The only way to and from, Oblate Mission of Kalabo

The Zambezi River crosses the Barotse Floodplain, in the Western Province of Zambia and influences every aspect of the life of the Lozi people that inhabit it.

During several months of the year, large extensions of the plain are underwater and the only way to and from the Oblate Mission of Kalabo is by boat, navigating over flooded grasslands.

The trip takes between two and a half to four hours, depending on the boat, with frequent stops and draws back to release the grasses that entangle around the propeller. Only a seasoned skipper can navigate the channels among the grasses and even in the channels the grasses are just below the surface.

Bringing provisions and some needed medicines to the mission implies traveling to Mongu and the trip takes at least one day