27/02/18

On the road again oh yes, we’re on the road again, but full of excitement as we are off to South Luangwa for Safari. Yabadabadoo.

We have had an excellent stay in Lilongwe with Mike being a great host. Simple fair and good wine makes a splendid evening. Oh, and great internet 😊. Before we left Mike had arranged our Safari, camping accommodation and offered to buy Betsy off me, if or when we arrive in Cape Town. I may give this last offer some serious consideration.

The city of Lilongwe is very civilised, and Martin bought a burger from Steers for his second breakfast before we headed for the border. Can’t turn down a golden opportunity.

On route we saw many crops being grown, here’s one. Which crop is this? Answers on a post card please. 2^nd clue at end of post.

The border was the usual slightly chaotic scene full of peddlers and other assorted folk, however all in all we did better than we anticipated back in the UK. Apparently according to Martin, the reason I find the borders quite stressful is that I am too polite to the locals selling their currency etc. Probably.

Without boring you too much about the roads, they started out very well until we turned off the main highway to the National Park (some 2 hours’ drive) and they went down hill from there. But not too bad for Betsy hahahaha. We are also informed that some of the roads we had planned in the future on our trip are closed or impassable due to the wet season. We will have a rethink when we get to Livingston.

On arrival at Croc Valley, ominous name I know, we were staggered to see the level of accommodation we had secured, for only £250 for 2 nights accommodation, full board, game drives and park fees included. Well done Mike and so pleased we didn’t blow 1000 bucks for 2 ½ hours in the Ngorongoro.

After a hearty meal and a night time drive in the park, we settled into a nice Merlot before bed. We did have one visitor just give us a reminder of where we are, a large bull elephant walking past the pool. Actually quite amazing.

Below is a clue on the crop shown above. Pretty easy actually. Night all.