Chipata, Zambia to Petauke, Zambia

Tuesday, 10^th March 2026

Distance: 51.28 miles. Elevation: 2217 ft

Slept sporadically, up every couple of hours, that's why I camp near the toilet. Slept in liner, was slightly chilled, should have used sleeping bag. Anyway, my tummy feels better, which is a relief. Up at 4.05am, not the first, and took my time packing tent etc plus personal belongings. It was dark, thank goodness for Headtorch.  5.30 start again with info for day, then breakfast. A lot of people interested in where I come from. Googling Arran, great crowd. More hills today, not huge gradients but long. I had made up my mind to go in van after lunch, a sensible decision. Temp about 25/30C today but as we are cycling west sun was more on my back. Once I had cleared Chipata, roads were excellent and not as busy as Malawi. We had really rough off road cycling from camp to main road. I was really frightened but made it Kim. Rolling Hills but unbelievably taxing in this heat.  Biggest gradient was 5% and I was struggling. Zambia is very lush, fields of crops. Village people very friendly, kids shouting 'how are you' constantly.  At first I was waving back and saying 'fine' by mile 45 I was saying'awful'. Zambia seems more prosperous than Malawi. I have decided to cycle again to lunch stop tomorrow instead of full day. It is still good mileage and I reach camp in time to get tent up, showered without stressing. 

BTW there were 5 of us in van after lunch.