Hallo
Category Archives: Uncategorized
Backpacking Samoa
Backpacking Samoa is an amazing choice if you want tropical beauty without the heavy crowds of places like Fiji or Bali. It’s raw, lush, and deeply cultural—more about waterfalls, villages, and slow island life than nightlife.
🌴 What Samoa Looks Like
7
Think turquoise lagoons, jungle-covered mountains, volcanic landscapes, and traditional open-air huts (called fales) right on the beach.
📍 Where to Go
Upolu (main island)
- Base yourself near Apia (the capital)
- Highlights:
- To Sua Ocean Trench (iconic swimming hole)
- Papase’ea Sliding Rocks
- Lalomanu Beach (best beaches)
Savai’i (bigger, quieter island)
- Less developed = more authentic
- Highlights:
- Saleaula Lava Fields (from volcanic eruptions)
- Blowholes at Alofaaga
- Sea turtle swimming
💡 Most backpackers split time between both islands.
🛏️ Budget Accommodation (Beach Fales)
7
- Stay in beach fales (basic huts on sand)
- Typical cost: €20–€50/night
- Usually includes:
- Mattress + mosquito net
- Dinner & breakfast (often HUGE portions)
👉 This is one of the best-value experiences in the Pacific.
💸 Budget Breakdown (per day)
- Accommodation + food: €25–€60
- Transport: €5–€15
- Activities: €5–€20
👉 Total: ~€35–€90/day
🚌 Getting Around
- Local buses (cheap, colorful, fun—but slow)
- Ferries between islands (~€10–€15)
- Car rental if you want freedom (split with others)
💡 Hitchhiking is fairly common and safe in rural areas.
🍛 Food
- Included in fale stays (big bonus)
- Otherwise:
- Local dishes: taro, coconut cream, fresh fish
- Cheap eats in Apia
Don’t expect tons of Western restaurants outside the capital.
⚠️ Things to Know
- Sunday is sacred → most things closed, quiet island day
- Dress modestly in villages
- Ask before entering land (much is privately owned by families)
- WiFi is limited—this is a disconnect destination
🗓️ Best Time to Go
- May–October (dry season, best weather)
- Wet season (Nov–April) = hotter, more rain, but fewer tourists
👍 Why Backpack Samoa?
- Not over-touristed
- Strong local culture
- Stunning nature everywhere
- Affordable compared to other Pacific islands
Backpacking Czech Republic
Backpacking in the Czech Republic is one of the best-value trips in Europe—compact, affordable, and packed with castles, historic towns, and surprisingly great hiking.
Here’s how to plan it 👇
🇨🇿 Why Backpack the Czech Republic?
4
- 💸 Budget-friendly compared to Western Europe
- 🏰 Tons of fairytale towns & castles
- 🌄 Underrated nature areas (sandstone cliffs, forests)
- 🚆 Easy transport (cheap trains & buses)
🗺️ Best Backpacking Routes
1. Classic Route (Cities + Culture)
4
- Prague → Kutná Hora → Český Krumlov → Brno
Highlights:
- Prague’s Old Town + nightlife
- Bone church in Kutná Hora
- Storybook vibe of Český Krumlov
- Chill student energy in Brno
👉 Best for first-time visitors
2. Nature Route (Hiking Focus)
4
- Bohemian Switzerland National Park
- Adršpach-Teplice Rocks
- Šumava National Park
Why go:
- Epic sandstone formations
- Well-marked trails
- Way fewer tourists than Alps
👉 Perfect if you want nature + quiet
3. Beer & Local Culture Route 🍺
4
- Plzeň → Moravia → Olomouc
Highlights:
- Birthplace of pilsner beer
- Wine regions in Moravia
- Less touristy cities
💸 Budget Guide
One of the cheapest countries in Central Europe:
- Hostel: €10–€25/night
- Food: €8–€15/day
- Beer: €1.50–€3 🍺
👉 Save more:
- Eat lunch menus (“denní menu”)
- Use RegioJet or FlixBus
- Buy groceries at Lidl / Albert
🚆 Getting Around
- Trains are cheap & reliable
- Buses often even cheaper
- Distances are short (country is compact)
👉 From Vienna:
- Prague: ~4–5h train
- Brno: ~1.5–2h
🗓️ Best Time to Go
- May–June / September (best)
- Summer (July–Aug): great weather but busy in Prague
- Winter: magical Christmas markets 🎄
⛺ Camping & Hostels
- Plenty of hostels in cities
- Campsites available in nature areas
- Wild camping: technically restricted but sometimes tolerated discreetly
⚠️ Tips
- Cash is still useful (Czech koruna, not euro)
- Prague can be touristy—explore beyond the center
- Public transport is very punctual
👍 Sample 7-Day Backpacking Plan
- Day 1–3: Prague
- Day 4: Kutná Hora (day trip)
- Day 5–6: Český Krumlov
- Day 7: Brno → return
🤔 Is It Worth It?
Yes—especially if you want:
- Cheap European trip
- Mix of cities + nature
- Easy travel from Vienna
12 hidden places in Europe most tourists don’t know about
Here are 12 hidden places in Europe most tourists don’t know about—beautiful destinations that are often overshadowed by famous cities like Paris, Rome, or Barcelona. If you enjoy discovering quiet, authentic, and scenic locations, these spots are amazing. 🌍✨
1. Albarracín, Spain
4
Hidden in the mountains of the region of Aragon, Albarracín looks like a medieval fairytale.
Why visit
- Pink-colored medieval houses
- Ancient defensive walls
- One of Spain’s most beautiful historic villages
2. Hallstatt Skywalk & Obertraun Area, Austria
4
Most visitors rush through Hallstatt, but the surrounding region like Obertraun and the Skywalk viewpoint offers breathtaking views of the Dachstein Alps.
Why visit
- Stunning alpine panoramas
- Salt mine history
- Peaceful lakeside trails
3. Giethoorn, Netherlands
4
Often called the “Dutch Venice,” Giethoorn has no roads in its center—only canals and wooden bridges.
Why visit
- Boat-only transportation
- Charming thatched-roof cottages
- Extremely peaceful atmosphere
4. Kotor Old Town, Montenegro
4
Kotor is tucked inside the dramatic Bay of Kotor and surrounded by mountains.
Why visit
- Venetian-style architecture
- Epic fortress hike
- Adriatic fjord-like scenery
5. Český Krumlov, Czech Republic
4
This magical town in South Bohemian Region looks like a miniature Prague.
Why visit
- Massive Renaissance castle
- Fairytale streets
- Scenic river curves
6. Dinant, Belgium
4
Dinant sits dramatically between cliffs and the Meuse River.
Why visit
- Cliffside citadel views
- Saxophone-themed art (birthplace of Adolphe Sax)
- Gorgeous river scenery
7. Civita di Bagnoregio, Italy
4
Known as “The Dying City,” Civita di Bagnoregio sits on a crumbling volcanic hill.
Why visit
- One of Italy’s most unique towns
- Access via a long pedestrian bridge
- Incredible sunset views
8. Lake Bled’s Hidden Gorge, Slovenia
4
Just near Lake Bled lies the underrated Vintgar Gorge.
Why visit
- Emerald river canyon
- Wooden walkway trails
- Waterfalls and rapids
9. Colmar, France
4
Located in Alsace, Colmar is one of Europe’s most colorful towns.
Why visit
- Half-timbered houses
- Flower-lined canals
- Amazing Christmas markets
10. Ronda, Spain
4
Ronda sits above a dramatic gorge called El Tajo Gorge.
Why visit
- The spectacular Puente Nuevo bridge
- Dramatic canyon landscapes
- Authentic Andalusian culture
11. Faroe Islands Villages
4
The remote Faroe Islands are one of Europe’s least visited but most dramatic landscapes.
Why visit
- Grass-roof villages
- Wild cliffs and waterfalls
- Incredible photography spots
12. Meteora Monasteries Area, Greece
4
In central Greece, Meteora features monasteries built on towering rock pillars.
Why visit
- One of Europe’s most surreal landscapes
- UNESCO World Heritage site
- Epic sunrise and sunset views
✅ Quick Tip:
Many of these places are best visited early morning or off-season to avoid crowds.
How to Plan an Overland Trip from Europe to Africa
Overland from Africa
Driving from Europe to Africa is one of the most exciting overland adventures. With proper preparation, you can travel thousands of kilometers across deserts, mountains, and diverse cultures. This guide explains the main steps to plan a successful Europe-to-Africa overland trip.
1. Choose Your Route
The first decision is where you will enter Africa. There are two main options.
Spain → Morocco (Most Common)
Ferry routes:
- Algeciras → Tangier Med
- Tarifa → Tangier Ville
Travel time: about 1–2 hours.
Advantages:
- cheapest crossing
- frequent ferries
- Morocco is very overlander-friendly.
Italy → Tunisia
Ferry route:
- Palermo (Sicily) → Tunis
Travel time: about 10–12 hours.
Advantages:
- quieter entry point
- easy access to the Sahara
- good starting point for North Africa.
2. Decide How Far You Want to Travel
Africa is enormous, so decide early how long and how far you want to go.
Common overland routes:
North Africa Explorer
Morocco
→ Western Sahara
→ Mauritania
→ Senegal
Good for shorter trips (1–3 months).
East Africa Route
Egypt
→ Sudan
→ Ethiopia
→ Kenya
→ Tanzania
A classic expedition route.
Cairo to Cape Town
One of the world’s most famous overland journeys:
Egypt
→ Sudan
→ Ethiopia
→ Kenya
→ Tanzania
→ Zambia
→ Botswana
→ South Africa
This route can take 6–12 months.
3. Choose the Right Vehicle
Your vehicle is the heart of an overland trip.
Popular choices:
4×4 Vehicles
Examples:
- Toyota Land Cruiser
- Toyota Hilux
- Land Rover Defender
Advantages:
- reliable
- strong suspension
- excellent for rough roads.
Camper Vans
Advantages:
- comfortable living space
- good for paved routes
- ideal for long trips.
Motorcycles
Many travelers cross Africa by motorcycle.
Advantages:
- low fuel consumption
- easier border crossings.
4. Prepare Important Documents
Border crossings require proper paperwork.
Essential documents include:
Passport
Valid for at least 6 months.
Visas
Many African countries require visas. Some can be obtained at borders.
Vehicle registration
Original registration documents are required.
Carnet de Passage
Some countries require this vehicle import document.
Common countries requiring it include:
- Egypt
- Kenya
- Tanzania
International Driving Permit
Useful for police checks.
5. Plan Your Budget
Costs vary widely depending on your travel style.
Typical monthly costs for two people:
- fuel: €300–€700
- food: €200–€400
- campsites: €100–€300
- visas and borders: €200+
Estimated monthly budget:
€800–€1,500
Repairs or unexpected costs can increase this.
6. Pack the Right Equipment
Good preparation prevents many problems.
Essential gear:
Navigation
- GPS device
- offline maps
- paper maps.
Recovery gear
- recovery boards
- tow straps
- shovel.
Camping equipment
- roof tent or ground tent
- cooking equipment
- water containers.
Safety equipment
- first aid kit
- satellite communicator
- fire extinguisher.
7. Research Border Crossings
Border crossings in Africa can be slow and confusing.
Tips:
- arrive early in the day
- carry multiple passport copies
- remain patient and polite
- expect several checkpoints.
Reading recent traveler reports can help.
8. Learn Basic Safety Tips
Africa is generally welcoming, but preparation is important.
Key tips:
- avoid driving at night
- watch road conditions
- secure valuables
- respect local customs.
Local advice from other travelers is extremely helpful.
9. Plan Your Timeline
Africa travel takes longer than expected.
Examples:
- Europe → Morocco: 1 week
- North Africa: 3–6 weeks
- Cairo → Cape Town: 6–12 months
Allow flexibility because borders, weather, or vehicle issues may cause delays.
10. Stay Flexible and Enjoy the Journey
Overlanding is about freedom and exploration.
Some of the best experiences happen when you:
- change plans
- take smaller roads
- stay longer in interesting places.
Africa offers incredible landscapes, wildlife, and cultures that make the journey unforgettable.
White Nile and the Blue Nile
The White Nile and the Blue Nile are two major tributaries that merge in Sudan to form the Nile River, one of the world’s longest and most iconic rivers. Here are some key details about the White Nile and the Blue Nile:
- White Nile:
- Source: The White Nile is one of the two main headwaters of the Nile River. It originates from Lake Victoria in East Africa, which is shared by Uganda, Tanzania, and Kenya.
- Course: The White Nile flows northward from Lake Victoria, passing through Uganda and South Sudan. It is characterized by its relatively slow and meandering course, with vast wetlands and swamps along its path.
- Contribution to the Nile: The White Nile contributes to a significant portion of the Nile River’s flow, although it is generally less turbulent and carries fewer sediments compared to the Blue Nile.
- Merging Point: The White Nile and the Blue Nile converge near the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, to form the main Nile River, which continues its journey northward through Sudan and Egypt before emptying into the Mediterranean Sea.
- Economic Importance: The White Nile plays a crucial role in the economic and agricultural activities of the regions it traverses, as it provides water for irrigation, transportation, and sustains the livelihoods of local communities.
- Blue Nile:
- Source: The Blue Nile is the other primary tributary of the Nile River. It originates from Lake Tana in the Ethiopian Highlands. The Blue Nile is known for its fast-flowing and turbulent nature, especially during the rainy season.
- Course: The Blue Nile flows from Ethiopia into Sudan. It is characterized by its steep and rugged terrain, which contributes to its rapid flow and the erosion of sediments.
- Contribution to the Nile: Although the Blue Nile carries a smaller volume of water compared to the White Nile, it is responsible for supplying a significant portion of the Nile’s sediments, making it essential for replenishing the Nile Delta’s fertile soils in Egypt.
- Merging Point: The Blue Nile and the White Nile meet in Khartoum, Sudan, where their waters combine to form the main Nile River.
- Historical Significance: The Blue Nile has played a significant role in the history and development of the region, as well as the construction of various dams and irrigation projects.
The confluence of the White Nile and the Blue Nile in Khartoum is a crucial point in the Nile’s journey, where the two distinct tributaries merge to create one of the most famous and important rivers in the world. The Nile River has been a lifeline for countless civilizations and continues to be of paramount importance for the nations through which it flows.
Sudanese Cemeteries
Introduction
Sudanese cemeteries are not merely resting places for the deceased but are repositories of the nation’s rich history, diverse culture, and religious traditions. With a history that spans millennia, Sudan’s cemeteries hold profound significance, reflecting the tapestry of its various ethnic, religious, and cultural influences. This essay explores Sudanese cemeteries, their historical roots, their connection to religious practices, and their role in preserving Sudan’s unique heritage.
Historical Roots of Sudanese Cemeteries
Sudan’s history is characterized by ancient civilizations, diverse ethnic groups, and a blend of cultures that have shaped the country’s cemeterial landscape. These historical roots provide an understanding of the evolution of Sudanese cemeteries.
- Ancient Civilizations: Sudan has been home to several ancient civilizations, such as the Kingdom of Kush, the Kingdom of Meroë, and the Christian kingdoms of Nubia. The burial practices of these civilizations have left an indelible mark on Sudanese cemeteries. For example, the pyramids and burial chambers of Meroë, reminiscent of the Egyptian pyramids, are a testament to the historical grandeur of the region.
- Nubian Burial Sites: The Nubian people have their distinctive burial traditions, which are evident in the intricate tombs and pyramids of the Nubian Desert. These burial sites provide insights into Nubian culture and the veneration of the dead.
- Islamic Influence: With the spread of Islam across Sudan, Islamic burial customs have influenced cemeteries throughout the country. Islamic cemeteries adhere to the tradition of burying the deceased as soon as possible, facing the body towards Mecca, and marking graves with simple headstones.
Cultural and Religious Significance
Sudanese cemeteries are significant not only from a historical perspective but also from cultural and religious viewpoints. They are a reflection of the rich diversity of the nation’s cultural and religious fabric.
- Islamic Cemeteries: In Sudan, the majority of the population practices Islam, and Islamic cemeteries are a prominent feature. These cemeteries are meticulously organized, following Islamic customs, and are often adorned with ornate mausoleums and shrines of revered religious figures.
- Christian Cemeteries: Christianity has a long history in Sudan, particularly in the Nubian regions of the country. Christian cemeteries reflect the Christian faith’s practices, with crosses and Christian symbols adorning graves and headstones.
- Traditional Sudanese Cemeteries: In addition to Islamic and Christian cemeteries, Sudan has cemeteries that reflect indigenous traditions and diverse ethnic groups. These cemeteries may feature unique burial practices, grave markers, and cultural elements specific to the local communities.
- Sufi Shrines: Sudan has a strong Sufi presence, and the cemeteries often include the tombs and shrines of Sufi saints and leaders. These shrines are places of pilgrimage and devotion for Sufi adherents.
Funerary Traditions
Funerary traditions in Sudanese cemeteries are deeply rooted in cultural and religious practices. These traditions play a crucial role in honoring the deceased and providing solace to the bereaved.
- Islamic Burial Customs: Islamic burial customs in Sudan involve washing the deceased, shrouding the body in a simple white cloth, and burying it in a grave facing the Qibla (the direction of Mecca). These customs are carried out with reverence and are often performed swiftly after death.
- Traditional Practices: Various ethnic groups in Sudan have their unique funerary traditions, which may include ceremonies, rituals, and songs. These traditions are passed down through generations and serve to celebrate the life of the departed.
Cemetery Architecture
Sudanese cemeteries are not only about the resting places but also the architectural elements that adorn them, creating a distinct visual identity.
- Mausoleums: Many Sudanese cemeteries, especially those with Islamic significance, feature mausoleums and shrines. These structures are often elaborately designed and serve as places of veneration for religious figures and saints.
- Grave Markers: Different cemeteries in Sudan use various grave markers, from simple headstones to ornate sculptures. These markers can offer insights into the cultural and religious affiliations of the deceased.
Cultural Heritage and Preservation
Sudanese cemeteries are an integral part of the nation’s cultural heritage, reflecting its history, diversity, and religious pluralism. Preserving these cemeteries is crucial for safeguarding Sudan’s unique legacy.
- Cultural Diversity: Sudan is home to a mosaic of cultures, languages, and traditions. Its cemeteries showcase this diversity, serving as a testament to the coexistence of different communities and their respective practices.
- Conservation Efforts: Efforts are underway to preserve and protect Sudanese cemeteries, especially those at risk of deterioration or destruction. These efforts often involve partnerships between local communities, heritage organizations, and government authorities.
Conclusion
Sudanese cemeteries are not merely places for burial but repositories of history, culture, and religious significance. They reflect the country’s rich and diverse heritage, with influences from ancient civilizations, religious practices, and indigenous traditions. These cemeteries are living testaments to the past and are essential for preserving Sudan’s unique cultural legacy.
Travel Overland – The Start in Sicily 001
Palermo – Sicily.
Travel overland to Cape Town. We are waiting for the embarkation of our Vehicle to Tunisia. We want to cross the African continent by our camper van. The journey starts in Tunis with final destination Cape town, about 25.000 kilometres through the black continent.
It is end of Novembre and we have a mild winter evening which is typical for the mediterranean coast. We are already on board the ferry, we – that’s me Eric, my wife Alexandra and our female Labrador dog Tara.
From the ferry we have a splendid view of Palermo. We have to wait until the ship is fully loaded. Here begins our uncertain adventure, our long lasting travel overland. After all the hectic preparations we have time to think about our project. Doubts are cast. “Crazy” is what our friends and acquaintances have called us for travelling by car through Africa. “Dangerous” they said – robberies and kidnappings are common there. Yes, we know that, but a lot of fears and concerns seem to us exaggerated. My only concern is our vehicle. An updated two-wheel drive Citroen van with a lot of electronics under the hood. And soon, my concerns are proved to be correct.
Travel Overland The Ferry
Finally we go. The ferry leaves the harbour towards Tunis. We only had two months preparation time. The car got another gear, equipment was organized and a meeting with other companion travellers had to be scheduled, because we do not travel alone. We are in a group of a total of five vehicles on the overland Africa trip, one of which is two tour guides who will lead us through Africa. But it will change quickly as a lot of things go wrong. We will meet on a campsite near Tunis. On board with us are Heidi and Guido, and Ursl and Hans.
About Us
Travel tips based on our experience of overland travel since 2009:
We are a couple middle-aged with our dog Tara traveling Africa. My name is Eric and my wife is Alexandra.
We provide valuable information, which we gathered on our overland trip, which we started in 2009 and mainly in Africa. These travel tips are based on overlanding Africa, first in a camper van for almost 2 years and then with a Land Rover 4×4 for almost 6 years now, which we converted to be able to sleep inside, cook inside, what we occasionally do, especially during the “cold” seasons in Africa. We also provide travel tips for backpackers, if we learn about special information about backpacking.
Travel to Mozambique
On our travel to Mozambique we were crossing the border easily and we travelled through a National Park more or less straight to the coast. It was already a bit late when we checked in to Hotel Milpark in Chimbio. We got a key for a room for shower and we were happy.
01.06.2012 Beira
In the morning we continued direction Beira, along the road street sellers with different fruits like pineapple, pawpaw, delicious.
First we did not find the campsite Piques but finally we managed to check in and it was directly at the beach. Tara was happy as she likes the sea to have a swim or just looking out at the water.
We pitched up our big tent in the sand and needed to go to Beira to get a internet dongle and SIM for Mozambique.
When we wanted to cook our gas was empty and so we did our cooking with charcoal.
02.06.2012 – 06.06.2012
It is very windy at the coast and we have to put in our pegs again and again. We spent the days with working and enjoying the sea and the beach. Every day we walked to a close by local market to get the things we daily needed and I tested my Portugese which seemed not so bad because the people understood what I wanted to buy. We liked one of the market women where we started to buy regularly and also tasted her yeast baked dumplings which were delicious.
07.06.2012
The night was quiet and the wind did not blow, so we slept quite well. But the morning was not so nice as the dog hunters came with their truck to kill the stray dogs. Their method is rather sad, the dart the dogs with some substance, so that they get slow and with nets they catch them and throw them live onto the truck. Tara has observed all of this and got scared as she knew that the dogs were hurt. She just stayed close to us and a worker from the campsite came to tell us we should take care that she does not leave the camp and might get caught as well.
The days passed by with working and organising things.
29.06.2012
We got our Visas extenden for another month, in total we can stay for 3 month in Mozambique. Friday is always dico night and the music plays until morning. We again could not sleep as it was so loud that you could really feel the vibrations.
17.07.2012
The carburetor problem was still not solved or maybe it came again, anyway. So we got help from Martin a guy that originally originated from Germany and with him we tried to fix the carburetor issue. Whenever we tried to drive, in the beginning it worked very well but after a few kms the problem came again, only little power. So we took out the carburetor and fitted a seal in between hoping it changed something.
We met a guy, a hunter who brought clients to shooting elephants, promised to help us with TIP but he disappeared, also such guys you meet when traveling.
18.07.2012
Again in the garage. Floater of the carburetor was adjusted and again fitted into the vehicle for – I do not know – 100 times already.
Tara had bitten a little dog which was annoying to her. His mouth was swollen but the owner just said he must learn not to nerv other dogs.
In the afternoon we found a place were they refilled cooking gas and they even had one to sell, only a small 2.7 liter one but anyway we had not too much space so we bought it as a second one.
We are still in contact with Christin and Martin who we met in Kubu Island, because they were back in South Africa because they still had things to prepare before they could start their trip through Africa. They will follow us and we wanted to meet somewhere to continue together.
We said good bye to the lady from the market stall as we wanted to leave continue to the North. In the evening we sat together and drank beer and enjoyed the atmosphere in the bar.
19.07.2012
In the morning we drove to Martin the mechanic so adjust the floater again and adjust the cold start, the we made a test ride to shoprite a huge supermarket to do some shopping. We picked up a gas bottle again, had to wait until they finished their lunch break and drove back to Martin to pay our bill but he did not take money as he said that most of the things I did myself anyway.
In the evening we went to the restaurant to pay our bill, but the boss said we should pay when we would come again in the future, knowing that we would leave for Tanzania. Great people here! We slept well but discovered that the storm had damaged our tent a little bit.
20.07.2012 Caia
We left Beira and headed to Caia in the hinterland. The road changed from good to bad and good again. 26 km after Inhaminga a tar road started which was much better to drive. After we pad passed Caia there was a huge bridge across the Zambesi River. After the bridge we checked in at a campsite called Cuacua Lodge a well maintaned site with shower and soap. We just had dinner and went to “bed”.
21.07.2012 Nampula
Our days plan was Caia – Mocuba – Nampula about 770 kilometres. We managed to get as far as Mocuba 366 km and checked in at a campsite. The sites dog was a female and had puppies, so it decided to immediately attack our dog. I got him at his neck and Alexandra could put Tara back in the Land Rover, So no camping at the moment, another 404 km to drive until Nampula.
These are the situations I hate, as you need to plan ahead in Africa, as you never know what could all happen. So when we came near to Nampula is got already dark – an absolutely no go to drive when dark in Africa – and above all the tar road turned into a gravel road. When driving hours for hours you start acting like a robot and you just go on. As we experienced Alexandra could not drive the car as she had not the necessary power in her arms to steer without power steering on gravel roads or in sandy or muddy conditions.
Rather late we arrived in Nampula at the campsite Complexo Montes Nunc. Completely exhausted Taraand I fell asleep whileAlexandra put up the tent.
22.07.2012
In the morning we had a chat with an Norwegian couple also on overland Africa trip. The campsite was beautifully situated, really scenic.
We went to town, got petrol and headed to the Ilha de Moçambique. The weather was really bad and cloudy so we could not take any photos or do any filming. So before the bridge there was a campsite, we wanted to check in to wait for better weather, maybe tomorrow. But the owner did not bargain for the price. It was really too much money and above all three dogs dominated the place so we decided to go on.
So we drove on to Nacale to find a campsite at Beach Diving Center. It was a 4×4 track to get there but was a nice place, run by British Folks. There were 3 dogs as well, so we agreed to let our dog go for a walk away from the campsite. Later we would return later and keep her in the Land Rover. We spent a peaceful night there although it was raining during the night.
23.07.2012 Nacale nach Pemba
On the roadside stalls with fruits , nuts and much more, a dense vegetation wonderful to watch. In Pemba we went to Bush Camp but again they had 5 fierce dogs. So they did not take us in but recommended another campsite and explained us the way there. So we did not find it, used a lot of petrol, so again filling up from the jerry can. The drawing of the lady was not correct. But finally got there and learned that the campsite was still under construction.
Our last option was Russels Place, again for the forth time we passed police control, this time they stopped us. Alexandra was leaning at the side with her head supported by a jacket and was sleeping. So the police got suspicious and after checking her and not waking her up he waved me through, nice guy.
At Russels Place they were very friendly but had lots of dogs as well. As Tara had already her evening walk in the wild, we stayed at this campsite. We fed her, I kept the other dogs away and quickly put her back in the Land Rover.
We put up our tent, Alex cooked some Dinner and we had some beer. Soon we felt asleep. During the night I woke up and realized it was quite hot. So I got up and opened the windows of the Land Rover even more for Tara. So I got the chance to smoke a cigarette und surveillance of the pack of dogs.
24.07.2012
After an extensive walk with Tara we went to immigration to extend our Visa. But they did not do so, which I already had feared in Beira. I was not sure if the information might be wrong. So now we were glad that we had made many kms the last days. It was not so far anymore to the Tanzanian Border.
Next we went to the recommended garage to get our exhaust manifold welded again. I wonder how often it still can be done before it is finished. But it was without success so after a walk with Tara, we returned to the campsite. We had a chat with our neighbours, Germans that had lived in Kenya and invited us for Gin-Tonic. As a sleeping pill – 2 cold beers.
25.07.2012
In the morning back to the garage because on that bad roads we had 2 layers broken of our rear left spring. They took it out, welded them and fitted it back into the Land Rover. Looked good a nice farewell chat with the 80 years old owner and we went back to the campsite. I still tried to tighten the bolts from the exhaust manifold. As it was dirty there so I supposed air gets out there and indeed by tightening the noise got less.
26.07.2012 Pemba -Mocimboa de Praia
Early in the morning we left. The tar road was good, so we proceeded quite fast. Stop Over at a nice campsite next to the road.
27.07.2012
As the campsite had 7 dogs in Mocimboa we went out again to walk Tara. And anyway we needed some money from the ATM. I queued up as many people wanted to withdraw. After a long time it was my turn and I put in everything I needed. But there did not come any money at the ATM, but all others before me got their money. So I tried again and again and nothing. Impossible as there is money on the account. I got nervous and so the people waiting behind me. Then I had an idea and changed the language from English to Portugese and now the ATM gave me money. So bviously it only worked in Portugese language.
Back at the campsite we had a shower with view to the stars, same the toilet and had some dinner under the sky.
28.07.2012
We leave Mocimboa and get until Mueda, not really far but at least a lodge on our way. Checked in at Takatuka and camped in the yard of the Lodge. We had bucket shower, there was no running water.
In the morning in Mueda we quickly did some shopping and we headed to the border. The road was average gravel road. About 100 km before the real border the officer from Mocambique customs checked our TIP. He realized that the officer when entering the country had missed one figure in our car registration. So the TIP was not correct but he made no fuss and let us pass. Now we were heading to the bridge that connects Mozambique with Tanzania. Across the Bridge there id Tanzanian customs.