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Stage 4

We had discussed the possibility of going to Liuwa Plains in Zambia sometime in 2011.

In the meantime Sylvia thought maybe we could go sooner rather than later and maybe later again anyway.

E-mails were sent - payments were made - e-mails were received - details were studied.

Below is a copy of the plan we were given showing where we would be stopping over.

	BHEJANE 4X4 ADVENTURES Zambia Liuwa Plains

The plan was that Bhejane 4x4 Adventures http://www.bhejane.com (hereinafter called "Bhejane") would erect and dismantle tents and supply three meals a day. This sounded ok.

Well "ok" or "OK" would be an understatement - this was a wonderful experience - the "crew" "staff" "companions" "leader/s" "cook/ers" "servers" went out of their way to ensure that we had a good time. We have never experienced such a luxurious and lovely tour before.

Saturday 13 November 2010

The Bhejane people helped us to find a mechanic/auto electrician to try and establish why the vehicle had misfired the previous day. The fixer arrived and after looking at the bits under the open bonnet suggested a drive to experience the phenomenon. Up a hill I was asked to put foot and was told that the vehicle "was too fast", "was too powerful" but of course there was no misfire then or on the rest of the tour. A one hundred pula donation was made to the reassurance cause.

We set off for the Zambian border after receiving a briefing what to expect. This was useful and all the border crossings were pleasant.

The Bhejane people were:

Victor Ives

Vermaak Senosi

Senena Seforo

Jo Leotwane

Nic Prior

Petri Cronje

I have chosen a few random pictures to post and hope that you enjoy them.

14 November

I had never seen a Cashew Nut in the raw before. From Wikipedia "What appears to be the fruit of the cashew tree is an oval or pear-shaped accessory fruit (sometimes called a pseudocarp or false fruit) that develops from the receptacle of the cashew flower. Called the cashew apple, better known in Central America as "marañón", it ripens into a yellow and/or red structure about 5–11 cm long. It is edible, and has a strong "sweet" smell and a sweet taste. The pulp of the cashew apple is very juicy, but the skin is fragile, making it unsuitable for transport." http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cashew

So clever ones it is edible (as I thought and I had a taste) and you put me off for nothing. Poisonous and deadly my eye! Oh ye of no courage!

Pineapple.

15 November

Sylvia directed too close to the edge by the ferry assistant.

Me looking happy about the closeness to the edge, considering the possible damage. At the other end they made up and down pushing gestures while we scraped out.

16 November

The signage is somewhat lacking.

Crested Cranes in flight.

When it gets hot a little dip is pleasant.

The three Liuwa lions together - we were so fortunate to see them - Lady Liuwa of "The last Lioness" fame in the middle.

17 November

Lots of birds.

18 November

A blue gum pole bridge (The Europeans were here these trees come from Australia) - we were second over - and it held for all the vehicles with only slight pole rearrangement for one of the vehicles.

Side Striped Jackal pup waiting to say goodbye as we left Liuwa Plains.

19 November

Sylvia giving Zumba lessons to the local children who loved it. (Actually they all had fun.)

The kitchen in the open "wild" campsite.

What magical falls - you have to go there to appreciate them. We immersed in pools at the top.

After Ngonye we went to Sioma Camp again for our last night in Zambia.

To appreciate the beauty and magic of the places we went to you have to do the trip.

Thank you again Bhejane - it was lovely.

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