Brandon Bosch Memorial Ride - Africa 2021

[DASKOP]

More to the north are a few other accommodation and entertainment establishments on the lake.

I first stopped at Samfya Marines to sample a Mosi. The tents in their campsite had obviously not been used in a while and needed some TLC and a lot of cleaning.

 

[DASKOP]

Then there was AJC Beachfront, with an unusual sign that clearly indicated what happens here.

The exclusive Men's Beach Club. It was very well kept.

The Natives at Samfya Beach Lodge.

Chita Lodge.

And the site for a new conference centre.

 

[DASKOP]

There was a slight problem when I returned to the path down to the house. It had been trenched, top to bottom. Fortunately, some of the workers, who were about to leave, helped me get Matilda down to the driveway.

The trench could be clearly seen from the house. I had planned to leave the next day and wondered how I am going get back up there.

I met Carmen Brubacher, who had returned from her trip. She could not use the road down and parked her bakkie on an adjacent lot which had a vacant house on it.

She made us supper and we chatted. They are involved in a water ministry, supplying boreholes, pumps, water purification systems, etc. to needy communities.

It seemed I had a sleeping partner for the night.

 

[DASKOP]

15 June 2021

Sunrise over Lake Bangweulu

 

[DASKOP]

I had coffee on the balcony. There were butterflies on the wall outside my bedroom which meant something to me regarding Brandon.

But, I had a problem. The trench made the road out impassable. I now had to get Matilda through the back gate. Anyway, lots of pushing, shoving and maneuvering and we were out.

 

[DASKOP]

Stopped at Carmen's workplace to thank her. Filled up in Samfya. Matilda has now done over 6000 km.

Off towards Lumangwe Falls.

 

[RobD]

Beautiful cat, and awesome sleeping partner to bring a little peace and joy. :thumleft:

 

[DASKOP]

The road out of Samfya is just boring.

It is common to see these rock and aggregate vendors along the road. They use fire, water, hammers and chisels to break boulders to manufacture the different sizes of stone. Hard graft.

 

[DASKOP]

His Excellency actually invited me to stop over, but I informed him that I unfortunately did not have the time, so I thought I will just take some photos of his land and send it to him as a matter of courtesy.

I hope he is not offended.

 

[DASKOP]

Mambilima Falls.

Did not stay long. Huge crowd gathered within minutes. No animosity, just a lot of people.

 

[DASKOP]

There is so much water everywhere, but I did not see any agricultural development anywhere. Something is wrong.

 

[DASKOP]

I had left Samfya later than planned, getting out of the gate did not help. I had also estimated that the trip from Samfya to Lumangwe Falls would take me at least 7 to 7,5 hours and although the tar road was mostly in a good condition, there were potholes and some short bad gravel sections, so I thought it wise to keep my speed down and my average speed was lower than hoped.

There are no speed limit signs anywhere, but the general consensus is, no sign keep to 80 km/h, but there are some factors which have to be considered. I was warned by some of the Zambians I had chatted to, and also some friendly police officers I had met previously, any sign of pedestrians or a resemblance of a village, slow down to 60 km/h, 50 would be even better. You never know when you may encounter some unscrupulous police officer who will promptly try to use this obscure law to facilitate a bribe.

Police roadblocks are also very common, sometimes in the middle of nowhere, and they can cause a further delay.

 

[DASKOP]

Very little of interest on the road.

Local bicycle transport operator.

A massive termite hill.

Evidence of the de-forestation being loaded on a truck.

The presence of water next to the road, meant that I was getting closer to the falls, but that was still a long way to go. Fortunately the tar road was in a good condition, there was very little sign of habitation, so I could up the speed a bit, But it was getting late and I was concerned as I knew the last section to Lumangwe Falls to be gravel in a dubious state.

It was to drive through a nicely forested area with big trees still evident.

 

[DASKOP]

It was just after 16h00, when I saw the sign indicating the Ntumbachushi Falls. Never heard of them, but maybe it was worth the time to check and maybe camp for the night.

There was a 4x4 group already camping there, turns out I briefly met them at the Waterfront Lodge in Samfya, where I went for supper.

It is very basic, the showers do not work, the toilets do, and there is no electricity. Fortunately, I was able to negotiate with the "manageress" and I only paid local's rate, which was about ZK40.

I set up camp and instantly made friends with the local chicken.

 

[DASKOP]

Ntumbachushi Falls.

 

[DASKOP]

More of the falls.

No sticker put up, but I marked where I camped.

 

[DASKOP]

The 4x4 group offered their gas stove to me, and I wanted to save my rations for Lumangwe, it was 2 minute noodles. Still have no real appetite.

I spent some time with them at the fire.

My chicken friend declined my offer to sleep in the tent and returned to her normal place.

 

[RobD]

The 4x4 group offered their gas stove to me, and I wanted to save my rations for Lumangwe, it was 2 minute noodles. Still have no real appetite.

I spent some time with them at the fire.

My chicken friend declined my offer to sleep in the tent and returned to her normal place.

:imaposer: :imaposer: :imaposer:

It was the first date, maybe she was a little nervous.  :laughing4:

 

[DASKOP]

The 4x4 group offered their gas stove to me, and I wanted to save my rations for Lumangwe, it was 2 minute noodles. Still have no real appetite.

I spent some time with them at the fire.

My chicken friend declined my offer to sleep in the tent and returned to her normal place.

:imaposer: :imaposer: :imaposer:

It was the first date, maybe she was a little nervous.  :laughing4:

No, she was obviously chicken  ;D

 

[DASKOP]

Breakfast waffle courtesy of the 4x4 group.