On my last night in Namibia (what I thought would be peaceful night with a good nights sleep), things changed dramatically when a group of around six Tigerfish fishermen rolled into camp . With the magical wand of brandy and Jaegermeister turned what was meant to be an early night into having to wait until early the next morning to fall asleep as the loud conversation eloquently moved between Afrikaans and German, as did the seamless gear changes between the brandy and Jaeger.
Little sign big country
After my investigations around camp I chose not to go through Botswana and brave the road. This did not prove to be that bad as Victoria’s small wheels found the slithers of tar amongst the devastation from the trucks.
The mighty Zambezi
This was the worst of it.
The border took an age on the Zambian side with various counters you have to navigate to get all your required documents done. That being said, the officials are very eager to help and get you across. I arrived just behind a big group which caused the lapse of hours. The experience was more than tolerable and after about two hours we were on our merry way to Livingstone!
2 wheels the faithful carrier of anything.
I loved the ride down to Livingstone. The road takes you through fantastic bush, forest and villages, with a hive of activity from people selling their wares, children walking home from school enjoying the treat of sugar cane from the roadside. There is just so much to take in .
magical green , gold and yellows dancing in the light.
The stalls cater for all needs. Those who need charcoal for a braai, or a wide choice of vegetables for those vegetarians making their way home. In between all of this you are able to pick up some river fish , cellphone airtime, a cold beer, or even a taxi into town.
Ladies love to chat
Nature taking her own back , the road narrows in places as the vegetation marches on.
The ride took most of the day with a few stops to take it all in. I was glad I chose this route down. I had to take this picture for Rufus and his crew as they took the same picture in 2011. Just showing that perseverance does not always pay off.
same picture different bike
35km from my destination the tar turned to smooth black velvet and the humming of my rubber combined with the smell of the bush whisked me along into the beautiful Livingstone .
Trucks waiting to cross with the ferry into Botswana.
Not far now
I booked myself into Jollyboys Backpackers for a few days to put the freshness back into my clothes and do a few point checks on Victoria – after all, we have done the distance . I decided to camp as the place has good facilities and they make it easy to do overland chores.
Home for the next while
Reelhaaaxing
I settled in, hung out with a couple of fellow hostel-dwellers and am enjoying the mild evening listening to various travel chronicles . Then off to bed… for tomorrow is all about smoke and thunder!
Until we meet again.
