Samfya

Leaving Mporokoso behind, we made our way back to Kasama, a familiar pit stop to restock on water, ice, and other essentials. While consulting our trusty guidebook "Tracks for Africa," we found an intriguing spot to spend the night on our journey - the Mountain City Lodge Campsite in Luwingu. It was a last-minute decision, and we arrived quite late. The lodge was bustling with activity, undergoing construction, but the staff went out of their way to accommodate us for the night. Despite the lack of proper facilities and the long walk to the restroom, we made do using one of the locally made braais from an old rim, rustling up a meal and settling in for a well-deserved night's rest. 

With renewed energy, we set off for our next destination, Samfya, the following day. The road conditions were surprisingly good, a stark contrast to what we had grown accustomed to. Apart from skilfully dodging a few potholes on the road from Mansa to Samfya, the journey was relatively stress-free. Along the way, we couldn't resist stopping to buy some fresh sweet potatoes from the friendly locals, adding a taste of authenticity to our adventure. 

Lake Bangweulu, is another expanse of wonderous water that Zambia has abundance of. Locals all fish for a living and the bartering system seems to be in place swopping Fresh fish for other essential goods. The water stretches as far as the eye can see and species of fish include Bream, Tiger, and yellow Belly. There are said to be 83 different species of Fish in the Lake. 

Our designated campsite, Samfya Beach Lodge Camp Site, had promised a beachfront experience, but alas, we found ourselves on the other side of a barbed wire fence. Undeterred, we decided to continue our quest for the perfect spot and stumbled upon Bangweulu Beachfront Village. The management there welcomed us with open arms and granted us a cosy spot for camping. However, the allure of their well-appointed rooms proved irresistible, and we decided to indulge in some comfort for a night or two. 

The following day, we set out to explore the charming "town" of Samfya and its bustling fish market. Wandering through the streets, we discovered hidden gems - a few places where we could enjoy a cold libation and a coffee shop that surprisingly sold Bibles, pork, coffee, and cakes. The locals were incredibly friendly, and they took a genuine interest in our journey, engaging us in conversations about our origins and experiences. 

Samfya left a lasting impression on us with its warmth, charm, and the genuine hospitality of its residents. It's a place we knew we would return to someday, as its unique character and friendly atmosphere had left an indelible mark on our travel adventure.