Kapishya Hot Springs

Leaving the tranquil Tembusha Forest Camp behind, we braced ourselves for another encounter with the dreaded T2 as we continued our journey towards Kapishya Hot Springs. This destination had come highly recommended by Patrick, who had a personal connection to the establishment through his uncle.

 Navigating the T2 was no small feat. It was a road where we had to dodge not only trucks and potholes but also the occasional goat or cow that seemed to wander onto the path. As we approached the turnoff to Kapishya Hot Springs, our hearts sank when we realized that what had been marked on Tracks for Africa as a "Main Gravel Road" was little more than a rugged track. Undeterred, we let some air out of our tires to better handle the challenging corrugations and ventured forth on the 60-kilometer journey to our much-anticipated destination. 

Arriving at Kapishya Hot Springs was like stumbling upon an oasis in the wilderness. Nestled along the Mansha River, our campsite was shaded by beautiful trees and set right on the riverbanks. The ablutions, while basic, served their purpose well, and we were relieved to find that the water was hot. 

With beverages in hand, we made our way to the hot springs, where we indulged in the soothing, mineral-rich waters, washing away the day's accumulated dust and fatigue. Exiting the springs, we gravitated to the Pub Restaurant, where we joined fellow campers in savouring cold libations and swopping stories about our travels. We decided to dine at the restaurant, relishing a delicious meal before retreating to our campsite to gather around the crackling campfire. 

The following morning brought an unexpected delight as we managed to spot the elusive Ross's Turaco, a lifer for us birdwatchers, which filled us with a sense of accomplishment. We ended up extending our stay at Kapishya for a couple of days, enjoying the company of other travellers who were following similar routes. We swapped tales of our adventures thus far, sharing stories of our journey and comparing notes on the ever-entertaining condition of the T2. It was these unexpected encounters and shared experiences that truly enriched our road trip through Zambia.