The Sleeping Gypsy

Location:
Zimbabwe

lions, horseback riding, safari

By Nathalie Bresztyenszky

MWENA GAME PARK: ZIMBABWE

I cross over a rickety bridge onto a dirt road, which threads a dusty path into the unknown. I glance at the page in my worn travel-book and reconfirm that Mwena Game Park is 5km from the turn-off. I continue to drive past a close-knit family of acacia trees until I come upon a large sign painted in white letters, “WELCOME TO MWENA GAME LODGE, BEWARE OF HUNGRY LIONS.” My brain registers the thought that I am now a part of the food chain and my knuckles turn the color of the painted billboard. But my thought of being something’s filet mignon is interrupted by the sound of an approaching car. As it comes into full view, I notice an open, black safari truck resembling Chitty-Chitty-Bang-Bang. The whimsical looking truck has just returned from an adrenaline filled drive through Big Cat County, a residential community of leopards, lions, and pumas. I quickly reach for my bag and nerves from behind the seat and slip amidst the explorers with ease.

Upon visiting the reception, located in a quaint thatched roofed, mud-hut, I head towards my designated chalet called “Howling Monkey”. I walk past desert roses and swollen baobabs with root-like limbs stretching up into the sky and back to the beginning of time. Just as I spot my chalet, I hear a long-high pitched whooping sound that is making a beeline towards me. I freeze in my tracks and see to my horror, a mangy-dog-like-wolf-like-beast-thing running straight for its afternoon snack, the juicy new tourist. “Heeeelllllllllllllpppppp”, I screech out to the wilderness around me. “No worries, he won’t bite!”, someone shouts back. I spot a tall man in khaki safari-gear, blending seamlessly into nature’s backdrop. Funny, I didn’t see him before I think to myself, I wonder how many other creatures are playing hide and seek from my eyes. “Hi, I’m Dave, the camp and the hyena’s owner. Don’t worry, he only likes applesauce and hiking-boots, enjoy your stay!”

Later that day, I decide to embark on my first adventure, the horseback safari. I am excited yet nervous to ride a horse, especially around wild animals. My previous equestrian experiences have been limited to the mechanical gallop outside of Woolworth. Luckily, my fears are quickly allayed as I notice how obedient my horse is as he trots along the hidden paths in the honey-tinted bush. We slowly whisper by a herd of giraffes and cast our long shadows near a group of zebras. It seems, the convicts of paradise are oblivious to our presence yet in truth they knew we were coming ten miles ago, thanks to their keen sense of smell.

After returning to the lodge, I head for the thatched gazebo bar and order a Malawi Shandy, the Zimbabwean version of a gin and tonic. While, I watch the ice bob and weave from the lemon in the glass, I hear the roaring yawn of lions in the near vicinity and let the curiosity get the best of me. I grab my camera and head for my next thrill-ride aboard Chitty. We drive off and roam the land for big and small game. We eventually stop and park in the middle of the African plains, next to a lonely ostrich. My spirit flies over miles of open freedom as my sight takes in the endless beauty around me. We watch one of Africa’s gifts unwrap before us, a resplendent sunset resembling a canvas of melted crayons that highlights the cotton-candy clouds floating towards the rising moon. I break from the golden trance and bid adieu to the ostrich with his long can-can legs and welcome the peace that settles over me.

That night as I lay in bed staring at the chameleon jumping in and out of the moonlight’s shadow, I hear the roaring banter of the lions as they circle outside my window. I pull the blanket close around me and reflect on the day’s events. I wish goodnight to the tree frogs and slowly nod off until I come to resemble the sleeping gypsy on Rousseau’s painted canvas.

Further Information

Travel tips: Have the time of your life!

Must see/do at this place: Must go on the sunset game drive.

You should avoid here: The mosquitos if possible by wearing long sleeve shirts at the start of dusk.