out of service had to go to Malemba Nkulo nell'omonima province of Katanga in the region.
Given the impracticability of most roads, for the problems of the bridges destroyed or collapsed, there were only 2 possibilities to reach Malemba Nkulo with half their own. The first from Lubumbashi,
Likasi and get a bit more north, continue in barge on the River Congo to the north (length 3-4 days).
The second hypothesis from our base of
Kalem, in the district of Tanganyika, Manono reach with the helicopter of the United Nations and continue moving on the 150 km of track. Opt for the latter case, the information is that over the last few days have not been sighted group of Mai Mai in the area and then you should move without great risks. Manono reached by helicopter, motorcycle load on the stocks of gasoline, a little bit of water and a few Biscottino for the trip.
A Manono along what remains of the old copper mines, now flown by the researchers of coltan (a substance used in the production of computer equipment and given the wealth of the Congo). Soil rich in minerals gives a gloss to the particular track. We are 4 with two moto (mechanical included), the track in some parts is transformed into a sea of sand and the weight with excessive driving is also fairly insecure. However advancing, we destroyed villages from guerrilla warfare, refugee camps, consisting of small straw huts on the side of the village. On the track a few hunters with bows and arrows seem to lead us into another age, if it were not for the roar and crackling of motorcycle engines.
Mulongo taken in by a large tam tam ceremonial is set in beautiful sight to the road side.
We reach the ferry on the Congo river, the barge stopped for lack of fuel, maybe come in a couple of weeks. Then load the bikes on small canoes hollowed logs in the river and cross.
Even two hours before you reach the ghost town of
Malemba Nkulu. The only house provided with electricity is that of the French Action contre la faim. Kindly hosting us for two nights stay in the city. It seems that the only chance of finding a beer is in the old warehouse near the river port. A little boy with us and help us find the last 6 beers existing town, pleasantly clear at room temperature (32 ยบ). A tour to the market to find something for dinner, but a few bananas and papaya are no more.
After the two-day working visit to MN, we continue the way back, same vicissitudes, the same ferry, some more drilling and about 40 km from Manono one air chamber is completely destroyed. What do we do? African solution, fill the tire very fine straw and Sterpi, refit everything and now we reach the dark Manono.