Lake Kariba to Deka, Zimbabwe.

Tuesday, 17^th March 2026

It's 9.40am and we are still on Lake Kariba ferry. There is just one other tourist group, 3 couples. I moved my cushions to the floor last night to sleep, rather than on the recliner.  Amazing sunset and stars over a very dark Africa. Incredible feeling to be here. Food cooked by ferry staff is amazing, lunch, dinner and breakfast. Porridge, fruit, yogurt followed by a full cooked "Scottish". Last night we saw elephants and more hippos. This lake is the biggest man made lake in the world, Zambezi River damed to make Hydro Electric Power. It is 175 miles long. We were allowed to jump in and swim off ferry,  in a safe area. I am at back of photo. Exhilarating. 

We started cycling late, about 11.00am because of ferry docking time, right into heat of the day. The African sun is relentless, was 30"C  . We were riding on tarmac with potholes but in reality it was craters with a little tarmac. After 10 miles temperature was showing 42"C. The road surface was so difficult to navigate, I and others went into the hard pack at the side. I became bogged down in sand, couldn't get started. Fortunately two African young men appeared and I signalled for them to push me, which they did. I was off again. Very rural, very green, few villages, no traffic, no wildlife. This is north Zimbabwe. I caught up with Jaime and we cycled to lunch together, when we arrived other cyclists and local villagers cheered us in, so rewarding. At lunch stop I was dripping and badly needed a rest. Didn't feel like eating but managed loads of refreshing fresh food salad. As the surface was now technical gravel for another 50 miles I called it a day and got in the truck. Wise decision, although the truck was slow, rocking and rolling all the way to camp. We picked another five struggling cyclists. I think the late start, intense heat, was a big factor. After dinner because my section is nearly finished, I and others were presented with a TDA cycling top. Tour Leader said I was an inspiration and admired my grit and determination.  I've loved being part of this amazing group but I won't deny it has been extremely hard. Not the distances or elevation but the whole package, African heat, tent up, tent down in the dark at 4.00am, carrying heavy bag to truck. I couldn't have done it without the help from fellow cyclists and support team, they are amazing. 

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