The most dramatic road in Africa

The breath taking Wolkefit pass was upon us the next morning just after the town of Debark.

Built by the Italians in the 1930’s it descends nearly 2000 meters. Described as ”the most dramatic road in Africa” in it entirety – and drama it was – continuous, curving and switchback upon switchback and then climbing again up in hairpin bends. All on gravel, contrary to our map. We stop counting at 12 X up and 13 X down.

Full concentration was required nonstop six hours for a measly 189 Kms in an ever changing landscape and strange abodes of habitation; we now see the sand stone houses of the Tigrai region - a strange perception of stability in Africa! And still every hill, mountain side and valley is terraced, ploughed and planted with tef for injera (the local bread–pancake) or beans.

The aircon packs up today in the heat. (Marc and Lorna, have you taken off the BAIT tape off Mad1 today?!!!!)

In Shire a much needed rest was called for in a hotel. Slowly we start to appreciate the relative luxury of leaving the tent closed, although we miss our bed on top of Konstantin which is a 100 x better than what is offered in the hotels.