Africa over & out!

First things first, I probably should apologise for radio silence since Malawi. Most of you will be pleased to know I’m still alive, and didn’t contract anything nasty during my trip, but because the WiFi was so abysmal, it was hard keeping the blog going timely. Being honest, it was also a bit tricky balancing being sociable and finding time to write properly. I was fortunate to have the most amazing group of people with whom I spent the entire time with, so it really didn’t leave much time for much else.

After Malawi, we saw the most incredible wildlife through Zambia…. think hippos outside your tent when you go for a wee whilst wild camping in the middle of the night and elephants walking through your camp. I’m pretty pleased with my wildlife photos – have a gander at my Instagram if you’ve time! Another highlight were the supply of condoms readily available at the Zambian border – whilst there is a more serious side in that the spread of STIs and HIV is still a major issue in this part of the world, we couldn’t resist taking a handful to inflate during one of our long bus journeys, with a new game “volleydom” being invented along the way.

One of the major highlights after Malawi was kayaking down the Zambezi. Off we went in our Kayaks, filled with our tents, food and a basic supply of clothes for the three days we were away. There were an abundance of hippos & crocs in the river, and the sky was decorated with all kinds of amazing birds. Thankfully the local guide knew the hippo territories well so we were able to steer clear of trouble. The African sunsets are utterly incredible, and those combined with a beer outside your tent pithed on the side of the river will stay with me forever. We had no facilities – literally just pitched up and camped in the wilderness. I know many won’t like the idea of no toilet or shower, but the experience was well worth it.

The trip finished in Vic falls which was magnificent, as was the last couple of nights in a safari lodge for a little comfort. My room with the balcony overlooking the watering hole was spectacular, especially when the elephants and their calves came to drink during sunset….. I couldn’t have wished for a better end to what was possibly the best trip I’ve ever done.

As the Africa chapter has now closed, I’ve three weeks to move house, and prepare for South America! Next stop, Ecuador and the Galápagos!