Zambia and Malawi

We said hello and goodbye to Zambia very quickly as the truck sped through in two long days of driving. As we both set up and packed up camp in the dark, we didn't see much, except the rural villages and people on the roadside as whizzed by. It did give us a chance to get to know our knew travelling companions a bit better. We have another couple (Nina from Germany and Irwin from The Netherlands), two Australians (Kylie and Mark not a couple but they are already bickering like one), and we are still stuck (happily of course) with Ed.

We made a brief stop in the capital, Lusaka, to do food shopping, which was relatively uneventful, until I upset a group of locals by taking photographs of the street and inadvertently capturing their dodgy dealings. No harm done, but was glad to be in the safety of the truck and leaving town.




















After a comparability painless border crossing, we entered Malawi, and made our first proper stop at Kande Beach, an attractive campsite alongside Lake Malawi. You could be tricked into thinking you were at a tropical beach thanks to the white sand and water as far as the eye can see. In fact, it is the 8th largest lake in the world and has more species tropical fish than any other lake in the world. Unfortunately, it is the windy season at the moment so the diving was off. Instead, we spent a relaxing day doing not much at all. After two slightly miserable nights of freezing camping, Rich and I wimped out and upgraded to a basic chalet for two nights – simple, but a real treat compared to camping.

One of the most noticeable changes when you enter Malawi is the children. As soon as we stopped the truck, they would appear from nowhere, and unlike some of the previous countries we have been to, they are very keen to interact with tourists, and particularly fond of having their photo taken. You start to understand why Madonna wanted one.

Our next stop, Chitimba, was another lakeside campsite. Here, Rich took the opportunity to put in a training climb to limber up for his Kilimanjaro assault. This was an eight our slog up and down to Livingstonia, a mission on a mountain above the lake. Whilst there were some pleasant views I was very pleased to have not have joined in when I saw the exhausted climbers return. The only one still looking cheerful was the camp dog, who had faithfully followed them all the way, and even he had a bit of limp.

Instead of the climbing, I took the opportunity to do a village tour. We were taken to school and the health centre, both of which are in desperate need of money and resources. Neither have electricity and both suffer greatly from the high level of aids infection, around 30% in this area. It is pretty heartbreaking to see, but the children are still very friendly and keen to play, choosing to either ask for their photo to be taken or point at you saying Mzungu (white person) with laughter.
















One of the other serious health problems in this area Malaria, which has struck close to home as our driver has just got it. Luckily it hasn't reached his brain yet, and apparently he is okay to drive. Fingers crossed he doesn't pass out while he is driving...