Mangula

What follows is an exhausting downhill drive through steep canyons to Mikumi village. "Exhausting" in terms of traffic apocalyptness! This main connection road between Zambia and the Indian Ocean has just one lane per direction and meanders with sharp curves through the Eastern Arc Mountains. But, this does not at all prevent those crazy truck drivers from overtaking each other up and downhill simultaneously. Additionally, every 500 m we have to cautiously pass broken-down trucks. And those trucks still rolling in front of us show stinky smoke emerging from their trailer brakes ... when, at a broader part of the road, we get to a stop, literally getting squeezed in between overloaded trucks which are trying to surpass the blockade. Obviously, this situation won't improve when all of them are pushing from all sides at the same time. Stupid!

Down in Mikumi we have to compensate the unexpected heat with freshly cut pineapple slices and finally arrive at Hondo Hondo campsite east of Udzungwa Mountains national park in the early afternoon. Time to relax and to stroll around through the monkey-filled forest! A beautiful scenery they have here and yet another attentive and sweetly accommodating restaurant attendant.Read more