Day 9 and 10: Livingstone to Lusaka and on to Chipata

Both days were long and, at times, tedious. Each leg is about 500km. Simple enough in South Africa, but completely different in Zambia.

There are Police Checks where you have to slow down completely and usually are waived through. One passes through numerous villages on the way. These are interesting to look at with the roadside sellers of fruit and vegetables. There are many competing cellphone recharge kiosks in each. The stores compete with each other by having fun and unusual names. One that caught my eye was "The Hope for the Best Investment Agency".

Each village is announced by tar rumble strips then large speed humps which have to be negotiated dead slow. The same process is repeated on the village exit. Speed limits are usually 100km/h, but it is rare that you can attain that speed. Numerous hazards have to be looked out for. Animals, of course, potholes which can be huge, and people walking. The favored mode of transport is the bicycle. However, the Chinese motorcycle is rapidly replacing the bicycle. Usually of about 150cc they race along, helmetless, with sometimes up to four people aboard. The most unusual loads we have seen, are one motorcycle with three 210 litre drums strapped to the back. Also spotted, was one with a large pig on the back. The bicycles can carry enormous loads of charcoal and how the riders keep the bikes stable and going is a mystery.

We came through Lusaka on a Friday afternoon. Traffic at the best of times in Lusaka is bad, but one just has to be patient. Eventually we came to our campsite, Pioneer Camp, on the eastern outskirts of the city. Just us and another camper in lovely surroundings. A lovely camp and we enjoyed a good meal in the restaurant.

Chipata was also reached in the late afternoon after a full day on the road. We did some shopping at the local Shoprite. Our planned stay was at a camp called Mama Rulas. We had stayed there on our last trip to Zambia. Time has not been kind to Mama Rulas. It is now a bit tired, but it was pleasant enough to camp there. Chantal and Conny struggled with hot water for the shower which led to a bit of chat.

Mama Rulas in Chipata where we overnighted.