Well, hello there. I hope that you are well and have had a wonderful weekend.
This week, we’re doing something a little different. As part of our celebrations marking 40 years of Robin Pope Safaris, we’re winding the clock all the way back to September 1986, when Tena Tena first opened its canvas doors and our story began.
Over the past few months, we’ve been delving into old photographs, diaries and memories from those early years, and amongst them we uncovered a wonderful account of one of those very first safaris. Reading it, it was impossible not to be transported back to a very different Luangwa, where every safari was helping to write the first chapter of what would become Robin Pope Safaris.
So, without further ado, I’ll hand you over to Robert Keller aka Robi, who takes us back to where it all began…
“The first time I visited Tena Tena was in September 1986. We were a group of 6 people plus me as a scientific guide and had the camp 6 full days just to ourselves. We were lucky to have Robin as a guide and his brother Adam helping him in the Camp and on the tours.
This wonderful place on the Luangwa River still sticks firm in our minds as well as the adventure and entire experience. Whilst there we saw so many hippos, elephants and crocodiles in the river not to mention the birding which was exceptional.
Camp was simple but comfortable. I remember the bucket-shower, which was fantastic after a hot day out in the bush. During siesta time we had a lovely spot under the shady trees. There was a small hide at a waterhole, just close to the camp. Smaller animals like bushbuck, mongoose or warthogs were frequent guests.
Lunch was served in the dining tent by Robin’s brother Adam. And as can well be imagined supplies and transport back then were challenging so variety of food and drinks were somewhat limited especially when compared to what we are spoilt with today.
Back then the kitchen was most of the time an open fire. But the food was delicious. Unbelievable what the cook produced with the tools he had. Robin was always paying very close attention to everything that was being prepared and all the details in the camp a trademark that stayed with him through the years.
In 1991 the camp was already on a higher level but still had the old character. The tents were bigger and the beds more comfortable.
We enjoyed wonderful safaris in the open vehicle, seeing a tremendous variety of wildlife. The elephants still carried magnificent tusks, and rhinos were still present, although already very rare. We especially enjoyed the breaks during our drives, when there was always a delicious snack, tea and coffee – and, of course, don’t forget the Amarula!
On full day outings Robin and Adam always found a lovely place for lunch.
They prepared our lunch on the back of the cars, improvisation was important. They even made a fire for the hot food and water.
And the highlight of the walking safaris was that it was and is still the best way to come close to nature. Enjoying the sound and smell of the environment. We found tracks of different animals and observed the small animals like insects.
I remember one occasion when a bush stop was needed. Ever the professional, Robin drove around the bushes to check the area first, and thankfully he did – just a few meters behind them were several sleepy lions.
It isn’t all happy memories, though. The biggest change between my first trip and my second, just five years later, was the sad decline in the wildlife. The rhinos had all been poached, and many of the elephants we saw were either tuskless or had only very small tusks.
We will be back at Tena Tena next year, so we are looking forward to seeing what has changed over the past 30 years. Whatever those changes may be, I am certain we will once again have the most wonderful time.”
Wow, what a wonderful step back in time. I have to say, I have simply adored looking through all these old photographs. What a gift it is to have kept so many special memories. Thank you so much Robi for sharing them with us.
I hope you’ve enjoyed this week’s story as much as I have. And on that note, there is little more I can add except to bid you a fond farewell for this week. I hope you have a wonderful week ahead, filled with plenty of smiles and laughter. Until next Monday, take care of yourself – and don’t forget to look after one another.
