17-Apr-2009 -- This is the 61st of a series of 83 confluence visits during our voyage from Nigeria to Europe and back to Nigeria around the entire African continent. It all started on 28 January 2008 at 11N 5E.
Story continues from 6S 36E.
We were leaving Chipata early in the morning. Our destination was Lusaka. After driving a hundred km we found a promising turnoff toward the Confluence. About 5 km from the Confluence, we were stopped by some locals and were asked to go and see the king and inform him about the reason we were here and ask for permission to continue. After further questioning and looking at the area, we found out there is no path in the desired direction and consequently, we did not see the king and returned to the main road. It was quite an interesting village; unfortunately we did not have much more time.
We continued for a few km along the main road and found another promising turn off in the desired direction. We had mixed feelings to give it another try, since all the bad fortune we had experienced in Malawi. However, we tried and got very slowly but surely closer and closer to the Confluence. We managed to drive as close as 800 m to it.
The remaining distance we walked up and down through very hilly terrain. Twice we came past some huts used for harvesting. Some young girls were busy with some beans. They were very surprised in seeing us and slowly disappeared into the bush, warning all others in the area. Watched from a save distance by the locals, we continued to the Confluence, made our pictures, and returned to the car. At last we got a successful visit...
Continued at 24S 29E.