2024 – It was all about People!

I started this post with the intention of enticing potential new guests who might stumble upon it with tales of wildlife seen, adventures had, lion kills witnessed, elephants sailed next to and amazing vistas viewed by our guests in 2024. However, it has ended up all being about the People who made it happen.

GUESTS: From all walks of life and from over the world, somehow stumbled upon the crazy plan of driving round Zim. Most of you are certifiably mad, we loved meeting you all (except the rental-only idiots who were filmed doing donuts at Mucheni, freaking out the drought-stressed ellies – no, you are not welcome with us again). The rest of you were an absolute pleasure to deal with, I am so glad so many of you took more than photographs home with you and were exposed to “The Zim Way”.

MANAPOOLS.COM & SUNBIRD GUEST HOUSE: Having built this thing together from the start, we each know what part we need to to play behind the scenes to make sure our guests get the ultimate Zim experience. Our partners at Zimparks, Kariba Ferries, Matusadona Partnership, Independent Drivers, and Sailwithelephants all had a huge part in making it all happen for our guests this year. Thanks guys, behind every one of these “organisations” (no, spellcheck, I insist that is spelled with an “s”, not a “z”) are amazing Human Beings who make things happen. We have a lot of collaborators to thank for a wonderful 2024!

MOBILE CAMP RIGS: Our new Mobile Camp rig was a big hit this year. The year ahead sees two big rigs on the “Ultimate Zambezi Safari” itinerary between Harare and Vic Falls, taking in Prime Mana & Chitake Camps, Sailwithelephants, Kariba Ferry, Hwange/Chizarira/Kazuma, Vic Falls in either direction. This all works out cheaper in the big rigs than the equivalent self-drive and I challenge anyone to come up with anywhere close a diverse and amazing 12-13 day Zim itinerary. The second big rig is already on the ground, we are just “Zim-proofing” the suspension and trailer brakes for local conditions. We have a new depot in Msasa where Costa can work on vehicles to his hearts content 24 hours without waking the neighbors (thanks for your tolerance up to this point, neighbors!).

SAILWITHELEPHANTS.COM: Somehow, 2024 conceived and hatched Sailwithelephants.com into the world in partnership with the lovely Hall Family and the resolute Allan Harris @ Kariba Ferry. Our new Safari Catamaran “Sanyati Gorgeous” is nearing completion on the lakeshore and we look forward to all sharing a Chibuku Super at her launch with her skilled builder Mr Kingstone (see pic above) sometime in February (we be careful to spill some on the ground for the Nyami Nyami).

ZIMBABWE: In 2024, we dreamed up our perfect safari experiences and made them a physical reality at a pace you could only ever do in Zim. We remain thankful for the privilege of living in our can-do country filled with resourceful, skilled people. Zimbos default tendency is to help each other in a way I have never experienced elsewhere I have sojourned. Here’s to you all, you lovely Zimbos!

I will write a blog about animals to entice new guests next time. This one goes out to all the people who made 2024 happen.

We wish everyone a fantastic New Year.

Ant