Hwange National Park

After leaving Matopos National Park, we headed to Zimbabwe’s premier game park, Hwange National. A few Kilometers before we approach the park gate we begin to see giraffe, kudu and baboons. We also spot signs that elephant have been down the same road. Remember… I’m a pooh expert now. As we pass through the gate, I’m reminded that Zimbabwe is not the country it use to be. The government does not, cannot support the National Parks. Tourist who once use to come from all over the world to view the spectacular wildlife and nature of Zimbabwe have chosen to go elsewhere for many reasons… unstable economy, lack of resources, political instability, etc. I have been safely tucked under the wing of Antelope Park. It’s privately owned and very well managed. Hwange, not so much. Just through the entrance gate are a series of guest cottages. They are surrounded by a large, empty parking lot. The cottages are run-down and vacant. The scene reminds me of a ghost town. Scattered throughout all of the cottages and the parking lot are troops of baboons. Enter a scene from “Planet of the Apes”. As we drive around the park we pass a few dried water holes. I start to worry. Nathan, our guide explains that there is a fundraising project underway to pump water into all of the pans. This use to be done by the government, now it is being done be private citizens and non-profit groups. At the end of our safari we park next to a large, filled water hole. There are two male elephants competing for territory. Then, just as the sun begins to set, a large herd of elephants appear from the forest behind the bush and make their way to the pan. It has to be one of the most beautiful images I have ever seen.