The Road Less Travelled

Just watched Zambia lose 2-0 to Algeria, in a kind of pub full of Zambian supporters. Even though losing, what a cheerful and happy nation – there was no gloom, just laughing and enthusiasm even after the match. Huge load-shedding power cuts here in Lusaka ( in fact all of Zambia) stays off for about 6 hours at a time, most days.

After expensive border crossing ( about R1000 for us & our vehicle to enter Zambia) – we took the track upstream ( 4 ½ hours /130km) along the Zambezi,

staying over a few days near Ngonye Falls, Sioma, where we had a wonderful swim, where some local women found it safe to bathe. Nevertheless kept all eyes open for crocs. Not nearly as high as Vic Falls, but about 8 different falls coming in from all sides. The Zambezi splits into many sections just above the falls. Difficult to get near to main falls. Picture below makes them look very small and low, but is pretty impressive.

Sharon 'on the rocks' after the swim

Next day, crossed the Zambezi further up on the ‘pontoon’. If all goes ok, we should be crossing it again on the way down in Mozambique in a few months time.

Some fish caught by locals in the Zambezi at the ferry. I asked what kind of fish, the answer "Just fish"

Following the ferry was the most tiring section of “road” ever. At a puddle with a stuck Landy, some guy pointed a course, and without hesitation (no going back from here!) we just went thru, -thanks be to God- water over bonnet, Colt & caravan bouncing over the unseen holes and sandbanks. The local told me afterwards “ You drive like military!”

Some guys appeared out of the bush with planks ( which didn't help) at this washed away bridge.

One view ( near Mongu) of the HUGE Barotse floodplain - the source of the Zambezi

Barbershop in Mongu. I didn't try out their haircuts.

After several hours we found ourselves at Mongu, and the next morning visited and stayed over at Mutoya, an AOG church base where we met many old friends – a lovely community of believers who are there for varying lengths of time, from months o many years – doing beautiful things for Jesus in the community and surrounding areas, from schooling, healthcare, training pastors and growing the church in the area. Check out their website: http://www.zam.co.za/home/Vision/vision.html

Lihana van der Merwe at her house at Mutoya


On leaving Mongu, our dear hardworking Colt complained of stuck rear difflock, and also noticed oil leak from front diff. After several hours work, managed to get it driveable and got a proper fix at Mitsubishi when we got to Lusaka.

Leaving Mongu late in the afternoon, drove for a few hours, but no campsites or an such thing to be found. Pulled off the road at a 'ZAIN' cellular mast, complete with guard and he alowed us to camp there. Shared our supper of toasted cheese & tomtato sarmies with im & his friends, who were intruiged by our house on wheels. By 5 am next morning, from nowhere, there was quite a group of people sitting around his fire, waiting for the 'aliens to open the hatch'.

Helped some guys get their truck tow-started - at dawn at a town, Koama, a town a bit further down the road.

Tomorrow morning ( Sunday) we leave the smoggy and traffic-jammed Lusaka, and head east, to stay near South Luanga National Park