Hello there, I hope that you are well and have had a smashing weekend. All well and beautiful here in the Luangwa but it is not this slice of beauty that you are being updated from today. Instead, I am handing you over to Anneri down at Mkulumadzi for an update from those guys to see what’s going on. So Anneri this week its over to you:
“It’s been a long time since we last spoke but wow it’s been a roller coaster ride. It’s been very busy at Mkulumadzi as we are full swing into the season. Not only have we had loads of guests who visited our beautiful lodge, but also a lot of action out on game drive and also the around the lodge for the guests deciding to have a leisurely morning.
We had a gorgeous big elephant hanging around camp for 2 weeks. I almost thought he was staying for good but unfortunately, he left looking for greener pastures. But you never knew when you would find him in the pathway, next to the rooms or eating from the lush green trees on your way going home. He was mostly very relaxed, but wouldn’t hesitate to let you know if you got a bit too close.
We also had lions who visited camp for about 3 days, always lingering somewhere. Some days you think they have moved away and then you hear their call. One evening the guests had an amazing sight. They interrupted the romantic dinner setup down by the river, and we had to move guests back to the deck for dinner. They then moved away from camp, but 1st decided to walk across the pathway between the restaurant and the 1st chalet. The guests couldn’t stop talking about their exciting experience seeing the lions around.
The last 3 days we had 2 hippos on the other side of the river in front of the one chalet, giving guests a display of how big they are whilst bathing in the sun before going back into the Shire. Today, I got the same display but with only 1 hippo outside. Seems you don’t even have to leave camp anymore to get see amazing things.
A gorgeous monitor lizard decided he quite likes the step by the office, he stayed there for about a week, basking in the sun every day. He didn’t seem to move until one morning he was gone. The bush sometimes has a beautiful surprise in unexpected moments you don’t think of. All you need is a little patience.
Besides the beauty of the bigger animals, we have plenty of birds you can watch during or after lunch. Sometimes the Livingstone flycatcher, stunning little bee eaters or the stunning rollers frolic around in the trees while you enjoy your brunch.
Even though we still had late rains till about a week ago, and the bush is still lush and green, you can feel the seasons changing. Its starting to become warmer reaching 30°C, vegetation is starting to turn to the autumn colors, and more animals are drawn to the Shire for a drink. A family of bush pigs have been hanging around camp sometimes walking to the bridge to greet the new guests but sometimes they only show face at night.
Lions have become almost as frequent as nyala and waterbuck, which has been a real treat. Guests have been spoilt by seeing lions, leopard, giraffe, zebra, elephant and all the rest regularly. But as you know sometimes the bush can become quieter, that’s when the smaller creatures come to light.
We have also tried to keep our little shop stocked with all the local goodies that we can find for you to always remember us by. From stunning Jackelberry jewelry (items in sterling silver/copper/porcupine quills picked up in Majete), wooden gifts, People of the Sun’s beautiful elephants, cuddly chitenje rhino’s that will make every child’s heart happy and some beautiful elephant dung books made by our local craftsmen. A gift for everyone can be found here.
As you can see there is always something on here at Mkulumadzi for young and old alike. Whether you are an early bird, or a leisurely starter, there is always something to see. Look forward to welcoming you to Mkulumadzi soon. Warm regards from Anneri, Geoffrey and the Team.”
Wow, how wonderful, thank you so much for this fabulous update. It truly leaves me with nothing further to tell you so I shall gracefully say goodbye for this week and hope that you have a fabulous week ahead with lots of smiles and laughter and don’t forget to look after one another.
