MALAWI-Cape MacLear & Mumbo Island-Tuesday 25th-Thursday 4th July

Cape MacLear & Mumbo Island – Tuesday 25^th  – Friday 28^th  June

After arriving at Fat Monkeys in Cape MacLear on Tuesday, it is always good to be back at this section of the lake we packed & got our bags ready for Mumbo Island the following day. That evening we had a great value meal at Fat Monkeys while we watched the sun set over the lake while enjoying the antics of some local kids in their boat on the lake.

 In the morning Grant, Aimee & I were collected in the taxi, while the boys used the paddle boards to get down to Kayak Africa. After loading the bags & paddleboards on the boat we headed out to Mumbo Island on a very calm day on the lake.

 It was awesome to be back and was just as special as we had remembered. We had lazy days filled with paddling, swimming, snorkelling, sunset cruise. Lots of chilling reading and eating. It was great!

 Paddling around Mumbo
 

Family Tent

Sunset Cruise

We are now back at Fat Monkeys for a couple of days and will be heading up to Blantyre to visit my cousin, Carolyn & family.

AIMEE :CAPE MACLEAR-FAT MONKEYS & MUMBO ISLAND

24^th June – 3^rd July
Today we arrived at Fat Monkeys and had a swim in the lake. It was really great to be back here again and I was very happy. The next day we left for an island called Mumbo Island where  we stayed for two nights. It was super dooper fun! We got to have cookies, play board games, snorkel, canoe around the island and you even got three meals and don't forget dessert. When we left Mumbo and got back to the mainland, we then paddle boarded back to Fat Monkeys and then had lunch and played. Then the next day we met some new people and their names were  Christiaan and Mia. After that we just relaxed at the Lake. The next day we met the owners of Fat Monkey children and their names are Jade and Liam. The next day Jade and Liam let us go on the tube with them and it was AWESOME!!! In the afternoon we carried on playing and in the evening sat on the trampoline talking & laughing until bedtime.

 

MITCH: Cape MaClear - Fat Monkeys 25 June
Today after a long drive we arrived at Fat Monkeys. Bryce wasn't feeling well but we had a nice day supping and having fun and in the evening we had chicken and rice.

Mumbo Island 26-28 June
Today we left for Mumbo Island, this is my favourite place in the world. When we arrived we saw that nothing had changed and it was still beautiful. When we arrived we got a nice welcoming from the hostess Robyn and they took us to our rooms. These are tented camps and we stayed in the Family tented camp. We also met a few people and their names are Robyn, Elsabie and Jan. We went snorkelling and saw some amazing fish. Then came time for lunch and we got nice pizza and fesh rolls. After lunch we did some more snorkelling and supping. For supper we had delicious chicken curry and I forgot what we had but it was nice. The next day we chilled at the beach and supped and swam and we also invented a game called the Du Preez Open. In the evening we went on a sunset cruise and it was great fun. For supper we had fish &chips.

Fat Monkeys 28 June-3 July

Today when we left Mumbo I was so sad. When we arrived back at Fat Monkeys we met children called Mia and Christiaan. The next day spent the morning playing and in the afternoon we went to the market that comes to Chembe Village every Saturday. There were all the brands like Billabong, Quicksilver, Adidas, Nike and Rip Curl. The next day we met more children and their names are Joshua and Matthew. In the afternoon Mom, Bryce and I went scuba diving and it was really great and I learned a lot. The man taught us everything and at the end we got to scuba dive off Thumbi Island. I went 5m and Bryce and Mom went 10m. In evening we also played with the owners of Fat Monkey’s children and their names are Liam and Jade. On Monday we had a lazy day spent playing around the campsite and on the beach and in the afternoon we went on a tube and it was awesome.

 



 

 BRYCE:CAPE MACLEAR:FAT MONKEYS

TUESDAY 25/6/2013

Today we arrived at Fat Monkeys we were so happy to be back here and are  very excited because we are going to Mumbo Island tomorrow.

MUMBO ISLAND

WEDNESDAY 26/6/2013
Today we are going to Mumbo Island. We went last year and had so much fun that we could not wait a second longer to get to the island where there are biscuits, nuts, juice, kayaks for use and walks to go on. Once we arrived we were shown around the island by Robyn and then we went snorkelling. We saw some amazing blue fish, striped fish, dotted fish, black fish and many more. We had lunch and then went on the sups for a bit. We just relaxed for a little after our supping. We played bau on their big bau board.
THURSDAY 27/6/2013
Today we woke up and were ready to roll after a nice lazy morning. We got supping after our breakfast which was delicious. We are on the island with some other people from South Africa. We supped a lot today and also taught the hostess Robyn how to sup. There are some monitor lizzards on the island and they enjoy going for swims. When Mitch, Aimee and I were swimming a monitor lizzard swam about a meter away from Mitch luckily I was on the jetty at the time. We played bau and scrabble. We had a wonderful day.
FRIDAY 28/6/2013
This morning we were very sad that we were leaving because we have had such a good time. We had our breakfast and then soon after we had finished our meal we had to go back to main land.
 

FAT MONKEYS

SATURDAY 29/6/2013
Today we made some friends named Cristiaan and Mia. They are also from South Africa. We would go out on the sups and then jump off. We swam a lot today in the lake and had a really great time. When we went for a walk today on the beach, a group of children approached us to sing. They are trying to raise money for their U10 soccer team to go play a match in Mangochi. They called their band, "Laughter Band by Kim." They sang, " Wave your Flag, Who let the dogs, chickens and pigs out? and Welcome to Malawi." It was so cute.

SUNDAY 30/6/2013

Today Mitch and I went on our first Scuba Dive. We went with Cape Maclear Dive Center. We learnt how to do everything like how to find your mouth piece if it gets knocked out of your mouth under water, how to share your air with your buddy if they run out. How to clear water from your mouth piece, how to clear water from your goggles and lots of other necessary information. Then we started diving Mitch went down to 5m and my mom, the guide and I went down to 10m. It was really enjoyable and although I was nervous at first, once we started diving I relaxed and saw some beautiful fish. We made friends with the owners children their names are Liam and Jade they were born in Malawi. We also met some people named Matthew and Joshua travelling from South Africa.

MONDAY 1/7/2013
This morning we played with our new friends and then in the afternoon went to a man that was staying in the Campsite for a lesson with the Jade and Liam so that they could see if they would like him to be one of their tutors. After this we went on the tube behind the boat and it was awesome.

 

Blantyre

We spent 2 days with Colin, Carolyn, Belinda & Colleen at their house in Blantyre. It is always very special to spend time with my cousin, Carolyn and her family. They were still at school and very kindly lent us their car so that we were able to get around. We managed to do our grocery shopping at Shoprite, to buy some more dollars before heading into Mozambique.

We went to have a look at Carolyn's school that she teaches at and went for tea on the afternoon before we left.

 

MALAWI-Lilongwe-Senga Bay-20th -25th June

MITCH:

Lilongwe Golf Club-20 June

 Today after a long drive, my mom even drove the truck for a bit. When we arrived at the border, we knew we were in Malawi because people were playing bau. When we arrived at the campsite we setup and Bryce, Aimee and I went and played tennis. It was fun! After tennis we went and played hockey on an amazing field which is their cricket pitch & soccer field. It was so flat you could play snooker on it. In the afternoon we went to  the pool and  we had supper at the golf club. After supper we saw a soccer match and we learned that in Chechewa:Wawa=Hello

Zikomo Kwambili= Thank you

 

Njaya Campsite, Nkhata Bay-21 June

Today after a long drive we arrived at Njaya campsite. I don't have much to say because I was feeling very sick and slept for most of the day.

 Makuzi Beach Lodge 22-24 June

Today after breakfast we left for Makuzi. When we arrived we saw waves  in the lake and we were so happy. We also met children who live in Mzuzu. I don't remember all their names but the boys name was Jhonmark and one of the girls names were Megan. We spent most of the day in the water and I also caught my first wave on a SUP. The next day we had a nice morning in the water but at around 10:00 the wind was strong so we got out and in the afternoon we were boogey boarding again. If you want to find pretty rocks go to Makuzi. We collected two ice–cream tubs of rocks. ( Gran your biscuits are now officially finished!)

 

Senga Bay –Steps Campsite 24 June

Today we left for Steps. After a long drive we arrived at Steps. It has a nice pool and a tennis court at the hotel and a soccer pitch.and volley ball court at the campsite.

 BRYCE:

MALAWI-THURSDAY 20/6/2013
Today we left Zambia for Malawi. We stayed at Lilongwe golf club. There are tennis courts, a big swimming pool, a golf course, fields and a cricket pitch. We went and played on most of these.

AIMEE:

MALAWI:

When we got to Lilongwe Golf Club we had lunch and then we played tennis. After that we had a swim then had supper and went to bed. The next day we went to a place called Njaya Lodge and stayed in the parking lot. After that we went for a swim. Soon it was dark so we had supper then went to bed. The next day we went on a walk through the village with a boy that we had met, Harmony and then left for a place called Makuzi.

 

MAKUZI

When we got to Makuzi the first thing we did was swim. We met some more people who are also home schooled and their parents are missionaries in a place called Mzuzu, which we had passed through. After that we boogey boarded on the lake for the whole day!!!

Soon it was dark we had supper and then went to bed. The next day it was quite windy and after that we just relaxed.

ZAMBIA-VIC FALLS-LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK-15th-20th July

ZAMBIA:15TH - 20TH JUNE

AIMEE: ZAMBEZI WATER FRONT

When we got to the campsite we went to the pool and played a board game. In the afternoon we had lunch then played another board game. Soon it was dark and we had supper then went to bed.

Today we went to see Victoria falls from the Zambian side. It was sooooo AWESOME! This time we wore rain jackets. When we got back we had lunch and then we went for a swim at the pool. After that we went back to the truck. Soon it was dark we had supper and then went to bed.

At six o clock we left Zambezi water front and went to a place called Eureka camp near Lusaka. When we got there we saw zebras in the road  and it looked like they were waiting to get dusty. Later on we had a swim and there were giraffe in the campsite. Soon it was dark and we went to bed tomorrow we are leaving early for Chipata.

  MITCH: Zambia

Zambezi Waterfront 13-16 June
Today we left for Zambezi Waterfront in Zambia. When we arrived we went to look around the campsite. We went for a swim and we played a board game called, “ Who’s the Richest”. After that went to the restaurant to have a look. In the evening we had a braai. Today in the morning we took a taxi to Vic Falls on the Zambian side. Did you know that Vic Falls was discoverd in Zambia but the most well known side is the Zimbabwe side? When we arrived I was so excited! The first thing we looked at was the World War  memorial statue. The one thing that is most different about the two spots, is that in Zambia it is not as smart but you get much closer to the Falls. Also it is really beautiful. On the first trail we did not get wet and we didn't get too close to the Falls. Before the next trail we got our rain jackets on and went. On this trail we went over a bridge, it was amazing. We carried on with the amazing trail and I was amazed by how much water comes down the Falls every second. P.S bring rain jackets if we didn't have rain jackets we would have got drenched. At the end we saw a huge baboon and Aimee freaked out. When we got back we had a swim in the freezing cold water. After a swim we did some work. Later on Mom did the blogsite. In the evening we had pasta. Tomorrow we leave for Lusaka.
Eureka Camp 15 June
Today we had a long drive. While we were driving we did lots of work. After seven hours we arrived at Eureka Camp. When we arrived we saw impala and zebra. After we had setup we had some lunch at the restaurant. There is a clean pool and it is freezing. In the evening there was a soccer match going on and when I ran past there was silence for a second and then there was shouting because Zambia scored. In the evening we had noodles.

BRYCE: ZAMBIA

ZAMBEZI WATERFRONT-THURSDAY 13/6/2013

Today we arrived in Zambia and are staying at the Zambezi Waterfront. It has a big pool and wi-fi. There are lots of monkeys.

FRIDAY 14/6/2013
Today we went to Victoria Falls from the Zambian side, it was awesome.  First we went on a walk called The Bridge Walk. On this walk we saw the falls crashing down and the rain forest. On this walk you feel like you are going to fall because the barriers are breaking up and not very stable. We also went on a walk were you cross a bridge and because the spray from the water is crashings so hard it feels like it is raining. It is a good thing that we had ponchos with us this time. I have got to say that I liked the Zambian side more than the Zimbabwean side because you get closer to the falls and because there are less barriers you feel like you are a part of them.

TWO DAYS OF TRAVELLING

5/6/2013-6/6/2013
Today we travelled for about six hours. We finally arrived at a campsite called Eureka Campsite. They have lots of wildlife like zebra, giraffe, donkeys and a jack russel that Mitch thought was a hyena. They also had a pool here. The next day we traveled for about 7 hours. Once we arrived in Chipata we were very excited because we were going to meet some friends of ours that we met in Malawi last year and they live in Chapata. There names are Cosmos,Goretti, Demi, Candy and Lenni. We had lots of fun playing with them.

AIMEE: SOUTH LUANGWA  NATIONAL PARK.

When we got there we met other people and they were also boy- boy -girl. Soon it was dark and we went to bed. The next day we went for a run and then did some work and tonight we are going on a night drive. When we started our night drive we saw giraffe, hippo, civet, hyena and best of all we saw leopord. Now we have finally seen the big five.

The next day we went for a run and then did some exercises. After that we did some work and then went for a swim. Soon it was dark we had supper and then went to bed and tomorrow we're going to Malawi.

BRYCE: SOUTH LUANGWA MONDAY

 MONDAY 17/6/2013 - Today we left Mama Rulas to go stay at South Luangwa. Once we arrived we were very happy that there was a pool because it was a hot and bumpy drive here but that is what they call, “ an African massage.”

TUESDAY 18/6/2013 - This morning we did a run & some exercises and after that we did our work. We got more and more excited the closer it got to 16:00 because we were going on a night drive and there was a good chance of seeing leopard. This is what we ended up seeing on the night drive.:-) A Tawney Eagle which is a true eagle because of the feathers around the legs, we  also saw lots of puku which are very rare in Botswana but are like impala in Zambia. We saw hippo and did you know that there is one dominant male hippo and the rest are female in a pod of hippo unless the male invites a friend to come and live with him but if the male that was invited into the pod tries to mate with the females the dominant male will fight the invited male all day and all night. Hippos can die from these  fights. We saw elephant too. Once the sun had gone down we saw hippos feeding, civet which are beautiful creatures, we also saw genet, more puku and you won't believe it but we saw a leopard stalking its pray, it was really beautiful and smart. Did you know that cheetah relies on their chasing but leopard and lion rely on their stalking to get their food. We also saw a bushbaby on the way out of the park.

WEDNESDAY 19/6/2013 - Today we did a run  & some exercises and work. We did not do too much else besides a braai at  lunch &  a bull elephant came through the campsite.

MITCH: Eureka Camp 15 June

Today we had a long drive. While we were driving we did lots of work. After seven hours we arrived at Eureka Camp. When we arrived we saw impala and zebra. After we had setup we had some lunch at the restaurant. There is a clean pool and it is freezing. In the evening there was a soccer match going on and when I ran past there was silence for a second and then there was shouting because Zambia scored. In the evening we had noodles.

Mama Rulas - 16 June

Today after a 7 hour drive we arrived at Mama Rulas in Chipata. When we arrived we setup and went and played  a game called, “Who’s the richest but not for long . A few minutes later Bryce started chasing Aimee. In the evening we had supper with some friends we met in Malawi. Their names are Cosmas Goretti, Demmi, Lenni and Candy. We had a nice night.

 Wildlife Camp, South Luwangem- 17-20 June

Today we had a hectic drive to Wildlife camp in South Luwange National Park. Today it was the second day with clouds in the sky. It is a lovely place to stay and has a warm pool. The first place that doesn,t have a cold pool. We met people from Austrailia and played with their children. In the evening we had a braai.

Today we worked all morning and at 4:00 we went on a game drive , I was so excited!

 

 The people that took us on the game drive their names are Goerge and Joseph. Before we arrived in the park itself we saw a Tawney Eagle, it was amazing. When we were at the gate we saw a bushbuck. When we were on the bridge we saw two fisherman with a huge net fishing near hippos. Did you know that hippos dung attracts fish? The first animal we saw was an elephant. The next animal we saw were puku and impala. Then we saw a lilac breasted roller and later on we saw ground hornbills. They are huge. When we were about two hours through our drive we stopped and had sundowners. Then came the most amazing two hours of my life. The sun was down and we were on the road. The first amazing animal we saw was a servel. It was amazing the next amazing animal we saw was a genet. The next amazing animal and now one of my favourite animals a hyena. The hyena looks ugly but if you look at it carefully you will see it has a teddy bear face. Then came the great moment, wait for it…. We saw a leopard! Now we had seen all the big five. It was beautiful. After that we saw my favourite animal a bushbaby. After the game drive we went back to the truck.

 

 

Today we did work and just stayed around the campsite. In the afternoon we got a visit by an elephant while we were doing work.

ZIMBABWE-VICTORIA FALLS

ZIMBABWE-VICTORIA FALL
SATURDAY 8TH -  WEDNESDAY 12TH JUNE
After leaving Chobe Safari Lodge early on Saturday it is only 12km until you get to the Kazangula Border post. The whole border crossing only took us about 1 and a half hours.We were settled in at Vic Falls Campsite by late morning which gave us plenty of time to explore. We had met Angus and Jenni, friends of Pete and Kim's when they were visiting in Chintsa earlier this year. They had been so helpful in planning our trip and it was great to catch up with them in their home town of Vic Falls.

BRYCE: ZIMBABWE- SATURDAY 8/6/2013

Today we left Botswana for Zimbabwe. Once we had arrived at the campsite which is so close to the Victoria falls, that you can hear them and see the water that surges up. In the evening some friends of my mom and dads, Jenni and Angus came to visit.

 SUNDAY 9/6/2013

Today we went to see one of the seven wonders of the world,Victoria Falls. It was amazing! The amount of water that rushes down at once is mind blowing. The first man to record Victoria Falls was Dr David Livingston. They call it the smoke that thunders or Mosi-oa -Tunya. If you go to look at Victoria Falls you must be prepared to get wet, we decided not to take raincoats and to get soaking wet. After our visit to the amazing Victoria falls we had lunch with my mom and dads friends and their family at the falls. It was a really good day!

 

MITCH: Zimbabwe

Vic falls campsite 8-11 June

 Today we left for Zimbabwe. When we arrived at the Vic Falls campsite we set up and went into town. We are 2km away from Vic Falls. After that we went to the pool which is crystal clear and very warm. In the evening we had a braai with Angus and Jenni. Today we went for a run in the morning. Later on we went to Vic Falls, I was so excited. Did you know that Vic Falls is one of the seven wonders of the world? When we arrived we found out that we came in the high water season. The first lookout point was amazing. All the next ones we went to were even more amazing and we got more wet as we progressed. One of the last ones we couldn’t even see the waterfall because all we saw was white spray. Near the end we saw a person bungie jumping. After the falls we had lunch with Angus, Jenni and Jenni's sisters family. Their names are Luke, Trish, Garth and Courtney. After lunch we went back to the campsite and had a rest. In the evening we had curry.

AIMEE: Vic Falls Rest Camp

The next day we left Chobe Safari Lodge and went to ZIMBABWE. When we got to ZIMBABWE we went to stay at a place called Vic falls rest camp. Soon it was dark and we had some people over for supper their names were Jenni and Angus. After that we went to bed. The next day my mom had asked a man that did T-shirts and he made us awesome t-shirts that had a map of where we had been and where we are going. After that we went for a walk to Vic falls and it was AMAZING we saw one of the 7 wonders of the world and it was beyond incredible!! When we were walking and looking at all the different sights of Victoria falls we were getting so  wet we were drenched. When we went back to the restaurant at Vic falls. We had lunch with Jenni, Angus, Luke, Courtenay, Trish and Garth. When we had lunch we back to the truckt for a swim and then it was dark. We  had supper and then went to bed.

Monday 10th June: Mitch had picked up a tummy bug and was not feeling great after a very disruptive night so we stayed around the campsite doing schoolwork until lunchtime. At lunchtime we went to Vic Falls Safari Lodge to watch the feeding of the vultures. It was quite amazing seeing these huge birds circling and then as the food is thrown out descending a mere 3 metres away to devour it. They are huge up close and their wing span is quite something.

In the afternoon Bryce, Aimee & I went on a boat with Angus & Jenni.Grant stayed with Mitch at the truck as he was not feeling up to going on the boat. It is quite majestic the Zambezi River and after a quick spin on the boat, we had a picnic on the banks outside the boat club.

Picnic on banks of Zambezi

Bryce & Aimee on boat

We then went back to the campsite to collect Grant & Mitch and went to Jenni & Angus for a delicious supper.

 

TUESAY 11TH JUNE:  This morning we are at the campsite doing schoolwork, housework and some catching up.

Aimee helping to cut Grant's hair

 

AIMEE:The next day we went to go watch people feed vultures and when they see the food they fly down and spray dust everywhere. After that we went back to the truck and had rest. In the afternoon Bryce, Mom and I went on Jenni and Angus's boat, because Mitch was not feeling so good. In the night time we went to Angus and Jenni’s house for supper.

Yesterday we went for a walk and looked at the Casino and Victoria Falls Hotel.

 

Then we went back to the truck and had supper.

The next day we went on a Canopy tour and it was AWESOME!!!

It was in the gorge and beautiful and you could see the bridge that you bungy jump off. When it was done we had a rest at the truck and tonight we are going to a buffet supper that you try all different kinds of meet.

 BRYCE:MONDAY 10/6/2013
Today we did some school work. At 13:00 we went to go watch the vultures feed on food that the lodge provided for them. The vultures swarmed in on the meat. At about 16:00 we went on Jenni and Angus's boat with them. After this we went to their house for supper.
 

Kingdom Hotel

TUESDAY 11/6/2013
Today we did some school work in the morning and in the afternoon we went to see some places around Victoria Falls. These are the places we went to see the Kings Hotel, the Victoria Falls Hotel which has been running since 1904 and has been has been kept the same and the baobab were Dr David Livingston camped and would meet people for meetings. It was fun interesting.

 

WEDNESDAY 13/6/2013

 Today we went on a canopy tour over the gorge. It was super fun. We did nine slides. On number seven we went under a branch but you only dip at the last minute so you think that you are going to hit it. It was lots of fun and I hope that we can do it again sometime.
 

MITCH: Today we didn't do much because I wasn't feeling well. What we did do was go see feeding of vultures. At first there were about ten vultures and at one point we saw about eighty vultures. When we went back my Dad and I had a sleep while Mom, Aimee and Bryce had a picnic with Angus and Jenni. In the evening we went to Angus and Jenni for supper. Today I didn't feel well so we didn't do much but what we did do in the afternoon was go look at the Kingdom Lodge and the Vic Falls Hotel. At the Vic Falls Hotel we saw people bungie jumping on the bridge. In the evening we had pasta and I started feeling a bit better.

 

 
Today we went on a canopy tour at the Vic Falls gorge. On the first line we went on was a bit scary but the rest were fine. On number7 you think you are going to hit your head. At the end we got a fanta. When we got back we had a rest.



MITCH:In the evening we went first for a sun downer with Angus and Jenni. After that we went to the Boma for supper. When we arrived we got a capatana to wear. When we arrived Mom and Dad got a locle drink. For starters we got fish, crocidile, gennifoil, impala and goats cheese, we shared the started. The main course was delicious. While we were having supper there were people intertaining us. Near the end we did some drumming and we also did dancing. After the dancing the people came and sang to us. After supper we went back too the truck.

BRYCE:In the afternoon we went to the Boma for supper it was the most exciting and joyful restaurant I have ever been to. They danced, drummed, sang, made us dance and play the drums. My parents tried sorghum beer they said that it tastes terrible.

 

 

AIMEE: Before we went to Boma we went back to the place where we saw them feed vultures and watched the animals at the watering hole there where Elephant, Buffalo and warthog. When the  sun went down we went to the Boma. When they put sarong type of dresses on us and they gave us a welcoming dance and we joined in. When we got to our table they gave my mom and dad a type of beer that they said was terrible. Then they gave us starters and there was a choice of Impala, Crocodile tail, Guinea fowl and fish. When we had finished our starters then the buffet started. We had lots of stuff but when we had finished our food a man let us do drumming. Everyone joined in after that everyone danced and a lady did 4 braids in my hair and Mitch and I went to the bone man and he said I am going to marry a rich husband. Bryce, Mitch and I got our faces painted, I got a Elephant, Mitch got an Elephant and Bryce got a Hippo. When we got back we went to bed and tomorrow are going to Zambia.