I´m looking out over Lake Tanganyika after a wonderful two and a half
days. Somewhat sadly we must leave what
I am now convinced is my favorite spot on the planet. Chris and Louise Horsfall continue to provide
world class hospitality at a most remote, unlikely and uniquely beautiful
place. The Lakeshore Lodge is located on the eastern shore of the lake near the
town - really a fishing village, Kipili. As African towns go Kipili is among the
poorest, giving no hint of the special piece of paradise that lies a few
kilometers down a narrow ribbon of jagged rocks that passes for a road. On day
one we journeyed to the Katavi wildlife park for the always delightful encounter
with the
usual suspects - giraffe, hippos, crocodiles, impala, lots of
elephants, warthogs, water buffalo and zebra.
Day two included an eight kilometer round trip
kayak expedition to a small island for snorkeling in perfectly clear fresh
water among thousands of beautiful cichlids and other fish. It was rather like
being in a huge aquarium. The rest of the time has been about lounging around
at the Tahiti-esque main lodge gazing at Congo way off at the horizon and
listening to the small waves lapping on the beach. All this, of course, complimented by a
bountiful selection of wines, beer and hard stuff to bring each of us to the
proper level of mellow. Ive written about the physical
aspects of Lakeshore before and I would refer you to the posts of July 14, 2008 and
July 15, 2009 for a more detailed description.
Now we pack up to return to Sumbawanga for
what promises to be a fast paced week. I scheduled a bunch of cases so we can fnish the visit
with a flurry of activity. Hopefully
the anesthetic agents will have arrived and we can get the kiddie hernias done
as some others that have been waiting around. Things have got to look better
after such a delightful respite.
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