Saturday, October 8, 2011

24 September 2011 - 08 Ocotber 2011


Sorry so late - places to go - cars to drive - lots of talking and time just seems to run away with you

Saturday 24 September 2011

A free day – to get cars fixed – oil changed and general overhauls.  Roger had arranged with a garage for all car to go to the prescribed area – the ladies took it easy – the passports where delivered and a peaceful day was had by all.  In the afternoon everything was removed from our vehicle and cleaning started in earnest for the preparation of the Nairobi Concors Tomorrow morning – a quite evening for an early start.

Sunday 25 September 2011

A early start for a quick clean and then off to the Concors – all vehicles went in convoy to the Concors – left the hotel at 07h30 to ensure we hit no traffic – yes its Sunday and still the traffic drones on in Nairobi – on arrival we were all allocated numbers which lead us to a parking point which clearly placed each vehicle in the allotted size of engine, models etc. – sadly the TR4A and the Mustang had not entered as they definitely would have won prices.  Whilst the inspections of each vehicle was taking place Chris had the opportunity of fixing the Fuel Pump permanently and a few other odds and sods nothing serious.  Each car was called up by number – onto a ramp where the underside was checked and then 4 other check points which covered outside appearance, inside appearance, mechanical and general overall working ie. Indicators, hooter etc – once that completed it was a matter of hurry up and wait whilst all vehicle, 89 in number completed the check points - at about 15h00 we all did a drive by the main stadium and then it was prize giving – due to the fact that we had some really good vehicles in our class we decided to leave to get our vehicle packed up  ready for a early start the next morning.  Carmen and Stephan from the Namibian teams stayed behind to listen to the prize giving – they arrived back in the hotel at about 8 pm and to our shock at horror we had won a prize -  Modesty Blaise (our Volvo) was voted The Best Entry from outside East Africa and a quick USD300 prize.  Big smiles and drinks all around we got into bed at about 10 pm.

Monday 26 September 2011

 We set off ay 04h30 – to get out of Nairobi following Tor Allen in his Peugeot 404.  One would have thought that getting out at this time would have been a walk in the park – not the case – many of the roads are under construction, with on coming traffic you barely could determine where the road was – furthermore there were so many detours that it was a mission – we eventually got out of Nairobi at 06h30 – quite something – off we all headed to Baden Powell Grave sight – Baden Powell was the founder of Boys Scout – whoopee doo doo – but the grave sight is in a beautiful part of Kenya – so that was worth while – then off to have Breakfast at the airfield and a wonderful view of Mount Kenya – just the most beautiful scenery with rolling hills of green wheat and a climb of 4578 metre (approx. 8000 feet) and then bloody hell we went down down down to hot dry desert sort of country side –to the Sumara Sopa Lodge – lovely place hot as hell with a disgusting 21 km dirt road  through the Sumbara Game Reserve  - the poor MG lost its Clutch yet again – Ian then found a wonderful gentlemen who happened to be staying in the lodge and was a Land Rover Mechanic who was happy to assist him  (guess Ian just paid for his holiday in the game reserve) – he  had to remove the whole engine with the assistance of Ian and Niel friends of David Hall they worked tirelessly to ensure that the vehicle would be ready in the morning. The MG was ready to go in the morning – its truly a miracle how assistance with these old cars comes from everywhere and the continual interest we are receive from the general public.  A lovely evening was had in the lodge a few more drinks than normal as we were told it would be a lovely 238 km drive to Marsabit.

Tuesday 27 September 2011.

A 08h00 departure – what a pleasure – off we went the MG, Peugeot and ourselves – travelling on the most fantastic brand new tarmac – we had been informed that we only had 20km’s of dirt so we all expecting a pleasurable drive– this was definitely not the case and the wonderful tarmac turned into hell it was a mere 100kms into this lovely drive – we hit hell – was this really the road – what road there were times that we left the bumpy, corrugated, boulders to hit the red desert track on the side – this desert track sometimes turned into soft sand – the Mustang getting stuck, A Merc completely snapped a shock – how  the vehicles got to Henry’s camp one would will never quite understand.  I guess as we thought we would only experience the bad road the next day we all were a little taken aback.  On arrival 6 hours later we realized that some vehicle would be coming in very late to arrange food and put up their tents. Sarah and myself communicated with Henry and his wife and the made us the most delicious chicken stew with rice.  Really great when you  are tired and filthy dirty to eat something warm and go to sleep.  Charl – Kobus’s son also assisted with getting us to sleep with warm Johnny Walker Black – nobody complained about the lack of ice – we knew the effects that were required – a few of these and we slept like babies.  Dave, Ian & Neil (Pajero) Gordon & Peter (Mustang) found themselves a little lodge in Archers Post

Wednesday 28 September 2011

As this day was one of the most anticipated of the whole trip – we all knew that we had 380 kms’ of hell – we all were concerned about our vehicles actually making this most talked about road.  Nerves, anxiety, anticipation and furthermore worry – the camp started to hustle and bustle from 05h00 in the morning – Kobus was already up and had water boiling – thank goodness as I could get a quick cup of coffee for Chris and myself.
This was the day that had to be the mile stone in all of us – we had heard so much from other groups that had traveled the other way i.e. Cairo to Cape – that in a way we were all  quite terrified and very concerned about our vehicles actually making this journey.  We had already established, due to the road yesterday and the speeds travelled, that we were in for 12 hours of driving on shite roads - and that is almost exactly what it took us – it was slow – it was bumpy, it had roack, holes everything that you can imagine it had – THE ROAD FROM HELL _ again how do you describe this – you need to look at pictures. I need to mention that David and his team, either his lovely wife Jacky or his merry men  Ian and Neil where always behind us – which gave us fantastic relief to know that we had a “back up” vehicle.  I also state that this was never their function that they purely did this service for us through the kindness and goodness of their hearts.  They were supposed to be in a old vehicle and due to many circumstances had to drive their Pajero – we being Chris and myself just can not thank you enough and you certainly gave us peace of mind. We eventually arrived in Moyale absolutely buggered and thank goodness a hotel was found as we had no energy to put up tents.  On arrival at the hotel we all managed to get out of our vehicle and literally plonck ourselves on the step opposite the hotel and merely sit – as the hotel was Muslim owned no alcohol was to be served – we took cold beers out of our vehicle and merely in muttered breaths enjoyed our drinks.  We were exhausted, filthy dirty and exhilarated for getting to the end. The David and his merry team whom were last seen assisting Tor and his Peuqeot had not arrived – NO David – after about 40 min, Gordon and Chris took off in Modesty to find them – they had broken down and were being towed into Moyale - Modesty attempted to tow them up a hil but failed due to overheating whilst Gordon and Chris arrived back at the hotel to collect the Mustang – David had found the World Vision vehicle whom towed him into the Hotel  – this took us until 09h30 pm – all exhausted – due to the alcohol free hotel – I got cold water spilled some out and placed huge tots of whiskey for the men – goodbye one bottle whiskey and the tastiest water one could get in a Hotel. David and his Merry team were so grateful. 

Problems with Vehicles – Kobus (Merc) broke a spring, Ian (MG) lost his exhaust again) Gordon (Mustang) lost 2 shocks) To (Peugeot lost two shocks) David Hall our back up vehicle had to be towed into Moyale as he believed he had a fuel pump problem.

We are not sure anyone really took note of the food, room conditions of the hotel – we needed a bath and sleep and this was most grateful in a clean, ok hotel.

Thursday 29 September 2011

The Hotel in Moyale was pleasant – nothing to write home about – had hot water and that’s all I can say about that – we were woken by calling for pray at 04h50 – the mosque’s loud speakers were about 100 metre from our room – when they set off – I literally shot out of bed – as it sounded like someone had been seriously wounded – well that was the end of my sleep – breakfast was interesting – samosas’, mandazi’s and bread with instant coffee – anyway all pleasant enough – sadly we had to say goodbye to David, Ian and Neil.  They were going back on this dreadful piece of road – we felt horrible leaving them, as they needed to get their vehicle fixed, we left not knowing whether they could get assistance or even parts. The Kenyan Border was 4 km’s from the hotel – the Kenyans are just lovely people and a pleasure to deal with – pleasant smiles and we were out of Kenya in a whiff and a blow - Then Ethiopia – immigration official are slow although very smiley and pleasant – On attempting to show our vehicle registration papers Chris established that I had left the file in Kenya – so off I shot back into Kenya and was happily assisted by the Kenyan officials – whom located it in the Vehicle department – they also informed me that a laptop case had been left behind by one of our group – thank goodness for their honestly – as it belonged to Gordon and he had to go back to collect.  When clearing the ppwk and immigrations (1hr 50 mins) – we had a flat tyre – a quick change and off we went to Awassa – the first 200 km’s of road was beautiful – very few people just some cows and goats so we presumed we were in for a easy ride – stopped for a wee break on the side of the road, stopped for lunch and refill of fuel and then we were hit with a non stop village for 230 kms with goats, cows, people, tuk-tuks, bikes, dogs, children shouting “you you you” smiling and waving for 230 km’ all  through the most beautiful mountains and greenery until we arrive at the lodge at 07h48 in the evening – the Hotel is beautiful – I decided that I could just relax which is what I did.  Chris had dinner and early to bed.


Friday 30 September 2011

A mere 260 k drive to Addis – beautiful – peaceful and Ethiopia is nothing that you read about – its green, beautiful mountains, huge lakes and just lovely – we were booked into the Dresellgn Hotel – which was perfect – nothing really to say about today – other than lovely


Saturday 1 October 2011

Shopping – and just relaxing

Sunday 2 October 2011

Early rise to get to airport – bus left at 05h30 – strict security measures at the airport and then a 1 hr. 20 min flight to Lalibella a 30 minute bus trip to Lalibella and straight into looking at the 11 churches built in the 12 century by King Lalibella – these churches were quite something else they have been carved into the volcanic rock and  - they are concealed and quite magnificent.  Amazing nobody really knows whether they were carved by 35000 Egyptian or whether it was a wonder from Angels – we stayed in a lovely hotel – pity nobody knows about landscaping and service but other than that it was just great.


Monday 3 October 2011


A 06h30 departure to the airport and back to Addis – pretty uneventful until be tried to check into the hotel in Addis – somehow the rooms were short – well the scene that was caused was not only embarrassing but bloody rude – a lot of swearing by our organizer to the Tour Operator and the receptionist which then caused some of our group to be called names and their sexuality being questioned by suggestions of keys being placed in places – it was all a horrible scene.  Once all allotted rooms had been allocated Chris went off to get the exhaust fixed whilst I did some last minute shopping etc. - we also attempted went to find the silver shop with a taxi with no joy – so landed up going to the standard tourist attraction as Charl (Kobus’s son) was flying back to SA the next morning.  We went to a restaurant opposite the hotel and enjoyed bitterly cold beers before heading back to our hotel to have a bite to eat – Chris decided to eat chicken Soup – oops soup was off??? Which made Chris very off???

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Addis to Bashir Darr – 560 kms’ – a early start left the Hotel at 05h30 to miss the traffic of Addis – on the open road by 06h20 – Chris had to help Kobus drive as Charl had left for JNB – Lovely green, rolling hills to huge mountains – we reached 3114 mt (10000 feet) above sea level before we plunged down the steepest hairpin drive to the bottom of the Blue Nile – the scenery is quite magnificent – grandeur – beauty – lush - beautiful– WOW is all I can say - I have no words to describe it  - it was then up and down passes to get to Bashir Dar were we stayed in a lovely old lodge in beautiful surroundings, Chris stomach not feeling so well – so we headed to bed early.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Gordon, Peter, Val, Ron Wendy, Chris and myself arranged for a taxi to take up to the Blue Nile Falls – what a lovely outing – a 30 minute walk up to the falls and a lovely cup of coffee made by a little old house wife and her daughter at the top of the mountain – no restaurant, no fancy chairs – sitting on rocks with the locals and looking at the falls – quite magical actually.  We arrived back at the lodge for a quick bit to eat and then off to Gonder  - another perfect drive of a mere 190km’s.  We had been warned that the children of Ethiopia throw stones at your vehicle and up until today nothing like this had happened – some dreadful kid throw a stick at us when we were travelling down one of these beautiful passes – your immediate reaction is to get out a whollip them – but they would have run faster and further more you do not want any troubles with the law.  We arrived at the lodge at about 5pm – some of the others had been in Gonder since lunch time as they did not want to see the falls – a beautiful lodge right at the top of the mountain overlooking Gonder.  We got our car washed – and unpacked everything so that I could ensure that no alcohol was in our vehicle as we entering Sudan tomorrow morning – and alcohol is a no no no??? 7 days of no drinking – good for us all. David Pineo bought out a lovely bottle of 12-year-old Chivas Regal Whisky which most of us had a few doubles before heading off to bed. It tasted like honey?? Thanks David.

Thursday 06 October 2011

A supposed 600 kms drive ahead of us today – we had a good night sleep and off we all set at 06h30 in the morning – it was a mere 200 km’s to the border.  This drive was 100% the prettiest we have had to date – Ethiopia is absolutely stunning – the people and just wonderful, helpful and friendly, - we had mountains to climb and descend; we reached 2480 mt in some places – its just breathtaking.  We stopped on the side of the road waiting for the Peugeot 404 as Tor had previously had problems with the spark plugs oiling up after a long descend – we had just put out our cigarettes when Tor in his Peugeot arrived – no problems with his car but with ours we had another puncture which must have happened as we pull off at the side of the road.  Help from Tor (Peugeot), Ian (MG) and myself, the tyre changed and we were on our way – we arrived at the border and started to long process of clearing Ethiopia – this took 2 hours  - the vehicles were quick to clear but immigration with our passports are quite something else – patience is required – then it was off to enter Sudan – well if you thought you needed patience in Ethiopia try Sudan’s immigration and Customs procedures – we were there for 3 hours – a 5 hr. delay with both the customs procedures – well we were definitely not going to make to intended destination being Wadi Madeni so we headed of to Gedaref to find a hotel/lodge to stay in.  This was a 200 kms drive – it was now hot bloody hot 42 degrees – the road was full of pot holes – so we had to go slowly – the cars started to overheat so even slower we had to go – with the assistance of the police/traffic stops and a name of a lodge we headed of to town – to find everyone at the same place – a basic place – the room we were allocated was appalling – stunk of pee and had no toilet seat  - the bathrooms had not been cleaned properly for months so try another room – 3000 % improvement and the air conditioner was working.  After a battle with the receptionist due to language problems we managed to get a towel – we went off to the local market for dinner – which were either chicken or beef shwarma’s – very good and tasty – and then we played bridge with Peter & Gordon.  Gordon is learning to play bridge.  We managed to get to bed by 09h30 as an early rise to beat the heat???  Bedding clean, toilet had to be cleaned by me again and a good sleep was supposed to be in store for us.

Friday 07 October 2011

What a night the chosen hotel  - being the EL Motwakil was basic to say the least – the air conditioner droned all night – and eventually I could take the noises no longer so had to put it off at about 3 am – then we were over eaten by mozzies’ – anyway staying in this basic hotel was better than trying to put up tents.  To try and avoid the intense heat we set off at 05h40 in the morning – a pleasant drive – the sun came up at about 06h40 and then it felt like someone switched the heater on outside – temperature rose to 40 degrees – the car went well but by 10h00 we had to slow the speed down as the temperature started to rise in the car.   Thank goodness only a 400 km drive and we checked into the hotel in Khartoum just after 11h00.  Unbelievably flat, dry, desert country, and hot – the roads are straight with a lots of unsuspecting pot holes, and sudden high rises on the road – feels like you are on a roller coaster – which made us take off from the road a few times.  We were stopped by the Traffic Police to inspect the road toll fee paperwork or to check our passports but nothing bad or horrible to report about the police in fact they seemed rather pleasant and merely doing their jobs – one lot of police could not speak a word of English and their so called hand signals did not help either so we were merely told to GO – they knew that word.  As you note we drove into Khartoum on a Friday this is the Muslims (Sunday) so although traffic to the hotel was not bad it was certainly still quite around.  We had lunch at the hotel and then took ourselves off for an afternoon sleep.  At about 4pm we departed in a hired bus the whole group with two South African Police and a Namibian police in tow to see the Obermult market, the Swirling Dervishes dancers who work themselves into a trance and then dinner at the Lebanese restaurant.  A really great evening was had by all – to bed by 09h30 pm.
Problems with vehicles today – The poor Volkswagen from Mexico managed to put diesel into a petrol vehicle – quickly sorted out.

Saturday 08 October 2011

A very lovely relaxing day in Khartoum other than seeing the confluence of the White and Blue Nile – which currently look like the Green and Brown Nile – Chris fixed the puncture and we played bridge with Gordon and Peter – had a afternoon read/sleep.  Most of the men in our group want to watch South Africa vs. Australian rugby match tomorrow whilst the rest of us are happy to go on early so that we can get away from the heat and the traffic – Bear in mind that Sunday in Sudan is like a Monday in Malawi so we are expecting the streets to be very busy with people getting to work.  Chris is staying behind with David Pineo and I will be taking Deborah.

24 September 2011 - 08 Ocotber 2011


So sorry loads to do - cars to drive - time to talk and time to appreciate has caused me delays in getting this up to date - we only have 11 days left of this trip - can not believe how fast the time is actually going. 

Saturday 24 September 2011

A free day – to get cars fixed – oil changed and general overhauls.  Roger had arranged with a garage for all car to go to the prescribed area – the ladies took it easy – the passports where delivered and a peaceful day was had by all.  In the afternoon everything was removed from our vehicle and cleaning started in earnest for the preparation of the Nairobi Concors Tomorrow morning – a quite evening for an early start.

Sunday 25 September 2011

A early start for a quick clean and then off to the Concors – all vehicles went in convoy to the Concors – left the hotel at 07h30 to ensure we hit no traffic – yes its Sunday and still the traffic drones on in Nairobi – on arrival we were all allocated numbers which lead us to a parking point which clearly placed each vehicle in the allotted size of engine, models etc. – sadly the TR4A and the Mustang had not entered as they definitely would have won prices.  Whilst the inspections of each vehicle was taking place Chris had the opportunity of fixing the Fuel Pump permanently and a few other odds and sods nothing serious.  Each car was called up by number – onto a ramp where the underside was checked and then 4 other check points which covered outside appearance, inside appearance, mechanical and general overall working ie. Indicators, hooter etc – once that completed it was a matter of hurry up and wait whilst all vehicle, 89 in number completed the check points - at about 15h00 we all did a drive by the main stadium and then it was prize giving – due to the fact that we had some really good vehicles in our class we decided to leave to get our vehicle packed up  ready for a early start the next morning.  Carmen and Stephan from the Namibian teams stayed behind to listen to the prize giving – they arrived back in the hotel at about 8 pm and to our shock at horror we had won a prize -  Modesty Blaise (our Volvo) was voted The Best Entry from outside East Africa and a quick USD300 prize.  Big smiles and drinks all around we got into bed at about 10 pm.

Monday 26 September 2011

 We set off ay 04h30 – to get out of Nairobi following Tor Allen in his Peugeot 404.  One would have thought that getting out at this time would have been a walk in the park – not the case – many of the roads are under construction, with on coming traffic you barely could determine where the road was – furthermore there were so many detours that it was a mission – we eventually got out of Nairobi at 06h30 – quite something – off we all headed to Baden Powell Grave sight – Baden Powell was the founder of Boys Scout – whoopee doo doo – but the grave sight is in a beautiful part of Kenya – so that was worth while – then off to have Breakfast at the airfield and a wonderful view of Mount Kenya – just the most beautiful scenery with rolling hills of green wheat and a climb of 4578 metre (approx. 8000 feet) and then bloody hell we went down down down to hot dry desert sort of country side –to the Sumara Sopa Lodge – lovely place hot as hell with a disgusting 21 km dirt road  through the Sumbara Game Reserve  - the poor MG lost its Clutch yet again – Ian then found a wonderful gentlemen who happened to be staying in the lodge and was a Land Rover Mechanic who was happy to assist him  (guess Ian just paid for his holiday in the game reserve) – he  had to remove the whole engine with the assistance of Ian and Niel friends of David Hall they worked tirelessly to ensure that the vehicle would be ready in the morning. The MG was ready to go in the morning – its truly a miracle how assistance with these old cars comes from everywhere and the continual interest we are receive from the general public.  A lovely evening was had in the lodge a few more drinks than normal as we were told it would be a lovely 238 km drive to Marsabit.

Tuesday 27 September 2011.

A 08h00 departure – what a pleasure – off we went the MG, Peugeot and ourselves – travelling on the most fantastic brand new tarmac – we had been informed that we only had 20km’s of dirt so we all expecting a pleasurable drive– this was definitely not the case and the wonderful tarmac turned into hell it was a mere 100kms into this lovely drive – we hit hell – was this really the road – what road there were times that we left the bumpy, corrugated, boulders to hit the red desert track on the side – this desert track sometimes turned into soft sand – the Mustang getting stuck, A Merc completely snapped a shock – how  the vehicles got to Henry’s camp one would will never quite understand.  I guess as we thought we would only experience the bad road the next day we all were a little taken aback.  On arrival 6 hours later we realized that some vehicle would be coming in very late to arrange food and put up their tents. Sarah and myself communicated with Henry and his wife and the made us the most delicious chicken stew with rice.  Really great when you  are tired and filthy dirty to eat something warm and go to sleep.  Charl – Kobus’s son also assisted with getting us to sleep with warm Johnny Walker Black – nobody complained about the lack of ice – we knew the effects that were required – a few of these and we slept like babies.  Dave, Ian & Neil (Pajero) Gordon & Peter (Mustang) found themselves a little lodge in Archers Post

Wednesday 28 September 2011

As this day was one of the most anticipated of the whole trip – we all knew that we had 380 kms’ of hell – we all were concerned about our vehicles actually making this most talked about road.  Nerves, anxiety, anticipation and furthermore worry – the camp started to hustle and bustle from 05h00 in the morning – Kobus was already up and had water boiling – thank goodness as I could get a quick cup of coffee for Chris and myself.
This was the day that had to be the mile stone in all of us – we had heard so much from other groups that had traveled the other way i.e. Cairo to Cape – that in a way we were all  quite terrified and very concerned about our vehicles actually making this journey.  We had already established, due to the road yesterday and the speeds travelled, that we were in for 12 hours of driving on shite roads - and that is almost exactly what it took us – it was slow – it was bumpy, it had roack, holes everything that you can imagine it had – THE ROAD FROM HELL _ again how do you describe this – you need to look at pictures. I need to mention that David and his team, either his lovely wife Jacky or his merry men  Ian and Neil where always behind us – which gave us fantastic relief to know that we had a “back up” vehicle.  I also state that this was never their function that they purely did this service for us through the kindness and goodness of their hearts.  They were supposed to be in a old vehicle and due to many circumstances had to drive their Pajero – we being Chris and myself just can not thank you enough and you certainly gave us peace of mind. We eventually arrived in Moyale absolutely buggered and thank goodness a hotel was found as we had no energy to put up tents.  On arrival at the hotel we all managed to get out of our vehicle and literally plonck ourselves on the step opposite the hotel and merely sit – as the hotel was Muslim owned no alcohol was to be served – we took cold beers out of our vehicle and merely in muttered breaths enjoyed our drinks.  We were exhausted, filthy dirty and exhilarated for getting to the end. The David and his merry team whom were last seen assisting Tor and his Peuqeot had not arrived – NO David – after about 40 min, Gordon and Chris took off in Modesty to find them – they had broken down and were being towed into Moyale - Modesty attempted to tow them up a hil but failed due to overheating whilst Gordon and Chris arrived back at the hotel to collect the Mustang – David had found the World Vision vehicle whom towed him into the Hotel  – this took us until 09h30 pm – all exhausted – due to the alcohol free hotel – I got cold water spilled some out and placed huge tots of whiskey for the men – goodbye one bottle whiskey and the tastiest water one could get in a Hotel. David and his Merry team were so grateful. 

Problems with Vehicles – Kobus (Merc) broke a spring, Ian (MG) lost his exhaust again) Gordon (Mustang) lost 2 shocks) To (Peugeot lost two shocks) David Hall our back up vehicle had to be towed into Moyale as he believed he had a fuel pump problem.

We are not sure anyone really took note of the food, room conditions of the hotel – we needed a bath and sleep and this was most grateful in a clean, ok hotel.

Thursday 29 September 2011

The Hotel in Moyale was pleasant – nothing to write home about – had hot water and that’s all I can say about that – we were woken by calling for pray at 04h50 – the mosque’s loud speakers were about 100 metre from our room – when they set off – I literally shot out of bed – as it sounded like someone had been seriously wounded – well that was the end of my sleep – breakfast was interesting – samosas’, mandazi’s and bread with instant coffee – anyway all pleasant enough – sadly we had to say goodbye to David, Ian and Neil.  They were going back on this dreadful piece of road – we felt horrible leaving them, as they needed to get their vehicle fixed, we left not knowing whether they could get assistance or even parts. The Kenyan Border was 4 km’s from the hotel – the Kenyans are just lovely people and a pleasure to deal with – pleasant smiles and we were out of Kenya in a whiff and a blow - Then Ethiopia – immigration official are slow although very smiley and pleasant – On attempting to show our vehicle registration papers Chris established that I had left the file in Kenya – so off I shot back into Kenya and was happily assisted by the Kenyan officials – whom located it in the Vehicle department – they also informed me that a laptop case had been left behind by one of our group – thank goodness for their honestly – as it belonged to Gordon and he had to go back to collect.  When clearing the ppwk and immigrations (1hr 50 mins) – we had a flat tyre – a quick change and off we went to Awassa – the first 200 km’s of road was beautiful – very few people just some cows and goats so we presumed we were in for a easy ride – stopped for a wee break on the side of the road, stopped for lunch and refill of fuel and then we were hit with a non stop village for 230 kms with goats, cows, people, tuk-tuks, bikes, dogs, children shouting “you you you” smiling and waving for 230 km’ all  through the most beautiful mountains and greenery until we arrive at the lodge at 07h48 in the evening – the Hotel is beautiful – I decided that I could just relax which is what I did.  Chris had dinner and early to bed.


Friday 30 September 2011

A mere 260 k drive to Addis – beautiful – peaceful and Ethiopia is nothing that you read about – its green, beautiful mountains, huge lakes and just lovely – we were booked into the Dresellgn Hotel – which was perfect – nothing really to say about today – other than lovely


Saturday 1 October 2011

Shopping – and just relaxing

Sunday 2 October 2011

Early rise to get to airport – bus left at 05h30 – strict security measures at the airport and then a 1 hr. 20 min flight to Lalibella a 30 minute bus trip to Lalibella and straight into looking at the 11 churches built in the 12 century by King Lalibella – these churches were quite something else they have been carved into the volcanic rock and  - they are concealed and quite magnificent.  Amazing nobody really knows whether they were carved by 35000 Egyptian or whether it was a wonder from Angels – we stayed in a lovely hotel – pity nobody knows about landscaping and service but other than that it was just great.


Monday 3 October 2011


A 06h30 departure to the airport and back to Addis – pretty uneventful until be tried to check into the hotel in Addis – somehow the rooms were short – well the scene that was caused was not only embarrassing but bloody rude – a lot of swearing by our organizer to the Tour Operator and the receptionist which then caused some of our group to be called names and their sexuality being questioned by suggestions of keys being placed in places – it was all a horrible scene.  Once all allotted rooms had been allocated Chris went off to get the exhaust fixed whilst I did some last minute shopping etc. - we also attempted went to find the silver shop with a taxi with no joy – so landed up going to the standard tourist attraction as Charl (Kobus’s son) was flying back to SA the next morning.  We went to a restaurant opposite the hotel and enjoyed bitterly cold beers before heading back to our hotel to have a bite to eat – Chris decided to eat chicken Soup – oops soup was off??? Which made Chris very off???

Tuesday 4 October 2011

Addis to Bashir Darr – 560 kms’ – a early start left the Hotel at 05h30 to miss the traffic of Addis – on the open road by 06h20 – Chris had to help Kobus drive as Charl had left for JNB – Lovely green, rolling hills to huge mountains – we reached 3114 mt (10000 feet) above sea level before we plunged down the steepest hairpin drive to the bottom of the Blue Nile – the scenery is quite magnificent – grandeur – beauty – lush - beautiful– WOW is all I can say - I have no words to describe it  - it was then up and down passes to get to Bashir Dar were we stayed in a lovely old lodge in beautiful surroundings, Chris stomach not feeling so well – so we headed to bed early.

Wednesday 5 October 2011

Gordon, Peter, Val, Ron Wendy, Chris and myself arranged for a taxi to take up to the Blue Nile Falls – what a lovely outing – a 30 minute walk up to the falls and a lovely cup of coffee made by a little old house wife and her daughter at the top of the mountain – no restaurant, no fancy chairs – sitting on rocks with the locals and looking at the falls – quite magical actually.  We arrived back at the lodge for a quick bit to eat and then off to Gonder  - another perfect drive of a mere 190km’s.  We had been warned that the children of Ethiopia throw stones at your vehicle and up until today nothing like this had happened – some dreadful kid throw a stick at us when we were travelling down one of these beautiful passes – your immediate reaction is to get out a whollip them – but they would have run faster and further more you do not want any troubles with the law.  We arrived at the lodge at about 5pm – some of the others had been in Gonder since lunch time as they did not want to see the falls – a beautiful lodge right at the top of the mountain overlooking Gonder.  We got our car washed – and unpacked everything so that I could ensure that no alcohol was in our vehicle as we entering Sudan tomorrow morning – and alcohol is a no no no??? 7 days of no drinking – good for us all. David Pineo bought out a lovely bottle of 12-year-old Chivas Regal Whisky which most of us had a few doubles before heading off to bed. It tasted like honey?? Thanks David.

Thursday 06 October 2011

A supposed 600 kms drive ahead of us today – we had a good night sleep and off we all set at 06h30 in the morning – it was a mere 200 km’s to the border.  This drive was 100% the prettiest we have had to date – Ethiopia is absolutely stunning – the people and just wonderful, helpful and friendly, - we had mountains to climb and descend; we reached 2480 mt in some places – its just breathtaking.  We stopped on the side of the road waiting for the Peugeot 404 as Tor had previously had problems with the spark plugs oiling up after a long descend – we had just put out our cigarettes when Tor in his Peugeot arrived – no problems with his car but with ours we had another puncture which must have happened as we pull off at the side of the road.  Help from Tor (Peugeot), Ian (MG) and myself, the tyre changed and we were on our way – we arrived at the border and started to long process of clearing Ethiopia – this took 2 hours  - the vehicles were quick to clear but immigration with our passports are quite something else – patience is required – then it was off to enter Sudan – well if you thought you needed patience in Ethiopia try Sudan’s immigration and Customs procedures – we were there for 3 hours – a 5 hr. delay with both the customs procedures – well we were definitely not going to make to intended destination being Wadi Madeni so we headed of to Gedaref to find a hotel/lodge to stay in.  This was a 200 kms drive – it was now hot bloody hot 42 degrees – the road was full of pot holes – so we had to go slowly – the cars started to overheat so even slower we had to go – with the assistance of the police/traffic stops and a name of a lodge we headed of to town – to find everyone at the same place – a basic place – the room we were allocated was appalling – stunk of pee and had no toilet seat  - the bathrooms had not been cleaned properly for months so try another room – 3000 % improvement and the air conditioner was working.  After a battle with the receptionist due to language problems we managed to get a towel – we went off to the local market for dinner – which were either chicken or beef shwarma’s – very good and tasty – and then we played bridge with Peter & Gordon.  Gordon is learning to play bridge.  We managed to get to bed by 09h30 as an early rise to beat the heat???  Bedding clean, toilet had to be cleaned by me again and a good sleep was supposed to be in store for us.

Friday 07 October 2011

What a night the chosen hotel  - being the EL Motwakil was basic to say the least – the air conditioner droned all night – and eventually I could take the noises no longer so had to put it off at about 3 am – then we were over eaten by mozzies’ – anyway staying in this basic hotel was better than trying to put up tents.  To try and avoid the intense heat we set off at 05h40 in the morning – a pleasant drive – the sun came up at about 06h40 and then it felt like someone switched the heater on outside – temperature rose to 40 degrees – the car went well but by 10h00 we had to slow the speed down as the temperature started to rise in the car.   Thank goodness only a 400 km drive and we checked into the hotel in Khartoum just after 11h00.  Unbelievably flat, dry, desert country, and hot – the roads are straight with a lots of unsuspecting pot holes, and sudden high rises on the road – feels like you are on a roller coaster – which made us take off from the road a few times.  We were stopped by the Traffic Police to inspect the road toll fee paperwork or to check our passports but nothing bad or horrible to report about the police in fact they seemed rather pleasant and merely doing their jobs – one lot of police could not speak a word of English and their so called hand signals did not help either so we were merely told to GO – they knew that word.  As you note we drove into Khartoum on a Friday this is the Muslims (Sunday) so although traffic to the hotel was not bad it was certainly still quite around.  We had lunch at the hotel and then took ourselves off for an afternoon sleep.  At about 4pm we departed in a hired bus the whole group with two South African Police and a Namibian police in tow to see the Obermult market, the Swirling Dervishes dancers who work themselves into a trance and then dinner at the Lebanese restaurant.  A really great evening was had by all – to bed by 09h30 pm.
Problems with vehicles today – The poor Volkswagen from Mexico managed to put diesel into a petrol vehicle – quickly sorted out.

Saturday 08 October 2011

A very lovely relaxing day in Khartoum other than seeing the confluence of the White and Blue Nile – which currently look like the Green and Brown Nile – Chris fixed the puncture and we played bridge with Gordon and Peter – had a afternoon read/sleep.  Most of the men in our group want to watch South Africa vs. Australian rugby match tomorrow whilst the rest of us are happy to go on early so that we can get away from the heat and the traffic – Bear in mind that Sunday in Sudan is like a Monday in Malawi so we are expecting the streets to be very busy with people getting to work.  Chris is staying behind with David Pineo and I will be taking Deborah.

Friday, September 23, 2011

20 - 23 September 2011


Tuesday 20 September 2011

A tappet was found - eventually – a tappet from a Land Rover – so Modesty is now working thanks to a Land Rover – we managed to have a anxious morning although we were trying to relax, remaining ever so positive that a tappet would be found.   Dulllah arrived after 2 pm – with tappet in hand it was installed  it was working with a couple  of praise to Allah off we went to see DHL – it was just fantastic seeing everyone – loads of staff changes but a great welcome and well worth the visit.  We also managed to catch up with Simon Maitland – we had arranged to meet at the Southern Sun at 5 pm.  It was wonderful to see him and to catch up with all his exiting times in Dar.  Blaze from DHL also came to see us and wonderful to meet him and hear all about his times with DHL (so far) in Dar.
We were also expecting to get our passport after receiving a sms  message from MDS Couriers advising us that the passports would be waiting for us in the Hotel – Adam Fuller and Judith went on the search – after a phone call to MDS we were informed that the Passports are now in LONDON – and the UK Customs are holding for a verification from the South African Embassy that the passports are not fraudulent and that this process may take 3 – 4 days – we leave Dar tomorrow morning – Oh my goodness what more could this bloody company put us through – at this stage our trip looks like it will be going from Cape Town to Nairobi???
A lovely evening was spent at the Southern Sun Hotel in Dar – Adam Fuller and his team of staff are indeed a brilliant example of how service and customer care should be done – well done Adam – brilliant??

Wednesday 21 September 2011

A very early start so we could attempt to miss the horrific traffic in Dar – we got up at 04h30 – Scott the Head Chef of the Southern Sun had arranged with his Kitchen to have everything ready for us by 05h15 in the morning plus we would received “take away boxes “ and to help ourselves – amazing service yet again – Thank you Scott.  We were off to Arusha a 629km Drive – The MG and us – Chris was dying to have a drive in the Mustang and it was arranged that we would meet at Mombo where Gordon (owner of Mustang) and Chris would take the drive up to Soni and then, due to the speed of the Mustang, meet us in Arusha.  Sadly today was not the Day – The Volvo has no clutch.  Chris had to drive.  With no Clutch you can only change gear if the vehicle is actually moving – so we both knew we were going to be in for an interesting 400km odd drive.
As explained previously the Traffic Cops in Tanzania clearly do not have a life – as they continually stop us and as long as we were in the law i.e. not speeding we are then asked the same standard questions – Where are you from?  Where are you going? What a lovely car can I buy it?? As if they benefit from the information they receive – so we were stopped and all the questions answered – we then informed this intelligent policemen to push us so that we could get the vehicle into gear.  One would imagine that at this stage they should have given us a fine for a vehicle that clearly does not have a clutch and should really probably not be on the road.  Well nothing to them they pushed us and off we went.
The next incident was a speed hump – the Tanzania roads have serious speed humps you have to almost come to a stop to clear them – really bad for low old vehicles.   We came across a speed hump that the vehicle in front of us had come to a halt – we attempted to change down with no joy so off we went into the bushes – passing low Acacia Bushes, ducking trees, passing a farmers home and eventually into gear and back on the road.  The MG thought that we were on the wrong road so bless them immediately turned around only to find us join them back on the road facing the right way – they had managed to find themselves parked right across the road after the dreaded speed hump – a large Track had to come to a halt whilst the MG slowly sorted themselves  out to rejoin us.
We eventually arrive at the Impala Hotel at about 3pm – thank good ness for Gordon (Mustang) between Chris and Gordon they managed to get the Clutch sorted and we are back in business. 
We continuously meet interesting people on the route as most men are interested in old cars – we had a suggestion from Justyn Lane of Massey Ferguson (who lived in Malawi and knows our lodge) to go to a Lebanese Restaurant based a mere 50 metres from the Hotel – a wonderful surprise to find Geoff Denton at the lodge – so off we all set to the restaurant – they had never had a group of this size – although the food was great – when it eventually arrived some 3 hours later – we all had lost our sense of humor and abusive demands were made to eventually get the service – a long long day


Thursday 22 September 2011

A mere 193 Kms today to the Ngorongoro Crater – something both Chris and I had been so looking forward to doing – a late start 08h00 – a disgusting breakfast served from the Impala Hotel – we had a cup of coffee and off we went.
It was Chris’s day to join Gordon in the Mustang he was like a naughty little schoolboy – he was so looking forward to this day – off they went. For us to meet them at the gates of the Conservancy.  Peter (from Hong Kong) and I drove in Modesty.
 The initial plan was to leave our vehicles parked at the entrance of the Ngorongoro Conversancy – this was not to be as safety and security could not be assured – so we all drove the approx. 30 kms up to the Sopa Lodge on gravel road – straight up the hill to the crater ridge – the TR4A overheated due to a faulty fan – so a quick fix half way up and off we went.  Modesty went well with no overheating.
Chris was so chuffed with his drive in the Mustang and raved about it all the way up to the crater ridge – I am afraid we will now definitely be buying a Mustang.
The viewpoint of the crater a mere 6 kms up the hill – breathtaking and just emotionally moving – its just incredible – not sure what words can be used to describe the incredible beauty and magnitude of the crater – you just must come and see it for yourselves.
A little further on and we reached to Sopa Hotel – lovely rooms and wonderful service from Justin and his staff.  A delicious lunch and then we all went down the crater with Leopard Tours Safari Vehicles.  We saw so many animals from Cheetah, Lions, Hyena, Jackal and all the other standard animals – loads and loads of animals – very dry and dusty but fantastic.
A la Carte dinner and a game of bridge and off to bed.

Friday 23 September 2011

A early start – and Justin and his team came to the party and opened the lodge by 05h15 so that we could have a lovely cup of coffee and pick up our breakfast packs – the best packs so far – well done Justin.
Chris and I were the first to leave at 05h30 – in the dark we managed to drive in the wrong direction and landed up in the Safari Vehicle car park and were unable to go any further.  The Fuel pump was completely buggered – we were going nowhere. Michael (TR4A) advised us that Ron & Wendy (Volkswagen Kombi) had just recently changed a fuel pump and that we should catch them before they left.  I ran up the hill to advise whoever was left behind of our situation whilst Chris arranged for the lodge vehicle to tow us back up the hill to the lodge.  The lodge vehicle failed to do this so one of the Safari Drivers who pulled us up with a 4 x 4.
Gordon to the rescue – thank goodness the Mustang, Pajero & Volkswagen were all still at the lodge.  Gordon is incredibly fast and efficient at changing these things – with a lot of people looking into Modesty Bonnet – and comments from loads of Safari Drivers, Guests from the lodge – Gordon the wonder man got it all sorted and off we went at 07h00.  An uneventful trip to Nairobi, the border posts were easy, the road from Arusha to Nairobi has just newly being constructed – fanatastic.  The Kenyan Border was the first Customs Official on this trip to query our Temproary Travel Passport purely because we had now run out of pages and he barely had space to put the entry stamp – after assuring him that we would be receiving our passports in Nairobi and that we merely we attending the Kenyan Concors d’Elegance in Nairobi on Sunday 25th September. He kindly did not want to see any documents regarding the hijacking of our passports and allowed us to enter.
We arrived at the hotel after a 2-hour traffic jam at 16h20. We had enough time to check in, have a shower and get to the Opening Cocktail party at the Nairobi a Club for the Concors.  A lovely evening but exhaustion set in and we went to bed early.

Wednesday, September 21, 2011

Moving to new Blog

Hi folks,
Just to let you know that from now on I'll be posting on Peter's blog: more piccies there!
The Cape to Cairo 2011 Blog is here

(http://capetocairo2011.blogspot.com/)

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

12 - 19 September 2011


Its not that I have not been writing up on our blog daily – finding a place that has internet is starting to become rather impossible – I think I have have caught up to date – so the next blog will be in 3 days time when we arrive in Nairobi.  I have not checked this - its 22h00 hours and we will be woken up at 03h45 to get out of Dar - the traffic is extremely bad????




 Monday 12 September 2011


Woke up at 05h00 to do a Game Drive – very nippy morning and really pissed off that they do not give Rusks and Coffee on the drives – I suppose its all to save money – furthermore our room in the Hotel was the only Tea/Coffee station that was missing – so no coffee to start our day???  We saw nothing of great interest – Impala, Buffalo, Zebra, Kudu, Dyker, Steenbok and a Giant Eagle Owl – so off to breakfast after 2 hours of driving around.

Never did much the rest of the day – arranged for our washing to get done which eventually arrived back in our rooms at 10pm – I guess things are slow in Africa and patience is definitely required.

All off to bed early so that we can wake up early 5am (again) to catch the ferry to Kariba.

Must comment that we stayed in the lodge for two nights – huge imagination from the Management and Chefs regarding dinner – we had a BRAAI for two nights – the food was terrible???

Tuesday 13 September 2011

Early to rise and off to the ferry – we all arrived on time – and slowly loaded the vehicles onto the ferry – quite terrifying – but we all managed to the vehicles squeezed on– we left the harbor of Milibizi at about 09h00 to head off to Kariba and arrive the next morning by 07h00 – a night on the ferry – well not much happened other than the beauty of Lake Kariba with all the lovely islands - we placed mattress on the deck and slept with a howling wind and under the boats front lights – not the best sleep but all okay.  During the long hours on the ferry we established that we had 4 bridge players – however not one of us on the tour or others on the ferry had brought cards, must buy some in Lusaka.   Comment – the kitchen team produced brilliant meals for us – better food than the Hwange Safari Lodge – what’s that all about.
Rob (the owner’s son) was brilliant – his commitment to ensuring that all guests knew what would be happening and times expected for wake up  - his commitment to service was excellent.

Wednesday 14 September 2011

After not much sleep we were all up at about 05h30 – lovely hot coffee and tea ready for us – breakfast at 06h00 and we were expected to get off the ferry at 07h00 however with the strong head winds we were delayed by nearly 1 ½ hours.   Getting our vehicle off the ferry was all a bit terrifying however all managed to get off without loosing exhausts.  We managed to get through the Zim Boarder with not much problems however every single vehicle had to be checked – i.e. they wanted to see the engine numbers and chassis numbers – 2 vehicle’s had issues – the Mexicans in the Camper Volkswagen had a major problem as the engine number did not match the Carnet???  With a small bribe they got through – David in the Pajero could not find his Chassis number but after quite sometime it was found and everyone was at the Zambian Border. Roger The Classic Car Events Organizer) had arranged for Crispin (Zambian) to assist us through the intricate vehicle formalities of the Zambian Government – thank goodness for Crispin – we eventually got through the Border 2 hours later – and then off to Lusaka – Chris and I headed straight for the Game Shopping Centre in Lusaka to get tennis balls for the rear suspension of the car and cards to play bridge – then it was a mere 30 km’s to the Safari Protea Hotel.

Great Hotel – lovely Buffet dinner  - arranged for packed breakfast, paid our bills an off to bed another early morning.

Thursday 15 September 2011

Up and out of the lodge by 05h30 – grabbed our packed breakfasts and headed off with the TR4A and MG in tow – a stop after 250kms for some lovely coffee and my sisters home made rusks – and a destination that we were really looking forward as we had both read the book Africa House about the Gore-Brown Family – Our first night of camping – not really looking forward to this but it has to be done.  Kapishya Hot Springs – we met Mark Stewart – the grand Child – we arrive at about 16h30 after taking photographs of the Tower Clock that had been shipped from Brook lands Race Track in the UK.  When we were standing in front of the clock tower the MG arrived sounding like a tractor they had managed to completely take out there exhaust on the gravel road with quite large speed bumps.  The poor MG another problem to resolve.  Once we had sorted the camping spot and put everything up – Chris headed for the hot springs for a quick dip – it was that hot that he only managed a minutes.

We had a lovely homemade cooked dinner by Mel – Roast pork with homegrown vegetables. Mark and Mel joined David & Jackie (Pajero) Michael & Paula (TR4A) and ourselves – we sat for quite sometime listening to Marks stories about the family – too many glasses of wine – but a lovely evening spent with brilliant hosts and splendid hospitality – brilliant – so sorry we could not spend another night here. 
A must for would be travellers.
It was off to the tent????? 
Thank goodness for the extra glass of wine as the mattress is paper thin – we also fell asleep quickly but managed to get freezing cold about 2 hours later?? An interesting, cold, unprepared night.

Friday 16 September 2011

For our Dwangwa family and Friends – THE TENT – Chris was too tall for it – his feet were pushing extremely hard against the bottom of it – it certainly pops up quickly however putting it back in its little condom holder was another mission all together. – Andy - Chris managed to break it!!!!  So one night – one use and throw away – buy another one in DAR?  Bigger and hopefully not as hard to store away!!!

We had the most brilliant breakfast and wonderful tour of the Gore-Brown home – brilliant – so nice to see and experience – mostly imagine how the family lived way back in 1932.


Yeah off to Tanzania – Chris and I had already made a decision not to go to Zanzibar and to give our room to Peter (Australian) so that we could spend some time with our really good friends Geoff and Suuze and to see my godchild Rosi and Harvey.

The borders (out of Zambia and into Tanzania) were interesting – hectic, with no form of order what so ever but fun as we had no option but to smile and enjoy the madness.

A mere 193 kms and we were at Utengule Lodge – up on a hill and overlooking the coffee plantations – we played some bridge – had our dinner, and to bed, for another early start.


Saturday 17 September 2011

OOOOPS - I had forgotten to change our time on the alarm clocks – so when it eventually went off we were 1 hour late for everything in fact Michael whom had washed our vehicle the night before woke us up – well I guess we should have been in a slight panic but we were not as we knew where we were going and we thought we knew the road.  We eventually departed from Utengule Lodge in Morogoro at about 08h15 the rest of the gang had departed at 7 am – so off we went on a merry way only to be alarmed at the amount of speed humps every single village has 3 lots of small rivet bumps and then 2 lots huge humps – which could take the bottom of your car out – so not only were we hindered by these things the traffic police were out on mass – we managed to get stopped for a speeding fine but a little persuading we paid them Chia (tea) Money and we were off – we managed to catch up with David and Jackie (in the Pajero – our sweeper vehicle) and we headed off to Baobab River Camp to see Darren – the place was empty – nobody to make lunch and nothing cold to drink so we opened up our cooler boxes and got things out and had a small picnic lunch in Darren’s lounge area – we were just about to leave when out popped Darren – a little catch up chat and off on our way to Morogoro  - The Oasis Hotel – we arrived in good time at about 17h30 – the Mustang and the Tr4A had already arrived and met us in the car park – with beers in hand – the Mustang (Australians) paid 3 fines whilst the TR4A paid one fine – when everyone eventually arrived only 2 out of 11 cars did not pay the Tanzanian Traffic department  - most of the fines had been paid to Chia (tea money) – total corruptions???

We placed our bags in our rooms and immediately sat down to order our dinner – which had to be curry as the chef was a Indian – Chris and I were innocently sitting with the Australians when a altercation with the Group Organizer ensued he ridiculed me front of the Australians and Chris – I was extremely upset as I had being making a concerted effort of avoiding any form of communication with the man as he had on numerous occasions passed horrible cutting remarks to me – which clearly indicated that he had a personality clash with me,  and that was enough for me to head to my room and have a good cry???   Chris and I joined the Australians for dinner and we were off to bed – a sad night for me as I would like to head home and get our money back – if this is what its going to be like for the rest of the trip it certainly will not be worth it??

  
Sunday 18 September 2011

We thought we would have a little lie in bed this morning – but not to be – Chris had set the alarm for 05h45 as he had promised Michael whom is travelling in a red TR4A as far as Nairobi – to assist him with some gear problems – we then we were awake – I managed to wake up with eyes that looked like dog balls in the snow from crying last night.  After a shower we headed down to the car only to find the 3 Mercedes (all from Namibia) still all in the parking lot and frantically working on an alternator problem – time was running out for them to catch the ferry in Dar es Salaam. We offered different option should they arrive at the Southern Sun Hotel (old Holiday Inn) and find the rest of the group gone.  However time was matching on and deep concerns about them finding and getting to the hotel on time became a huge concern – they followed us into Dar.  We were stopped once by speed cops and managed to talk our way out of the fine however poor David was caught then we were stopped by the traffic police – they were looking to find something wrong with the car or our licenses etc. – however a very interesting confrontation ensued with a large truck whom Chris had passed on the left hand side as the idiot clearly did not understand that the road had widened for the slower vehicles to drive on the left??  – He then stopped to advise the police that we had showed him the middle finger to get him to move – after a couple of minutes explaining that this was not the case and then a lecture from the police on how to behave in Tanzania we were then allowed to move on – whilst this was on the go, Walter (Namibian) drove passed and shouted
“HEY Krrris Fuck Him Up” – this immediately relieved our tension, we swopped drivers so that Chris could calm down. 
We stopped in Chalinze to get fuel and then where advised that if we went like bats out of hell we may just make the ferry – the traffic in Dar was horrific with loads of weaving in and out of traffic and all following us like snakes we managed to pull into the Southern Sun with about 8 minutes to spare – the ^ Namibians managed to jump out their cars with all baggage ready and into the bus – with frantic waves goodbye – they made it?
We then headed off to see Geoff and Suuuze Denton – lots of memories driving through the streets of Dar.  We stopped off at Shoppers Plaza to get some wine, whiskey and beer.  Great Excitement to see every one – we immediately sat down to beers and loads of chatting and catching up – Clare Lee and Glen Clark popped over to see us and eventually stayed for dinner – a lovely lovely evening spent with good friends, my god child Rosie and Harvey.  Dullah came to see in the afternoon – it was just great to see him – he is looking so good – Dullah was my driver when I worked for DHL.

We managed to get to bed early as we had all started drinking early,


Monday 19 September 2011

Woke up early and had a little chat with Harvey and Rosie before they headed of to school – Chris, Susie and myself went for a nice long walk on the beach, quick shower and off to do some shopping, mainly a tent as the brilliant tent that we purchased from Game In Malawi was not only too small but after one night was broken.
We a re spending a day cleaning the car – tappets and oil change – Chris Managed to snap one of the tappets so than goodness for Dullah he was off to the market to try and find another one – Thanks so much to Blaze for allowing us to have Dullah for the afternoon.

Sunday, September 11, 2011

Hwange Safari Lodge - 11 September 2011


Sunday 11 September 2011

Fantastic night at the Protea Hotel  Kalimo Mulilo – one comment though was service was seriously lacking – anyway we are in Africa and its sort of expected – a short day today with only 380 kms – The Ngomba Bridge which is the border out of Namibia and into Botswana went so smoothly no problems.  We saw loads of Elephants whilst driving through the Chobe Game Reserve, a lonesome Giraffe and a single sable antelope – so not much but 300% more than we saw in the Game Reserve through Namibia. 

We exited Botswana with a huge interest in our vehicle from the customs officials – all of them came outside and individually had their photographs taken next to Modesty – what lovely people.  Not sure what the Zimbabwean had eaten for breakfast or how come the change in attitude – but an absolute pleasure – off we went to Victoria Falls.

Okay so now I have a bit of a wingeing session about MEN – Chris managed to literally smash the front left fender of the bumper whilst trying to attempt a sharp turn into the garage.  I sad nothing – the funny thing about this is – If I was driving and this had happened I would have been shat on and my driving skills would have been put on the line, I never said anything and again this was wrong however if I had apologized on his behalf I would have been shat on and told in no uncertain terms that it was merely a accident – after filling the car we pulled out towards Hwange PLEASE remember I had said not a word about the small accident and about 6 kms out I was accused of being scratchy – so I guess saying nothing does not work, saying something, does not work, being the driver does not work –so fuck knows what us woman can do to get it right.

The Hwange Safari Lodge must have been built in the sixties and no changes to the place – its pleasant but needs desperate refurbishment – We hope to see a lot of game and relax in the next day – as we have one day of rest and recuperation before we head off to ferry on Tuesday morning.  If anything really exiting happens tomorrow I shall let you know.