I hope you’re well and had a good weekend! This week, we’re heading across to Mana Pools in Zimbabwe, where John’s Camp Manager, Tawanda, and the team have been having a busy season, with plenty happening in and around camp.
Over to you, Tawanda…
“It’s been a very busy few weeks at John’s Camp – and when I say busy, I don’t just mean busy welcoming guests!
The camp itself has been pretty busy with wildlife too. We had a pack of wild dogs make a kill right in front of camp (Watch here), which was an incredible sight for all of us to witness. The lions are still making regular appearances, and then there are the elephants, who continue to saunter through camp as though they own the place. (Watch here)
Our guide Fisher has also been having some fantastic sightings out in the park with his guests, both on game drives and on foot. The wild dogs have certainly been putting on a show – from the excitement of watching them make a kill to the much calmer moments when they are simply lounging around.
One day, Fisher and his guests came across a rather macabre scene. A whole collection of vultures had gathered around a carcass, all competing for their share, while several hyenas looked on. The hyenas appeared to have already had their fill and seemed quite happy to watch the chaos unfold. It was quite a sight.
And, staying with the birds, it was great to come across some carmine bee-eaters too. They are always a treat to see and a reminder that there is plenty happening around us, even when the bigger animals aren’t putting on a show.
Another day, Fisher and his guests came across a pair of lions who looked as though they were simply enjoying a lazy afternoon. That didn’t last long! They proceeded to mate, completely unbothered by the vehicle. Fisher and the guests watched for a little while before moving on to give them some privacy. Hopefully, if all goes well, we’ll eventually see some little cubs as a result. (Watch here)
The elephants have been keeping everyone entertained too. Fisher and his guests have had some wonderful sightings, from tiny calves to hungry elephants shaking trees for something to eat, and even large herds crossing the Zambezi (Watch here). The elephants of Mana Pools certainly never disappoint.
As I spend most of my time in camp making sure everything behind the scenes runs smoothly for our guests, I often get very envious when Fisher comes back from a game drive or walk and tells me what they’ve seen. But I’ve been getting a bit of my own back lately! Every Thursday, I have to drive out of the park to the small town of Makuti to collect supplies for camp. Over the past month, almost every one of these supply runs has turned into its own little safari. I’ve seen lions, wild dogs, big herds of elephants and plenty of plains game along the way. So now I get to come back to camp with my own stories and make Fisher jealous too! (Watch here)
And finally, an update on my journey to becoming a guide. Last month, I passed my shooting exam, which was quite intense, but thankfully I managed to get through it. As many of you know, all professional guides in Zimbabwe are required to carry a rifle, so passing the shooting exam is an important part of qualifying as a guide. There is still a way to go, but I’m making progress and I’ll keep you posted on how it all goes.
That’s all from me for now. I’d better get back to camp business! I hope you all have a great week, and from me and the whole team at John’s Camp, our regards from Mana Pools.”
Wow, thanks so much, Tawanda! It certainly sounds like there’s lots happening at John’s Camp, and we look forward to your next update. 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.
