This photo was taken hanging out of the window – its often like that – I see the shot and have a second or two to take it. One of the huge plusses of the Panasonic, is the time it takes to start it, and take the shot – only a few seconds.
Taken into the sun, the lady and her companion on the scotch-cart were totally blanked out. The moment I took it, I knew of an artist (Beaver Shaw) who paints the most wonderful watercolours. I tagged him on my page, and before lunch – he sent me a photo of his effort – which I thought was brilliant.
A couple of weeks ago, I went to an area (in the Gusu Woodland area, overlooking the Umguza River.) It used to be a commercial farm and now has been converted into a more communal/resettlement area, because someone told me they had a young bull with the “Mpevu” coat pattern.
I cant post a photo, cos the animal I was shown, didn’t look anything like an Mpevu, (it looks sort of as if a brown cow stepped into a bath of white paint – leaving a white underside, a white muzzle and a white tuft at the end of the tail!
However, I did get to see some wonderful views and trees, of course!!!
The new homes have been built all along the Gusu Sand ridge that runs alongside the Victoria Falls road, but it appears their source of water is the Umguza River, about 6km away. In the above photo, you can see it in the distance – a line of darker trees.
I drove down there, where there are more Nkone owners, and took this photo:
There isn’t much water left in this section, but back in the day, herds of buffalo roamed in this area, so I’m guessing it will last until the rains.
I came across this lady on her way to collect water…there is a borehole, but also near the river, about 5km from her home. It’s never easy finding water in the Gusu Sand, and very difficult to drill. I’d also not like to have to walk in that deep, soft sand, with a bucket on my head!
When I find the mpevu bull – Ill post the photos!!!
Marula, although still part of the Matopos is a fair distance from where I live. For years, I have driven past this area and wanted to explore it. When I was offered the chance recently, I jumped at it!
Balancing rocks – and that lovely blue sky, so common in Mat’land. Although still winter, the weather was kind to me!
There are still winter colours showing – the golden grass, red and yellow foliage
Although I live in the Matopos, a break from cattle mooing and tractors starting up (and of course, getting up before sunrise!) is great and a visit to the Matobo Hills Lodge did the trick. This place is almost on our boundary and yet I had never been there!
Of course I still woke up before the sun came up!!!
I asked for a secluded cottage (which I got) and I was very impressed with it – but more so, the service. Their staff must be very well trained, because they picked up that I struggle with crowds and people and they didn’t bug me at all.
I get nothing at all out of fawning waiters – I paid for solitude and quiet and that is what I got.
All these photos were taken before sunrise from the front steps of the entertainment area
Being in the Rhodes Matopos National Park, it means that one has access to the park – great for climbing and picnics with the knowledge that one has a very comfortable bed for the night!!
There are great views around the lodge too – however, being a neighbouring farmer, and knowing how poachers and honey thieves operate, I fear their lovely long grass is going to go woosh – the fireguards are just not wide enough!
The umkaya (acacia Galpinii) are about to flower – they are the red trees in the photos above.
This last series is taken very late in the evening up a rock behind the lodge – as usual, I have no idea which ones to choose, so posted them all!
I love the way the whole place has been built to fit in with the surroundings – using thatch and natural rock. This photo is of the entertainment area of the Lodge.
I’m sure the lodge have far more professional photos – Im not that good at interior or shots of buildings
I had a wonderful getaway at Matobo Hills Lodge – big thanks to Clive who assisted me with my rather heavy luggage and all the staff who were unobtrusive but available.
I highly recommend this lodge to anyone visiting the Matopos.
Frankie Kay Fotos 