in the dark and were shown to our lodges and settled in for the night. The following morning we were greeted by wall to wall sunshine, which followed us around for the next two weeks. After a relaxing morning around the pool, we headed for Avondale Sports Club for our first game of bowls, we received an enthusiastic welcome and on a very fast green managed to win one of the four matches and finish with a very creditable 58 – 77. The club prepared a lovely meal and with a few drinks and some friendly chat it was back to Bushman's.

The following morning we were treated to a game drive and were lucky to view a large number of antelope and the beautiful Zebra & Giraffe. In the afternoon we went on a sundown pontoon ride which was followed by a fantastic wine tasting experience at the Bushman's Rock Winery. The wine was not classic but the presentation was outstanding.

Friday saw us set off for Zimbabwe's second city, Bulawayo, also know as the City of Kings. It was a long drive and we arrived at "The Farmhouse" "Granite Ridge" in the beautiful Matobo Hills in the late afternoon. After a relaxing Saturday morning (some of us went rock climbing) we headed for Hillside Bowling Club where the green was magnificent. Another enthusiastic welcome and lovely supper, all in all a great afternoon. We managed one victory but lost 55 – 81 overall.

Monday morning we set off for a tour of the mystic Matobo Hills where we saw some ancient rock paintings and visited the grave of Cecil John Rhodes, and had a picnic lunch at the beautiful Malemi dam. In the evening we were treated to a fantastic Braai (B-B-Q)

Thursday, and it was off to Harare Airport Domestic Terminal for our two hour flight to the Victoria Falls. Our Pilot, Caroline Puzey gave us an unbelievable experience by flying over the magnificent falls before proceeding to land. Our hotel at the Falls "The Kingdom" was superb.

An evening Zambezi river cruise, a tour of the Falls, a walk with lions, a game drive and a farewell supper at "The Boma" a traditional restaurant where we sampled such things as Warthog, Eland and Impala stakes, Crocodile tails, local beer, and some of us even tried out "Mopani Worms" a local delicacy. We also learned to play the African drums. A wonderful evening and a great way to end our tour.

I conclude this article by including exerts of comments received on our first Zimbabwe Adventure.

This has been one of the most interesting I have taken in many a year. I would recommend the holiday as the most wonderful experience that any bowler can have.
Mike Biddlecombe

For my wife and myself, this has been a fascinating and interesting holiday, it certainly lived up to its title of a Zimbabwe Adventure. We would recommend this holiday to anyone that bowl's
Pete & Shirley Whatmore

We wouldn't have missed this trip for anything, the highlight being the Victoria Falls. In all it was the experience of a lifetime.
Kevin & Judy McBrearty

We have pioneered, we hope, a new era in Zimbabwe bowling. The drive to Bulawayo and the return was rather tedious but the Victoria Falls made up for it all. A very enjoyable holiday
Wilf Cooper & Jane Larkin

I had a terrific time, the country and the people are magnificent. The spectacular rocks of the Matobo Hills made the long road journey worthwhile. The high point for me was the flight over the Victoria Falls, exceptional.
Richard Winfield

Lita & I have had a very good adventure holiday in Zimbabwe. Our stay at Bushman's Rock has been one of the good parts of our holiday. Victoria Falls was the highlight and it was a bonus that the weather has stayed sunny and hot. Overall the holiday has been worth every penny.
George & Lita Mystry

Look out for details of our next Zimbabwe Adventure

David