AWOL Africa

21/11/2025

Vumba Trail - Potentially another great trail in Zimbabwe

Vumba Trail Day 1 (Recce 1) – A World-Class Adventure in the Making

We agonised over whether to do this recce - the weather report predicting inclement weather over the weekend… We resolved to try a day hike only and ended up having a partly sunny day with excellent walking conditions (although it was very wet and slippery under foot). I mused later over what became the quote of the day… “The biggest deterrent to the outdoors is the weather report.” – Ben Freeth

On 15 November, our team: Tempe, Ben F, Ben dW, Trevor & Sheila, Cecil and I set out from White Horse Inn at 0730 to explore and assess Day 1 option of the emerging Vumba Multi-Day Trail, an exciting new hiking proposition less than 45 minutes from Mutare. The Vumba Trail has long been an aspiration of the Friends of the Vumba - A community dedicated to preserving the Vumba mountains of Zimbabwe - and I have offered to help them with the project.

What we discovered is a trail with huge potential for tourism, conservation, adventure enthusiasts, and community benefits. With a bit of clearing, route refinement and signage, this could become Zimbabwe’s next iconic mountain trail.

Starting Out – White Horse Inn as the Gateway (although because it is a loop many other points are possible)

We kicked off from White Horse Inn, an ideal hub for multi-day hikers. They offer:

Comfortable accommodation
Friendly hospitality and great menus
A camping option
Great support from the manager Frank and his team (they even let us watch the Rugby after the hike)

From there we moved east past Griffiths Homestead and into thick evergreen montane forest. This section is stunning but will need clearing and route confirmation (possibly via the Paddocks and old firebreak).

Lion’s Head - Wild, Wet and Absolutely Beautiful views

Lion’s Head greeted us with wet, slippery rock, making the existing GPS route unsafe for now.

Thanks to Tempe (who knows this terrain like the back of her hand), we took the correct and safe line around the back and up to Lion’s Nose, climbing to the Nose and panoramic Vumba views.

From the ridge we meandered through gorgeous msasa miomba woodlands, then dipped back into montane forest towards the landmark Big Cypress Tree. Again the existing trail is often indeterminable so some work needs to be done to clear the correct route.

Barts Path, Macadamias & Upper Zonwe Falls

We followed Barts Path, a good alternative to the published GPS track. This will need reconciling so future hikers follow the right line.

A macadamia plantation blocks the straight-through route, so we’ll likely re-route around it - a simple fix.

A short detour took us to Upper Zonwe Falls, a raw, untouched gem surrounded by steep riverbanks and slippery crossings. Even Jinga (my dog) had an unexpected dip into the river but survived with enthusiasm!

Blue Swallow Ridge & the Pony Trail Revival

We climbed up to the spring on Fresh Waters Road (excellent refill point) and then along the beautiful Blue Swallow Ridge.

This section touches the top of Ben Freeth’s property, where Ben is actively reviving pony trails in the Vumba. He hosted us for tea and scones as we discussed routing options that will link this section of the trail to the Botanical Gardens (Vumba National Park) that will eventually be an option for night one camp or lodge..

He also took us to the magical Chinimata Falls - a definite contender for an optional highlight loop.

Three Exciting Route Options for the Vumba Trail exist in my view at this stage - with further options to extend the loops…

OPTION A (Recommended): White Horse Inn → Botanical Gardens (Night 1)

Follows the famous Vumba Trail Run route
Around 16 km of adventurous, rewarding hiking
Slack-packing possible (gear moved from White Horse Inn to Botanical Gardens)
Optional detour to Chinimata Falls
This would make an outstanding Day 1 for serious hikers.

OPTION B: A 2-Day Loop Back to WHI

Botanical Gardens via Seldom Seen then Cloudlands then back to White Horse Inn.
Still need to recce this one but it may end up being up to 20km.
Hard but spectacular terrain
Ideal for committed hikers wanting a Mutare-based multi-day loop.

OPTION C: A 3 or 4 Day Adventure
Adds a loop from Botanical Garden around Zonwe Dam, Zonwe Falls (possible camping option here - make it a 4 day trail) and then up via Eastern Ridge View before returning to Botanical Gardens for night 2 or 3. The total loop is 21 km.

This could evolve into a signature Vumba multi-day trek - challenging, scenic, and unique to Zimbabwe.

What Comes Next…

To unlock this trail’s full potential:
Finalise A-grade GPS tracks
Clear and mark key sections
Confirm land access and boundary agreements
Involve experienced trail builders (Friends of the Vumba)
Design campsites, signage and slack-pack logistics

With coordinated effort, this could become a premium adventure trail rivaling some of Southern Africa’s best, right on Mutare’s doorstep.

In Summary

The Vumba has everything: ancient forests, grassy ridges, granite peaks, waterfalls, wildlife, pony trails, refreshing springs, loads of accommodation and unforgettable views. What it needs now is focus, collaboration, and a bit of sweat equity to link this all up into The Trail.

If the community and stakeholders pull together, the Vumba Multi-Day Trail could quickly grow into a flagship hiking destination for Zimbabwe and the region

29/09/2025

Peterhouse Boys Horizons – Chimanimani 2025

Seven boys, five days, one unforgettable adventure. From the steep gullies of Bailey’s and the icy plunge at Jumping Rock, to navigating Skeleton Pass and swimming beneath the Golden Waterfalls, the boys pushed themselves through tough climbs, wild landscapes, and moments of reflection.

Day 1
The boys set off from Marondera in high spirits, fitting easily into a single minibus. By late morning they were at Chimanimani base camp, packs loaded and ready. The first hike took them up Bailey’s Folly, then down to Peterhouse Cave and the Jumping Rock, where some braved the icy plunge! Supper at Paradise and evening reflections rounded off a strong start.

Day 2
With lighter packs and faster feet, the boys pushed across Skeleton Pass, spotting a magnificent puff adder en route. They lunched at the Masasa Camp and continued through deep valleys and over rocky saddles before reaching Gemini Peaks early in the afternoon. Spirits were high as they settled into caves and cooked dinner overlooking breathtaking views.

Day 3
The group moved north-east, swimming at the Golden Waterfalls before climbing steadily towards the Valley of the Wizards. Multiple waterfalls, shaded streams, and sweeping views made this one of the most beautiful days. After a long descent into Tuckers, they witnessed first-hand the devastating scars of illegal gold panning before returning to Kurishika Caves for sunset, and the evening routine of dinner and socialising.

Day 4
The boys ventured off the beaten track, navigating uncharted paths towards Martin’s Falls. Though the pools were too silted for a swim, they pressed on towards the Dam Site and then through the Valley of the Apostles and back over Skeleton Pass. By afternoon they were back at the Jumping Rock, where each boy received a letter from home and spent meaningful solo time in reflection - a powerful close to the expedition.

Day 5
With “white line fever,” the boys powered back to base camp. Tired but proud, they finished the journey with deep gratitude for the experience. The trip was a resounding success, building resilience, teamwork, and unforgettable memories.

Highlights included encounters with breathtaking scenery (and even a puff adder!), exploring the Golden Falls, Valley of the Wizards, Martin's Falls, Tuckers Falls and Gemini Peaks, and the powerful solo time with letters from home at the end of the journey.

This was more than just a hike – it was a journey of resilience, teamwork, and discovery. The boys rose to every challenge with spirit and gratitude, making this year’s Horizons expedition a huge success.

28/09/2025

Peterhouse Girls Horizon Trip 2025 – Chimanimani Mountains

What a journey! Over five days the Peterhouse Horizon girls trekked through the breathtaking Chimanimani range – from Paradise Pools to Skeleton Pass, Martins Falls, Tuckers Falls, the Valley of the Wizards, and slept in Kurishika and the remote Gemini Caves.
The hike tested endurance and teamwork: long climbs, tricky terrain, windy nights, and managing food and health challenges along the way. Yet the girls showed resilience and courage, supporting one another when the going got tough.
There were unforgettable highlights – swimming beneath waterfalls, watching sunset behind Martins Falls, receiving letters from home on the Bundi plateau, and sharing birthday celebrations in the mountains. Even in the face of sad sights of gold panning scarring the rivers, the girls found joy in wild swims, laughter around the camp sites, and the triumph of standing together at Skeleton Pass with the Peterhouse flag flying high.
By the time they returned to base camp filthy, tired and sore, but smiling, every girl had grown in confidence, perseverance, and friendship. The Chimanimani will long be remembered as the classroom where they learned that true adventure is as much about heart and spirit as it is about mountains climbed

26/09/2025

Gurunguwe – Dragon’s Tail Hike

Over the last weekend we set off for Gurunguwe, a rugged corner on the Mozambique border, with its legendary Dragon’s Tail ridge. After a long, bone-rattling drive, we were welcomed by the local school and porters before heading up the old patrol road through forests and open plateau.

Day two took us higher – past the beacon and onto the Dragon’s Tail viewpoint. Standing at the edge, with the cliffs dropping away and endless mountains stretching into Mozambique, the view was simply breathtaking.

Between tree-spotting with the Tree Society, riverside walks, camping dinners, and a night under the stars, it was a trip full of friendship, beauty, and adventure.

The road in may be rough, but Gurunguwe’s wild landscapes and the magic of the Dragon’s Tail make every step worth it. Highly recommended.

17/08/2025

Culford in Malawi – A Journey of Service, Discovery & Growth

Over two unforgettable weeks, I accompanied the Culford pupils on the 2025 Malawi Trip. They swapped relaxing time on school holidays for some unimaginable experiences in vibrant yet desperate communities, encountering both heart-rending or exhilarating experiences in both the bleak and breathtaking landscapes of Malawi.

From feeding school children and building eco-stoves, to repairing water pumps and sharing sports with local schools, they rolled up their sleeves and learned the power of service, teamwork, resilience, and compassion.

Highlights included:
Feeding programmes at rural schools
Visiting a local orphanages and schools
Helping wildlife conservation efforts at Majete Game Reserve
Immersing ourselves in Malawian culture through music, sport, and community life

We also saw lion, elephant, buffalo, giraffe and many species of antelope on safari.

The pupils returned home with new friendships, broader horizons, and a richer understanding of the world, and can reflect deeply on how small actions can make a big difference - a truly life-changing experience.

28/07/2025

Emerging Leaders Programme Summary Report - Hillcrest College 2025
Pupils - All Lower 6 - 2026 Prefect Candidates
Dates: 24-25 July 2025
Facilitator: Andrew Shoesmith (AWOL Africa)

Overview
The two-day Emerging Leaders Programme was delivered to 42 of Hillcrest College’s Lower 6 potential prefects with the aim of equipping them with essential leadership models, tools, frameworks, and personal insights. Additionally the programme takes the theory and builds this into The JoURNEY Process - a structured framework designed to Jointly Understand, Reflect, Negotiate, and Effect Strategy in a collaborative, participant relevant and meaningful way.
The programme balanced interactive learning, personal reflection, team challenges, and strategic planning to help participants grow in their readiness to serve and lead within the school and beyond.

Programme Objectives
To deepen understanding of leadership characteristics, functions, and styles
To develop personal leadership development plans (PLDP) - all participants leave with a LPDP.
To explore team dynamics and problem-solving through practical challenges
To introduce JoURNEY goal-setting tools and real world strategic planning frameworks - we used Objectives, Goals, Strategy and Measurement (OGSM)
To foster a strong sense of personal responsibility, service, and school spirit

Day 1 – Foundations of Leadership

The first day introduced key leadership principles, including:
Introduction and Programme Outcomes
What leadership means in the Hillcrest context
The expectations and opportunities of being a prefect
Leadership Styles and Personal Plans - Pupils assessed their default leadership tendencies and began drafting Personal Leadership Development Plans
Approaches to and models of leadership
Understanding evolution of leadership theories
Action Centred Leadership - The Three Circles Model
The Five Levels of Leadership
360 Degree Leadership
The Leadership Style Quadrant
Exploring the balance between personal, relational, and task-focused leadership
Discussions about Trust and Respect as critical drivers of influence and long-term leadership success
Leadership Functions and Roles - Exploring the tasks of planning, motivating, briefing, supporting, and evaluating as a leader
The Hardest Person to Lead - Self-awareness and self-discipline as cornerstones of effective leadership

Practical Leadership Activities included
Team challenges designed to surface natural styles and team dynamics
Identifying and presenting school-based issues requiring leadership
Personal and group workshops requiring reflections on how to use the theories and models in the PLDP.

Day 2 – From Insight to Action
The second day focused on the Strategic JoURNEY process - application of a real world strategic planning tool to the School Prefect System.

JoURNEY Framework – Jointly Understand, Reflect, Negotiate, and Effect Strategy…
Strategic Committees set up (Academic, Sport, Culture and Social) grappled with issue identification, resolution (a vision) and how to get there using OGSM.
Cluster Work:
“What’s wrong with Here?” Encouraging reflective thinking and identifying issues in the school and growth areas
“What does There look like and How do we get There?” - Group ideation around improving key aspects of school life
Introduction to Objectives, Goals, Strategies, and Measurements (OGSM) Planning.
Using the OGSM model - Each committee developed an OGSM plan aligned with school Vision, Mission and Values.
Group Presentations - Teams presented their OGSM and personal pledges to staff and peers.

Certificates & Closing
Each participant received a leadership certificate in recognition of their commitment
Final remarks were offered by School Principal

The Future
Hillcrest will appoint staff mentors to support the implementation of each committee's OGSM and revisit the OGSM plans regularly to review progress and encourage reflection
Tutors must support the pupils Personal leadership development plan
We will consider a follow-up session later in the term to reinforce concepts and strengthen team cohesion

Outcomes
Pupils left the programme with a clearer understanding of their leadership identity and responsibilities
OGSM action plans are in place and ready to be supported by staff mentors
The group demonstrated high engagement, creativity, and a desire to serve
A strong leadership culture is taking root in the 2025–26 cohort
100% of participants responding to the Survey said they would recommend this to other emerging leaders!

13/07/2025

AWOL was back in action this weekend... accompanying 7 Hillcrest Pupils and 2 members of staff to the inaugural RunVumba event. Hosted from Botanical Gardens Bvumba the event comprised 3 races: 14km, 21km and 42km. The Hillcrest pupils all ran the 14km where several podium places were accomplished by the Hillcrest Team. Well done to Sarah and Takudzwa for making this happen... A fantastic first for Hillcrest, fun weekend out with camping, trail running and great Zimbabwean comradery! I was luck to 'sweep' the 21km (checking on the tailenders and picking up the trail markers. Ryan Moss did a fantastic job organising the whole thing and well done to National Parks for hosting the event!

23/06/2025

Had an amazing adventure with Mike Donald and Bridge Ross … we got dropped off at Boyakura Plateau above the Gairezi Gorge… awesome walk along the east side of the plateau overlooking the river. Dropping down at a ridge on the north of the plateau we made our way to the Gairezi and the tracked up the river to Peza falls. Lovely COLD swim and lunch in the sun on the bank! We then walked down to the Tsanga confluence and up the Tsanga past all the amazing civil works for the HEP project. Up to Tsanga B and then back to Troutbeck for a well earned refreshment. 20.4km and 7 hours. Another great AWOL day

16/02/2025

AWOL makes visit to Susurumba

16/02/2025