All about traveling to the Czech Republic. Our trip to the Czech Republic

Thank you very much for the travel stories sent to me for the “The Story of My Travel” competition by e-mail: [email protected]. Today is a report on a trip to the Czech Republic from Alexey Batuev. Of all my life memories, the ones that most warm my soul and awaken the best feelings in my heart are memories of three trips to the absolutely amazing, fabulously beautiful country of the Czech Republic. […]

Thank you very much for the travel stories sent to me for the “The Story of My Travel” competition by e-mail: [email protected].
Today is a report on a trip to the Czech Republic from Alexey Batuev.

Of all my life memories, the ones that most warm my soul and awaken the best feelings in my heart are memories of three trips to the absolutely amazing, fabulously beautiful country of the Czech Republic.

This country was very lucky in that it was almost unaffected by the most destructive Second World War in the history of mankind, and, thanks to this, everything that was built since the early Middle Ages was preserved unchanged on its territory. Of all European cities, the capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, has the largest Old city, walking along it and admiring the beautiful buildings, you can see examples of absolutely all architectural styles.

In the relatively small territory of the Czech Republic, more than two thousand medieval castles still stand.

The country annually hosts medieval festivals with colorful carnival processions and knightly tournaments. The most famous of them is the Festival of the Five Petal Rose in the city of Cesky Krumlov.

Festival of the Five Petal Rose in Cesky Krumlov

Lovers of medieval romance - this is the place for you!
And the most remarkable thing, in my opinion, is that Czech state, not having oil and gas reserves, as well as other natural resources, nevertheless provides its citizens with a very decent standard of living. The Chekhovs cannot be called workaholics, but the vast majority of the population lives in abundance. Life here flows calmly and measuredly, order reigns in everything. The Czechs do not have that rollicking prowess that is present among the Slavic brothers - Poles, Ukrainians, Russians. Perhaps the whole point is that Czechs, as a rule, do not find inspiration in strong alcoholic drinks.

In the Czech Republic, the influence of German culture, which the country has experienced throughout its centuries-old history, is very strongly felt. The Czech Republic was the only Slavic state that was part of the Holy Roman Empire of the German nation, and the Czech kings were vassals of the German emperors. Starting from the 13th century, many immigrants from Germany and Austria lived in the Czech Republic. Many Czech cities, like cities in other countries of Eastern Europe(Poland, Slovakia, Romanian Transylvania) were founded and settled by German colonists. The 400-year stay of the Czech Republic as part of the Austrian Habsburg empire also left a big imprint on the Czech mentality. In Czech cuisine, as in German, pork dishes with sour cabbage are very popular. The Czechs, like the Germans, are tenderly and reverently in love with beer, and in terms of its per capita consumption they occupy first place in Europe.

They joke: “We can only lose our championship in one case - if Bayern leaves Germany and becomes independent state" In general, the Czechs are such “Slavic Germans”. It is very noteworthy that this relationship between Czech and German cultures is personified by the most popular ruler in the history of the Czech Republic - Czech king and, concurrently, the German Emperor Charles IV of Luxembourg, who ruled the country in the middle of the 14th century. On his father’s side, this monarch came from the family of the Dukes of Luxembourg, i.e. representatives of the German world, and on his mother’s side he was a descendant of the oldest Czech royal dynasty - the Přemyslids. It was under Charles IV that Prague became one of the most beautiful cities Europe, and remains so to this day.

Perhaps the introduction was too long. I begin to describe the travels themselves. I will dwell on the first two very briefly - they were only a prelude to the third. So, first things first.

A long time ago, in 1981, the stars were so well positioned in the sky that I was incredibly lucky and received a ticket to travel abroad. Let me note right away that in those good old days when Soviet Union and the rest of the world was divided by the Iron Curtain, ordinary citizens known reasons very rarely visited the borders of our glorious Fatherland, and when such a happy occasion presented itself to one of them, our state carefully relieved citizens of the need to choose where, when and for how many days to go. Really, why bother? In the era of historical materialism, Soviet citizens did not go where they most wanted, but where the party, Komsomol and trade unions allocated vouchers.

So, the district Komsomol committee allocated a trip to Czechoslovakia to the Komsomol organization of our enterprise. Fortunately for me, it was to Czechoslovakia, where I went in October 1981. To be honest, after this trip there were not many truly vivid memories left, because sightseeing for Soviet tourists was not the most important thing for which they went abroad. In the first place, as a rule (I don’t want to generalize and speak for all my fellow citizens), shopping was in first place, in second place were meetings with the labor collectives of a fraternal socialist country and visiting places associated with the names of figures of the world communist movement, everything else was on a residual basis.

Our group was lucky - the representative of the host country accompanying the group on the route was a very sweet and very energetic woman who made every effort to ensure that we not only successfully spent the currency we had, but also learned as much as possible about the history and culture of the country . The name of this sweet lady has been erased from my memory; I only remember that her main profession was a school teacher and during school holidays she worked part-time in the tourism industry. I am very grateful to her - she was the first person who discovered the Czech Republic for me.

If my first trip to the Czech Republic took place as a result of a not entirely conscious choice, then the second, which happened 24 years after the first, in 2005, was the product of a long discussion and consensus with all my children and household members. Being by that time a fully established father of a family, I most resolutely intended to introduce my offspring to all that is most beautiful and feed them to their full with spiritual food.

And so, one fine day, I voiced to them my proposal for bus tour to the Czech Republic. A student daughter who has never been anywhere before except Moscow (we have relatives there) and Black Sea resorts, said thoughtfully: “Excursions? It must be so boring... It’s not for me.” But the son accepted the offer with enthusiasm. Having inherited from me a craving for medieval romance (brave and generous knights, beautiful ladies, noble robbers, troubadours... Well, you understand what I mean...), by the eighth grade of school he had become a fully-fledged lover of the fantasy genre and was very inspired by the opportunity to see all this fabulous medieval surroundings in reality. My wife, who last traveled abroad as long ago as me (she has trips to Poland, Spain and Portugal) agreed quite quickly, especially since I very convincingly and eloquently described to her the beauty of the Czech Republic based on the memories that remained I have from my first trip. The low cost of the tour that I mentioned finally convinced her of the right choice, after which she could start packing her bags.
And then, in short, our first family voyage to the Czech Republic went simply with a bang, with only “pros” and not a single “minus”.

On a 10 day bus tour we saw Prague (2 sightseeing tours around the city), Karlovy Vary, Marianske Lazne, Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora, Orlik, Zvikov and Žleby castles, underground caves Moravian Kras and, in addition, on the way back, Polish Krakow. They "galloped across Europe" at full speed.

I am very grateful to fate that on this tour I was lucky enough to meet an absolutely amazing person - Vyacheslav Borisovich Perepelitsa - who was our group leader, i.e. a representative of the tour operator who accompanied the group on the route. I am absolutely sure that this man knows everything about the Czech Republic. And there is absolutely no doubt that he really loves this country and the people living in it. Man with high level erudition, an amazing sense of humor and self-irony, Vyacheslav Borisovich did everything so that those who were with him on the trip would remain the most devoted fans of the Czech Republic until the end of their days. Moreover, he did this completely unobtrusively, as if gradually, without any pathos or false enthusiasm.

For those who want to learn more about the Czech Republic and Czechs, I advise you to find and read most interesting book V.B. Quails “Watching the Czechs. Not just beer..." My son gave me this book, having bought it as a souvenir when he was with friends on a trip to St. Petersburg in 2011, i.e. 6 years after the trip. He knew how to please me. And, by the way, my son took this book with him on our next trip to the Czech Republic, which we made with the same members in August 2012, but almost independently, not as part of a group. How I planned and prepared this trip, as well as how it went, I will tell you in detail in the second part of my review.

Discounted hotels here

There are a lot of interesting natural places in the Czech Republic that are suitable for a real trip or a short one-day outing. The Czechs themselves are constantly exploring the country, and in a hiking format: climbing mountains, rafting down rivers, and participating in volunteer camps. In any wild corner of the Czech Republic you will meet a family with infant, a group of cheerful old men and a fashionable couple with an energetic terrier. See the places where The Chronicles of Narnia were filmed, climb the highest mountain or wander into the most deep cave, find out what the Czech paradise looks like or try coffee in the mountains, for which even Austrians come - don’t be afraid to move away from the cities you know, especially since Czech nature is especially beautiful in the fall.

How to plan a trip?

Hiking is very simple and convenient: absolutely all paths in the country are marked with special signs of different colors (red, green, yellow, blue, and usually this is not related to the severity of a particular route), and at intersections there are signs with the names of the nearest settlements or attractions and distances to them. It is impossible to get lost, planning a route is easy. There are four national parks in the Czech Republic. All of them are accessible to visitors, although they have different zones - some are prohibited for tourists (signs will inform you about this). Also, in national parks you cannot leave the hiking trails and light a fire. Except national parks there are many natural areas with less strict visiting conditions - you can safely spend the night there in a tent.

The algorithm for planning any trip to the Czech Republic looks like this: find the ones closest to the chosen one natural place settlements. A trouble-free Czech transport assistant will help you create a route to them. idos.cz. Then search for this place on mapy.cz in the layer with designated tourist routes, study local attractions (they are all marked on the map) and choose the color of the route. Mapy.cz is only in the Czech version, but the common Slavic roots of Google Translate work wonders. The map also shows information points where you can get an analogue map of the area.

The highest mountain

Snowball(Sněžka) - part of the Krknoše mountain range and national park. This is the most high part Sudeten, and Snezka itself is the highest mountain in the Czech Republic, 1602 meters, and it is located exactly on the border with Poland. The height is just right so that you can climb without much prior physical preparation, and feel the joy of conquering yourself high mountain in the country.

The ascent begins in a tourist village at the foot of the mountains - Pec-pod-Snezkoy. It consists mainly of guesthouses and ski rentals, but it has its own convenient and useful website - you will find there a map, tourist routes, discounts, places to stay and entertainment. Plan a whole day for the climb. A blue tourist trail leads from the village to the top of the mountain, flat at first and then increasingly steep (for the lazy, you can take the cable car). The forest around us changes, like a geography textbook, into an increasingly arctic landscape (as does the weather, so don't forget to dress warmly) until all that remains is boulders and lichens.

Poles rise from the opposite side of the mountain, and you all gather together on the cloudy top. There is a cafe that looks like a UFO and a postal station - don't miss the opportunity to send your friends a postcard from the highest point in the Czech Republic. You can go down another way - follow the yellow route, then turn onto the green one.

By the way, besides Snezka there are many other mountains and many tourist routes of varying difficulty, so lovers of mountain walks can safely stay for a couple of days, and in winter, of course, go skiing.

Deepest cave

To get to the Moravian Karst, you need to get to the city of Blansko, and from there go to the objects that interest you on foot or by local buses. Visiting the caves Moravian Karst paid - check the prices and schedule on the website, and keep in mind that in tourist season, i.e. From May to September, it makes sense to book your tickets several weeks in advance. And one more thing: it is very cold in the caves, do not forget about warm clothes and shoes even in summer.

The largest forest

Šumava(Šumava) - the largest national park in the Czech Republic, a huge forest on the border with Germany and Austria, green roof Europe. You can wander through this ancient and fabulous forest for several weeks at any time of the year: climb mountains and look at the clouds lying like cotton wool in the valleys, walk through lakes, rivers and swamps, or just listen to the green noise.

First, you can see the main Šumava lakes. From Špičak take the yellow route to Devil's Lake, and then along the red one - to Cherny. Along the way you will pass the European watershed - a mountain range, on one side of which rivers flow into the Black Sea, and on the other - into the North. Both lakes are at an altitude of more than 1000 meters. Devil's Lake is called so because of the legend about the devil who supposedly drowned here with a stone on his tail. Further along the same red path you can get to the White Ravine waterfall (this is the most high waterfall in Sumava - 13 meters) and follow the yellow path to the Hamry-Hojsova Stráž station.

You can walk along the canyon of the Otter River, full of rapids and waterfalls - a special Povydří trail has been created there, which goes from the village of Antýgl to Čenkova Pila(red route). If you're lucky, you might even meet the otters themselves.

Finally, it is worth exploring the surroundings of the largest Czech reservoir, Lipno - go to Lipno nad Vltavou. There you can also walk along the route through the treetops and good weather even see the Alps.

A site about Sumava from local enthusiasts.

White cliffs of southern Moravia

Palawa(Pálava) are several low (549 meters) white limestone mountains in southern Moravia, on the border with Austria. They arose back in the Mesozoic era, and in the Neolithic people already lived here. A local archaeological find, the clay figurine of Venus of Vestonitskaya is one of the most ancient clay products in the world.

Best to get to Mikulov(which in itself is worth a visit). In summer, a special express train (Expres Pálava - Podyjí) runs from Brno in the morning and evening - the journey takes only a few hours. You can set out on foot from Mikulov - this is a five-kilometer walk through spacious fields with vineyards (red tourist route).

On the way you will meet a place Kletnice with a cafe where people even from Austria come to have a cup of coffee. The garden around the cafe looks like a magical place, but be careful - the prices here are comparable to a good Prague restaurant.

By itself mountain range There are several hiking trails, easier and more difficult. We advise you to choose the one that goes through the entire “ridge” of the mountain (red) - it is steeper, but all the most interesting things are located on it: the symbol tree of Palava, the most high point(Děvín) with a breathtaking view of the whole of southern Moravia and the Novomlyn reservoir, the ruins of the Děvičky castle. Then you can go down to the wine village of Pavlov, reward yourself for great trip a glass (or bottle) of local white wine from a variety that bears the same name - Palava. The reservoir by the way - perfect place for windsurfing, in the middle there are artificially created islands for nesting birds and an island with a church - the top of the hill of the flooded village of Musov.

Paradise Branch

If you need to get a Czech experience in a concentrated form, namely to see many different castles in the middle of forests and mountains, then you are in Czech paradise, and this is not a play on words. Bohemian Paradise (Český ráj) - protected natural area in the north of the Czech Republic, 182 square kilometers of forest and rocks between the cities of Turnov, Jičín and Mnichovo Hradiště. Once upon a time, a long time ago, the sea splashed here and volcanoes erupted, but time and wind turned the seabed into bizarre rocks - however, you can still find sand under your feet. Entire cities are made from rocks, others have their own names - Lighthouse or Dragon, for example. It is quite possible to explore this region for several days, especially since in addition to the rocks there are many different castles here. The most famous are Trosky Castle (two towers on two rocks opposite each other) and Kost Castle, which often hosts medieval festivals.

Most popular here Prahov Rocks(Prachovské skály). It's very beautiful rock city, which has observation decks and the castle of Parges, carved into the rocks themselves. The place is also popular with climbers. It is better to explore this region from the city of Prachov along the green or red route.

The second large popular group is Hrubá skála - the path to it lies along the blue path from the Hrubá skála railway station of the same name.

Territory Czech Republic has been inhabited for thousands of years and is a land dotted with castles, medieval towns, beautiful mountains, ancient ruins and world-class wineries.

Every year more and more tourists come to the country, but they mainly visit Prague. Once you leave this beautiful (but touristy) city, you'll discover inexpensive country and one of the most beautiful countries Europe. If you dare visit the Czech Republic, you will probably come to Prague, but be sure to go outside the city and see what is hidden from the eyes of the average tourist!

Standard costs in the Czech Republic

Cost of housing in the Czech Republic– Prices in hostels in the Czech Republic will vary depending on where exactly you want to stay: starting from 175 CZK per small towns and up to 400 CZK in Prague. Typically, every hostel has free Wi-Fi and a kitchen where you can prepare your own meals.

IN budget hotel starts from 500-700 CZK per night, and usually includes free WiFi(prices will vary depending on what city you are in, with Prague prices being the highest).

Expect to pay around 900 CZK per night for a budget hotel that offers free breakfast. can be found in major cities, although the vast majority of apartments are located in Prague. Prices for apartments in the Czech Republic with shared accommodation with owners start from 450 CZK per night. If you want to rent an entire house or apartment, expect to pay at least 1,500 CZK per night.

For those traveling with a tent, there is tent camps, scattered throughout the country - prices start from 200 CZK per night.

Food in the Czech Republic– Czech cuisine does not stand out for its delicacies, it is very similar to the food we are used to, but quite tasty. A plate of dumplings and goulash with gravy will keep you full throughout the day. For a cheap meal at an inexpensive restaurant, expect to pay around 120 CZK. A nicer meal in a mid-range restaurant would cost over 300 CZK. You will pay more for fast food (like McDonald's) than for cheap local food, as fast food usually costs around 130 CZK. If you want a quick bite, there are numerous kebab/shawarma stalls for under 120 CZK. Buying food for a week will cost about 1,000-1,200 CZK if you buy Czech goods at a grocery store. To keep things simple and cheap, you can easily find local sausages and cheese and make yourself quick sandwiches.

Transport. Most cities in the Czech Republic have an extensive tram system, with roots dating back to the communist past. Prague also has a metro that is quite easy to use, with three lines that go to all local attractions. A one-way ticket costs 24 CZK for a 30-minute trip or 32 CZK for a 90-minute trip. An unlimited 24-hour pass costs 110 CZK. Traveling by train between cities is very easy, just don't expect modern comfortable carriages. If possible, buy your tickets at the station in advance to get the best fare. For example, a ticket from Prague to Brno will cost less than 300 CZK. Intercity buses– a cheap alternative way to travel. From Prague to Vienna up to 500 CZK, and a bus to Berlin is less than 600 CZK.

Events– Traveling through most Czech cities you will encounter not only local attractions, but also become more immersed in the local culture. After grabbing a beer at the local pub, you'll stroll along the cobbled streets and admire the Gothic, Art Nouveau and Communist architecture. The country is still on the Czech crown, so prices are very affordable. There are also many free ones walking routes throughout the country for those who want to spend time in nature. Most museums and excursions will cost you between 60-800 CZK, although more extreme tourism, such as white water rafting, will be closer to 2000 CZK.

Recommended daily budget– 1,025-1,285 CZK / 39-50 USD (Note: this is a recommended budget, assuming you stay in a hostel, have a small dinner, eat mostly home-cooked meals and use local transport. Using the tips below, you can always save this amount However, if you rent an apartment and a hotel room and eat out more often, expect this amount to be higher!)

Buy tickets in advance– If you're traveling around the country by train or bus, check and book or travel by train or early to take advantage of student benefits or early booking discounts. Buses and trains are quite popular modes of transport among local residents, so they sell out quickly - another reason why it's recommended to purchase your ticket ahead of time.

Eat local food– Go to a local bar for a plate of goulash and a pint of beer, and have lunch for 245 CZK. Don't hesitate to try local food at reasonable prices, and one plate will be enough to keep you going for the whole day.

Take your International Student ISIC with you. Many Czech cities, especially Prague, are student cities. Because of this, you will find many discounts for those studying at university. Show your student ID at museums and shops and you'll save money.

Walking tours. The Czech Republic is quickly becoming tourist place, and free pedestrian tourism organizations created their branches throughout the country. This is actually a great way to learn about the city and its history, so enjoy the stories and don't forget to give your guide a small tip at the end if you enjoyed the tour!

Walk the streets on your own. There are plenty of free walking trails around the country for those who want to explore the streets. The Czech Hiking Club has created maps for all the main routes, so grab one if you want to walk.

The best things to see and do in the Czech Republic

Map of Czech Republic places

Prague

The capital and the most famous city in the country, has become one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. Come here and walk through the medieval streets, enjoy the ancient buildings that survived the Second world war. Local food is the name of the game, although the main attraction is the beer, which is what most tourists come for. Climb the mountain to visit Prague Castle, look at the astronomical clock and get ready for an eccentric nightlife, which has no equal.

Visit Cesky Krumlov - attractions of the Czech Republic

This city is located on the Vltava River, and is a smaller, but more picturesque version of Prague. The medieval architecture and red-roofed buildings make for a beautiful backdrop for your photos, and strolling the streets is a great way to slow down time during your trip. There are many beautiful resorts, as well as lodges that are great for snowy winters.

Visit Kutná Hora – attractions of the Czech Republic

This historical city is home to the famous St. Barbara's Cathedral, which is decorated with thousands of human bones. While it may be a little creepy, it's truly a place you have to see for yourself. Entry costs 60 CZK for adults and 40 CZK for students.

Try some Pilsner beer in Pilsen

You guessed it: Pilsen is the birthplace of Pilsner beer and home of the original Czech beer Pilsner Urquell. You can go here from Prague by bus or train. During your visit, be sure to visit not only the Pilsner distillery, but also visit the beer spas, where you will literally be soaked in beer. Expect to pay around CZK 800 for a soak in the beer bath.

Drink wine in the Moravian region

Although you only think of beer when you travel to the Czech Republic, the Moravian Region is actually very famous for its wine. This is a great option for a bike ride or wandering through the vineyards. Many tours offer tasting options while visiting the area. Prices vary depending on whether you visit one vineyard or several, and whether you organize the tour yourself or hire a guide. For multi-variant multi-day excursion tour prices can reach CZK 5,000.

Karlstein Castle - attractions of the Czech Republic

Everyone wants to have their own fairytale, and this castle is a great stop on your tour of the country, just a short train ride from Prague. Admission for adults is CZK 270, with discounts for students, pensioners and families.

Hiking to the Adršpach-Teplice rocks

Hike around these natural sandstone formations, such as the Giant Chair and Sugar Cone. There are two clusters of formations: Adrspach Rock Town and Teplitz Rock Town. The train from Prague costs around 275 CZK and the journey takes less than 3 hours.

Outdoor adventure in the Giant Mountains (Krkonoše)

Summer or winter, a trip to the Giant Mountains is a must. This one is beautiful mountain range, which runs along the Czech-Polish border, is the most high peak in the country. IN summer time you can do big hiking and go cycling and skiing in winter.

Trip to the Renaissance city of Telč

Telc, with its winding cobblestone streets, is one of the most exemplary examples of a Renaissance city in Europe. This is also an object World Heritage UNESCO. After a fire in 1530 the town was rebuilt so that medieval arcades with their gabled houses surround the picturesque town square.

Visit quaint Olomouc - Czech Republic attractions

Olomouc is a small university town famous for its parks, churches, sculptures and fountains. The Holy Trinity Column and the Great Astronomical Clock are UNESCO sites.

Relax at a spa in Karlovy Vary

The Karlovy Vary Resort & Spa offers hot mineral springs, beautiful baroque and gothic architecture, forest walks and a vibrant cultural scene. There is also a castle in nearby Loket, overlooking the Ore River.

Enjoy the Šumava National Park

Pack your bags and go hiking in Šumava, the country's largest national park. This is a region full of densely populated hills along the border with Austria. Plunge into picturesque lakes, trout streams, areas with virgin forest and important historical monuments. Entrance to the park is free.

Visit a nuclear bunker

The museum is located in a five-story building in Prague and is full of Cold War paraphernalia. The bunker was intended to house civilians during a nuclear attack, after which they could then escape to a nearby village. The tour lasts a couple of hours and costs 600 CZK for adults (500 CZK for students).

] Authors: Jiri Hanzelka, Miroslav Zikmund. Translation from Czech by S.I. Pink. Edited by I.I. Potekhin.
(Moscow: Foreign Literature Publishing House, 1956)
Scan, OCR, processing, Djv-600,1200 format: krestik, 2019

• TABLE OF CONTENTS:
  Chapter XIX. With a machine gun to Addis Ababa (5).
  Border formalities under tropical rain. A pistol instead of a signal horn with Let's look into the Ethiopian's home. At the Pass of Death. With Tatra to an altitude of 3200 meters. Addis Ababa.
  Chapter XX. One hour in the company of Emperor Haile Selassie? (25).
  “Tell him that I have nothing against him personally.” King of kings and English language. “I sent a plane for your specialists.” Lion the Conqueror from the tribe of Judah. 72 high school football teams. Ethiopia outside and inside.
  Chapter XXI. In the Ethiopian trap (41).
  Game of motorists. Gallows in the market square. How to get out of Ethiopia? With Swedish pilots over Ethiopia.
  Chapter XXII. Is there oil in the Ogaden? (50).
  Railway track in the air. “There’s a small ford here and there.” We are building a road for ourselves. Tangier in East Africa. Third day without water. Refrigerators in the desert.
  Chapter XXIII. We are looking for the equator (67).
  Termite skyscrapers. Curious ostriches. Magic cat. Wife for 300 shillings. Direction - southern hemisphere. Where is the equator? Black cotton soil. Malaria.
  Chapter XXIV. Captured on the roads of Kenya (83).
  Another accident victim. 59 degrees in the shade. Bath in the middle of the road. Drinking water from elephant tracks. "Listen to a review of the latest news." Synthesis of Europe and India. With blacks at the all-night vigil. A city without postmen.
  Chapter XXV. Czechoslovakian flag over Kilimanjaro (101).
  Lions in front of the Tatra. “Are you smuggling flies?” Fight for 6000 meters. Sparkling Mountain. Through coffee plantations and virgin forests. Hail over Peters Shelter. Before the night hike. The sun rises over Mawenzi. Glaciers near the equator. Leopard skeleton in the crater. Wreaths of victory.
  Chapter XXVI. West of Mombasa (127).
  The Germans must leave Tanganyika. Under the coconut trees. Wholesale trade of elephants and rhinoceroses. Pampered warriors? British colonial "democracy". The birth of a coffee bean.
  Chapter XXVII. To the sources of the Nile (148).
  Steam locomotives on 28 wheels. Tanganyika - right, Uganda - straight. Once again across the equator. Was Herodotus right? 700 billion hectoliters of water. Crocodile for 120 CZK. 200 students for three million square kilometers.
  Chapter XXVIII. Through western Uganda to the Congo Pygmies (169).
  Miracle road near Rwenzori. A black ruler under the authority of his royal majesty. Night concert of hippos. “Never argue with them.” The smallest people in the world. Among the dwarfs is the bambutti. A day with the pygmies. Pygmies hunting elephants.
  Chapter XXIX. 200 elephants in two hours (194).
  Two systems. Last night at the equator. First meeting with elephants. Race with the attacking hippopotamus. Elephants grazing. Gas! Gas! Hypnotized buffalo. Petrified antelopes. Chevrolet on an elephant's tusks.
  Chapter XXX. Fire rain on Kivu (214).
  Country of volcanoes. 60 million cubic meters of lava per month. Throne of Hephaestus. The primeval forest is on fire. A car in a flaming trap. Dante's hell. Along the elephant paths to the volcano. Return to the first days of the Earth. 200 meters from the volcano. Seething lava cauldron. “We’re leaving for New York now!”
  Chapter XXXI. Tom-toms sound (237).
  Kneeling blacks. "Enchanted Castle" on the lake. Rubber devils in Nyondo. People in the vicinity of the "enchanted castle". Academic half an hour. A kilo of ivory costs 340 CZK. Jablonec gifts. “Quinine, sir!”
  Chapter XXXII. "Scandal in Katanga" (259).
  Departure on Tuesday at 8.00 - arrival on Thursday at 21.30. “600 more or 600 less...” Dinner under a mosquito net, 1000 kilometers alone on the road. Mass production of labor. Eight percent copper. A workshop without people. 250 tons of copper per day. The tallest factory chimney in Africa.
  Chapter XXXIII. Great Northern Road (277).
  Copper belt. 15 railroad trains of copper in a bath. Will-o'-the-wisps underground. 12 equals 20. Large North road. Retreat before the ants.
  Chapter XXXIV. Night rainbow over the Zambezi (291).
  Decisive millimeters. On the border of eternal rain. David Livingston. Lunar rainbow. Over the canyons of the Zambezi River. Double stripes. Rhodesian drivers. By Cecil John Rhodes. Socrates from Zimbabwe. Across the Limpopo River. The land issue again.