From Hauna on October 26th, 2023 we took a detour into the hills that rise on to the border with Mozambique. We were amazed that the road was paved. But that makes sense, because tea and cashew nuts are transported on them. (Ok, the road is full of potholes; but you get used to it!)

Banana plantations expanded left and right. Men stood next to large sacks full of bananas and waited for the lorry to take them to Harare. A few kilometers further the road got steeper and the banana were replaced by tea plantations. When we came across a sign pointing to the Eastern Highland Tea Company, we turned in. We had enjoyed our last cup of tea the day before at the Troutbeck Lodge. And we got used to drink at least four or five cups of tea a day – with milk and sugar!

We came to a barrier where a friendly security employee asked us what we wanted: «One cup of delicious Zimbabwe tea» was our answer. Unfortunately, that was not possible. So, we turned and drove up to the Aberfoyle Lodge, which is located at 1,200 meters. Here the journey ended at a barrier as well! «Do you have a reservation», we were asked. No, we didn’t. So we had to turn back; for the second time that day. What a pity!

PS: If you want to know more about the Aberfoyle lodge, read here.