#AmazingLandscapes | At times all you need is you.


We tried in February for the Valentine’s Day weekend, in May and again during the August holidays, and our friend’s getaway trip could not happen. I said enough is enough, I will embark on a solo trip.


Fastjet has always been our airline of choice. On the website, I managed to secure some low fares from Johannesburg to Bulawayo. Departing OR Tambo International Airport at 06:50 am and arriving in Bulawayo at 08:10 am. The early morning flight afforded me a rare opportunity for a full day’s activities on my day of arrival. Smart choice I thought.


While on an inflight nap, a gentle voice was accompanied by a nudge on my shoulder. It was the well-dressed fastjet cabin crew member, “Excuse me, ma’am, the captain has switched on the seatbelt sign and we are now descending into Bulawayo”. Earlier during the flight, we had shared pleasantries when she handed me the lovely fastjet snackbox.


Once in Bulawayo, my hired car was already waiting, and I made my way to the hotel for an early check-in. As I experienced the Zimbabwean hospitality, I was greeted by warm and welcoming people at the airport and the hotel. Dressed in my outdoor safari gear, armed with binoculars and a semi-professional camera, “Can I offer you two bottles of water, with compliments from the hotel?” said the front desk official who had clearly seen my explorer’s outfit.


“I am going to Matopo Hills National Park for the day,” I remarked extending my hand to get the two bottles. “It’s a good day to visit, Matopos, please add the Big Cave, White Rhino trekking and sunset views to your list,” she said and handed me a trail guide of the Matopos National Park.


As a solo traveller, the view of the Matopos National Park, the white rhino sighting, and the countless birds photographed were worth my trip. In my solitude, I experienced a spiritual feeling that was both relaxing and renewing. The guide who I had encountered at the Big Cave detailed the rock paintings that are as old as time yet relevant to our culture.

Matopos National Park


The remainder of my Bulawayo stay was spent exploring the Railways Museum, and Old Townships, attending a Highlands Football Club match and the Khami National Monuments. My trusted local guide, the hotel front desk official recommended some local eateries, where I enjoyed some traditional Ndebele food whose recipes have been passed on from generation to generation.


Fastjet operates double daily flights from Bulawayo to Johannesburg. I had secured my seat 5C and booked the evening flight arriving in Johannesburg at 18:30. Onboard I was once again in the capable hands of the cabin crew who had taken me to Bulawayo. We shared a moment of reflection as I showed her some of the pictures that I had taken during my trip.


“Thank you for flying on fastjet and we are happy we made your solo trip a memorable experience,” she remarked as she continued with her inflight service.