Pumazinda Lodge: Safari, Horseback, and Canoeing

 We had Monday and Tuesday off for Hero's Day in Zimbabwe. When the workers are off at the temple, we get a holiday too. We decided to go spend an overnight at the Pumazinda Safari Lodge. We get recommendations from our Zimbabwean friends on the temple site. I have a whole list of "places to go"; we do like to play and explore all Africa has to offer. We got up close and personal with Bruce's spirit animal, the giraffe. This one particularly, her name is Jasmine. She's pregnant and was raised with horses at the lodge, so is quite friendly with the visitors. She wanders in and out and then back to the game park. We love Africa and all of God's amazing creations. When we were registering at the front desk, we asked if they had any elephants, and the hostess said, "No", I said how about "Giraffes?" she said "No". I said, "That's false advertising!" As I turned Jasmine's head was right in the doorway only feet away from my face. She really pulled a good one on me!

Why "Hello there girl!" up close and personal with Jasmine, the giraffe. Bruce was elated!

We stayed in cute little thatched roof huts with all the modern amenities. The lodge served us lunch, dinner, and breakfast the next morning. We had nice buffets in a beautiful open-air dining room. We paid extra for a 2-hour game drive Friday afternoon and horseback riding to the water hole and back. We saw impalas and wildebeest on our ride. Bruce was back in his cowboy element. After a restful night's sleep and breakfast, we had a relaxing canoe trip down the Serui River. Pamuzinda means "Royal Meeting Place" in Shona. The lodge is situated on the banks of the Serui River and is surrounded by 5,500 acres of untouched and unfenced bush. It ensures the tourists have a tranquil and peaceful visit close to nature with a variety of wildlife to enjoy.

Horseback ride for 45 minutes into the bush. We rode to the waterhole to see impalas, wildebeests, and a few monkeys too. 2023.08.14

We went on a 2-hour game drive after our horseback riding. There were 3 lions in a 3-acre enclosure. Seeing animals in the wild is even more exciting. There were zebra, wildebeest, eland, wart hogs, monkeys, and 3 elegant giraffes.

The highlight of our trip was our peaceful canoe ride down the tranquil river. We were told there were no crocodiles, although one can never be too careful. Especially after reading the welcome sign below:

Our guide was named Sakuryi Tafara and he told us he had visited our church before. During the peaceful canoe ride, Bruce told him the entire first vision and restoration discussion. Sakurayi seemed very interested and he accepted a Book of Mormon. We will be sending his contact to the missionaries in his area. It's a wonderful opportunity to share the gospel with everyone we meet. Who knows why God has put people in our paths. If we don't share what we know, I fear I'll be accountable.

If I was a crocodile, I'd probably want to live here!

After sharing a Book of Mormon with Sakurayi, the receptionist complained she didn't get one too. Bruce went out and grabbed 3 more. We challenged her to read it and share it with two others.

Jasmine came out to our car in the parking lot to say goodbye as we were leaving! 2023.08.15