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Boundless Southern Africa Expedition 20

Boundless Southern Africa Expedition 20

Author: Kingsley Holgate
Date: 2018-03-30

To Quench the Fire

We reach Namibia's Caprivi and set up a base camp on the banks of the Zambezi, just outside Katima Mulilo, a name that was taken from the days when it was common practice to carry embers on a long dugout canoe journey to save difficulties in lighting fires at night. Often the splash from the rapids would put out the embers, hence the name Katima Mulilo, which in the Shilozi language means to quench the fire. That night from across the river on the Zambian side there's the sound of drums, laughter and xylophones. Not all that long ago, this was a war zone,SADF gun emplacements facing across to the enemy on the other side - thank goodness that time in history is over.

Katima these days is a great place to catch a good meal, re-supply, fuel-up, fix tyres and do any repairs. Kate and Dick Sharp at Tutwa Travel offer travel advice, coffee, steak, egg and chips, an internet cafÈ and a workshop out the back. Kate gives us the news - a faxed itinerary for a Boundless Expedition community event to be held at Ngoma Bridge where the Linyanti becomes the Chobe - our humble expedition has caught the attention of Windhoek, Lolo Goraseb, the colourful Namibian soccer star, is on his way as is the Hon. Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwa, and Namibia's Minister of Environment and Tourism. We leap into action - we're good at it now.

Dave Pusey, the naturalist, looks as rough as a goat's kneecap and we're treating him for malaria. It's his first time so the poor fellow doesn't know what's quite hit him.

The expedition Landies move further West into the Caprivi, named in honour of the German Count Caprivi and given to Germany as a narrow strip of land that would join German controlled South West Africa to the Zambezi. The Caprivi has become a sought after destination for adventure, wildlife and cultural tourism. Much is covered by the beautiful Bwabwata National Park sandwiched between Angola to the North and Botswana to the South. Will keep you posted.