Cape 2 Cairo 2 Cape Blog

We departed from the Karamba Safari Lodge in Livingstone after a couple of riders got tired (and of course prompted by Ray, our commander) of waiting for their breakfasts. Regrouping outside the dirt road, just outside the lodge, we were soon on our way to Kazungula with the stunning Zambezi flowing on our left hand side.

[Expected route: Livingstone – Kazungula – Sesheke – Katima Mulilo (border post into Namibia) – Kongola – Omega – Bagani – Mukwe – Nyangana – Mashari – Rundu (our destination)]

I was back on the bike at the back of Ullie once again, with Archie at the front and K (happy as can be to have been able to fix his KTM and be back on it once again) at the rear with the IVECOs following not far behind.

It started out very cold with the morning mist still rising from the bushveld on either side of the road. It was 9ºC and I was freezing my butt off. However, 100km into our journey and it thankfully started to warm up.

We were all very excited to see wildlife, especially the elephants we had been warned about roaming about and sometimes crossing the road in huge numbers.

Our exit from Zambia went pretty smoothly, but our entry into Namibia was quite lengthy with its usual hassles..police clearance, unannounced road fee, etc., with a drawn out queue. But, this is Africa and patience is a virtue.

The 490km Caprivi stretch was a never-ending road and the heat was bearing down on us as we peeled our layers off one by one at each stop. The bushveld and savannah was extremely dry with bush fires occasionally spreading in the distance. There was no wildlife to be seen…I almost gave Ullie a fright when I excitedly tapped on his shoulder when I saw one elephant in the distance. Sakkie said he also saw a Kudu, but that is as far as our game viewing went.

Nevertheless, it was amazing to know that we were passing a narrow stretch of the Namibian country with Angola to our right and Botswana to the left.

Between Omega and Bagani, we passed over Cubango (that feeds into the Okavango Delta), a beautiful spectacle after such extreme heat and dry environment. Arriving at Rundu, quite a modern and neat looking town, we went to our usual hang-out, the petrol station with surprise, surprise, a good old Wimpy restaurant (making us feel right at home).

After a coffee and the purchase of snacks and water, and after Garth gave Ande an antihistamine for his allergic reaction to a spider bite (probably flew off Kenny’s motorcycle, hanging on its web and slid its way right under Ande’s sleeve as he was driving his bike next in line), we sat down in the parking lot while Jacques and Garth went to see about buying braai meet for our intended bush camp and Ray, Ig and Andre went to buy two new tyres for the trailer.

[Marlene was upset for a while because apparently, they had passed on the road a donkey cart going at high speeds with a dog attached to it by the neck; strangling and struggling onwards as he whimpered. The Headhunter did not stop to help but yet radio contacted Ig and Andre in the Silverback to lend assistance to the dog. Sadly, Ig and Andre did not come across the dog nor the donkey cart]

Unfortunately, pulling out of the petrol station, the Silverback broke down on us. Thankfully, it broke down right across the Rundu Service Centre, where a very accommodating and adamant mechanic called Roelf Lusse, came out to lend assistance. While I was on the phone with IVECO Namibia, Roelf was trying to find out the problem with the Silverback. It came to our attention that it was the body computer and this turned into a huge affair of dismantling the fuse box from the body computer, once, twice and trice; but still no contact.

The rest of the group left to settle into the  Ngundu lodge while Ray and I stayed behind with Roelf and the truck. After two and a half hours, several calls with the IVECO manager, Mr. Westeizen, and several attempts at the body computer, we decided to tow the Silverback into Roelf’s workshop for the night. Ullie and K kindly came back to see if we were okay and to offer us a ride to the lodge.

I thoroughly enjoyed my ride to the lodge as K still had stacks of bags on the back seat of his KTM and I was to climb on top of them and ride VIP, safari style while Ray jumped at the back of Ullie. We arrived at the lodge around 10:30pm (after riding and driving for 10 hours straight) and it was arranged for Gerd, over at the IVECO branch in Ongwediva, to find the corresponding body computer for the truck and bring it over the next day.

At the lodge, everyone had enjoyed an excellent dinner (despite the fact that Ray had said that the group going up toCairohad definitely not enjoyed their food the last time around). There was a group of people who were also doing a Cape to Cairo trip, however, in really cool vintage cars (Mercedes,Sedan, Volvo, Volkswagen, Mustang, etc). It was great to see.

It was a long day indeed, but what an adventure nevertheless!!

[Observation: the more south you go, as fromZambiaonwards, the more enclosed and demarcated the villages]

Breakfast at leisure almost next to the Vic Falls

Sakkie’s elbow has become a bit inflamed … Garth scrapped all the skin off with a nail brush, antiseptic and dressing … looks good again!

• Arch, James, Ray and Brian did maintenance on the bikes and then popped over to the Livingstone Hotel for morning tea
• Jess and K were the only energetic people – they went river rafting. Two hours down the river over 10 rapids. They got dumped twice and then had a testing climb back to the road.
• Ken, Marlene, Ullie, Sakkie and Garth went on the bikes to the Zambian side of the Vic Fall. Marlene rode an entire 9km on the back of Ken’s bike … not too sure who of the two were more nervous. Beer at the Zambezi Hotel. On way back to bikes, zebra walked up to Ken in a friendly
  manner … and tried to kick him in the rump … Ken jumped vertically and almost impaled himself in a thorn tree.
• Andy went to have a Steers burger and Mosi up the road
• Jacques took a helicopter flip over the falls … spectacular.
• Andre went shopping and Ig took in a round of golf.

K repaired his bike … but is not too sure whether he has sorted the problem … test run to the petrol station.

Charlie Boorman’s team has moved to our hotel … so thing all we will have at supper is testosterone and bike stories.

Tomorrow we have about 710 kms + border crossing + camp out (with real SA braai) in Rundu (Namibia)

• 2^nd last border crossing
• 2^nd last country
• Possible last camping … then on to southern tip of Africa

We will communicate when next we have internet.

After a 6am (SA time) wake up call, we enjoyed a breakfast consisting of coffee, tea, toast and the most delicious jam (apricot, strawberry and raspberry), overlooking the Luangwa River (a spectacular view with the river and its sand banks on either side), and separating us from Mozambique on the other side. [I found Jacques loading his bag onto the Headhunter, grunting as the Gorillas do; I suppose to get his mind into gear and more specifically, to get him through the last nine days of the trip]

[Bridge Camp in Zambia, on the Luangwa River: S 15º00’19.1”/ E 30º12’54.7”]

After a rapid check of motorcycle bolts and chains, we were locknloaded and ready to rocknroll at 7:10am, regrouping just above the dirt road on the side of a busy market; with the Luangwa River shining with the early morning’s sun reflection and the Luangwa Bridge in the distance. All the locals were already busy cooking meals, cleaning their areas, trading for goods, carrying their baskets and empty buckets and setting up their stands.

I was, once again, on the back of Ullie’s GS, with Archie at the front of the pack, K at the rear, followed by the IVECO Headhunter (bus with Ray, Jacques, Garth and Marlene) and the Silverback (truck with Ig and Andre).

We went on our way, taking the Great East Road 234kms to Lusaka. It was a beautiful windy road through the hills and then onto straight roads that seemed to never end. We were riding quite well and surely had our game faces on as we were weary of the diesel spills (definitely more cautious with dark patches after Sakkie’s fall).

Zambia is extremely dry with similar South African bushveld and savannah dominating most of the country; with occasional banana patches and a great many thorny trees. It was beautiful to see the contrast of the yellow savannah and dry, crackling sand with spring coloured bushes and trees in the distance.

We stopped to refuel when needed and in one particular town, met a Japanese man who had ridden his bicycle all the way from Cairo, Egypt, with Cape Town as his destination. Now that is intense! In fact, along the windy roads, we had crossed two couples riding their bicycles in the extreme heat, heading to who knows where.

Lusaka is a gorgeous city, with huge highways and jacarandas planted on either side. We definitely felt more at home as we passed by PEP stores, Shoprite and Steers. The traffic wasn’t too bad and with James’ help and leading the way, we took a shortcut through the city to its outskirts.

By the time we took the shortcut, we couldn’t see K anymore. We waited on the outskirts of the city, trying to get radio contact with K and the IVECO’s. After a long wait out in the heat, we saw the IVECOs passing by with K in the Headhunter; having joined the passengers (with his KTM at the back of the Silverback; mostly likely a fuel pump problem).

The bikers got stopped for the second time by the traffic police (being in high numbers with the upcoming elections), for overtaking on a solid line. We were able to talk our way out of the situations with a couple of exchanged laughs and jokes; apologizing and elaborating on how beautiful their country is.

150kms from Livingstone, the paved roads were an absolute pleasure. The riders took the opportunity to take their motorcycles to high speeds (I shrieked with enthusiast as Ullie hit 180-185; and yet still being cautious and focusing on any hazards that could present themselves on the way).

We arrived into the neat, organized and pretty town of Livingstone where we stopped to refuel at a petrol station, neighbouring the newly opened Protea Hotel. We hung out at the petrol station (some relishing their ice-creams from Steers) while Ray and Jacques went to see about accommodation. While we were waiting, two guys from another motorcycle group came to salute us and exchange experiences.

Ray found us a beautiful African lodge/camp just a few kilometres before the Zambezi Sun and the Royal Hotel. We arrived at the Maramba River Lodge just as the sun was setting and were warned by the manager of the roaming hippos and elephants. Some of us got into our luxury tents, others took chalets and the crew settled into the normal tents. The luxury tents themselves were amazing; with outside showers, proper mosquito nets and very cozy bedding.

After a shower and change of clothes, we headed out with the Headhunter to the Zambezi Sun Hotel for their very expensive buffet. It was quite the commercial place with tons of loud tourists; but with a wonderful band playing in the background. Yes, we did bust a few moves out on the dance floor and I, for the first time after 15 plus years inAfrica, tasted my first crocodile. Tastes just like chicken!!

Some of us also exchanged words with Charlie Boorman, who did the “long way around” and “long way down”.

We returned to the Maramba River Lodge ready for another well deserved sleep. We drove 710kms today. Zambia R&R day, here we come..

Lock and Load 06h20

Fuel R20/l!

Guys’ Reflection on Bikes and Equipment:

• Preparation and adaptations for the bikes essential
• Organised recce rides before prepare the riders for the mental and physical demands of the trip
• Have to have a tour operator … especially in northern Africa. The officials and paperwork can be a nightmare and the difference between getting going and having to wait for days to get on the go!
• All bikers said the size of the bike depended on the individual. The KTM was a problem in that it is too sensitive for the challenges of this type of trip.
• Tubeless tyres = best idea
• Best boots are motor cross boots. Many of the guys’ boots got wet and were uncomfortable to wear (and smelly). Also boots that protect the ankle and feet
• Need compression pump and pressure gauge
• Chains need to be checked and lubed daily
• Helmet: better to have helmet with inner that is removable and can be washed
• Sprockets – the life span of the sprocket is determined by the manner in which the rider handles his bike and maintains the equipment
• Toolbox: K had the best tool kit
• GPS: some of the technology had different mapping – got confusing. Tracks for Africa was good. Good to have a map
• Body armour suit worked perfectly … although not available in large sizes.
• Camera: a professional, sophisticated camera would be the ideal … but sensitive to dirt and vibration … so small camera would work … quality vs. capturing a memory.

• Andy: F GS 800. 7 punctures (not tubeless) + cracked side pannier frame.
• Brian: F 650 Dakar. Front and rear sprockets; chain; and rear brake pads replaced. 1 puncture
• K: KTM 990 R. New rear shock; new washable filter and new fuel filter.
• Ken: F GS 800. 1 x bolt replaced
• Sakkie: BMW GS 1200 Adventure. 2 punctures and minor damages to body work.
• Ullie: BMW GS 1200. Top box feel off. Mag wheels survived so far … unheard of to cross Africa with mag wheels
• Arch: R11 GS Adventure. Has done the Up and Down trip – no problems
• James: R11 GS (2^nd bike) plastic 40l long-range fuel tank. Had to get new battery in Senga … his battery not strong enough.

The riders have ridden the entire trip together … great team.

Trip today: Many burnt out trucks along the way.

Bridge Camp: Lindsey and Willie gave us a sumptuous meal – thick teaks and great salads. Dining room is an open air affair facing onto the Luangwa River.

Okay sleep … too many mozzies and too hot and then too cold. Mean shower

Apologies to our family and friends, as well as our cherished fans

It is Saturday, the 10^th of September and we are safe and sound and have just settled into the stunning and luxury Kempinski Mokuti Lodge inEtosha,Namibia (where Jacques organized us the most amazing rates).

We apologize for the inconvenience and if we worried you but we haven’t been able to get onto the Cytech or toursforafrica.co.za/c2c website for the past five days (Internet access has been limited). We are finally back in the game and hope you will enjoy reading about our last adventures and exciting  journey to Kempinski Mokuti Lodge.

Sadly our trip is coming to an end.

10 – 11th of September 2011: Kempinski Mokuti Lodge in Etosha

11 – 12th of September 2011: Mokuti – Swakopmund

12 – 13th of September 2011: Swakopmund R&R

14th of September 2011: Swakopmund – Windhoek

15th of September 2011: Windhoek – Springbok

16th of September 2011: Springbok – Cape Town

Fri: Springbok – Cape Town

If all goes well – hope get to Cape Town on Friday 16th about 15h00.

To all the Cape to Cairo“Recce Run” 2011 partakers and other intrepid Trans Africa travellers, you are more than welcome to join us on the route from Springbok to Cape Town on Friday, the 16^thof September 2011. For those of you who want to join us for the Final Dinner at the Fire & Ice Protea Hotel, at 19:00, in Cape Town (Tamboeskloof), please call Kerrylee (011-433 8850) or Ray Muller (082-807 7776) to make arrangements beforehand (it is important to notify ahead of time so that we can book accordingly). Costs to be confirmed.

Looking forward to our arrival in Cape Town and to see our family, friends and fans waiting for us at the Fire & Ice Protea Hotel on Friday afternoon. Thank you for keeping up with the blogs and for your comments. See you soon!!

Everyone woke up at their ease, with no call outs, shouts, alarms or wake up calls. Of course, being so disciplined and highly attuned to our usual premature departures, we all woke up quite early (despite our need for sleep).

The view, even from the breakfast table, is unbelievable. We are on a cliff, overlooking Lake Malawi, with fishermen boats in the distance, baboons playing in the yard (and trying their luck with the open kitchen door) and bougainvillaea radiating next to the rock pool.

While Ray and the crew are busy working on the IVECOs, the riders are also working on their motorcycles, ensuring that all is well before our anticipated departure from Senga Bay tomorrow morning. After the repairs, some decided to go to the local market while others took it easy at the hotel.

Much to our delight, we are finally reunited with James, who arrived early this afternoon with his GS 1100 and having accrued a speeding fine. Everyone is very happy to see James back and looking forward to riding with him all the way down to Cape Town.

We all ate a light lunch next to the pool, having a laugh and enjoying our day of R&R. Brian had a much needed haircut and beard trim by Jacques. This afternoon, we are planning on having a pool party (skinny dippers welcomed!) and drinks. Marlene and I organized for a local to carve key rings made of wood with one side having a motorcycle on it and the other side “c2c” on it. They will be distributed to all the participants this afternoon.

Tomorrow’s plan: Good-bye Malawi; Drive to Zambia (about 500kms) to end up at Bridge Camp on the river.

Breakfast was a torrid affair … served 14 of us ONE-BY-ONE. When the Frisco was finished … well it was finished! We were only allowed 1 x egg + an excuse for a sausage (Arch said his sausage was the biggest) + 2 ‘toasties’ aka toast. So after much negotiating – we got the 2 x eggs and sausages were left for the next sucker. What the issue with eggs is – we will never know

Lock and Load = 07h30 … but we left way before that!
Travelled in a southerly direction down the west coast of Lake Malawi. The size and magnitude of this lake is awesome … beautiful scenery…

• Passed a funeral … coffin on the back of a bakkie … melancholic voices and could see the pain on those faces.
• Went through rubber plantations … fascinating to see how the trees are bled for rubber
• Headhunter was trying to pass a long truck … the road was narrow and as we started overtaking – the truck snaked towards us twice. There was utter silence as we seemed to stop in time … the truck was cms away from us … we thought we were going to make contact … was hair-raising and when we finally passed … Marlene was leaning to the furthest back corner of the bus thinking how she should have gone on a bike …

Sakkie has his jacket on this morning. Garth did a great clean-up job and put synthetic skin onto Sak’s arm.

Jacques not feeling too good today … bit gray-looking and for the early part of the day our vehicle was without song and cheer. When he started to recover … we covered some really controversial topics … too dicey for print! It’s an interesting phenomenon … 8^th hour in back-up – talk about ‘strange’ things. 14^th hour – mayhem prevails … maybe the symptoms of cabin fever.

Dear Diary,

I am really enjoying the second round of this trip … all a different experience. I miss Dot a lot  – but fortunately we speak on the phone often. I am tired at night … but enjoy the jibes with the guys … Ken never stops.

Arch

Dear Diary,

Have some really good riding. I hope I have seen the last of my punctures … Good to be on the roads that I am familiar with.

Andy

Dear Diary

All going well. Going to be good to see James again. Bike going well. I have made a point to wear  different khaki – everyone thinks I only have one set of clothes. Have had a safe ride … must just check out my sprocket.

Brian

Dear Diary

Africa is great. The guys regularly pull pranks on me … at Tan Swiss … I arrived for breakfast and as I walked in the entire group jumped up when Ray shouted “Lock ‘n Load!” … I just gave them the universal hand signal for “VERY funny” … was a good laugh. Great to see the game on the side of the road as we ride … Africa is definitely worth another visit … and another.

“K”

Dear Diary

I am soooo into this. I get very tired at night … but during the day I don’t react to the distance … 600km … 800 km … whatever. My knee is better after Numb Nuts parked right in front of me and caused me to fall! Keen to hook up with James again

Ken

Dear Diary

Had a bad fall – but I am fortunate to have come off as lightly as I did. Beers taste good … but somehow when we eat so early … can’t get anywhere near hangover status. I have a few bashes in my bike … maybe I will have them repaired … or … just keep it this was – “Lekker houding en karakter”. I don’t like waking up early … and somehow it’s been ok

Saks

Dear Diary

Hell – I feel like an old man … the shoulder giving me hassles. Luckily my ankle seems to be on the mend. This has been a great trip … guys are good to be with – lots of teasing and banter happening… I have had some really good laughs … NB – will tie my top box securely.

Ullie

In two weeks we will see Table Mountain … it has all gone so quickly … some parts are in a blur … we lived it – yet we can’t remember it. Good to have written a journal to document all the events

[slideshow]

After a quick breakfast at the Tan Swiss hotel, just outside the Mikumi National Park (Tanzania), we were back on the road again. Once again, what was supposed to be a 6:30am (SA time) breakfast and 7:30am departure ended up being a 6:20am breakfast and 6:30am exit (prompted of course by our chief in command, Ray Muller).

Feeling a lot better than the day before (having started a malaria treatment just in case), I jumped at the back of Ullie. We have been on the road two days in a row and the group is certainly feeling the aftermath. We were definitely looking forward to some R&R time in Malawi (in two-day’s time). The plan was to ride until the border (about 524kms) and find accommodation just before entering Malawi at a tea plantation.

The road was absolutely spectacular. Riding on a motorcycle gives you a whole different perspective altogether. You are alert at all times and enjoy an array of aromas that you otherwise don’t get to experience when travelling inside a vehicle. You can smell firewood and charcoal burning, mealies cooking on the grill and rubber tyres smouldering as trucks and busy taxis zoom by you.

We rode through windy roads surrounded by hills, dominated by an incredible Baobab forest. The amazing display of grey baobab trees against the yellow savannah and orange soil was a real treat.

Although Tanzania was very dry, we could enjoy a manifestation of spring colours (green, yellow, orange and red trees and bushes) all along our journey to the border. The terrain was always different, from bushes and trees to marshlands, to savannah, to planted forests.

We passed a very dry section of yellow, savannah hill tops at one point; thorny greyish trees that looked like cobwebs on a yellow canvas. It was extremely warm; almost reminding us of our passage through Egypt and Sudan..giving Sakkie some unwanted flashbacks and Kenny discomfort to say the least!!

Turning left towards the Malawian border, we started climbing up into the highlands; with endless banana and tea plantations, enjoying a bountiful display of valleys and ridges in the distance. Sakkie, unfortunately, had an accident as we were climbing up the mountain. Losing a minute of his concentration, he rode on-top diesel and slid on the tar. He picked up the pieces while Andre sanded down his tyres and got back on his bike like a champion.

The plan all of a sudden changed and we found ourselves coming to the Tanzanian (Mbeya) and Malawian border after 645kms. After getting our passports and visas stamped for exit and entry and after changing currency, we hit the road to Karonga. Hello Malawi!

Sometimes we drive so quickly and for so many hours that we forget to appreciate or even realize that we have yet again crossed another border and another country. It’s only when we stop or arrive at our destination that we truly start reminiscing on our journey and realize how privileged we are to be able to travel Africa and see and experience what not many people have had the opportunity or ever will get the opportunity to see and experience in their lifetime. We are truly blessed.

Malawian people are very friendly. We were greeted by many smiling and cheering crowds; especially the children. As the sun was setting, we passed by children playing football (soccer), virgins walking the streets in their white dresses and crowns and trucks loaded with passengers and nuns singing songs.

We all regrouped at a petrol station while Ray went to see about a place to stay. Our usual hang-out, everyone made themselves comfortable, sitting on the ground at the station, sipping on some fanta and coca-cola. Ray organized us a last minute place to stay, the Sumuka Inn, in Karonga, Malawi. 

I had ridden my record of 700kms today (Yippeee, although my butt wouldn’t agree!). Thanks to Ullie, we arrived safely and had recovered his top case that fell off the bike when we hit a huge pothole just after we entered Malawi.

Everyone gathered in the hallway (our designated bar area) and sipped on a few beers, joking around, reminiscing about the day’s events, and praising Sakkie for taking his fall “like a man”. Ullie spontaneously started the floating trophy procedure. He gave his trophy to Kenny (who had literally changed colours with the heat). Jacques offered his trophy to Sakkie for being a tough boy and just because he felt bad for his injuries.

Marlene gave her trophy to Ray in hopes that the man will calm down and more specifically slow down. Archie gave his floating trophy motorcycle to Marlene, just because! Ray offered his trophy (g-string) to Ullie because he hadn’t listened the first time about tying down his top box. 

The plan for tomorrow: ride another 600kms from Karonga to Mzuzu to Nkhata Bay, to Salima and on to Senga Bay at the Livingstonia Hotel (Sunbird). Only then will we get our R&R time. Rocknroll is predicted for 7am tomorrow morning.

After a yummy dinner, we all headed to our rooms and passed out. Brian had the Chambo fish and after using his fork and knife, resumed to his hands and teeth, desperately trying to nip at some meat (the Chambo fish are definitely on the skinny side). The rest of the dishes consisted of chicken curry and chicken masala, soup, salad and fish fillets. 

What a day!

Last night we had a great braai hosted by staff of Tanzanite One. Was festive evening.

Wake up call: 03h00!! Breakfast 04h00. Lock and Load 05h00.

Luckily the area by the pool was well-lit – so it was unproblematic to pack up camp.

During the night we heard gunshots and because the camp area was beaming with spotlights … we weren’t always sure what the time was. At 01h00 we thought it would be a good idea to rev the bikes and bellow “Lock ‘n Load” outside Sakkie’s tent. We were keen to see how quickly he could get out his tent in the dead of night, pack up his 9-man tent and get onto his bike … next time.

Ullie has two agonies today: really sore shoulder and a hammering head! The shoulder – old injury … nothing that a few anti-inflammatories couldn’t sort out … his head – self-inflicted…

News that James would be joining us in Senge Bay – yeah!

The route:

•Acres of sisal plantations

•Numerous trucks lying off the side of the road. The driving in Tanzania is madness … no consideration for fellow commuters.

•In Mikumi Game reserve … we saw herds of elephants, antelope and giraffes next to the road. K was so captivated – he went off the road to check the game from closer.

Tan Swiss:

A lovely little establishment in the middle of nowhere. It was 19h00 and we were starving – having been up for 18 hrs. Excellent accommodation and our first real shower after 3 consecutive nights of camping.

# Jess and Ray were a bit ill today. Both suspect they may have a touch of malaria … so Coatim it is.

What’s in a number?

Ig:

I Intense story teller

G Golf

N Nice smile

A Awesome mechanic

T Tasty treats in bus

I Intermittent rider

U Undercover whisky

S Stunning eyes

Garth:

G GP

A Avid reader

R Runner

T Traveller

H Hydrate! Hydrate

Marlene:

M Mom to Ken

A Always supportive

R Red wine

L Lovely personality

E Experienced bush-toilet-candidate

N Needs to wee

E Excessive luggage

Glorious morning…stepping out of our tents (rooms for the crew), overlooking the Tanzanite One compound (Kilimangero in the distance but still under cloud cover), pool area, motorcycles and IVECO vans, we enjoyed a 7am omelette breakfast with coffee, tea and juice.

At 8:30am (SA time), we gathered into an office next to the original mine shaft of Tanzanite One, for a geological presentation, given by the chief geologist, Faustus Rutahindurwa and a second geologist, Amos Chakupewa (5 geologists in all).

            Merelani Tanzanite Deposit

            Shallow Marine Environment

            Burial: 30kms & 925ºC

            Deformation events (heat and pressure)

            Tanzanite: 12kms & 650ºC

            Model of JW folding

            Isoclinal folding & ramping structures

            Blocks A, B, C, and D (C is the processing plant)

            Main shaft: deepest at 800 – 824 metres

            The better the concentration of Vanadium, the better the colour; hence the better the stone (blue/violet)

            Hardness: 6.5 (Diamonds being 10.0)

            Heating: 360º – 550ºC

After gearing up in our overalls, belts, gum boots and helmets (with battery powered head lights), and carrying a water bottle, the pick up trucks led by Anton, the underground mine manager, brought us over to the main shaft where they further taught us about the procedures to enter and exit the mine.

It took 3 skips to take us down 800 metres to the bottom of the mine where we were led through tunnels down to the main phase where they were drilling 1 ½ m holes in preparation of the afternoon blasts. The skip ride itself was an adventure. The skip was slanted to a 45º angle; we piled on top of each other (from bottom to top), trying to support ourselves with the very narrow ladder steps provided so as not to completely squash the people under you and were on our way down to darkness.

Slipping and sliding in mud, stepping down on ladders with the help of suspended ropes and iron bars coming out of the ground, we made our way through narrow tunnels and bends..up and down, swallowing thousands of graphite particles in the “air”, drenched by the humidity and sophicating from the lack of oxygen. We came across several miners who seemed quite adapted to their surroundings and to the visibility. It was INCREDIBLE. We came out drenched, black as if coal miners and exhausted, dragging our boots on the ground as miners usually do from a hard day’s work.

We came back to the main compound to shower, take a swim and have a well-deserved drink before some of us went on with the pick-up trucks to go to the processing plant (except for Marlene, Archie and Ray).

The processing plant was very interesting; with its multiple access doors, security gates and cameras and numerous supervisors and managers patrolling. Although Tanzanite One has very sophisticated equipment and machinery doing the processing, at the end of the day, it still uses human labour to sort out the stones. The workers were well-trained and focused on their labour while we toured around and took pictures. They really have an incredible team working here at Tanzanite One and take their job and business very seriously.

K, Ande, Ule, Brian, Andre, Garth and Jacques went ahead (one hour drive) to Arusha to look about while the rest of us went back to the main compound to rest and eat lunch at the cafeteria..a ridiculously delicious goulash with spaghetti and rice.

As the sun is setting, Kilimanjaro is visible in the distance..what a majestic mountain top. We are sitting with our new friends at Tanzanite One, having drinks and a laugh.

We had an amazing and very welcomed traditional SA braai with pap and boerewors…definitely a treat. Ray thanked the Tanzanite One team again and we then proceeded to the floating trophies:

  I gave my floating trophy to Ullie (sexy rider) because of his German stature and broad shoulders and of course, we me at the back of his bike, he looks that much hotter!

  Kenny gave his to Jacques for his humour and for making us life saving capuccinos during the Marsabit road

  Andre gave his trophy to Ray for having worked enormously on organizing the Cape to Cairo/Cairo to Cape 2011 “Recce Run”

  Sakkie gave his g-string trophy to Ig and the crew

  K gave his trophy to Marlene for always being supportive and for taking the strain that comes with travelling on the IVECO van

  Jacques gave his trophy to Archie for continuously working and fixing whatever needs working and fixing and for his life-saving mechanic skills

Tomorrow’s plan: 700kms to Mikumi (Tanzania)

How the Bloggers see the rest of the group members continued:

Kenny:

Keen rider

Endless luggage

New management

Needs sleep

Yucky toes

Ullie:

Uba (the best, the top)

Likes organization (calculated)

Laughter

Intellect

Excellence

Raymond:

Recce Commander

Always Coca-Cola

Yummy buffets

Makes contacts

Organizer

Negotiator

Die Hard