Lusaka to Chipata

On the road by 6:30 a.m.  We have another long day's drive today heading towards Chipata near the Zambia/Malawi border.  We had to drive through the city of Lusaka before heading into open space.  Passing through the suburbs of Lusaka was like any city suburbs you might see in Canada, dotted with newer and older-style gated communities with upscale homes.

After leaving the suburbs of Lusaka we broke into more farm and agricultural land with sugar cane and other cereal-type crops being prepared for the coming wet season.

As we headed towards Chipata, the countryside broke into more hilly and less productive terrain, at least as far as the size of fields and farms.  The countryside was dotted with small communal-type villages with mud and brick homes with thatched or metal roofs.  In the villages located near the highway, the villagers had set up small markets to cater to the travelling public.  Fresh fruit, vegetables, crafts and small mom/pop type convenient shops were available.  We often stopped for refreshments and to pick up fruit for snacking on while driving.

We arrived at our campsite near Chipata around 4:00 allowing some time to veg/swim/shower before supper and bedding down for the night.

Tomorrow we will get another early start and hopefully clear the Border Crossing into Malawi before it gets too busy.