Well, hello there. I do hope that you are super well and have had another fabulous weekend. Here in the Luangwa, we are joining Frauke again on her familiarisation trip around our camps. Frauke over to you:
“Arriving in the peak of the hot season the small plane certainly made it known that there were some thermals as we came to land, though safely on the ground. A guide and vehicle awaited my arrival to scoop me up and take me to Luangwa River Camp. Arriving at camp to friendly faces, big smiles and cold flannels plus colder drinks was a fantastic welcome. Sitting on the raised decks looking out over the river and incredible sunsets was a lovely way to catch my breath after a busy few days. That night with the fan whirring frantically keeping me cool, sleep was easy until frustration crept in and a need for wild noises came through, so the fan was switched off and I lay listening to the hippos, the distant lion calls, and the gradual start of the dawn chorus.
With all the RPS camps there is time to grab a light breakfast before heading out on the morning game drive, this game drive though included my luggage as I was transferring up to Nsefu Camp but this is done as a wonderful 3 hour game drive so jumping back in the boat and crossing into the park we were thrilled with giraffes, elephants, buffalo, warthogs, numerous species of antelope and then a well-earned coffee stop. Spying a car on the other side of the river with no one in had me a little perplexed but then Chilumba announced that that was the next part of my safari. Looking down a small boat had been paddled across and so my chariot awaited. Another 30 minutes or so and another camp and another warm RPS welcome.
With its astonishing views of a sweeping bend in the river this intimate camp has been here since the early 50’s and is quite a little gem. Similarly show stopping wildlife sightings and plenty of banter and catch up around the campfire that evening after the most delicious supper I headed to bed under the cool evening breeze knowing that the next day is yet another camp.
Transferring to Tena Tena Camp as a game drive makes sure that we never missed an opportunity to see as many animals as possible so with bags safely stowed, off we went. John filling my ears with incredible stories about the bush and information about the termites and the flora of the area. Then almost effortlessly having been so absorbed with everything else we round the corner and realise why the plains game had been a little scarce as 8 lionesses were sleeping in the shade of a tree. Satisfied, we let the lazy lions be and continue with heaps of elephants with their young before finding a young leopard trying hard to find the perfect tree for its day of resting in the shade.
That evening all the guests sat around a marvellous dinner table feasting on the chefs delights discussing the incredible sightings that they had had of lions, hyena, leopard, wild dogs and the list went on. The following day included the most memorable sighting of the trip with a lovely female leopard relaxing in the shade and not long after our arrival a rustle in the bush alerted us to her very small cub who spent 45 minutes out in the open with its mum whilst we watched on in quiet wonderment. Soon some noises in the bushes make mum a little cautious so she stands up, calls to her little one and off they disappear. The only thing left for the day was a cold drink watching another incredible African sunset.
Nkwali Camp was the next and final stop and a walking safari with Kanga and 2 glorious hours spent looking for the small things. Traces in the sand, beetles, insects and the differences between leopard and wild dog tracks. Listening to the sounds of the bush and taking the time to experience everything on a far more intimate level. There were of course sightings of the bigger mammals but always at more of a distance and with the respect that they deserve.
It was soon time to pack my bags and head home, but the memories stay firm, and I cannot wait to come and visit again soon at a more relaxed pace.”
WOW – Thanks so much for sharing this with us Frauke, such a busy trip but packed with experiences and incredible sightings. This leaves me with very little to follow on with except to bid you a very fond farewell and wish you a wonderful week ahead with plenty of smiles and laughter and don’t forget to look after one another.
