CHAPTER 7: Navigating the storm

Reading time: 5 minutes

People often use the phrase “eye of the storm”. It’s a term that defines part of a hurricane [or cyclone]. It’s that small zone of calm in the midst of chaos, ferocious rains and battering destruction. The wall of winds that swirl around this quiet respite are the polar opposite of this eye. (extract from Science News for Students by Matthew Cappucci)

We were living and working on the Pamarah construction site in order to save money on rent. We had built a makeshift wall out of old roof sheets for privacy around our cottage (now rooms 8, 9 and 10) but it didn’t do much to keep the constant noise and dust out. We were being worn down by the stress of it all.

Living and working on the construction site had its physical and emotional challenges

Fortune smiled on us when a rental home became available in January 2019 and we quickly relocated, along with the old roof sheets to shield us from our new neighbor. Our new home was only 200 meters away from the lodge. We did multiple site visits by foot every day until we wore a path between our home and the lodge. On the odd occasion we were joined on the road by a warthog brigade which was foraging in the area! It was therapeutic to have a space of our own again that we could call home.

Reuse and recycle what you have – old roof sheets from the lodge provided some privacy for our new home
 The sanctuary of our new home away from the rubble
The city of Victoria Falls is established within the Zambezi National Park. Along with these warthogs, we have also seen buffalo and elephant walking down our road!

In March 2019, southern Africa was hit by tropical cyclone Idai, rated amongst the worst ever experienced in the continent.  The cyclone pummeled the Eastern parts of Zimbabwe, mainly Chimanimani and parts of Chipinge on the night of 15th March. Heavy rains continued to 20th March, hampering all rescue efforts. The storm affected more than 270 000 people, leaving 371 dead and many others missing. 17 608 households were left homeless. 584km of roads were damaged by landslides and bridges were swept away. (source: International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, Final Report 25 August 2020).

Helicopter relief arrives in Zimbabwe for Cyclone Idai
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation/Ace Air & Ambulance
Emergency supplies being offloaded in a remote location, Chimanimani
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation/Ace Air & Ambulance
Daily helicopter relief draws large crowds in the remote regions of Chimanimani
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation/Ace Air & Ambulance
One of the cadaver dogs used for search and rescue
Photo credit: Keith Sparks
Search and rescue helicopter
Photo credit: Halsted Aviation /Ace Air & Ambulance

My diary entry on 20th March 2019, which happened to be our wedding anniversary, records the following:

“Cyclone Idai has caused the largest humanitarian disaster in Zimbabwean history … our country is totally unprepared and ill-equipped to deal with a crisis of this magnitude. My husband has been put in charge of mobilizing a fleet of helicopters and fixed wing aircraft (on behalf of Econet who he works for) to the worst affected areas in Chimanimani/Chipinge in the Eastern Highlands of the country. 

Besides the aviation brief, he has also been involved in sourcing blankets, boats, life rafts, rafting experts, 4×4’s, drones, JetA1 fuel, and diesel delivery trucks. Phil is a professional pilot, and by no means a crisis management specialist, but over the past 72 hours he has conducted himself with quiet dignity, calm and respect for the many, many people he has spoken to on the phone, all done with minimal sleep from his desk in Victoria Falls on the opposite side of the country.

Phil behind his desk in VF working logistics for Cyclone Idai 24/7
A rare moment to sit and reflect on the huge loss of life on the other side of the country

Today we put our 26th wedding anniversary celebrations on hold until the storm passes. We salute the pilots and rescue teams in the air and on the ground out there, and think of precious lives lost and lives still in the balance in Zimbabwe, Malawi and Mozambique … but for now, you are my absolute, one and only hero of the day Phil Scott-Riddell.”

Construction work continued in the background at the lodge, but it was secondary to the task at hand. We were encouraged and deeply humbled by our fellow Zimbabweans, who collectively joined hands in a massive and admirable nationwide effort to help the rescue efforts for a country devastated by the cyclone. We met some amazing people who we are still friends with to this day.

This post is dedicated to the all the unsung heros, the victims, and the families of Cyclone Idai.

Leave a Reply

ROOM 14 images

ROOM 3 images

ROOM 4 images

ROOM 5 images

ROOM 6 images

ROOM 8 images

ROOM 12 images

ROOM 15 images

ROOM FOURTEEN

Designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind, this room has a standard double bed.

Our pair of solo rooms are adjacent to each other in a freestanding cottage uniquely built around a teak tree between two wings of the main lodge.

This room is ideal for the solo traveler, and is compact yet comfortably furnished with modern finishes.  A curved wall in the room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture. Two windows let in plenty of light, and the ceiling with built in air conditioner provides modern comfort for the discerning guest.  

The ensuite bathroom is classically designed with a shower, shower seat, toilet and vanity. 

ROOM TWO

This modern, well appointed twin room is situated on a quiet wing overlooking manicured lawns and landscaped garden areas. Two large windows let in plenty of light and the ceiling with built in air conditioner provides modern comfort for the discerning guest.

The ensuite bathroom is attractively unusual with its curvy walls, and is tiled to perfection. A spacious shower with shower seat, toilet and mirrored vanity makes this a unique washroom experience.

ROOM THREE

This classic, well appointed twin ensuite overlooks the pool area which is surrounded by attractive landscaping and manicured lawns. Two large windows let in plenty of light and the ceiling with built in air conditioner provides modern comfort for the discerning guest.

The ensuite bathroom is attractively unusual with its curvy walls, and is tiled to perfection. A spacious shower with shower seat, toilet and mirrored vanity makes this a unique washroom experience.

ROOM FOUR

Situated at the end of a wing overlooking the pool area and surrounding landscaped gardens, this beautifully appointed family room is capable of sleeping 5. The main room has a kingsize bed. Upstairs, via a spiral loft ladder, are 3 single beds tucked cozily under the eaves of the thatched roof. This loft space is not suitable for children under 8.

The room provides a unique experience of sleeping under an elevated thatched roof, with a dorma window opening up to the night skies. A curved wall in the room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture, and plenty of windows make this room light and airy. Ceiling fans create an old colonial feel, and original photographic art work on the walls draws guests into a world of imagination and aviation dreams.

The en suite bathroom is classically modern with a spacious shower with shower seat, toilet and vanity.

ROOM FIVE

Situated on a wing behind the main lodge, this classic, well appointed Triple ensuite overlooks a central shady courtyard featuring an old teak tree and landscaped garden areas. The room can be configured with a King Bed plus single bed, or with three single beds. Two large windows let in plenty of light and the ceiling with built in air conditioner provides modern comfort for the discerning guest.

The ensuite bathroom is attractively unusual with its curvy walls, and is tiled to perfection. Complete with shower and shower seat, toilet and mirrored vanity, this bathroom is compact and unique.

ROOM SIX

This beautiful spacious twin ensuite is situated at the end of a wing behind the main lodge, overlooking a central shady courtyard featuring an old teak tree and landscaped garden areas. It provides a unique experience of sleeping under an elevated thatched roof, with a dorma window opening up to the night skies. A curved wall in the room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture, and plenty of windows make this room light and airy.

Ceiling fans create an old colonial feel, and original photographic art work on the walls draws guests into a world of imagination and aviation dreams.  

The ensuite bathroom is classically modern with a spacious shower and shower seat, toilet and vanity.  

ROOM SEVEN

Created for the romatics at heart, the king honeymoon suite is a freestanding luxury ensuite tucked away for optimum privacy.  The curved wall in the main room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture, and allows guests to have an authentic sleep experience under thatch with all the comforts of classic furniture and modern finishes.  The kingsize bed fits snugly in the rondavel part of the suite, which is tastefully decorated with old worldly charm and romantic aviation images.  

The ensuite bathroom is thoughtfully designed for two, with an elegant freestanding bath tub that sits under a large window, a double shower with twin shower heads and shower seat, toilet, and double vanity.  Beautiful black and white tiles finish off the classic yet modern look.  A glass paneled door leads off the bathroom onto an enclosed courtyard, where couples can enjoy an undisturbed early morning cup of coffee or romantic nightcap under the stars.

ROOM EIGHT

This king ensuite is situated behind the main lodge, overlooking a central shady courtyard and beautifully landscaped garden areas. The curved wall in the main room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture, and allows guests to have an authentic sleep experience under a thatched roof with dorma window opening up to the night skies. The room leads onto its own private patio area or “boma” through a large glass door.  Perfect for early morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars.

The ensuite bathroom has modern fittings with a shower, shower seat, toilet and vanity.  

ROOM NINE

This king ensuite is situated behind the main lodge, overlooking a central shady courtyard and beautifully landscaped garden areas. The main room has a ceiling with a built in air conditioner which provides modern comfort for the discerning guest.  A large sliding door opens up onto a private patio area or “boma”  which is perfect for early morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars. 

The ensuite bathroom has a shower and shower seat, as well as a small built in bath, toilet and vanity.  Beautiful black and white tiles and modern black taps and fittings finish off the classic look of this well appointed bathroom.

ROOM TEN

This king ensuite is situated behind the main lodge, overlooking a central shady courtyard and beautifully landscaped garden areas. The curved wall in the main room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture, and allows guests to have an authentic sleep experience under a thatched roof with dorma window opening up to the night skies. The room leads onto its own private patio area or “boma” through a large glass door.  Perfect for early morning coffee or a nightcap under the stars.

The en suite bathroom has modern fittings with a shower, shower seat, toilet and vanity.  

ROOM ELEVEN

Situated behind the main lodge, this modern, well appointed king ensuite is accessed via a central shady courtyard and beautifully landscaped areas.  Two large windows let in plenty of light and the ceiling with built in air conditioner provides modern comfort for the discerning guest.

The ensuite bathroom is attractively unusual with its curvy walls, and is tiled to perfection with classic black and white tiles.  Besides offering a spacious shower with shower seat, toilet and mirrored vanity, this bathroom also has an elegant freestanding bath tub, making this a unique washroom experience.

ROOM TWELVE

This beautiful spacious twin ensuite is situated at the end of a quiet wing behind the main lodge, with its  entrance accessed off a central shady courtyard and attractively landscaped garden areas.  It provides a unique experience of sleeping under an elevated thatched roof, with a dorma window opening up to the night skies. A curved wall in the room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture, and plenty of windows make this room light and airy.  Ceiling fans create an old colonial feel, and original photographic art work on the walls draws guests into a world of imagination and aviation dreams.  

The ensuite bathroom is classically modern with a spacious shower, shower seat, toilet and vanity.  

ROOM FIFTEEN

Designed and priced with the solo traveler in mind, this room has a standard double bed.

Our pair of solo rooms are adjacent to each other in a freestanding cottage uniquely built around a teak tree between two wings of the main lodge.

This room is ideal for the solo traveler, and is compact yet comfortably furnished with modern finishes.  A curved wall in the room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture. Two windows let in plenty of light, and the ceiling with built in air conditioner provides modern comfort for the discerning guest.  

The ensuite bathroom is classically designed with a shower, shower seat, toilet and vanity.  

ROOM 7 images

ROOM 9 images

ROOM 10 images

ROOM 11 images

ROOM one

Situated at the end of a quiet wing overlooking an attractive garden area, this beautifully appointed family room is capable of sleeping 5. The main room has a kingsize bed.

Upstairs, via a spiral loft ladder, are 3 single beds tucked cozily under the eaves of the thatched roof. This loft space is not suitable for children under 8. The room provides a unique experience of sleeping under an elevated thatched roof, with a dorma window opening up to the night skies. 

A curved wall in the room echoes elements of the traditional “rondavel” style of Zimbabwean architecture, and plenty of windows make this room light and airy. Ceiling fans create an old colonial feel, and original photographic art work on the walls draws guests into a world of imagination and aviation dreams.

The en suite bathroom is classically modern with a spacious shower with shower seat, toilet and vanity.