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Departure: Kitwe (Lowden Lodge)
Destination: Lusaka (Jerry Grieve)
Date Time Start: 2018/05/18 08:33
Date Time End: 2018/05/18 17:02
Total Travel Time: 08h29
Odometer Start: 88,834
Odometer End: 89,191
Total Distance (km): 357.00
Weather:
Lowden Lodge: Partly cloudy at 19C
Lusaka: Partly cloudy at 26C
Trip Summary:
Today's departure was the most leasurely departure to date. I got up at 06h30 for a 07h00 breakfast. Jerry Grieve and his colleagues were also having breakfast so it was sociable. I confimed with Jerry that I will take up his offer and stay with him in Lusaka. We shared mobile numbers and his address. At 08h00 I said farewell to everyone and headed back to finish packing my stuff.
Janet suggested I head through Luanshya and Mpongwe to avoid the big trucks through Ndola. While the route was a bit further, it was still faster than going through Ndola. As streets and directions are VERY POORLY marked throughout Zambia, Janet provided a rough map on how to get through Luanshya.
The route was about 20km longer but quicker with a short section of potholes. Once you join the T3 and T2, the big trucks, speed humps and police control points ensure the average speed is well under 80 km/hr.
Janet Kay provided directions on how to get through Luanshya
By 13h19, I was saddle weary and decided to drop in at the Fringilla Lodge for coffee and cake. As I sat down, Andrew, the son of George the owner of the Lodge, came over with a young Dutch couple. We introduced ourselves and the Dutch couple joined me at my table. They were touring Zambia and wanted feedback on my experience so far. Andrew asked if I was sleeping over and I replied "No, I slept over on 15th May". Andrew asked if I was the guy who complained about the poor beef fillet. He apologised and provided a free coffee and cake - Thanks Andrew, much appreciated.
Andrew insisted on us having some of their beef boerewors sausage for lunch. It was really good!
IMPORTANT: Andrew indicated that next time I must contact him to arrange a Zambezi to Zambia trip as he could provide excellent advice as he does own a place on the Zambezi where they do Tiger Fishing.
I eventually left at 15h00 after sharing travel plans with the Dutch couple and Andrew.
The traffic through Lusaka is heavy and slow. Luckily a bike allows you to get through a bit faster. Fellow road users are generally very polite and stick to the traffic rules that makes life easier.
As the going was slow, I got the best mileage from the BMW - 600km on 30 litre and I still had 3 litres left in the tank.
I followed my GPS to Jerry's address that took me to the wrong address in the middle of a rural part of town. I then used Google Maps to find the correct location.
I arrived at Jerry's place before he did which gave me time to shower. His domestic, Suzie, had prepared a good dinner. Jerry has had a fascinating career that has taken him to various Southern African countries, including South Africa, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Zambia and is a source of inspiration and knowledge.
GENERAL:
While travelling through Zambia, I noticed many Churches in the rural areas. One of the common churches is Jehovah's Witnesses. This specific church seems to have a specific formula where the buidings are all the same and most have a pretty hedge or tree-line pathway leading up to the church.
Coffee Break at Fringilla Lodge
Gerry's Home in Lusaka
Accommodation: Jerry's Home
Jerry was very generous and hospitable. We had a delicious home cooked dinner and enjoyed an after dinner whisky before retiring to bed.
Philip and Jerry
Lowden Lodge - Mr Kay restored this old Land Rover
Jehovah's Witnesses Church
Google Sites
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