It’s hard to believe it’s been three years since I started this little corner of the internet! Back then, I was just starting out, full of ideas and a touch of nervous excitement. Now, as I look at the amazing community of over 200 followers, I’m filled with so much gratitude.
Thank You!
From the bottom of my heart, thank you to each and every one of you who has followed along on this journey. Your comments, shares, and likes mean the world to me. They fuel my passion to keep creating and sharing content that I hope you find informative, engaging, or just plain entertaining.
Celebrating Together
To celebrate this milestone, I did this write up just to thank you all for being there. I have learned so much from many blogs I follow and hope to keep learning from you all.
Here’s to Many More!
Here’s to many more years of learning, creating, and connecting with this wonderful community. I’m so excited to see what the future holds for this blog, and I can’t wait to share it all with you.
Just because I tell stories of solo adventures, does not mean I have avoided group adventures. Group travel is more cost effective than individual one. When you travel with others, you feel a sense of security especially when in remote locations. Group travel also provides opportunities to meet new people and make friends with like-minded people.
I felt this way about the trip to Lower Zambezi. Some of the things I loved about this trip were:
1) The preps
As one who loves food blogging mostly through restaurant reviews, I would have loved to share step-by-step how I prepared the mouth-watering roasted spiced potatoes with meatballs in onion rings dish and vanilla cake for dessert. It’s always exciting to be in the kitchen and more so if it has to do with a trip. I loved the other preparations like packing of things we were going to be using.
2) The wonders of an 11 hour road trip
It is a known fact that a road trip can be relaxing. I loved this trip because as earlier mentioned, it was one done with like-minded people. Sing-along songs were done naturally, goofing around was welcome and I think that is why some people prefer group trips to solotrips. We passed through many towns like Kitwe, Ndola, Kapiri Mposhi, and Lusaka to get to the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe. You will find the Zambezi River here and surprisingly in many parts of the country because it happens to be one of the longest rivers in Africa.
3) Camping out
Camping solo sounds like a thrilling activity if the place is one having wild animals. I know of some places here like hostels in the middle of a city yet have camping sites. This does not appear the same as camping in or near a national park with all sorts of wildlife. Some dangerous, some not. This is not the sort of place to do a loner camping trip unless you are as brave as the Incredible Hulk. I am glad we were a team.
In certain parts of the world, camping is more common than in other places. In this part of the country, tourists coming from outside the country camp more than locals. I must say we are missing out on lots of fun here. Some lodges in the outskirts do offer camping space and we enjoyed this service at Kiambi Safari Lodge.
We had enough camping space next to the Zambezi River and if we wanted to, we could have been in the other type of accommodation offered like chalets and cabins but that was not the style of this trip. The good thing about being with people who are expert campers is that you just tag along or help where you can. I learned several things I am gonna try out on my next camp trip. I loved the spot and the fact that the convenience block was close to our tents. There were times I imagined myself face to face with some large animal on my way to the restrooms because of the signposts that were around.
4) Great views on boat rides
It was not enough to just camp next to the Zambezi River but also enjoy the lovely scenery on the boat. Kiambi Safari Lodge did offer boat rides. Boating on this long river is a must-do. I loved the beautiful scenery of mountains on the horizon, the greenery as well as the presence of some animals on water. Elephants were found in these waters either on their own or in numbers. Because we were on the water, most animals spotted were crocodiles, hippos that were trying to cool off, elephants, and bird life. I am not sure what sort of birds make holes like this but the woodpecker was my guess. On the other hand, I figured woodpeckers only make holes on tree bucks.
5) Driving through the national park
As we approached the Lower Zambezi National Park gate, we found a signpost having some park rules that should be followed. It was a long drive around and through the park and to be honest, all of us were dying to come face to face with a lion. We have heard enough stories of those who have found the lion on these park drives. Did we find the lion or the lions? Was this our lucky day?
We were happy to see water bucks and I liked the species that had a white ring on their backside. I was only lucky to take a photo of one because they are jumpy or scared. Not to sound ungrateful to mother nature but I have seen enough antelopes. We saw loads of them and I think I have seen enough to last a lifetime.
The national park is graced with lots of chimpanzees and monkeys. Having seen lots from the monkey family, I was dying to see animals I don’t see often. The elephants were in numbers here. It was a treat to spot warthogs and buffalos because I don’t get to see them often. The other animals I should say I was happy to see were zebras. These I do not get to see often and I thought their close friends, the giraffes would be close by but this was not our lucky day to spot them. And just like the giraffes, the lions were not within our reach. I can’t say I was that disappointed but coming here again just to see a lion may or may not be possible so better luck next time.
6) Lasting moments
Lasting moments should be to end this trip with a good evening on a sunset cruise enjoying our last moments here. This scene is unforgettable. And because the weather is chilly during this time of the year, having a fire place set was a perfect idea telling all our stories there and having some other campers around was nice. This last evening made me want to rewind select, so we relive the four days again. I also thought of this because it was when we heard a lion roar from a distance and I was happy that though we didn’t see the lion on the game drive, this was an audible gift from this beast.
Being female comes with its own blessings and curses.We love our male folk but sometimes the feeling of surviving without them around paralyses many a female folk that some have decided to embrace the paralysis and not pursue their dreams.
Without really targeting any culture, it is a well known fact that in some cultures, what women are capable of doing freely, they can’t really do in others. In the African culture, a woman is seen as one who is a helper at home and don’t get me wrong, in many cultures, I should think that is the case. With that being said, the issue of traveling should not be much of a problem until they hear the word ‘solo’. I mean, where are you going on your own?
In my opinion, this question could be coming from the fact that even males do am sure get fearful when traveling on their own. But can this fear be overcome? Can it magically just disappear after sessions with a therapist? There is no one good answer but my observation travelling in Southern African counties as one who belongs in this region, I noticed there are some fears that grip that one female ( especially from Africa) from just stepping outside one’s comfortable place
After travelling to a few countries here in Southern Africa, it’s safe to say these are some of the reasons other females have not stepped out of their comfort zones.
1)How do I even fit in?
It’s no doubt that some people fuss over food, friendships and to some extent, why not?I am used to having my English breakfast, why should I have chapati, omelette, lemon tea and fruit for breakfast ( which by the way was the kind of breakfast I had in Kenya)
Part of travel involves experiencing culture that is different from yours.You could either go and entirely refuse to be a part of it or embrace it. How can you do that? Embrace change, accept differences, go to the park and mix with locals. There is of course the danger in some places of being bullied for being different. At one time in East Africa, I could clearly get that I was being mocked for not knowing the local language
The sure way out of this is really to adopt a care free attitude. Let them talk about how you speak differently, don’t allow yourself to be bothered by that because some locals embrace foreigners. Train your taste buds to accept change, chances are that though different, you may like some foods and ultimately, the other way to overcome the feelings of not fitting in is to stop being judgemental and stereotypical.
2)Will I be safe?
This feeling of not being safe affects many even in places we call home. The feeling is just worse in an unfamiliar place. Hundred percent safety is not a guarantee everywhere but some things that will keep you safe are things like avoiding walking late nights on your own, being intoxicated and try at all costs to keep your stuff safe (bank cards, passport, cash etc) and I have seen some keep their documents in a secure sash that goes in one’s underwear. Pretty cool.
3) Loneliness?
It’s funny how some travellers feel embarrassed or is it insecure of having a meal on their own.Which one is better, to ditch that solo trip because you can’t be on your own, or wait ages or forever for that group trip? I am okay with enjoying that meal on my own.It is embedded in some minds that when you travel alone, you are alone and lonely all the time but that is not true. Starting from your mode of transport which could be a plane, cruise, train or bus to the hotels, hostels and what not, you do meet or find people everywhere. Loneliness is sometimes a negative mindset you should shake off.
4) Family disapproval
Males travelling is usually not as much of a problem in families as opposed to females doing the same.Sometimes it is our family members that disapprove of the solo travel. One way that has worked for me is to update them of my whereabouts and everything you are upto. Taking good care of yourself everytime you travel and family having confidence in you and how well you take care of yourself, will reduce their complaints.
The goal of this hike and campout was to build endurance and so the guide only helped carry our tents in his car and the really heavy stuff otherwise all those personals like our bags, food, drinks, and all were for us to carry. I can’t stress enough but this load caused a lot of energy from me to be sucked dry. I thought the challenge was just taking that hike carrying nothing but boy was I wrong.
I am not sure what expert campers carry for food, snacks, drinks, and all but this is not glamping and my sleeping disorder of having ‘earlier nights’ really tried my patience. I am not gonna stay up late cooking up a storm! On our menu which the instructor had us make were 2 minute noodles, canned beans, and vegetables. Mother nature did supply us with some mushrooms. We picked some fresh ones and added them to our meal. What a treat it was!
THE HIKE DISTANCE
DAY ONE
The starting point was set for us. Maps were given to us as well. The guide had given us a mini training on how geography works. (Geography was not exactly my favorite subject in school…..so) but if I could understand the map so can you.
We studied it. We also had never been down this trail but the guide had been and he wasn’t supposed to spill all the beans about where we headed.
Off we went down this endless trail and frankly speaking, it was refreshing. We told stories and all until we stopped for water, rest to take a leak, or to allow rest for our bodies since they protested against tiredness. We covered both flat and hilly places, stony and watery places. The good news is we managed to cover half the required number of kilometers for the day.
The target was to use this one route that was like 10 kilometers to the camping grounds. We started at about 9 o’clock to 5 pm and found the guide had prepared our camping spot, pitched the tents already and all that was left was to tell some night stories and call it quits for the day ….. and we did!
HIKE DAY TWO
I woke up to music from the birds and the ground was wet from the night showers and I hoped to hike on dry ground. We didn’t need continental or English breakfast but we did stuff ourselves with some bread, beans, juice, and the remainder of the previous night’s meal. It was perfect to start another day of a 10-kilometer hike.
At this point, I was done enjoying nature. I just wanted OUT!! I picked up my tired pieces with the help of my team and we walked through that trail. The second hike had more hilly and stony land. Very uncomfortable. My teammates developed blisters on their feet but their drive to want to finish the 10 kilometers fueled mine. Fast forward, we made it!
THE HIGHS AND LOWS
The high of this hike and camp was how I got a certificate to be a Duke of Edinburgh Award and Adventurous journey leader. I also enjoyed nature and being away from the usual.
The low was that at one spot which happened to be a picture taking place because of the beautiful scenery, we were stopped from taking pics because it was believed to be a shrine, and taking pictures would upset the spirits. Can you imagine!?
Every time one thinks of a campsite, it has to include spending a night there and though that is the main reason for a campsite, a day trip to a campsite can be so much fun too.
Depending on the campsite location, you could end up having lots to see in terms of nature and just enjoying an outdoor experience. That thought crossed my mind. I didn’t want to camp out, I just wanted to be up close and personal with nature.
If only I could get closer…
I hired some transport, had some company and we bought what was necessary for a day trip in the outskirts. What sort of food can I recommend for such a trip?
1) Roasted chicken
2)Drinks and water period
We aren’t camping out so that should do.
We got there. We finally saw Nsobe campsite in Ndola city of Zambia. The campsite is perfect for fishing for those who love to do so. I didn’t go for that.
The one-hour road trip was filled with upbeat music, stories to tell, and anticipation of seeing giraffes! I knew I was gonna love this trip!
My quest to find giraffes may not have been a success as I heard that the campsite just had about six to seven of them and they were probably in hiding but I spotted zebras, which was a good alternative.
I couldn’t move closer to them
Nsobe camp site or game reserve has in it some caged reptiles and my favorite was a python snake at the snake spot.
I just learned you could mingle with them because their bite is not venomous.
For that reason, I did have a show time with them. I did mingle with the tiny snakes too and the funny thing is how even in pictures, it would take an eagle’s eye to see that was a snake I was holding.
Believe you me…. that’s a snake not a shoe lace
If camping is your thing and you happen to be in Zambia, do give this place a try. As the day came to an end, I appreciated the beauty of sunsets in this place.
At one point or the other, we all want to appear in control of things and interacting with lions is the perfect platform to appear martial.Ever thought of an escapade like this one?I would recommend trying it out in the southern part of a country called Zambia, in Africa.
🤪
A company called Mukuni Big 5 is home to let’s just say ….friendly lions.You never really wanna trust a lion is tamed now…do you?Chances are that you may end up being shred to pieces.On the other hand, you may end up giving yourself a badge of honor for interacting with them.
What are my discovered advantages of these acts or stunts of bravery?
1) Discovering the beast is actually a beauty
When one watches some animal documentaries that focus on predators like lions hunting, you can’t help but think negatively even about the tamed ones.But when you do this tour, you actually realize these animals have a side to them that is beautiful and experiencing that first hand does something to you.It gives you confidence and changes your image of these beasts.
2) Injecting confidence in your system
Like mentioned earlier, this experience injects confidence in you.If I have to be honest with myself and others,I just wanted the badge of honor but being the lions was the most uncomfortable one hour of my life and I actually gave up 30 minutes into the tour that I was gonna die with fear.The cuddly looking beasts gave me a fright.
3) Inspire others to try the stunt
All it takes to do certain things is see others do it.I am writing this because at one point, I was Inspired to try it by others,whether it was my friends or the tour guides that Inspired me.
The tour starts with you making a payment and signing papers that you are 18 years old and above.No under age please….. though I have heard one or two stories about teens who still wanna try it ( don’t know if that’s advisable)
You are at liberty to pick which animal you intend to interact with.Scared to go wilding? Then try the less ferocious creatures like the elephants which are also found there …….or just watch them through the fence…All in all, do try this place.
WanderwithFaith 