Day 11,15 July 2012, South Luangwa (Zambia) to Lilongwe (Malawi), via Chipata - The only thing worse than 5 hours to cover 130 km to get to South Luangwa is having to go back the same way. Sigh, bump, rattle, gurgle. Border crossing into Malawi this afternoon after lunch - first time either of us have done a land based crossing. We eventually arrive at Barefoot Lodge, Lilongwe (Malawi) at about 5 pm - phew - very long day. Border crossing was mildly unnerving but was quick and easy - and only one revenue raising roadblock on the way here... managed to get through unscathed. The swimming pool is a work in progress at this lodge, but I'm sure will be lovely, in due course. The bathroom however is on the inside of tonight's accommodations which is indeed luxury after bug-battling at our permanent tent. Off to visit a Wildlife Centre for sick and injured wildlife tomorrow... won't have to chase them nearly as hard. As an aside, today we have crossed another border, and recently we have crossed many timezones, but it's when you see carts being pulled by beasts of burden and women, (though not men), carrying huge loads on their heads - that's when it feels like we've travelled back in time itself. For Africa to be where the West is today, how far ahead will the West need to be?
PS - the most endangered species in Africa, the reticent and rare "Wifi" has finally been captured here at Barefoot Lodge, Malawi - kudos to them!