Next Leg

My apologies for lack of blog.  Network service is very scarce in many parts of the areas I have visited.

The flight over the Victoria Falls in a helicopter was just awesome and we have some great pics to show.
The walk through the rain forest was also amazing and we were all well and truly soaked.

From there it was to Mlibizi to catch the Kariba Ferry.  What a stunning trip. Getting the vehicles on board
was quite interesting and from there we put our feet up on deck, read books, ate great food and drank lots
of beer.  Graham and Peter sampled some local brew.  We all slept on deck and docked in Kariba after
breakfast the next morning - 22 hours in all.

From there it was to Mana Pools where we had booked a 'Lodge'.  It was hardly necessary to leave
our braai area.  Elephant sauntered past and scratched themselves on the trees in our 'garden', we watched
crocs eat an impala a few metres away, hippo Mum and babe grazed around us.  It was truly amazing.
We also walked with a guide into the bush and became surrounded by lion, which we thought were
lying in ambush.  We retreated hurriedly when we heard a growling lion, jumped into the car and went
to investigate - lionesses with three week old cubs.  We were the first in the camp to know about them.

Sadly I parted from the family after Mana.  They are now home safely.  I entered Zambia at Chirundu,
which was interesting to say the least!  Headed through Lusaka, managed to go up two one way streets
the wrong way, whilst taking direction from 'Matilda' on the dashboard. Finally made it to Fringilla
Farm, about 60kms north, which was great.

The following day left a bit late had to bank and get petrol and then took the Great North Road, which
is just potholes and trucks and arrived to meet friends at Mutinondo Wilderness Camp with a slow
puncture.  Mike and Lari were just awesome hosts, it was fantastic to catch up with them, as Mike's
family looked after me when I was very young.  I recommend Mutinondo as a stop over.  Went
walking in the wilderness along the river and out with Mike and Lari taking the dogs for a walk.
We found lion footprints the next morning!

The crossing to Tanzania through Tunduma was hectic, roads bad again, got through just before closing
and spent a lovely evening at Utengule.  The next morning I met with the driver Francis, thanks to
my nephew Max in Dar.  Could not have done this bit without him.

Roads are terrible, parks expensive, but we enjoyed Katavi.  Game are very shy because they seldom
meet with vehicles.  Kigoma has been wonderful.  Great to swim in fresh water lake.  Will leave for
Kipili tomorrow further down the lake for a few days of R and R.

Day 8

Woke up to a hippo in the next campsite to ours, just a few bushes between us - close encounter.

Took a drive through the Part, visited Popa Falls which were a little disappointing. Had an

awesome trip on the river. Saw great birds (including white backed night heron). Went up close

to young crocs.

Day 9

Had an easy trip to Katima and camped on the banks of the Zambezi, absolutely stunning sunrise

and sunset. Saw elephant on the way into the camp.

Day 10

Katima to Vic Falls.  Road good, 4 border posts and a 1.5 hour wait for fuel. Were able to 

stock up with food.  The girls have been absolutely amazing, no moans or groans, they are

thoroughly enjoying the trip.  In a couple of hours we are going to do a helicopter trip over the 

falls.....more late.  Will try to get some pics up.