Well, hello there. I do hope that you are having a lovely May Day. Can you believe that it is already May? This means that here in the Luangwa the official countdown to opening the camps has begun. We still cannot access either Tena Tena or Nsefu by road, but the maintenance team are working feverishly on sorting that out and hopefully by the end of the week there will be a solution to that particular hurdle. Before I start diving into the great story telling of what is happening here in the Luangwa let me stop myself and instead hand you over to Jenn who has been busy getting Pumulani open for the season. So, for today, Jenn over to you…
“It’s great to be back at Pumulani and see all the familiar sights of the lake that I am so fond of. It is of course also great to see the smiling faces of the Pumulani team who are always ready to welcome with a warmth that indicates why Malawi is the Warm Heart of Africa.
Amongst the familiar favourites that I enjoy seeing when coming back is the pair of Wire-tailed swallows that have been here since Mike and I started with Robin Pope Safaris exactly a year ago. They are still around and doing what they do best – catching insects and enjoying the view as much as I do.
As Pumulani opens its doors for the 2023 season there is a buzz amongst the team as the excitement of having guests again sets in. The team has been working hard getting the lodge ready for the season and a lot of work has been specifically done on the deck around the top pool. Cyclone Freddy unfortunately dealt us with a hand where we found ourselves delayed in getting this done before opening.
With all the major work on the deck now complete, its back open for guests to sip cocktails and enjoy the views!
With the increased rains in Malawi this season, water has risen on the lake to levels that neither Mike nor myself have ever seen before! While this has had some cons to it (such as us having to do a rescue mission on our beach pool pump), the higher waters of the lake have also brought the birds of prey closer to the lodge and you can see them flying around trying to catch some lunch! What a treat this has been!
I have enjoyed my time here at Pumulani, as its one of the most beautiful places that I have ever had the privilege to work. It’s easy to see why Lake Malawi is known as the Lake of stars, when you look over the lake as dusk settles you see the fishing boat lights coming to life. It is truly a magnificent sight that is never taken lightly! At this time you can see Godfrey getting his telescope ready for star gazing! I still don’t know who is more excited, him or the guests!
This part of the day is my favourite time of the day to sit around the fire, listen to it crackle, watch the stars, and reflect on the day with the guests.”
Wonderful, thank you so very much for this Jenn! We look forward to hearing more from the Pumulani team as the season cracks on.
So, from me on this very fine chilly day in the Luangwa I am going to bid you a very fond farewell and hope that you have a smashing week ahead. We look forward to catching up with you again next Monday with more news of the happenings around camp. Enjoy!
