Day 28: Hwange NP: Robins Camp – Sinamatella

We really like the Hwange NP. The landscape is beautiful and varies, although totally dry, like everything in this region. Grassy plains alternate with hills and rocks. The riverbeds are dry except for a few pools, but even if we don't see any surface water, there must be water, because some corners are green.

The wildlife consists primarily of elephants. A few antelopes join them and every now and then we spot warthogs or giraffes. Hardly any birds.

We want to drive a northern drive, then return to the main road over two so-called dams (Chingahobe and Deteema) and drive on to Sinamatella.

After about two thirds of the northern drive (with some nice and challenging passages), two rangers stop us. We are not allowed to drive here, the Dekker River cannot be crossed (although we were able to cross the Tshowe River easily with dry or slightly wet tires) and the road does not go any further. Strange. The route is on Tracks 4 Africa. But you don't argue with two men with guns and so we turn around.

Eventually we reach Sinamatella via the meandering Lukosi River Loop and enjoy a magnificent view over the valley and the riverbed.

In the distance we watch a pride of lions leisurely making their way towards a herd of grazing impalas – we will not be able to see whether they are successful in their hunt, because it is already getting dark shortly after 6 p.m.