Well here we are: Christmas Day and the first thing we want to do is wish you all the most wonderful Christmas and hope that you are sharing the day with those closest to you. Here in the Luangwa the team have been flat out with the preparations and are taking today in their stride with their usual jolly excitement. As the turkeys’ roast in the oven, the guests head out into the bush to see what mother nature is going to offer them as their Christmas present.
With a full house it’s been non-stop with festivities starting off with all the guests being treated to a bush breakfast on Christmas Eve morning following some wonderful game drives with a whole combination of sightings from stunning birds, elephants striding across the open plains and leopards relaxing in the ever thickening shade of the trees.
Returning to camp for a well earned siesta before embarking on the afternoons activities of Christmas carols with guests from other camps at Kalawani pans. The rain thankfully held off and everyone had their best singing voices on as we brought in heaps and heaps of Christmas joy and cheer. This event has been happening for as long as I can remember and I have to say it is for me such a fun way to kick off Christmas in the bush and we hope that all the guests felt the same.
Behind the scenes the chefs taking a breather from preparing all the canapes were soon back in the kitchen – the brioche in the oven for Christmas day breakfast, and the cakes being brandied to make sure they are full of festive cheer.
We welcomed our guests into camp off the evening flight with a sighting of a leopard on the way in which was quite a way to start off their trip and it has carried on with the same excitement including the guests ticking off plenty of birds from the checklist.
Out in the park we have had some incredible sightings Yona popped into the park on his first game drive with his Christmas guests and as soon as they entered the park they found a leopardess who was trying to hunt guinea fowls but with not much gusto! She failed on her mission and then wandered off and started calling and out of the bush came her young cub, Wow. The two greeted each other and interacted before heading away out of sight. The guests next sighting on a very hot and slightly humid December day was 7 wild dogs all plonking themselves down in a waterhole to cool off. This was an exceptional treat as the guides haven’t been seeing much of the dogs at all in the last few weeks and for them to be simply chilling in the water was fabulous.
Over at Kuthengo Camp in Liwonde National Park, Mike & Jenn had this to say:
“The staff have really felt the spirit of Christmas this year. They have been practicing a song to sing to the guests this evening around the campfire. The wish to spread the joy and Christmas cheer is strong as we welcome back repeat guests to Kuthengo for another Christmas!
The waitering team has been busy decorating, with even the chefs getting involved.
The wine is being cooled and Christmas feast being prepared. The baboons have been watching the shiny Christmas lights with cheeky fascination. So far, the baubles have been safe from their shenanigans!
To the delight of the guests, Santa visited the camp early this morning, with surprises for everyone, leaving a trail of tinsel, fun and wonder.
We are looking forward to another Kuthengo Christmas feast and games as we will be doing a fun Christmas trivia quiz.
Merry Christmas to everyone from all of us here at Kuthengo. May your Christmas be filled with lots of laughter, fun and joy and may 2024 be filled with new adventures and fantastic memories! Cheers! ”
Pumulani Lodge on Lake Malawi is also enjoying the Christmas cheer:
“Gold, silver and red, sparkling wine, sweet watermelon, with the view of Lake Malawi – Yes, it is Christmas – what a memorable celebration!
The suitcase have been packed, the vehicles have been loaded and several families have joined us for this festive occasion. At Pumulani we have been getting ready for the last week to celebrate with our guests. With touches of colour, glitter and shining lights highlighting the magic of the holidays!
It is a summer festivity – the smell of rain, warm beaches and coconut filling the air. The beautiful songs from the local Village has warmed the guests hearts on Christmas Eve, followed by a scrumptious meal, and some family time. Christmas Day was spent doing some crafts , enjoying delicious meals, spending time with loved ones and celebrating all their blessings.
The magic of Christmas was all around – and certainly captured in many hearts.
May you and your family have a festive season filled with special memories.
Thank you Kascha & Christos for that update from Pumulani!
On that note I am going to get going with the rest of the days festivities and wish you all the most fabulous Christmas Day and I will catch up with you all next year for the first updates from us all of 2024.
Between now and then though we shall bid you al a very fond farewell and have heaps of fun and laughter and don’t forget to look after one another.
