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Casabio Chronicles
  • Casabio Chronicles
  • Casabio Chronicles

Casabio Chronicles

A botanical expedition through Africa documenting plants and animals along the way and sharing our adventures. Our focus will be on the relictual survivors of Africa with a focus on the sky-islands, the mountains with their heads in the clouds. Lue lisää
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  • Casabio ChroniclesCasabio ChroniclesMatkaaja
    The shores of Lake Tanganyika.
    The shores of Lake Tanganyika.Sunsets and papaya.On the shores of Lake Tanganyika.Women collecting shells to crush and feed to their chickens.Swamp camping, look at how thrilled I look!Kalaharia uncinata. There are two species, the other from Congo with yellow flowers.Tylosema esculentum - The marama bean. Roasted seeds: a nutty flavour. Tubers: boiled or baked.COFFEE!!!!!!!! Give me coffee!!!!!!Look at this cool Bagworm Moth bag!Sunset splendor.A peak inside our tent where one sleeps eventually and the other meets insomnia often.Ankole-Watusi cattle, their horns help to regulate heat in hot climates.Hitching a secret ride to the Kasesha border crossing:)

    Tanzanian transit

    1.–4. lokak. 2025, Sambia 🌬 22 °C

    Deciding at the last minute to bypass Burundi, we got a short transit visa for Tanzania and headed for Zambia.

    Here are some of our pics from the journey, wild camping in swamps, alongside dusty roads, and in abandoned borrow pits. We took advantage of the breathtaking sunsets and delightful plant species on the route. Mother Nature is, as always, beaming with loveliness!

    During this time, I learned that David and I have vastly different views on an “acceptable wild camping spot”. The swamp, while wonderful to explore, is not the place to set up camp. Mosquitoes on steroids, many community members at all hours of the day and night using this area to fish, bathe, and resource from for other purposes, and obviously wet muddy feet = wet muddy tent. While not ideal for me, David absolutely loved it! Needless to say, I certainly had a moment of “losing my shit” and learning something about myself.    Lue lisää

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    The setting sun.
    The setting sun.Walk at dusk.The rising moon.Casamunji cafe and coffee shop, just go there to eat if you are in Mbala!Casamunji cafe and coffee shop.

    Icalo ca Zambia

    4.–6. lokak. 2025, Sambia ☁️ 23 °C

    Meeting Sue and Kevin and staying with them at Casamunji in Mbala was just what we needed after our Tanzanian transit swamp trauma 😊
    Casamunji was a gentle welcome to Zambia, offering freedom to move, explore, rest, and enjoy.

    Sue is a fantastic chef who prepares a killer cappuccino, is famous for her Lasagna, and burgers that not only fill the gap but necessitate a second portion due to utter deliciousness!    Lue lisää

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    Shiwa Ngandu

    8. lokakuuta 2025, Sambia ⛅ 28 °C

    Just before entering Zambia, David’s brother suggested that we take the opportunity to visit this estate built by Sir Stewart Gore-Browne. There is a book called “The Africa House,” which is an account of the life of Sir Stewart Gore-Browne as a soldier, pioneer white settler, politician, and supporter of African independence.Lue lisää

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    All Zambian roads lead to Lari!
    All Zambian roads lead to Lari!As the sun rises!Sunset peace!Reading maps!Tea time is chat time.Starlink mini setup!Amy and David were in 1st year together at UCT back in the day!11

    Our time with Lari!

    10.–14. lokak. 2025, Sambia ⛅ 30 °C

    When plant people connect and spend some time together, exceptional things happen. David and I met Lari Merrett, co-author of "A Field Guide to the (Wetter) Zambian Miombo Woodland", and it felt like old friends coming together after years of not seeing each other.

    In between early morning yoga, meeting up with an old university friend, nature walks, orchid hunting, starlink mini setup, Mosi beer/ tea drinking, sharing photographs, mealtime laughter, and working together responding to a hydro power plant proposal in the Mutinondo, we soaked up every waking moment with her and left feeling plump, rich, in awe, and more knowledgeable.

    Thank you, dear Lari, for your heart!    Lue lisää

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    Dear Quinten!
    Dear Quinten!Sun rises!Erythrina abyssinica. First saw this entering Uganda. It's fairly common up here and easily spotted.Flowers of Combretum molle. Like with most flowers here it was sweet smellingFluffy fruit of Clematis - the travellers joy.OchnaAnsellia african - leopard orchid due to dots on the petals. Occasionally encountered in the miomboSecuridaca longipedunculata. A tree polygala that is fairly common and attention grabbingLittle worm infested fruit of Olax!1Techno Kids Montessori Pre-school!Teacher Moses in a group lesson.Children are free to explore and touch! This is their house!Reading during the work cycle in between activities.Ohhhhh, a tent on the roof of a car! So exciting!What joyful play! Our tent is the luckiest tent in all of tent land!

    Our cataractophile/artist/friend!

    15.–17. lokak. 2025, Sambia ☀️ 20 °C

    As our first place to stay in Lusaka, Quinten graciously offered us a camping space in his garden, took us on an early Monday morning walk, and poured us (well, more accurately, Shereen) some of the Gin he makes from the fruits found on his property.

    Quentin Allen, your studio was my favourite thing to see, and thank you for making art the way that you do in this world!

    While David was out and about in town, I spent the day with the remarkable children and guides at Techno Kids Montessori Pre-school in Lusaka. The Montessori pedagogy feels like home to me, and being offered the opportunity to observe fellow Montessorians in other countries serving children builds my spirit and nourishes me deeply. Thank you, Teachers Moses and Ester, for your grace!  And thank you, dear children, for your curiosity, playfulness, and constant reminders that your openness is rare and to be deeply respected!    Lue lisää

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    A hawkmoth caterpillar nibbling on Nick's prize Adenium
    A hawkmoth caterpillar nibbling on Nick's prize AdeniumOne of Nick's Adenium obesum collectionBreathtaking Adenium example1Nick and Shereen are dwarfed by his Agave victoriae that he planted some 15 years agoI really want to post Nick's Adeniums to the Gram, but don't want to fan the illegal succulent tradeStrophanthus boivinii. We had seen Strophanthus welwitschii in the miombo woodland as contextA delicious Syzygium fruit. Need to get the name from NickNick's enormous arumsA local Zambian TulbaghiaCostus macranthus. A ginger relative. This species has leaves resembling pineapple flower, Eucomis.One of the tall Eulophia orchids outside his front door.Time for food! Note the Lemon meringue pie fruit, Rollinia deliciosa in the background. A fun treat!Sharing botanical delights!The Wightman family!

    Great minds meet!

    17.–18. lokak. 2025, Sambia ☀️ 32 °C

    David Gwynne-Evans meets Nicholas Wightman, both of you are botanists………. And that is the last we see of these two for a few hours.

    Nick's garden and the work he has done for Zambian flora and conservation are noteworthy. It certainly was a highlight.  So encouraging to meet up with many scientists in Zambia who share the same passion!Lue lisää

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    Catching a break from the troop dynamics.Some hostilities playing out between rival troopsThis guy took his bananas up into the tree to enjoy them in peace.There were a number of violent clashes with attendent screeching. Bone chilling stuff!Little guy hunting for some bananas

    Chimfunshi Wildlife Trust

    19.–21. lokak. 2025, Sambia ☀️ 29 °C

    En route, we discovered Chimfunshi Wildlife Orphanage in northern Zambia. It is one of the oldest and largest chimpanzee sanctuaries in the world. It is home to more than 150 chimpanzees and numerous wildlife species on more than 10,000 hectares of forested land on the banks of the Kafue River in the Copperbelt region.

    The chimpanzees come to Chimfunshi from all over the world after being rescued from poachers, from amusement parks, or from private keepers.

    While David’s curiosity regarding Chimps was momentarily satiated, I felt disgusted by humanity’s capacity for cruelty and deeply discouraged that places such as Chimfunshi need to exist at all! Loathsome, disconnected, repulsive humans!    Lue lisää

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    To the Jimbe border crossing.

    23.–26. lokak. 2025, Sambia ⛅ 25 °C

    The roads that lead to the Jimbe border crossing between Zambia and Angola are abundantly rich in landscape, floral delights, and insects of all kinds. The journey to the border took us a few days, wild camping in vast open spaces and having trouble getting going the next day due to our inability to tear ourselves away from the endless botanizing opportunities!Lue lisää

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    We camped in between Zambia and Angola for a night!
    We camped in between Zambia and Angola for a night!The wildness of the road, I LOVE it!1Mud play.1Bean the very new rally driver.... Unsure of herself!

    The Jimbe border crossing.

    26.–27. lokak. 2025, Angola ☁️ 21 °C

    Ahhhhh, so this border post is a small, rural post with difficult road conditions, particularly on the Angolan side. Not suitable for large trucks, and only small 4x4 vehicles can pass. The crossing has limited staff and minimal electricity…. all of which we loved!!!!!! This is the best way, in our opinion, to get into Angola. The challenges were more amazing adventures (although we did damage our car), and after a few days, we made our way onto tarred roads and were well on our way to larger cities. Without a doubt, the most enjoyable transition from one country to another.Lue lisää

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    Taking a closer look.
    Taking a closer look.These wonderful men, making a plan!The temporary fix.When waiting for Skyla to be fixed, why not make some art and eat a green mango!In the queue for petrol. So well ordered compared to Zambia!1Look at that produce.Our bribery beer!

    Skyla is in need of TLC.

    29. lokakuuta 2025, Angola ☁️ 29 °C

    After those off-road adventures, Skyla needed some serious TLC.  Turns out the stabilizer rod snapped, and we suspect that one of our shock absorbers is no longer as happy as they were in the past.

    Alas, the wonderful folk in Saurimo offered us a temporary solution until we could find a larger city to get a complete replacement.

    We also found a Shoprite, which we obviously went into and stocked up on some treats, including beers that were on special (to be used mostly for thirsty people along the way, should they need a cold lobation)!    Lue lisää

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    2Mushroom foraging!Look at these seed pods! We call it the moustache pod!Bodies of water all over Angola, we took any baths!Best tub in the world!Birthday treats for the Been!Where we get moola from.All the baobab pulp for sale along the way.Birthday supper! Whoop Whoop, so much good food!

    To Luanda and beyond…………

    30. lokak. – 1. marrask. 2025, Angola ☁️ 28 °C

    The route to Luanda is paved with many magical moments.

    Mushroom foraging, finding Clitoria, roadside birthday treats, finding ATM’s, queuing at the ATM’s, finally getting money, stopping for palm products to try – The palm beer was unexpectedly delicious and got stronger in the heat of the car, and finally finding a place for dinner in the busy city!Lue lisää

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    Luanda city.
    Luanda city.Mechanic # 1!Mechanic #2!Our fellow adventurers, heading South!Ahhhh a pool in the warm Angolan weather!David, resting hard at Kakuakos Lodge!Breakfast Kakuakos style!Beautiful Agetha!

    Fixing up our trusty steed!

    2.–7. marrask. 2025, Angola ☁️ 28 °C

    When in Luanda, Kakuakos Lodge is the place to be. Luis and Juliette, along with their children, staff, and all their animals, offer the perfect spot to relax and escape the hustle and bustle of Luanda. They are an integral part of the overlanding community and were able to provide us with brilliant recommendations for Skyla's repairs and offer valuable insights into items that only those on the road for a long time would need. This was out home away from home!!!!!!

    We also connected with other adventurers heading south, and got some advice for our journey to the North😊    Lue lisää

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    Our campsite.
    Our campsite.Eric, Tanya and I.So many ghost crab's on the beach.Many giant baobab's on route.We came across these cyclists enjoying the day on the road.1Yep, secret love project continues!

    Nzeto coast exploration.

    8.–11. marrask. 2025, Angola ☁️ 26 °C

    Despite our Visa for the DRC only being valid from 2/12/2025, we decided to head there anyway and see if they could accommodate us early. That is a story for another time, which we will tell, but for now, here are some treats from our trip up to Luvo, where the border post is.

    We discovered the magnificent ocean, warm and inviting. Fellow overlanders at the same spot, Eric and Tania, shared a fantastic meal at a cozy seaside restaurant.....Ummmmm, cold beers and fresh fish! Not a bad way to send some of our heartbeats on the way to the DRC.    Lue lisää

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    Yes, this is us camping outside the DRC border gates in-between Angola and DRC.
    Yes, this is us camping outside the DRC border gates in-between Angola and DRC.Wild camping sites on our way back to Luanda.Wild camping sites on our way back to Luanda.This leaf-mimic katydid liked our car for some reason.1We saw many chameleons crossing the busy roads, we stopped to help them get to the other side.Many stalls selling freshly hunted bush meat to those who are interested.

    Access into DRC DENIED.

    12.–16. marrask. 2025, Angola 🌧 27 °C

    Part of the adventure is attempting to ask the DRC emigration if early entry into their country would be possible. Well, their no was unequivocally strong and much of what was said was not understood by us, but we got the NO loud and clear.

    After spending two days at the Luvo/Lufu border crossing, we headed back to Luanda via the coast to plan our extra time in Angola. How lucky that we have additional time to head south in search of Hermnnia and Welwitschia's.    Lue lisää

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    Luanda at night.
    Luanda at night.Ocean vibesLand sand art!Land sand art!The artist, busy sculpting Buddha.Christmas time with Juliette!We LOVE our dear Juliette!Christmas decorations in full swing."our pool"A swimming botanist!A resting botanist!AgethaRocking rock art!Rocking rock art!A botanist in the herbarium.The team who helped us break into our car to retrieve our keys :)The landscape is filled with reminders of the past.The landscape is filled with reminders of the past.Eish, the fine for late exit. This amount x 2!

    Exploring Luanda, and staying!

    18. marrask. – 20. jouluk. 2025, Angola ⛅ 31 °C

    After being turned back at the border, we returned to Angola and decided to settle in Luanda. We chose to plant our roots near Cacuaco, at a place called Kakuakos.
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    David spent endless hours attending to his descriptions of new Hermannia species, and I, well, I got up to all sorts of crafty things. Loom knitting, crocheting, rock painting, swimming, sleeping, and supporting the amazingness that is David Gwynne-Evans.
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    We both fell in love at a local supermarket, Maxi’s, met and made friends with new overlanders, played many games of table tennis and pool, enjoyed time with our equine friend Agetha, visited the herbarium, recruited the help of come local men to help us break into our car to retrieve our keys, and swam often in what we like to call “our pool”. Exploring Luanda’s coastline, tasting local treats, and of course, enjoying Angolan cerveja.
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    After David’s Black Friday shopping spree, which was impossible to deliver to Angola, we started conjuring up a sneaky, unexpected plan to head back to Cape Town to surprise David’s mum for Christmas! That is when we decided to head back to South Africa.
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    Ahhhhhhh, while crossing from Angola into Namibia, we were both taken aback by a shocking, unexpected fine for overstaying our time in Angola by a whopping 25 days! After many hours of trying to "creatively" negotiate our way around this, we managed to make a payment plan, which is really not as simple as you would expect. We were finally allowed to enter Namibia on December 20th at 5 pm. The dash was on to reach Onrus, by the 23rd of December, *big breath*Let's do this!    Lue lisää

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    Wild camping at it's best!
    Wild camping at it's best!All of this!All of this!All of this!All of this!All of this!All of this!All of this!Sweet delight.More wild camping!Yep, we found Hermannia!Wild camping companion.Best thing, helping tow this magnificent Bug to a shady spot!Happy occupants of said red Bug!

    Nourishing Namibia.

    21.–23. jouluk. 2025, Namibia ☀️ 35 °C

    What a place, although we made a mad dash through this remarkable country, we were deeply nourished by the spaciousness, the endless thunderstorms, the subtle beauty everywhere, the wonderful condition of the roads, and the familiarity of the people speaking in ways they are more familiar to us.Lue lisää

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    Here, have a sunset!
    Here, have a sunset!Here, have a sunset!Here, have a sunset!Here, have a sunset!The open road. Hello dear Hoodia.Look at those flowers. When a drone meets a dune at speed. Munching away at the Hermannia.Acanthosicyos horridus flower. Another fan of Hermannia.Camponotus detritus, or the dune ant

    Hermannia hunting in Sossusvlei

    14.–16. helmik., Namibia ☀️ 34 °C

    Do places like this really exist? Exquisite Namibia! Red dunes, blazing sun, and life resilient enough to thrive here.

    We went hunting for Hermannia minimiflora and found many of them. As I was taking a sweeping shot of the landscape with my drone, I sadly plummeted into the side of a dune, causing some serious damage. Be that as it may, our time in the hot sun was breathtaking.Lue lisää

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