Sanganai Creek, Mazvikadei

I had always wanted to go to Sanganai Creek but because I am not mobile (yet) I always thought it would not happen anytime soon. Thankfully a group on Facebook was organising a weekend package which included transport, accommodation, activities and food; all one had to do was pay USD60 for the weekend do.  We were supposed to meet up at 9am on the Saturday but the organisers did not have everything ready so we waited a good solid hour in the sun while they went to get the trailer for the bus.  I was already annoyed, is this not something one does the night before a trip?  Eventually we left at 10am and started on the journey that is 120 km out of Harare.

The first thing we did when we got there was take selfies, naturally.

Then we proceeded to our designated rooms.  You don’t even want to know the state of affairs that was in those rooms.  I didn’t even take photos, I was that disappointed!  To be honest, before we go any further let me tell you the things that really pissed me off about this trip before I get to the fun bits.

• Communication skills were non existent. For example, once we got onto the bus we didn’t get any introductions.  Nothing on our intended destination, how long it was going to take to get there, if we were going to make any stops.  Just get on the bus and go type of thing.
• People were misinformed.  In the WhatsApp group chat people were told to bring linen and guess what, they did exactly that.  When we got to our rooms the bunk beds had no linen or blankets.  IMAGINE!  I feel cold at night no matter what the season so I had both linen and an extra blanket with me but imagine the rest of the guys who just brought linen, I am completely out of words…
• The food was terrible.  I am very particular about the things I put into my stomach especially given the fact that I know I can cook up a storm myself.  I actually didn’t eat the greater part of the trip because I got sick.  I am not sure if it’s the water or the food either way I felt short changed.
• Once I was added to the WhatsApp group the first thing I asked was if the swimming pool was blue.  I was assured that it was and to my surprise the pool was GREEN! I remember someone telling me they saw a dead fish in the pool after our swimming session. OMG!

That said, let’s get to the fun part.  Nothing is ever completely a train smash, I must admit that this trip was the break I needed after weeks of feeling like I just wanted to take the next flight and leave adulting for a while.  The group was amazing!  There were couples, singles, married and kids too.  We had different activities that encouraged team building and before you know it we all felt like one big happy family.

My favourite activities were the ones were mud was involved.  I enjoyed watching it but not exactly taking part in it.  I made sure I was in hiding when it was my turn.  There was mud wrestling and crocodile crawl.  The amount of dirt that we had by the time that activity was done!  It was worth every minute though.

The guy in the yellow tshirt above, also known as The Fat One, you do not want to mess with him!  The aim of that game is to wrestle your opponent and have them topple over.  Once one person is down you move ahead until the whole team is off the log.  They put mud on the log so not only is it slippery it’s hard to balance, wrestle and keep your feet locked!  However, The Fat One had everything under contol and their team won.  It was a fun sight to watch!

I didn’t take part in this activity, I was too scared and kept thinking of the embarrassment if I fell.  I was hiding behind a tree the entire time!

We went for a breakfast cruise on the Sunday morning.   I loved this part; it was refreshing.  Minus taking lots of selfies and videos when I finally got to settle down I took in the views and clean air.  We spotted a few houses by the lakeside.  Now that is something on my Things To Buy in this lifetime.  Imagine waking up to a beautiful view and the sound of waves every morning.  Too beautiful!

After the cruise we went horse riding, once again I didn’t take part.  I have done horse riding before and the experience was not something I wanted to relive.

It was time to pack up and go but before leaving we passed through Mazvikadei Dam.

By this time everyone was exhausted and the heat wasn’t playing nice at all.

There is a story behind the sculpture behind us.  Apparently the woman was taken/ abducted/stolen (I honestly don’t know which word is befitting)  by a mermaid and after days was released.  When she came back she was a traditional healer.  Her gift spread far and wide and people from all walks of life started to come to her village for consultation on different life issues.  History has it that when people arrived they were asked “Masvikasei?”  (How did you get here).  However, white people did not know how to say Masvikasei but pronounced it as Mazvikadei.  Interesting…

Part of the group

It was a great trip and we had tonnes of fun. I am sure if the event organisers sort out some of the issues I pointed out the next group won’t feel let down.  I can safely say this trip turned out to be a success because we all decided that we were going to make the most of the situation and make the weekend count.  I can’t wait for my next road trip!! (we are going to organise this one ourselves)

 

©MaKupsy 2016