THE LAST OF TANZANIA

Mateba town and Blue Canoe Lodge - the last of Tanzania.  In our Memories we will always think back as a HIGHLIGHT to remember.

Songwen border post went fast. After paying another THIRD PARTY INSURANCE of 50$ per vehicle we were in Malawi. The home of Joseph. He is so excited to see his family after 4 years. He is only working for us since May this year. We decided to give him 3 weeks to stay with his family. He will come by bus back to us. There is a direct bus from Malawi to Johannesburg.

At Chiweta town we will over night at Hakuna Matata Lodge. 

Willie a South African and Maggie a Malawian woman welcomed us. Maggie is managing the camp for Willie. Lamb chops from South Africa, healthy veggie pot still from Annie and Quentin, pap and sheba on the fire. 

Willie joined us telling his amazing stories of all his travels. We were fascinated by his stories. He was very surprised, us saying a thank-you prayer to God to bless our food. Willie himself is a Christian, he says that most of the guests visiting him are non believers. 

Long after our bedtime Willie was still telling us the story of Speke discovering the source of the Nile, ( he says it is the most important river in the world. Not only the longest but the reason for the Pyramids, and Moses). We wished him a good night sleep.

Willie joined us with our morning praise. Maggie prayed beautifully in Swahili . Wave them goodbye we were soon on our way. Leaving the Rife Valley you cross a steep mountain.

Mzuzu is in all Africa standards a well organized town with an excellent Shoprite.

Cuppachino's at The Coffee Den was a novelty by now. Our last once were in Arusha.

Hans wanted to balance his tires,  so he send them off to Mkuzi Camp. He made a reservation for us.

This is a must see on any bucket list. 

Brent and his wife are maintaining this little piece of paradise.

We decided 3 nights is what we need to enjoy this gold glitter beach on the Malawi Lake. Nellie was fascinated by all the glitter. When swimming - she came out all glittered.

Chris capabilities with  a canoe was clear its not the first time he is doing this. 

The bar is built on a rock over looking the pristine little bay, surrounded by rocks.

Last night we had a lovely 3 course  meal in their cozy restaurant. Thanks Anton for spoiling Hans and myself, leaving 50$ with Wimcar to treat us. You really have such a kind heart, always putting somebody else first. It was a very special surprise, much appreciated.

7:00am we were all packed and after our morning prayers we left.

Zambia will be our next country today. Aiming to reach South Luangwe.  The amazing thing last night we were lulled to sleep by the waves to night the Hippo's snoring will put us to sleep.

Mghinji border post on the Zambian side just reminded us we're in Africa. No rules to obey. Our Passports were promptly stamped, no form filled in ( the Police officer notified us, tech-knowledge in Zambia is most advanced.) Our admiration didn't last long. Paying 70$ towards, third-party, Road Tax, Road toll, District counsel fees, and Carbon tax. Carneys must be stamped, just to find out the only officer who can do it, was on lunch. We've to wait a hour??? AFRICA????

At Chintetsi we'll draw money. The Zambian khwasha 10 to the 1 $

STRONGER THAN THE RAND??? What is happening to our beautiful beloved South Africa?

South Luangwa - we reached Croc Valley camp just before sunset, thanks to our delay at the border.  An Elephant at the reception welcomed us by breaking the rope with his back side and then stroll on as if nothing was wrong.  On our way we saw Elephant walking among the villagers in their village.

 Here humans and elephants really live in peace. 
Hans not feeling well at all - Elisme very worried maybe she must fly him out and bring Anton in at Lusaka.  As you all know Elisme is just short of 51 subjects to be a Doctor. Decided to start a coarse of general Antibiotics. 

Her diagnose is Pleurisy Putting him straight to bed with pain-killers and a sleeping-tablet. The next day she ordered bed-rest, lots of water and healthy fresh food. Nellie offered to give him a back, neck and head massage. Tuesday morning his coughing and chest pain was something of the past. Elisme insisted that he still takes it easy, with lots of rest.

Sunday evening a group 6 Lions visit the camp. Monday evening an Elephant came right up to Hans and Elisme's vehicle eating his Supper of tree branches close to them. Wimcar and Nellie had a Elephant family of Mom, Dad and baby visiting them. They were just inspecting the ford and then walked off quietly. Satisfied its a excellent vehicle. 

Wimcar and Nellie went on a game drive which got them 75$ out of the pocket. BUT was worth double that. Chris and Julia decided to catch up on WIFI, still frustrating - it comes and go.

Hans will decide where the wheels will lead to tomorrow.