There is no place like Kariba...



With the project coming to an end, our hearts have started to ache at the thought of leaving this magical place. 

I grew up in Bulawayo and we left Zimbabwe when I was 15. This Country has been through so much, its people have suffered unbelievably. I can safely say that almost everyone I have spoken to has lost everything and had to start for scratch at some point, with land invasions and hyperinflation. 

What blows my mind is the incredible community that still exists here. The way people look out for one another and are so caring and kind. The friendliness and openness. The lack of bitterness and resentment. 

The ladies in the running club I joined are just phenomenal to say the least. They are so upbeat and are able to joke about everything. They make light of it all and have so much patience for things that would drive any regular first world country member around the bend. Kariba has given me so much perspective. There really is no place like it. 


I am so grateful that my kids have been able to experience this. I love the trust that still exists. The honesty and integrity of the locals. The readiness to smile and wave despite their struggles. 






The friendships we have formed are incredibly special. Barney and Genene and their kids were the first to welcome us, and it is always a treat to see them. They have treated us like long lost family and their kindness and generosity has blown me away.



There is nothing quite like an African thunderstorm on a hot day. Pure joy. 


Sonya, Sunny, Debs, Nikki, me and Char.


This is a very special group of ladies who have kept me laughing so much. I have such immense respect for them all and will miss them terribly when we leave. They run all over Kariba depending where the lions and ellies have been spotted. The first time I was supposed to run with them, they described their meeting point as 'the dirt road where we saw those lion prints' ...needless to say I skipped that one! They have since named it 'Rachels Road'.
We had a lovely sunset cruise on the houseboat called 'drifter' with lots of jokes, some dancing...and more laughing.









We were invited to have a delicious lamb spit on the beach by Louise and Quinten, with Hennie and Antonette and a few others. It was an absolute feast, followed by the most awesome bonfire! It was such fun and the best bonfire I've ever seen!





Louie and Richard spend most of every day playing together.




Kenzie and Dene are the other local kiddies of Kariba so we meet up weekly.



We had a wonderful trip to spurwing for Lily's birthday. We went with our special friends Hennie, Antonette, Johan and Lauren. I love the way the kids are so balanced, polite and well mannered. They have so much patience and are so kind and helpful. LJ is so at home here now, and I love the way he is trying to be a young man like his big friend.








Sunset cruise to find some Ellies. What could be better?





The gorgeous Gorge!







Han helping Lily to fish.


The chef at Spurwing made Lils a birthday cake after breakfast when he heard it was her birthday. They really go out of their way for you there and it was such a treat. I especially loved not having to cook or plan meals all weekend, and being able to spend time with special friends in a place with limited cell phone reception where you are forced to just relax! Such wonderful memories.



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