Livingstone to Kafue National Park

Embarking on the next leg of our adventure after soaking in the grandeur of the Mighty Victoria Falls in Livingstone, we set our compass towards the Kafue National Park. Our path to Kalomo was relatively smooth sailing, aside from the occasional truck that made us feel like a game of roadworthy dodgeball was in session. As we turned onto the D714, we were introduced to Zambia's signature – its main sand roads. The first 20 kilometres had us bouncing like popcorn kernels in a pan. With each jolt and jounce, we realized that a tire pressure drop was in order, an attempt to tame the unruly terrain. 

However, if there's a universal travel truth in Zambia, it's this: when a Zambian says a journey takes four hours, it's a prudent move to tack on an extra two for good measure. It turns out that some roads are practically an enigma to those who give directions. Hours later, after what felt like a zigzagging odyssey, we finally arrived at the Kafue South Gate. 

Now, brace yourself for the bureaucratic tango. It seems that not all dollar bills are created equal in the eyes of the gatekeeper. We experienced a surreal comedy as the bureaucrat performed a dollar bill origami show, rejecting notes that lacked the right creases or vintage charm. After some dollar-shuffling acrobatics, we finally managed to appease the gatekeeper's currency preferences and proceeded into the park. 

Amidst this paper ballet, it was decided that our American comrades should lead the way, leaving us to follow once the dust cloud had settled. Trusting the intel that the road was manageable – a straightforward path, if you will – they ventured ahead. The reality, though, was a bit less "straightforward" and a lot more off-road adventure. We watched the clock tick as we waited for their arrival at Hippo Bay. 

And arrive they did, but not without some tales to tell. Our intrepid Americans had taken the D769, a seemingly innocent route through the park. However, this path turned into a cotton sand nightmare, with a low-range 4x4 mode engaged for a gruelling 50 kilometres. It was as if the sand was conspiring to test their mettle and their vehicle's prowess. 

Apologies were exchanged, blame was absent from the conversation, and relief was palpable as we were all reunited. The chief guide, in a gesture of camaraderie, offered his apologies to the group. Collectively, we found solace in being back together again, realizing that the journey, regardless of its twists and sand-filled turns, was best experienced as a united front. 

So, from the drama of dollar bills to the unexpected off-road endeavours, our journey to Kafue National Park was a blend of bureaucratic comedy and adventurous twists. If there's one lesson to take away, it's that in the realm of travel, the unexpected is often the most memorable part of the journey.

Zambezi Waterfront Camp, the one and only oasis for adventurers looking to camp in Livingstone. They've got a deck , complete with a bar that knows its way around a pizza oven. And hold onto your taste buds, because their à la carte menu . Now, let's talk about sunsets.  The sunset from the deck at Zambezi Waterfront  is like Mother Nature pushing the sun into the mighty Zambezi. As for the camping sites, well, they're a bit like solving a Rubik's Cube – challenging, especially if your trailer is sporting the 4x4 genes. But fear not, they've got you covered by beautiful tree canopy. And there's electricity, which is a win. Ablutions in Zambia seem to be an afterthought and so far we are yet to find anything we could rave about. We venture into the wilds of Livingstone in search of the elusive African gin. We were directed down an alley that could have doubled as a shortcut to an Indiana Jones treasure hunt. We arrived at the Dread Village, hoping to find our gin sanctuary. What did they have, you ask? Everything but the gin we were hunting. It's like the universe was playing a game of "let's tease the gin seekers." As we rambled on through Livingstone, we stumbled upon a coffee shop. Naturally, we seized the opportunity and grabbed some top-tier coffees faster than you can say "caffeine fix." The next day, it was like déjà brew when we did it all over again before waving farewell to Livingstone on our way to Kafue Gate. In a nutshell, our Zambezi Waterfront adventure included glam camping, gin-seeking escapades that led us down dodgy alleys, and a coffee quest that might just earn us honorary caffeine badges. If you're up for a mix of luxury camping, and coffee conquests, well, Livingstone is ready to welcome you with open arms – and maybe a cup of joe.Top of Form Bottom of Form