Yes, all is well with the tree nursery in Mboole and its boss Jonsen! After a Zambian-style dinner together and an improvised overnight stay in simple single rooms, we want to see more of the plantation today.
The tree nursery is a beautiful place to stay, but also a contribution to tackling climate change in the Southern Province. In response to increasing periods of drought, Jonsen offers seedlings for citrus trees in the nursery that can withstand intense heat … and has been using a solar-powered water pump for more than 5 years now.
We enjoy tasting the oranges from the plantation and then offer some helping hands: cleaning out the orange trees and seedlings is fun, but we can’t really stand it for long in the heat.
In the afternoon, it’s another hour or so to Monze town. I worked there for five weeks in 2005 and got friendly with Armin. He was born in Northern German and has lived in Zambia since the 1980s. Mostly with a shaggy beard. The locals affectionately call him Mr. Moomba – referring to his store “Moomba Enterprises” and the local bird “Moomba”.
We park away from the busy main road, at the back of the property … and find a paradise for cat lovers.
Karin