Zambia

Zambia

South Luangwa

Track and Trail River Camp

When my first book was published about a year ago I was asked by the local bookstore in my hometown of Wassenaar to sign books one afternoon in may. A lot of my old classmates showed up to get a signed copy. Even an old lover dropped by. Really nice. Amongst them was also a lady who told me her son, Peter, had started a lodge in Zambia, by the Luangwa River on the edge of a beautiful wildlife park. She said that I should really pay a visit when in Zambia during the Africa phase of Streets.

I kept in contact with her and also got in contact with Peter. He invited me to come over if I would ever be in the neighborhood. 

I started the Africa phase of Streets on the 11th of July 2012. A massive adventure starting in Cape Town where I met Wade and Kate. Lovely people who showed me around this super cool city and made me feel at home on this magnificent continent right away.

As usual I was in a hurry. This continent counts 54 countries which I all will visit during the coming year and a half. Again it is a bit of a shame that I can spend only so little time in these wonderful countries. I have to keep reminding myself that it’s really work and not a super extended holiday. That’s why I didn’t spend any time in Namibia and Botswana except for taking the Streets photos. But it hurt to much to leave this fantastic area without seeing anything more than just these streets. So I decided to definitely take Peter up on his offer when I would be finished in Lusaka, Zambia for Streets.

I went to the wood market in Lusaka which was e really cool place for photos. Not everybody there appreciated me taking photos and most demanded ‘compensation’. So I couldn’t stay very long but I did get a cool shot.

I booked a ticket for the small propeller plane to Mfuwe, the little town near South Luangwa National Park, apparently one of the most beautiful ones in Africa. I had no idea what to expect.

When I arrived at Track and Trail River Camp I saw immediately that this was going to be good. Charming huts with thatched roofs overlooking the slowly flowing Luangwa river. Well kept lawns with monkeys running around and an African style open bar with a stunning view. Hippos were wading through the river uttering their typical and loud cries. Crocs warming themselves in the last rays of the sublimely setting sun. Unbelievable.

Peter came walking up with his charming girlfriend Chichi and welcomed me to his place. He showed me the riverside pool and the luxury tent where I would be staying. All very well and tastefully designed. What a place!

The next morning we got up early to venture into the park. It’s on the other side of the river although the animals don’t really see the river as a border at all. They go where they please. As they should.

After three minutes into the park we passed grazing giraffes. Herds of elephants passing right next to the car, Leopards preparing for the hunt, lions dozing in the sun. The whole safari was filled with stunning sightings and explanations by the well educated guides. From sunrise till the warming up of these endless plains. Magnificent.

Days passed while I was writing on my second book, which is almost finished now. At my own table with my laptop, being very well taken care of by the good people of Track and Trail watching the hippo’s and crocs, dreaming away to all my adventures of the past months. A perfect place to write them down.

In the afternoon I would join Peter on special photography safari’s explaining photo enthusiasts about wildlife photography giving tips and tricks. What a wonderful way to spend your days. Things got even better when I met lovely tent camp neighbor Josje who showed me the little village and took me on a moonlit night drive through the bush for a dinner at another beautiful lodge, almost bumping into a passing elephant.

The elephants and hippo’s were dropping by on a daily bases in the camp. The day before I arrived a lion was walking through the camp. At night, walking to your tent, you’d be accompanied by a designated watchman who’d get you there safely. You never get used to an elephant dropping by for lunch.

I spent a week in this perfect place and I didn’t want to leave. But the last page was written and my Africa adventure continues. I’m off to the Zambezi River to marvel at the largest waterfall in the world: Victoria falls.

Not bad either. But I will return to Track and Trail for sure. It’s one of those rare places I sometimes have the luck to find on my way. Which steal my heart in an instant. Thank you all so much. And see you soon!