The plan was a 12 hour, 750 km drive from Kiambi Lodge on the lower Zambezi to Crocodile Valley in the South Luangwa National Park. The first 2/3 of the drive on mostly smooth tarmac roads went as planned and it was a pleasure to see the hills and valleys of the beautiful Zambian countryside. Our navigating app had done wonders on the unmarked roads of Chobe and the route to South Luangwa was clearly outlined with towns and villages to pass along the way.
With 250km remaining, we turned off the tarmac of Great East Road at the town of Petauke and followed our map app over mostly dirt roads for another 50km. The small demotion to the level of our comfort from the dirt road and occasional potholes was readily accepted as it meant we were getting closer to the National Park, our campsite, and dinner. But with 200kms to go, suffice to say we were surprised when the mostly smooth dirt road turned into separate tracks with grass and shrubbery in the middle. It is important at this point to mention Ross and I are both familiar with the sunk cost fallacy and both believed our logical minds would help us evade losses during the trip.
Suffice to say the road did not improve as we continued. Double dirt tracks deteriorated into a wide motorcycle track which turned into a smaller bicycle track which eventually turned into a pedestrian walking trail. Surrounded by tall grass, reeds and sugarcane at one point, we could see no road at all and as I drove straight through the bush Ross gave readings from the navigation app every 10 seconds.
Fortunately for us, Bubbles handled the situation like a champion and we pushed through the bush and found an actual road. Ten minutes later, we were rewarded with some juvenile lions playing on the side of the road. It seems we had entered South Luangwa National Park through little used “road” and now had 70km of night time game driving to arrive to our campsite. We soon saw plenty of game as the “road” through the park was mostly passable. Just when we thought the worst was over, Bubbles sprang a leak in the front driver side tire. Tired and ready for bed, I suggested we camp on the road. Unlike me, Ross was not scared of the dark or animals and soon we were out of the car changing the tire.
Tire changed and 25km to go, we carried on and were shortly rewarded with seeing BIG CATS! Two lions lounging by the side of the road. It was fantastic to see them in the wild and from the safety of inside the car. After some pictures we got going and finally arrived to Crocodile Valley Camp. It was a short 17 hour journey and we were glad it was over.
Joburg to Scotland 