Hello! We have had a busy 2 weeks since our last update, as we continue our overland trip through Zambia and Malawi, where we have loved receiving copious amounts of waves and smiles from the locals. Key destinations have included Victoria Falls, camping on the Zambezi River, the Luwawa National Park and Lake Malawi.
SUPER SOAKER: While we are used to cold showers in Africa by now, we weren’t quite prepared for what the Victoria Falls had in stall for us. As we approached the falls, we were in awe of the view and the noise; most surprisingly of all, when we got closer to the falls for a better look, we got soaked. This got worse when, as we walked across the bridge in front of the falls, a burst of water hit us and knocked us sideways. The Huka Falls will never be the same again.
ON THE ZAMBEZI: With the sounds of hippos grunting and the thunder of the Victoria Falls in the background, camping on the Zambezi River is definitely up there in terms of the amazing spots which we have camped at in Africa. While it made for a couple of nervous toilet stops during the night, the sunsets were amazing.
BRIBERY AND CORRUPTION: Africa is famous for officials abusing their power to make a little on the side. Asides from the obvious cash bribes, we have come across interesting demands including the creation of a charge for an unrequired truck permit, as well as for cigarettes, oranges and from a well read border control guard, a novel.
KENYA VS NEW ZEALAND: On the morning we were to cross from Zambia to Malawi, Rodney finally managed to tempt Chef Arthur to join him on an early morning run to the border to meet the rest of the group on the truck. Surprise surprise, Rodney and Arthur’s competitive personalities meant that it turned into a serious 18km race to the border. The Kenyan was early to show his class by easily building up an early 500 metre lead; however the New Zealander’s consistent pace and endurance won out on the day, with a minute margin on the Kenyan. Both runners were all smiles at the end, particularly when they were informed that they had run the 18km at a sub four minute km pace.
REAL AFRICA: One of the main reasons why we opted to travel with Dragoman was their support for local villages. During our stay at Kande Beach on Lake Malawi, we were lucky enough to spend a day hanging out at the local village. Our visit to the school was extra special, particularly as the library was set up and donated by a New Zealand teacher who had volunteered there. This particular New Zealand teacher was also responsible for teaching half the village the haka, which was performed instantaneously upon their discovery that we were Kiwis. We were particularly touched on learning that kids were charged $U50 per term, which means that many kids can’t afford to go to school at all, or alternatively they finish school in their mid twenties once they have saved up enough money. It was also eye opening to be shown around the clinic which helps locals with HIV and Malaria particularly as the HIV rate is 50% in the village. The day finished on a lighter note with a large number of the village coming to the Chief’s football pitch to watch the Dragoman Kiwi/Dutch/English combination beat the locals 3 – 2 in a hard fought game of football. Perhaps Kirsty had the harder job of the day juggling four cameras and a band full of curious kids and adolescent males, who were not quite at the required standard to play against the Dragoman team.
MYSTERY FANCY DRESS: To assist a couple of local boys with their school fees, we paid them to roast a pig on a spit for our evening’s mystery fancy dress party. Our costumes originated by pulling another person’s name out of a hat and entering into serious negotiations at the local second hand clothes market. Needless to say, neither of us would have selected our own outfits if given the choice but the homemade punch helped us wear them with pride.
After two long and hard 12 hour drive days on Helena (the truck), we have driven across the bottom of Tanzania and are now in Dar Es Salaam waiting to go to Zanzibar.
Till next time, take care,
Love Rodney and Kirsty.