Malawi to Zambia

We said our goodbyes to Tanzania and off we headed to the warm heart of Africa, Malawi.. although we were greeted by the rain. On our first day our truck broke down, which turned out to be a blessing in disguise. We were greeted by local children, who all wanted to play football and swing off our arms. It was lovely to play with the children but sad to leave them as our truck was mended and we were on our way again.

Our campsite Kande Beach was situated on Lake Malawi, the rain was still present but it didn't dampen our spirits.  The roads were ridiculously muddy which caused the truck to get stuck in the mud. We all had to get out and help the locals push the truck out. On arrival at the beach campsite, the tour guides threw us a party; providing us with punch aptly called Malawian Gold. We dressed each other in bizarre clothing that we had bought at a local market early... Needless to say it was a good night had by all, resulting in dancing on the bar at the campsite.

The next day we went on a village walk organised by one of the locals. We were shown local houses, the water pump, the school and the local clinic - where there were two 3 day old new born babies. We were shocked to be informed that the clinic was manned by two full time members of staff who worked 24 hours a day.  The school was pretty basic, a far cry from the classrooms back home. The school had 7 teachers and roughly 150 children per class. All the way along the walk we were escorted by young children who again wanted to hold and swing of our arms. On the back to the campsite we were taught how to play the local game of Bao and the bongos. We were also treated to a local lunch, which was delicious.

Once back to the campsite we headed to the beach and dipped our toes into the Lake. We all were apprehensive about Lake Malawi as we had been informed that there were snakes, hippos, crocodiles, Blasria and Typhoid all living in the water. In the middle of the Lake there was an island with Mel and Rhiannon swam to with a couple of the other guys from the tour. It was a grueling swim which ended with a heart pumping jump off a 8 metres rock into the lake.

Once back on dry land, we were treated to a pig roasted.  The pig was killed freshly in the morning and had been roasting on a spit all day. After the grueling swim, the crackling pig was extremely tasty.

After the beach we headed to Malawi's capital, Lilongwe. We saw such sights as a Nandos and a 7 Eleven. The rain seemed to be following us as we experienced further down pour that evening.

We thought we had already arrived at the Zambezi river when we arrived at the Zambia boarder and had to navigate our way through torrential rain. You could instantly notice the difference in wealth. In Lusaka we witnessed young fashionable girls all supporting high heels and all talking on their mobile phones and tapping into their music devices. We were treated to an American evening where we cooked burgers, hotdogs, chips, Marshmellow and then Chocolate Birthday cake, to celebrate a memeber of the groups Birthday- It was simply divine.

Currently we are sitting poolside in the sun by the Zambezi river... hopefully enhancing our tans. Hannah has just returned from an early Lion Walk, where she was able to stroke and play with some 17 month old lions, lucky she survived to tell us all her tale.

Tomorrow is the probably the biggest day of our lives to date... a potential life or death situation... the dreaded BUNGEE JUMP off Victoria Falls Bridge. We will be throwing ourselves 111meters off the Bridge in three different ways, Bungee, Gorge Swing and Slide!!!! If we survive we will update you about our relaxing walk around the falls.

Hugs and Kisses

Rhiannon, Hannah, Kate, Lizzie and Mel.

Zanzibar

So, we ditched the tents and headed over to Zanzibar for some nice relaxing time on the beach in the sun. We have spent the last 3 nights on the island in proper beds and our last night tonight and then it is back to camping for at least 15 days.
We visited a spice plantation, where we learnt about all the native fruits and spices grown in Zanzibar. At the end of the tour we had a tasting session and tried fruits including custard apple and jack fruit. We then saw a man free climb a coconut tree to the top which was at least 30 metres!!! Afterwards he fleshed out the coconuts and we were then able to taste the coconut milk and fruit. It was all very refreshing in the heat. The locals then weaved hats, bags and necklaces using palm leaves as a present for when we left. It was a great experience and we all learnt a lot.
When we weren't soaking up the local culture we managed to drag ourselves down to the beach for a well deserved rest. Crystal clear waters, white sandy beaches. Heaven.
Off to Malawi in a couple of days and there is talks of adopting a child just like Madonna did.

Bye for now.............

Love from all xxxx

Tanzania

We've just returned to Arusha from a two night camping trip in Serengeti National Park - it was amazing!

We slept in the Serengeti - no railings, no fences, no protecting... just us and the lions, elephants, hynenas etc... in those two days we saw some of the most unbelievable sights.

A group of hyenas were provoking a few lions who had just returned from a kill and trying to steal their food which resulted in a big stand off between them and the hyenas being chased away - very entertaining and we were right in front of the action.

A family of elephants walked right past our truck almost so close we could touch them... mother, father, and 3 babies including a new born that hadn't even developed tusks yet.

We went to a Masai village and explored their way of life. They allowed us into their huts and told us about their traditions.. apparently one of the other local Masai villages' chief has more than 20 wives and more than 100 children - impressive!!

There's so much more to say but not enough time. We've got a 14 hour drive to Dar Es Salam tomorrow before heading off to Zanzibar for a couple of days in a lodge with warm water for showers... hurrah!!

Speak soon, Lizzie, Rhiannon, Mel, Kate and Hannah xx

We made it!!!

Hi everyone...

We made it here safe and sound. We are currently in Tanzania on the way to the Serengeti. The roads are extremely bumpy and bladders are weak... the standard toilet is in the bush.... as far away from the truck as possible.

Must dash... next update soon..

Love from all.

xxx