Kazembe to Mpika 



feet — we congratulated ourselves on being safely 

 out of the Luangwa valley, which had been so 

 unfavourably . reported upon. It had been hot, 

 certainly, but no hotter than many of the places 

 through which we had previously travelled. If our 

 time had not been limited, or had there been any 

 reason for it, we should not have hesitated re- 

 maining there, for we had enjoyed good health 

 throughout. 



Though not in great abundance, there was 

 undoubtedly game. More animals were seen in 

 the valley than in any other part of North-East 

 Rhodesia, and this, notwithstanding the proximity 

 of a much frequented road. **FIy" was certainly 

 troublesome, but mosquitoes were mercifully few, 

 probably owing to the dry season and the burnt 

 grass. We used mosquito curtains, but so 

 far as I can recollect, they were required more 

 to keep off .*'fly" by day than mosquitoes by 

 night. 



I can imagine the valley being very unwhole- 

 some when drying up after the heavy rains — 

 masses of high grass sheltering the mosquito — but I 

 do not consider it so in October. The valley was 

 well watered with nice clear running streams, so 

 that I fancy its evil reputation — for we heard much 

 in its disfavour from several reliable sources, 

 notably in Nyasaland — arises from the broader and 

 drier southern portion along which the post-road 

 passes. 



After a good rest we started again about 3 p.m. 

 in pleasantly cool weather, everyone refreshed by 



159 



