Zambia

Fri 7th march - set off at 7am - a few sore heads around! Stopped in Malawi's capital Lilongwe for supermarket and a Nando's lunch! After a bit of a wait at the border we crossed into Zambia. Instantly the surroundings became visibly wealthier - nice cars and shops etc. A big change from Malawi - the poorest country in Africa. Stopped to get some 'Kwacha' from the ATM. Long drive today - over 600km on very bad roads. Eventually arrived at 'Mama Rulas' campsite, set in lovely gardens. Most of us were in bed for 9pm after curry dinner!
Alarm at 5am to set off at 6 - our earliest start yet! Stopped after a few hours at a big shopping centre on the outskirts of Lusaka and bought some snacks at the 'Spar' - very western and affluent. Had leftovers for lunch by the roadside, under a big shady tree. Arrived at Eureka campsite on the outskirts of Lusaka - quite posh, sky tv in bar, pool etc. Watched a bit of rugby, showered and spag bol for dinner. Some nice jack russels made friends with us!
sun 9th march - Up at 5.15 as Pete, Sandy and I were on breakfast. We made bacon and scrambled eggs. Long drive before sandwich lunch then arrived at the mighty victoria falls at Livingstone. At this time of year (rainy season) it's at maximum flow - 1.7km across! Walked round the paths above the falls in waterproof jackets and trousers - you get soaked by the spray. The falls are 108metres high and a million litres a second flow over them! At one point you walk over a bridge right through the spray, a lot of locals in ordinary clothes were soaked to the skin. From here it was a short drive to the plushest campsite yet - the waterfront at Livingstone. There were 5 acacia trucks there and we're here for 4 nights. Lovely gardens and the bar and restaurant are set right on the banks of the Zambezi river. We all watched a DVD on the available activities then booked what we'd like to do. Unfortunately the white water rafting and speed boat weren't running due to the height of the river which was dissappointing. Had dinner in the restaurant - nicest in Africa so far - fried feta starter followed by a bacon cheeseburger!
Up at our leisure and had an amazing full english breakfast buffet. Gems, Cuyler, Pete, Jess, Dave, Sandy, Jen, Jill, Catherine, Henry and I were picked up in an open top safari truck and driven to a gorge just down from the falls for a full days activities. Started with an abseil down into the 100metre deep gorge, you then have to walk out up a steep path which is tough, especially in the sweltering heat. Next we did a rap run - you're attached by the back and walk down the cliff face horizontally - awesome! Did a couple of flying fox leaps, you are attached by the back and run down a ramp and dive into the gorge across a zip wire! Had a nice lunch then did the gorge swing - terrifying! We both did a single jump then a tandem but Gems couldn't manage it so did it with Jess. You step backwards off the edge of the gorge and freefall for 53metres in 3 seconds before the swing kicks in, it's breathtaking! Eat in the restaurant again - kabab and chicken wrap.
Tues 11th march - Another big buffet fry-up. Gems, Jess, Dave and I were picked up at 8am and taken for a half hour drive up the Zambezi. We then got into inflatable tandem canoes with 2 guides and started a leisurely trip down the river. Saw a lot of birds and a few hippos but no crocs. The current is quite strong so you don't have to row much and there were a few bits of white water rapids that were fun. Back to waterfront for toasted sandwich lunch. Got ready and at 4.15 about 100 people from all the acacia groups boarded a riverboat for the sunset booze cruise. There was food, a free bar and plenty of drinking games for the next 3 hours up the river. Spotted a crocodile and enjoyed the amazing sunset. Everyone was pretty drunk by the time we docked and our tour leader Jo missed the step and fell off the boat onto the jetty! Continued the party in the bar at the waterfront and fell into the tent around midnight.
Had breakfast then went back to bed. Lay by the pool most of the day. It was our final day with the shangani group today as they are going down to Capetown and Gems, Catherine, Mike and I are heading to Jo'burg. Had a quick meeting with our new truck 'Wami' which we get on in the morning. Had a final meal with our lot which we cooked ourselves and ate by the truck. Fairly early night as everyone was pretty tired and hungover.

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