Men & Their Fascination With Flying Machines

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Earlier this year Spurwing Island hosted the Zimbabwe Air Rally which was organised by Marion from Experience Africa Safaris.

For those of you that know my husband Woody, you will know he has an insatiable interest for anything that flies. He and his brother grew up learning how to build and fly model planes with their father. Although all grown up now, Woody has never lost his passion for flying machines. A few years ago, I had to patiently explain why I DIDN’T think it was a good idea to build and then fly his very own Tiger Moth! Women, you will get this, men, maybe not so much.

Anyway, I digress. We had only been living in Kariba a couple of months when we found out that the Zimbabwean Air Rally was coming to Kariba again this year. Their detailed itinerary took the intrepid pilots from Charles Prince airport just outside of Harare, to Fothergill Island on Lake Kariba were they landed and were then boated across to Spurwing Island.

During the course of the 3-day programme, the pilots get to see some of the beautiful sights Kariba has to offer. Changa Safari Camp hosted a beach party and volleyball tournament, while the Zambezi Trader also got in on the tour and provided a lunch and sunset cruise.

We were not able to participate as Woody is not actually a pilot, and we don’t own a plane! But we settled for the next best thing and drove out to the airport on re-fuelling day to watch the planes come in to land and take-off again. Sadly, we had the wrong day and only managed to catch a couple of the planes, however, Woody was still happy to see any planes, so it was not a lost cause and was a different way to spend our Saturday morning.

Next year the Zimbabwean Air Rally has Victoria Falls and Hwange as its destinations instead, but we can’t wait for the rally to hopefully return to Kariba in 2020.

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We had a fantastic experience with Bryony and her team. Bryony is clearly knowledgeable about the region and guided us through our options and the Lake Kariba houseboat booking and choices. We had a fantastic time and I would thoroughly recommend using Heartveld.
Denise Jackson profile picture
Denise Jackson
23 days ago
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What an incredible holiday we just had in Zimbabwe. Thanks Bryony & Heartveld Adventures. Camp Mana was definitely the highlight for us.
Patrick Campbell profile picture
Patrick Campbell
43 days ago
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We have just had an amazing 6 nights on Tambarara houseboat organised by Heartveld Adventures. The boat was very comfortable and the staff were excellent. The captain, Reg, was very professional and helpful, the chef cooked delicious meals, the barman kept our drinks flowing, the cleaners left animals made from our towels on our beds at night and the guys on the tender boat were so good with the boys aged 3, 5, 7 and 9 showing them what to do and putting on worms, for us as well. Highly recommended.
Debbie Davies profile picture
Debbie Davies
421 days ago
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Good range of houseboats and friendly, helpful response
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Vicky Grant Bird
429 days ago
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The trip was all you could ask for when you want to relax and forget about the world. Captain Godrey and his team consisting Pilot, Chef Takesure and Silas made our stay comfortable and easy. The food was flavourful and filling. You couldn’t say no to Chef Takesure’s meals. Silas kept our cooler box ready every day because he knew we loved our drinks cold and first thing in the morning. Pilot and Captain Godfrey took us to amazing views, magical sunset cruises and helped me find all the crocodiles I was looking for. I totally recommend Heartveld Adventures for all your Kariba fantasies! ☀️⛴️🍹#February2025
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Ashleigh Chamboko
595 days ago
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Right from when I started researching the trip in November last year, Bryony has been an absolute star. Nothing was ever too much hassle, especially with the rigours of trying to effect payment then! Then the houseboat in Kariba! What an amazing trip we had on the Ponty, and once again Bryony organised transfers and things on the spot, awesome and a big thank you to you and Char, the Ponty was the highlight of our Zim Epic! I cannot recommend Bryony and Heartveld Adventures enough, was so good to meet you at Charara, Cheers and thanks again Glenn and Family.
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Glenn A Armstrong
741 days ago
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Yes I recommend Heartveld Adventures. Great customer service and quick responses
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Tatenda Antony Mhene
883 days ago
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Great service, nothing was too much trouble, quick replies and responses🤙
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Wils Raubenheimer
904 days ago
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Heartveld Adventures really goes the extra mile when it comes to customer service. They really think of everything that would be needed for a great holiday. We've been on Driftwood Houseboat twice and am going on the African Queen in September 24. Really is an amazing experience with amazing staff, very helpful and caring about your comfort and enjoyment. Thank you so much 💖
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Magda Gillwald
924 days ago
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Came across Heartveld Adventures blog by chance whilst trying to plan a holiday adventure in Zimbabwe.Offloaded my thoughts to Bryony, and a well sorted package with more than I asked for was presented.Stopped looking all over the internet for any possible deals, as this was the DEAL.If your intention is to go to Zimbabwe and enjoy its hidden treasures whilst accommodated in places you wouldn't have thought of and known existed, then save yourself the trouble, and get hold of Heartveld Adventures. Their service is what makes the country keeps going.Well done Bryony
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gadgetsnzawesome
1048 days ago
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