I hope you are keeping well and had a lovely break over the weekend. Here in the Valley, we are enjoying warmer weather again after the cold spell last week and the wildlife encounters have been nothing short of extraordinary. This week however, we are heading across the border to Kuthengo Camp, Malawi where managers Casper & Yolandi (new this season) have hit the ground running and have lots to fill us in on.
“We’ve been at Kuthengo Camp for just over two months now, and it’s hard to believe how much has happened already! The wildlife here in Liwonde National Park has been nothing short of spectacular.
Casper has had the chance to head out on several game drives and has seen some unforgettable moments – from lions on a warthog kill to lion cubs playing (video here), along with the usual suspects like elephants, buffalo, and even some striking antelope species like the sable. But we’ve got to admit, our guides Eneson and Henry have been making us green with envy with their sightings!
Eneson has come across some very impressive encounters. Just the other day, he spotted a lone roan antelope, which is huge news for us here. It’s been years since anyone has seen roan in Liwonde, and many thought they had disappeared entirely from the park. Seeing one again has filled us with hope, and we’re all on high alert, hoping for more sightings. Henry has been on a roll too, seeing a lot of action, including some exciting cheetah sightings.
While Casper and I are still eagerly waiting for our first rhino sighting, both Henry and Eneson have already had their moment. Eneson had a particularly special encounter with a male rhino in the Mopani forests (video here), but it’s Henry’s sighting that takes the cake! During a morning game drive, Henry and his guests stumbled upon a mother rhino and her calf. These typically shy and elusive creatures surprised everyone by approaching the vehicle, their curiosity getting the better of them. They stood still for a while, giving the guests a perfect view, before moving even closer to investigate. One of our guests, Catherine Michel, captured the entire magical moment on video. Needless to say, we were all a bit envious back at camp!
Elephants are never in short supply here, and sometimes our guests don’t even need to leave camp to see them. They love hanging out right in front of the dining area, much to the delight of everyone who’s lucky enough to witness it. It’s hard to beat the feeling of watching these majestic animals so close by while you’re having a meal (video here).
And let’s not forget about the water and walking safaris! Being out on the Shire River on a boating safari is a peaceful way to soak in the wildlife, from massive pods of hippos to herds of elephants and incredible birdlife. Our walking safaris are also a guest favourite, and along with our experienced guides, we also have Felix, the African Parks scout who makes sure we’re safely enjoying the wildlife encounters on foot.
We’re already looking forward to seeing what more this incredible park has to offer and look forward to welcoming you to our special part of Malawi.”
Wow, thanks for the update Yolandi & Casper! I can assure you that you are not the only one’s green with envy over Henry’s special rhino sighting!
And on that note, I shall bid you a fond farewell! Have a great week ahead!