Well, hello there. I do hope that you are fabulously well and sitting comfortably ready and raring for the week ahead. Here in the Luangwa the rainy season is finally here, and we are having some of the most wonderful skies, all moody and dramatic. The rain is still very scattered, but it is falling all the same and that is what is important. The rivers and lagoons are filling up nicely, and the wildlife is breathing a sigh of relief. Let us hope it continues and we get some good wide covering rain to water the fields for the crops to grow. So, what is happening out in the bush…
The wildlife driving in and out of camp has been wonderful, with huge herds of elephants sometimes of up to about 40, with some very over enthusiastic little ones tackling the long grass and diving into the big muddy wallows. The buffalo have been hanging around Robin’s Bridge with regular sightings this week. A beautiful herd of zebra is also thriving. As always there are copious amounts of warthogs, impalas and pukus.
The main event for the week though was boating up to Luangwa River Camp without any problems as the water in the river has suddenly increased incredibly. It is always such a monumental treat to get out on the river, but the first time is always very special. The moody skies and stunning scenery, along with the wonderful life along the river from crocodiles to hippos and large herds of elephants. Not forgetting the array of waterbirds scattered along the banks is always breath-taking and the time just simply flies by.
Luangwa River Camp is looking green and luscious with a new crop of bananas growing. My chillies that I planted before the rains have sprung into action, good supply for our kitchen this season.
The foam nest frogs on the other hand, are making the most of the guaranteed landing spot for the tadpoles, having made a lovely glossy nest right over the pond. I cannot wait to get back into camp and start getting it open for the season; but before Luangwa River Camp takes the limelight, it will be Nsefu’s turn as we head up next week to start opening for River Journeys.
Leaving the boat at Luangwa River Camp we took a gentle drive back home taking in some gorgeous sightings. In fact, the two male lions sleeping under a tree were somewhat passed over for the more active sightings of plains game and birds. We found this cute little impala with a rather entertaining white tuft on the top of its head. Loads of waterbuck, zebra, elephants and puku all loving the rich green grass, then when you look closely some lovely flowers add to the already glorious landscape. Lastly the almost guaranteed entertainment of the baboons playing on the railing of the bridge, offering up some lovely opportunities for photos. It’s also great fun just to sit and watch how they so nimbly leap and swing off the balustrade of the bridge with all the confidence in the world and totally unfazed by the rushing river underneath.
For this week I am afraid I am going to keep things a little shorter than usual, as it is the quiet before the storm, before we start getting everything geared up for River Journeys. So, until then, I shall bid you a very fond farewell and hope that you have the most wonderful week with plenty of smiles and laughter and don’t forget to look after one another.
