Day 56: Pioneer Camp (Lusaka) – Mvuu Lodge Campsite (Lower Zambezi)

The Leopard Hill Road to the Lower Zambezi is notorious, with reviews ranging from "a bit rocky, but nothing unusual" to "just don't drive it." We take the route out of pure curiosity and because the main road via Chirundu will probably be our way back.

Conclusion: The first 60 km or so are harmless. Then comes a section of uphill (the final climbs) and downhill of about 15-20 km, which has some really nasty sections, washed out and rocky, and with a steep drop in places. The rest is regular bumpy road, but it drags on until we reach our destination.

And unfortunately, Becky now has a dent and a scratch in her passenger door. She didn't take the right direction and slipped a bit... But we'll be able to fix it!

The route might be a bit more scenic in the sunshine, but we had hoped for more great views of the mountains overall.

Mvuu Lodge is the campsite closest to the gate of the Lower Zambezi National Park. It's not cheap (camping with a river view costs US $30 per person per night), but it's fantastic and strategically located.

By the way: Mvuu means hippo, and we're on the site of the same name, where we see tons of animals in the river.

We're happy to be there after seven hours, get a fire started, fry some fried eggs, and enjoy the spot. In the evening, Nick and Samantha surprise us with a beer. They're staying in the chalet because the campsite is fully booked. It's "African Freedom Day," and Monday is also free for many of us.