Well, hello there. Here in the Luangwa its full steam ahead as we hurtle towards May and the opening of all the camps. Luangwa River Camp is already up and running and has had a fantastic start and Bianca didn’t stop from the minute she stepped off the plane. As soon as there was a quiet patch, we sent her on time off, and what better way to spend her time than at Nkwali joining some of the game drives and getting to see the animals that the guests talk about around the bar. So, for this week its over to Bianca:
“First days off after being back in Zambia and I just couldn’t wait to get back out in the Park so when the opportunity to jump on some drives with Perry arose, there was no stopping me. There were plenty of plains game around especially giraffe whose numbers seemed to multiply magically the closer we got to them. Watching them going about their business then cautiously approaching the water and taking so much time and effort to bend down and sip some water one can’t help but wonder if it is worth the effort especially when so much seems to be spat out as they throw their heads back up. Later that afternoon following lion tracks in the still slightly soft ground we finally find them doing what lions do best – sleeping! One female with 3 males of which 2 are well known but the third male seems to be a newcomer who bears a striking resemblance in colouring to the late big Mfuwe male Ginger. He seems a little younger than the others and is supporting quite the scar on his nose, so he has obviously gotten into a fight or two but for now he seemed to be very comfortable amongst his current company. Moving away from the lions to a spot for a sundowner we all pile out of the car and enjoy a refreshing gin and tonic with the lions in the background. A slight lifted head as some impala run past but that was about the extent of their enthusiasm, so we left them to it and headed back to camp seeing a few nocturnal animals including a small puff adder crossing the road.
The following morning after a quick cup of coffee and slice of toast we were out again but this time looking for leopards. However, don’t kid yourselves it’s not only about the leopard we take time to enjoy a lovely family of waterbuck, puku, impala and plenty of birds as well as a surprise sighting as we drive through a small puddle in the road and a baby crocodile leaps out of it.
It seemed to be a day for animals leaping as a little later a hyena launched itself into the road out of a bush just ahead of us but didn’t hang around long it was on a mission.
It seems the leopard mission was to be put on hold for another day, but we were however in the afternoon spoilt with yet another wonderful lion sighting as two males were relaxing on the road while Chilumba who was out with other guests had come from the other side so was offering a wonderful silhouette of these magnificent beast. They eventually got up and as we moved the car off the road to let the lions pass, they sort of decided that they would make sure we all knew who the king of the jungle was and walked straight past the car giving the spotter quite the adrenaline rush as he found himself significantly closer to a lion than what he had imagined or hoped for!
It seems that leopard was to elude us on this trip but we more than made up for it with all the incredible other sightings. I cannot wait to get back out into the bush on the next break and shall certainly update you with stories and sightings.”
Wow, thanks so much Bianca! What a wonderful few days and thanks so much for sharing with us. This doesn’t leave me with much else to follow up with instead I shall bid you a very fond farewell and have a fabulous week ahead with plenty of smiles and laughter and don’t forget to look after one another.
