What if I told you that in one month you can visit unspoiled nature, to climb the Kilimanjaro, to visit the amazing Victoria Falls, to have a fantastic safari journey in Tanzania, to relax in Zanzibar and even to complete a dive course? Well, yes, dreams do come true sometimes, especially if you have a good plan and you work for it. And when it comes with African rhythm, it is pretty spectacular.
The welcoming in Lusaka’s airport, The capital of Zambia, included a giant ugly cockroach in the airport’s toilets. Then you realize that ugly creatures from horror movies do exist.
The next shock was when getting off the taxi near the intercity bus station.
Such a hustle, spiced with the Bemba language. Saying goodbye to 50,000 Kwachas (not to worry, it is only around 10 dollars) and getting my bus ticket and, after 7 hours of bus ride, I arrived Lewingston, to Faulty Towers lodge.
Victoria falls is something you can’t really imagine. Enormous amount of water over 1.6km long waterfall. Vivid colors, rainbows due to high water sparks, green, wood decks and, water, water, water.
The views are just breathtaking and the falls are spread through Zambia and Zimbabwe, so you need to cross the border to enjoy all of it, and it surely worth it! The power of the water, the magnificence of nature and the tranquility of the soul.
The peaceful evening, blended with some African music, exchanged by the thrilling water of the Zambezi river. It is time for some action and we are going for a big wet whitewater rafting. more than 20 rapids that will shake you will you’ll fall to the turbulent water. The experience is so great and although it is a single day rafting you really can’t ask for something more breathtaking from this river. On the way back, a young girl living nearby the river is chasing our truck like,
Livingstone is a great port for so many activities in Zambia and adjacent countries, from the river activities, bungee jump, jungles, safari’s, African cultures and rhythms.
Back at Lusaka, staying at Lusaka Backpackers (formerly Chachacha backpackers), enjoying a bit from the calm atmosphere this place can offer in the capital.
From here, it is 45 hours “Tazara train” to Dar es Salaam, Tanzania.
Unfortunately, the back lack chased me this morning and I lost my pre-purchase train ticket. So I had to have police approval for this so I can get on the train. After a couple of crazy hours, I managed to arrange this and to be back on the train deck at Kapiri Mpushi on time for my ride.
The train ride is just as fun as your imagination. African villages, crossing Selous National Park, countless trees, Giraffes, deers, markets on train rails and the locals who try to sell their merchandise, mostly fruits, and vegetables to passengers through the windows. After almost full two days we arrive Dar es Salaam, the capital of Tanzania.
After a night at Dar es Salaam, I am taking Scandinavian bus to Arusha.
In Arusha, I finally met the guys and we spent the weekend for preparations and rest before our next destination, the Kilimanjaro! Our tour operator, Shidolya tours and safaris is ready for us and we drove the jeep to the starting point.
Rising above the horizon, 5885 meters of beauty, the Kilimanjaro, close to the equator is a magnificent mountain that allows you to visit all climates in a single climb. A rainforest, a Savannah, desert and a glacier at its top.
We decided to accomplish the Lemosho route, targeting for fast 6 days of adventure. Starting at the Londorossi gate, and only 2.5 walking hours till Shira 2 camp point, at around 3600 meters height. As we are progressing, the lack of oxygen starts to impact, the trek is steeper, and the brown replaces the green views. One of the milestones is called “The Lava tower” an impressive granite rock at 4600 meters height , on the way to Baranco camp which is lower at 3900 meters height.
The next day, from Karanga camp there’s a steep climb and demanding walk till Barafu camp. From here, around midnight, we will start our climb up to the summit. Just before sunrise while the glacier is on our left we reached Uhuru peak. It is freezing, you can hardly take a photo at the summit till the beautiful sun rises above the horizon. It is so satisfying.
After reaching the camp, resting and eating we decide to pursue the city if possible even today. So we started with fast long descending till we are out of the park. Asante Sana Kilimanjaro (Thank you very much Kili).
The weekend is for resting and eating pineapples, meeting the locals, and, visiting the market.
This Sunday we are heading to the wildlife. The first stop is lake Manyara which is full with elephants, hippos and more rarely seen tree climbing lions. The biggest event of this day was an elephant who didn’t like us so much and decided to chase our vehicle.
The next day we are visiting local traditional tribes at their actual living place. the tribe called hadzabe , with their click voices language and their not so successful hunting skills for today. At least they merge well with the smell of the environment and they pulled fresh honey from the tree nest. The Datoga’s are another tribe in the area who presented us the traditional way of living of their people.
Near the Serengeti reserve, we visit swamp of hippos and crocodiles which was really impressive, and smelly. In between the Serengeti and Ngorongoro crater, we enjoy large herds of zebras and buffalos and some lions.
For us Ngorongoro with the actual success, with so many animals, also rhinos and cheetahs. The main show was the animals who stopped by our jeeps for some shade.
After the safari and getting back to Arusha, we are ready for some new views and tranquility. We take the flight from Arusha to Stone-town, the main city of Zanzibar. We stay at Karibu inn and going to have some fun.
walking around the narrow streets, drinking sugar canes juice with lemon and waiting for some night time to party. staying at the beach and teaching friends some capoeira. The streets full with seafood canteens and live or loud music from every bar in town.
the spices tour is really nice and recommended and the rambutans are so tasty.
The north beach Nungwi with its turquoise water is really magnificent.
Snorkeling, beach valleyball, bars, food , music, traditional shows and merchandise for sell.
PADI diving course is also in the menu and Mnemba atoll is a great location for diving and snorkeling, and you have the chance to see sea turtles and other beautiful colorful sea creatures.
Couple of days more and the African adventure has come to an end. So many good and funny people, so many experiences, views, challenges, fun and memories to cherish.
The rhythm of Africa for a newcomer is something different from all previous travels, and I can’t wait for the next travel to this piece of land.
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