Itinerary to Zomba

Preparations have started. Visa should be in the mail by now, although I can't reach the embassy of Mocambique at this point. They may be busy serving another satisfied customer. Our passports have been copied

so we should be able to go about our journey. By the way, does anyone now what "notarized"means for copies of a passport?

This post is to state our plans for the trip as they have evolved up untill now. We start by flying out from Amsterdam on the 31st (I dislike Schiphol but it was the easiest and cheapest choice) on an Airbus A380! I'm curious if it has really changed the experience of flying into flying a flying carpet. (Yes, it's Emirates).

We'll be waiting for connecting flights in Dubai (where I shall not drink, I promise, nor curse) and then we'll be on our way to Johannesburg, arriving there at 10.30 in the morning. I rented a car through http://www.pacecarrental.co.za/ , they were very helpful in getting me a bakkie (for more ground clearance needed on some accessroads to campsites and such) and the mileage needed for the trip at a reasonable price. They'll fetch us from the airport, I guess.

Next I'll go to Mr du Plessis, who so kindly gave us the opportunity to see Joburg through the eyes of a regular citizen by offering up his couch on http://www.couchsurfing.org. As did Eduarda in Maputo! I'd really like to get out on the road for Vilanculos on the 5th, so ity might become a hostel instead..

We'll travel to Maxixe or hopefully Inhassoro, and head out for Chimoio the next day. I hope someone has the timetable for the police escorts on the EN1 for us, latest news is they leave at 8.30 am at the Save bridge crossing.

 https://plus.google.com/114691798799265471121/about?gl=nl&hl=nl 

From Chimoio, where we hope to stay at the Pink Papaya to Tete should be a regular drive. Tete has a campsite next to the bridge, so that could be a pace to halt. Alternatively, if we progress very well, we might want to head for Blantyre or even Zomba on the same day. However, the stretch from Tete to Malawi seems to be potholed (anyone?) and the stretch from Blantyre to Zomba takes at least 1,5 hrs as roadworks are on the way.