Day 25: Livingstone to Kasane

Sharp readers, which I know you all are, will be questioning this heading.

In Zambia, at the frequent Police Blocks, the officials took a dislike to my driving licence. My card had expired in May, but I had the proof of application for the replacement. We all know that the card printer is broken and there is a huge delay for the new card. This required much hard talking to be accepted, as it is in SA. They want the temp licence rather.

I thought about it and I decided to go back to SA with Chantal and Conny to get this piece of paper as I really could not go through the stress again of all the talking and convincing.

We have returned to Chobe Safari Lodge where we started the trip as a group and it is wonderful.

Hindsight is a wonderful science and so it has proved to be. Our decision to leave the Shoebill was correct as it would have left no margin for breakdown or delay in our return trip. One cannot travel in Zambia while you are under time pressure. One must have a realistic target and plenty of reserve time in hand. Conditions just do not permit the maintaining of a decent cruise average.

My car is parked at Livingstone Airport in Zambia and on Monday next week I will return to head north again. There are limited flights from SA to Livingstone hence the few extra days in CT. My plan is to stay in Livingstone for a day or two as the rough roads have messed my alignment of my wheels on my car about. I am sure the local Toyota dealer can repair for me. A visit to the very well stocked Shoprite is also required to stock up supplies for the journey north.

Unless there is something dramatic to report the service will resume during next week