meanderstravels

Category: Nthekeni Camp

  • Tuesday 12 March

    Got packed up early and ready to go  to the Shack for breakfast, went to start the car and the battery was flat. Shit. Owners of the site had gone off early for the day so no help. Apart from us there was a German group and we managed to jump start from one of their cars. A life saver. No idea how we drained the battery. Left the car running whilst we had a delicious full  English cooked by two delightful ladies from the village. R240.00(£10 for two) Entered Kruger Park by the most northerly Parfuri gate. It started to drizzle which seemed to attract tortoise’s on to the road. Saw a good selection of game on the trip to our next camp at Shingwedzi. Arrived at about 14.00 and it was still drizzling non stop and also a cold 23 degs. What a change. Re organised our  game drive to tomorrow at Letaba camp. I think it may still be raining. It’s 21.30 and it’s still drizzling. Fillet steak and rice salad under the awning. 

  • Monday 11th March

    Very hot night last night. Chilled all day with a couple of swims and short walks. Bought a few items from the craft shop, all made by the villagers. Also had all our washing done by someone in-the village for which we paid her R100(£5). We had to supply her with soap powder and pegs. Bought logs for campfire. BBQ marinated chicken, rice salad and fruit. Reserved breakfast for tomorrow in the “Shack” a cute open sided restaurant,  again run by the villagers and paid direct to them. 

  • Sunday 10th March

    Skipped breakfast at Holiday Inn as we had a long journey to Nthakeni Camp in SA. Irene had the runs so hung about a bit in the hotel but still left at 07.30. The hotel supplied us with two complimentary goody packs of fruit and yogurt because they had run of stock of various dishes and wine the night before, a goodwill gesture. Irene had no  further tummy problems on the way.Road conditions a lot better to the border at Beightbridge. Just a few stretches of potholes. Arrived at Beightbridge border at 12.30. About an hour to get through the chaotic bureaucracy of both Zim and Sa side. Another $20 for some reason to exit Zim +$9.00 to go over the bridge on which there is no alternative. Altogether to go into Zim by car and out cost $270.  Arrived at Nthakeni camp which is about 6km’s off the main tar road. The most beautiful well kept site we have been to. The owners have carved this gem from nothing in 8 years. They are heavily involved in helping the local community with employment and skills. Currently they are the lead for a new crèche for the surrounding villages. Flowing river frontage to our individual camp with private ablutions. Lots of birds. Pasta for dinner. No electric but the supply of paraffin lamps giving a very nice effect around the camp