Corrugation Valley

Hans saw the board for Buffalo Lodge, it was nearly brunch time. The Free Staters, who developed the place for a Swiss couple, gave us a true South African welcome. Gin and Tonic was the traditional morning drink instead of Cappuccino (they have never heard of it in this part of Africa). Their hospitality exceeded all expectations. We had our own brunch prepared in their Restaurant. This is a must stop for any traveller.

Potholes and more potholes were on our plate for today. At the Veggie market, Chris bought lettuce, tomatoes, cabbage and pineapples. 

Gorongoza turn-off and then we hit corrugations. This is preparing us for what lies ahead on the Serengeti roads to come.

Piet van Zyl's Bush Camp was our overnight stop, which used to be Renamo's base camp and it reminded us of the war times.

The Chief made us a real big bush camp fire.

Crayfish tails Thermidor and Lamb curry with pineapple salsa were on the menu.

Our first rain started falling in the early morning hours.  

After our routine praise and scripture reading, we left the Park.

Tolerating the corrugation road, we thought it couldn’t get worse? Once again no road, only POTHOLES! The Boys are becoming excerpts on DUCKING and DIVING. The 150km to Caia became a nightmare journey. 

We stopped for a late brunch at Cavcav Lodge, after a very tiring stretch. We waited for a government delegation to come through. The owner told us it was the governor of the Zambezi province. He said they had an election and the opposition party came in. They won’t accept it. There is some unrest; you see Police presence and Army to keep the stability.

The boys decided to sleep over, as the owner advised us to rather to sleep in his camp site and continue early morning. There isn't a good Camping site at Salala.

We had our first Mosquito attack. Everybody was sprayed, burnt citronella candles, coils and Nellie did a good job with the DOOM. We covered ourselves with boots, tracksuits, beanies and scarves. The Mozzies had no chance.

The week’s total expenditure was given to us by minister of finance Wimcar, everybody paid their DUES.

7:00 am on the 9th of July and 2050km on the clock, we were ready to leave. Hans wanted to do 700 km today and aimed for Napola. 

Complexa Montes Niacru was our overnight destination. Hans recognized the owner after 8 years (much older) but his hospitality was still the same. Quail eggs were served with our, now, traditional drinks (good for the mozzies) - gin and tonic. Wimcar sticks to his Manica beer.

Each campsite has a Pergola (we served our Supper there) overlooking the beautiful dam across from which, was a magnificent granite mountain.  Bird life is still in abundance, 2 stunning Parrots welcomed us.

Hans was kind, making his departure time 8:30. Chris checked his 130 Landy. There was a noise bothering him (just a loose plate).