Caprivi River Lodge to Royal Lingstone Hotel, Zambia
Day 12 & 13 - 2nd & 3rd February 2007
Day 1
Early start (8.00am) from Caprivi River Lodge for the short drive to the
border. The transition at this stage between a more comfortable, secure Africa,
to a rather more raw (dare I say lawless) Africa was beginning to show itself.
People loitering around the border post seemed to awake Mike's concerns over
security of the vehicles, the threat was palpable.
Departure from Namibia (like entry) was quite straightforward, entry into
Zambia was another matter. Passport matters were handled very quickly (and
politely), however the vehicles were another matter entirely. Import paperwork
took well over an hour in the office of two very polite (but thorough) Customs
officials. Following all of these formalities we had the ritual of the
"Insurance". In theory, a yellow card is available that provides Insurance for
Zambia, Tanzania and Kenya. In practice, the border posts never seem to have
them, they are always available (we are told) in the next big town,
but...........wait for it...........you need Insurance in order to get there.
John did his (now famous) "Brothers in Insurance" act (Polaroids with the agent)
and no doubt more reminiscing about the Black arts of underwriting while we
weren't listening. Smiles all round and a huge discount!
Back on the bikes for 11.30am and on the road to Vic Falls.
Road quality changes are less marked after the border than they are as we
approach Vic Falls. We start to experience the rather disconcerting sensation of
seeing the car coming towards you weave across the road, directly into your path
as if driven by a drunk. In reality, the poor sod is trying to avoid potholes
you could park a bike in!
Arrived at the rather civilised RLH at around lunchtime. A bunch of booted,
dirty, sweaty bikers cut a contrast with colonial splendour of the RLH. Retired
to rooms for obligatory massages, showers (Internet access) etc. Later, John and
Nick took the Livingstone Island outing, in theory a relaxed, civilised
afternoon tea taken on the Island on which Livingstone first viewed the
splendour of the falls. In reality, this relaxation was preceded by barefoot
wading in the rushing water one metre from oblivion. HS and Glenn opted to take
a helicopter flight over the falls (followed eventually by Matthew). Booked the
White Water rafting for the following day. Walked down to the falls. Dinner in
the RLH.
Day 2
Arose with some trepidation!
Went through a short truck ride, safety briefing, then a long truck ride to
the gorge. Undertook (everyone agreed) the most dangerous part of the entire
expedition by climbing down the gorge to the raft embarkation. A terrifying
mixture of loose stones, rickety twig ladders in a poor state of repair, and a
very, very steep gorge. Irritatingly, exhausted and nervous, we were overtaken
by the raft guides carrying assorted rafts & equipment as if on a sunday stroll.
Exhilarating rafting for a few hours (and yes, crocbait couldn't hold himself
back - twice). Assured by all and sundry that Crocs avoid fast moving water. All
arrive at the other end in one piece and undamaged. Retire to RLH. Dinner in the
Sun hotel next door.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
'ees mad!
|
|
|
|
Whose been on the Larium then?
|
|
|
|
Nick
Wearing that Mac familiar to Gibraltar schoolgirls! |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The "A" team boat
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Yep - perfectly serviceable boat, and there he goes!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
