Trip to ZIMBABWE - MATOPAS (2009)

Hi all,

I know i am not a member yet, but will becoming one....

I have relatives in Zimbabwe that own a lodge in the Matopas and was wondering what the interest would be from all to possibly go there for a long weekend.

It would involve going via Ellisrus, Martins drift into Botswana, up to Francis Town and then on to Bulayawo which is about a 100 km's from the border and then out to the Lodge, about another 40 km's.

This will be tar all the way, with the exception of about 1/2 kilometer....

I would have to get some numbers together to make the inquiry and then set up a trip if any interest is shown....

Just a thought I had, when riding my new addition.

Have a look at their Website

Would this be dirt or tar.

LeRoy Olivier wrote:Would this be dirt or tar.

Hi, in have updated the thread, it is tar all the way, with the exception of the road to the camp, about 1/2 km...

Second though - it seems as if the total distance up to the lodge will then be less than 200km's going in. And if all goes well we might say fare thee well to our favourite northern neibour quite soon.

That's correct, one can fill up at the border on the Botswana side... I have put the poll there, to try and get the concerns and then try and eliminate them...

The Rides Planning Meeting for 2009 takes place later in October . . we can discuss the possible inclusion of such a trip in the year program then?

Thought so to - presume you will place it on the agenda

The place looks idyllic - no wonder Cecil John Rhodes wanted to be buried there.
So, what about the ride?

Well, political instability concerns aside...

According to Mapsource, the distance by road from Total Francistown to the lodge turnoff is 233kms - around maximum range for my bike. So if fuel in Bulawayo is not available for any reason, I would be stranded going either way. OK, I could carry 10litres extra I suppose to be safe, but I would need to carry 20 to get from Francistown back to Francistown. If everybody had to do the same and there were 20 bikes, that is 400litres of Botswana's finest unleaded. I would feel uncomfortable carrying that much fuel in a country that hasn't any of its own...!

From the website, there is a gravel road for approx 2km until you reach the parking lot where you will be collected by a 4x4 vehicle and taken to the lodge.
So what happens to the bikes while we 'kuier' in the lodge?

I don't want to kill a good idea before it has been planned.
I'm just raising my concerns...