Well, hello there. I hope that you are superbly well and have had a lovely weekend, here in the Luangwa we are thoroughly enjoying the river as it is in full flow. This means we are making the most of enjoying the Luangwa from a different perspective and getting out on the boat as often as possible. Whether it be sundowners, floating downstream or more of a commitment with a trip up to Nsefu. Let me give you an insight of what you can expect when you come through to us this time of year from a guest perspective. Typically, you would be on the River Journeys Safari…
River Journeys is an incredibly unique experience as we not only head up to Nsefu by river, but we also do all of our safaris either on foot or by boat. Exploring the water swollen gullies, boating through the ebony groves, mooring up and taking off on foot at the drop of a hat or the bark of a baboon. It’s not about seeing the big game it’s about the scenery, the birdlife, the tracks and signs and the ability to know that there is not another car anywhere near you – now you tell me how many of you can tell me that in your day to day lives that you experience the uniqueness of being able to stop, sit and listen and hear no other man made noises. Only nature getting on with its day-to-day business.
Leaving straight after breakfast from Nkwali the boat packed with raincoats, gum boots, lots of tea and coffee and snacks the boat sets off up river. Winding around the enormous meanders, weaving past the occasional tree that has lost its grip on land and is now floating down river. Passing hippos either on the edges of the banks where the current is lesser or in the middle of the river on the edge of a sandbar. The ever goosebump making knowledge that you are probably passing a crocodile and it can see you, but you can’t see it and then the rare but wonderful sight of elephants taking a swim. The game peers down at you wondering why on earth you would be out on the river and the birds flying alongside you as you go. In every nook and cranny there is something to be looking at, whether it simply be the view or the pied kingfishers hovering and then diving down for the catch of the day to puku and impala grazing on the riverbank and the baboons frolicking in the roots of the overhanging trees playing a game of daredevil.
Once up at Nsefu, the camp has a completely different feel to that of the dry season. Surrounded by water and green, the small camp offers even more incredible views than ever. It is not long until after a delicious lunch it’s time to relax in your room with the doors wide open making the most of that view. The next few days are spent boating or wandering through the bush. If attempts to get to stork colony by boat fail, not to worry, we will have a go by foot. It’s an adventure that is for sure but seeing the trees alive with yellow billed storks preparing their nests and in full breeding plumage is really quite magnificent. The occasional glimpse of a lion is sure to get the heart beating a little faster but it’s the elephants that pop up unexpectantly that are simply magical to sit and watch going about their daily business.
Waving goodbye to the team as you drift down river it’s time to set off back to Nkwali and the slightly different pace of life with game drives and gravel roads but one that is magical in its own way.
So, there you have it, this is how your River Journeys with us in the Luangwa will pan out. Next week we will be back with more sightings from the teams and more updates on what we have all been up to. For now, though I shall bid you a very fond farewell and hope that you have a splendid week ahead with plenty of smiles and laughter and don’t forget to look after one another.
