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Zambia

Chisa Busanga and the Northern Busanga Plains, Kafue

23rd September 2021

Chisa Busanga and the Northern Busanga Plains, Kafue


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Photo by Green Safaris

Chisa Busanga and the Northern Busanga Plains, Kafue

Where many of us live – certainly here in Houston – two rear view mirrors on the left and right hand side of a car are not enough. You really need two additional wide-angle mirrors to make your way safely around the freeways. In Zambia? How about zero mirrors. In the wilderness areas we visited this last July, most of the mirrors on the game drive vehicles had been rendered inoperable. There is no need to see what is behind you because there is nothing there. In some areas there were not even any doors on the game drive vehicles. Don’t need them, don’t have them…


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Photo by Green Safaris

My impressions are still fresh but above all Zambia was an authentic, classic safari experience. Everything felt real and genuine, from the greeting at Lusaka International Airport to the treatment we received at the various camps. The management, staff and guides at these camps were friendly and accommodating, and did everything they could to keep us happy and entertained. But more than that, they seemed to take a genuine interest in us.  We never ever felt like ‘just another guest’ or visitor – and this carried through to after-dinner conversations which were always lively and fun.


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Photo by Green Safaris

In summary, the trip was everything we had anticipated and more: remote, fantastic camps, excellent guiding, great views of a dizzying variety of mammals, birds and other wildlife, amazing scenic beauty, generally light to practically non-existent tourism traffic,  first class food and drink and seamless transfers between camps and national parks.


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Photo by Green Safaris

Activities were very diverse, ranging from game drives to walking, boating, canoeing, observing wildlife from hides, night drives, and a private lunch on the Zambezi River.  There we were, drifting downstream on one of the mightiest rivers in Africa, being served sparkling wine and orange juice, and tucking into a delicious meal…


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Photo by Green Safaris

But I’m running a little ahead of myself.  In the last week of July, we traveled from Musekese in the Lufupa area, to Chisa Busanga Camp.  On our arrival there, Camp Manager Chipasha Mwamba – ‘everyone calls me Pasha’ – sat us down for the customary arrival briefing.  Pasha made an indelible impression as an enthusiastic, passionate and very warm person and we enjoyed her company throughout our all too brief stay.


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Photo by Green Safaris

Even before we were shown to our accommodation which consisted of innovative, elevated ‘nest’ tents, Pasha helped me out with a battery re-charging issue.  She was almost never out of sight during our stay at Chisa Busanga which is unusual for camp managers  – yet highly prized and appreciated by visitors.  I have no doubt that Pasha will keep things running exceedingly smoothly at Chisa Busanga and future guests can look forward to spending some time in her vivacious company.


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Photo by Green Safaris

Then it was time to see our rooms.  At the end of a groomed sandy pathway, there was the elevated ‘nest’ structure which would be my home for the next couple of nights, complete with metal ‘ribs’, canvas and twigs. It felt like a real nest with a large opening from where I had a great view over the floodplains.  Contrary to my expectations – having seen some photographs of the structures before arriving – the room did not feel weird or contrived.  It blended in well with the environment.  Also, it was cozy and comfortable.  Happily tucked into my bed with a warm water bottle, it didn’t matter that we had arrived at Chisa Busanga in the middle of an exceptionally cold spell.


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Photo by Green Safaris

The nests sit four meters off the ground, with the zippered entrance at the top of a short flight of wooden steps.  Everything inside the room worked well, from the adequate lighting to the hot water showers and battery recharging points.  The creative room design may have initially presented some construction challenges but I think the end product is admirable in several ways.  Spending a night in a tree house brings out the adventurer in us, ready to experience something new, fun and exciting.  There is nothing boring about Chisa Busanga!


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Not having WiFi was an issue.  WiFi is clearly something that needs to be delivered when offered.  We will give Chisa Busanga a pass, as apparently there were some widespread satellite issues in Zambia at the time, affecting more than just the northern Busanga area.

The food at Chisa Busanga was consistently excellent.   Among the highlights were a delicious lamb curry and a perfectly prepared corn and coconut soup.  Brunch was stellar as well with tasty fish cakes, chickpea patties, a green salad, a tomato feta salad, eggs to order and pork sausages.  

Legendary Lodge


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Game drives at Chisa Busanga

Our afternoon game drive delivered an exceptionally good sighting of lions – three male lions in their prime.  We spent some time on the edge of a beautiful pan full of wildlife including puku, lechwe, and wattled cranes. Just like Green Safaris’ Shawa Luangwa Camp (see our blog post about that property here), Chisa Busanga operates solar-powered Landcruisers so we explored the plains quietly and cleanly. Almost noiselessly, in fact – and without emitting any noxious fumes.

The following morning we did an early morning game drive out of Chisa Busanga. After a quiet start, we came upon a scene of hundreds of lechwe and puku at the large wetland area close to a massive stand of papyrus.  There were hundreds of birds to be seen in every direction.  Huge flocks of open-billed storks and many others.  Not to mention an abundance of hippos.  

On an afternoon outing on my previous visit to the area, we visited the same papyrus grove specifically to try to find some Sitatunga, the rare and extremely shy antelope more commonly associated with the Okavango Delta than with Zambia.


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We had hardly arrived when our guide excitedly pointed out two Sitatunga standing in a small clearing on the edge of the massive papyrus thicket. We got a good look at them and then suddenly spotted several more.  As it turned out there were 6 of them in total, including two young ones which were running around just like little impalas. It was an exceptional sighting.  On the way back to camp we saw a family group of 6 water mongooses which our guide considered to be a unique sighting as these mammals are usually solitary. I also got some good photographs of Roan antelope so all in all it was a very successful afternoon outing.

Villa Maua

Sanctuary Retreats


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On that same trip – staying at nearby Shumba Camp – we went out on a 45 minute boating trip in a Go Devil craft.  It was fun and we got some excellent close up looks at hippo, who were very interested in our presence, especially when we ‘anchored’ in clear sight of them.  As we were enjoying our tea break, they were giving us the evil eye, not at all impressed with the new neighbors. We also marveled at the large numbers of open-billed stork in the area, many of which took to the sky when our rather noisy boat passed them by.


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I was happy to revisit Shumba on this trip, albeit on a relatively brief site inspection.  The camp looked every bit as good and spotless as I had first seen it several years ago.  Shumba has six luxury rooms, each with a well appointed indoor and outdoor shower, a large bathroom, and there is an inviting sunken verandah in front of the room, with stunning views over the floodplains.  The expansive main area has plenty of space for relaxation and dining and there’s a pool, as well as a fireplace. The entire camp is raised on a wooden platform.


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Our afternoon game drive was rather uneventful, but we did see a different pride of lions, two young males and two young females. The northern Busanga Plains area has as many as 35 lions in total.  Our next stop was at Shumba’s Go Devil boat station, where we enjoyed a beautiful sunset, with hippos visible in every direction.


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The Busanga Plains

Found in the northern region of Zambia’s Kafue National Park, this remote wilderness is distinct from the miombo woodlands of the park. Here, flat grassland dambos are dotted with date palms and sausage and fig trees.  It is a high rainfall area which makes for a relatively short but eventful season.  

As the flood waters recede over June to November, the Busanga Plains become accessible for safaris characterised by outstanding game-viewing, predator action and colorful birdlife.


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Indeed, the Busanga Plains are considered to be one of the best bird-watching areas in Southern Africa.  With a bit of luck, you might find the endemic Chaplin’s barbet,  rosy-throated longclaw, supremely colorful Ross’s turaco or another area special, the black-backed barbet.  The Busanga is also all about cranes and at times as many as five or six different types of cranes can be seen, including the distinctive grey crowned and endangered wattled cranes.  With a total bird count of more than 450 bird species, Busanga is definitely a birding paradise.  In the summer months, migrants like the lesser kestrel and Montagu’s harriers are out and about, while the redoubtable Secretary birds – everybody’s favorite – are relatively easily seen.  The distinctive call of the African Fish Eagle is very much part of the Busanga soundtrack. 


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During the wet months much of the area is inundated and dominated by water-loving species like hippos, crocs, red lechwe, puku, and water birds. When the drier months come around, the water starts to recede and this brings out species like roan, tsessebe, zebra, wildebeest, hartebeest, buffalo, and more. Inevitably, the predators then follow: lions, leopards, hyaenas, cheetahs, even African painted dogs from time to time.


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Even though the Busanga camps are only open for the five drier months of the year, their very presence and the contribution they make to funding anti-poaching operations, are vital to conserve and restore the wilderness and wildlife of the northern Kafue National Park.

More Info

Email bert@fisheaglesafaris.com

Email jason@fisheaglesafaris.com

@fisheaglesafarishouston

#FishEagleSafaris

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‘There’s a leopard behind the bar!’ Musekese Camp, Kafue

16th September 2021

‘There’s a leopard behind the bar!’
Musekese Camp, Kafue


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

‘There’s a leopard behind the bar!’
Musekese Camp, Kafue

Zambia’s Kafue region is one of the last real ‘best kept secrets’ in the African photographic safari arena.  This is the place you’ve never heard about but need to go and visit.  Soon.

In the Kafue, the experience of being in Africa transcends the clicking of the camera, or even the sheer visual impact of raw nature in all its glory. It is a place where – on my second visit – I felt as much a part of the African environment as I am a denizen of the asphalt jungle of Houston. City slicker or not, in the Kafue I was connected to Africa at a primal, even visceral level. Even though it was just in my mind, I was at home here, thousands of miles from where I live.


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

Africa will do that to you, if you will let it. Take your time over the experience. Don’t rush from camp to camp.  Make time to just do nothing other than looking and listening. Of course in these remote parts of Africa – Kafue being the perfect example – you are often hearing hardly anything, just one level of silence piled onto another one. Is there anything out there? Of course there is, but not something nearly as jarring as the rude sounds of ‘civilization’. Concentrate and you will experience an almost overpowering sense of quiet and peace, interrupted only by the gentle and soothing sounds of nature.


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Yet another reason to travel to the Kafue?  Talk to any of the Zambia guides elsewhere in the country and you will find out that the Kafue is where they all want to go when they have a break.  They don’t have to be told that this vast national park – twice the size of South Africa’s Kruger National Park – attracts only about one percent of the number of people visiting the Kruger Park, on an annual basis.  The Zambian guides already know that the Kafue is extremely lightly traveled and that several days may elapse without coming across even one other vehicle.  


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

Musekese Bush Camp

By late July we were right in the heart of the Kafue region, at a crossing point on the Kafue river close to Lufupa Airstrip.  It was a relatively brief boat ride from there upstream and across the river, for a final drive to Musekese Bush Camp, a beautifully located bush retreat, hidden away in a copse of trees on a high spot, overlooking a portion of the 8-kilometer long Eden lagoon which is connected to the Kafue River.   You can also call it a swamp or more correctly, a  dambo.  A dambo is a seasonally waterlogged, grass-covered depression that is close to the source of a river or stream.

Visiting Musekese is like stepping into the Africa of old where 2021 still feels like 1921.  For the duration of our three days there, it was just us, a couple of other guests, and the guides.  We never saw nor heard another vehicle.    It felt like our private patch of wilderness – to enjoy and explore.  


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

It didn’t take any of us long to realize that Musekese is a very special place.  It starts with the co-owners Phil Jeffery and Tyrone McKeith.   Conservationists and professional safari guides by training and experience, they are who you want to be with, on safari.  Passionate about conservation above all, their sense of purpose and dedication is evident almost as soon as you meet them.  What makes it so much fun to be in camp with Phil and Tyrone – beyond benefiting from their expertise on game drives and other activities – is their enthusiasm and energy and their sheer joy in sharing this patch of paradise with everyone lucky enough to find themselves there.


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I had hardly been in my tent (#4) for 10 minutes before I sat down in a small director’s chair in the inviting front deck portion of the roomy tent. It was quiet – yet busy – with many puku and impala spread out in the open grassy expanse in front of the camp, together with some waterbuck and lots of birds.  I immediately felt at ease and connected with the wilderness.  Remote?  Exclusive?  Words that are bandied about almost recklessly in the safari business but very much applicable to Musekese.


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

On arrival a bit earlier, we had observed a female lion drawing the attention of several  antelopes, as she was walking into the grass cover on the other side of the lagoon.  I also saw a breeding herd of about 15 or so elephants walking by and crossing the lagoon in the direction of the Kafue River.  Clearly this place has a lot of animals.  An unusual sighting (as we were driving into camp)  was a group of four large bushpigs, running out of the lagoon and into the bush.  With my binoculars trained on the animals, I could clearly see their distinctive white manes. 

A little later, we enjoyed a most pleasant lunch consisting of fresh pita bread, hummus, salads, relishes, pork meatballs and vegetable fritters.  Nicely presented in an al fresco setting, overlooking the dambo.  Then it was time for a short siesta.  


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Our afternoon game drive took us along the edge of the beautiful lagoon, with wildlife visible in every direction.  There were elephants, puku, impala, waterbuck and prolific birdlife.  I got out of the car for a low-level elephant shot – which worked quite well photographically and which also – inadvertently – added a little punch to the experience when the elephant took exception to having a lens pointed in his direction.  Our quarry that afternoon was leopards and as we were looking around for them, we found – lions.  First a male and then two females with four cubs around 8 months old.  Shortly afterwards,  we came across a part of yet another pride of lions, this time a solitary female with cubs, right by the road.


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

There’s a leopard behind the bar

Back in camp a while later, just as the soup had been served, someone walked up, held his hand up to get our attention and said, ‘There’s a leopard behind the bar!’  I was expecting him to announce the remainder of the dinner courses, as is the usual custom in many safari camps. Announcing a leopard? So much better! We scurried up to the bar only to learn that the leopard had already walked away, and was now underneath tent # 1.  Tell me you’re in a lively camp without telling me that you are in a lively camp…

Legendary Lodge


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

Trundling back to the dinner table, we finished what was yet another great meal at Musekese, this time fish and chips with carrot cake as dessert.  The consistently good food at Musekese adds yet another level of enjoyment to its winning trifecta:  location, guiding, and hospitality.  The rooms were ideal: a good size, airy, with nice views, private and tucked right into a forest. I imagine that even on the hottest of days they would offer some respite. My only real beef was the inadequate interior lighting. 


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

The following day, our morning game drive was initially on the quiet side but then was instantly salvaged with a rare sighting of two female leopards interacting, on the edge of the tall grass bordering on the lagoon, quite close to camp.  The first leopard we saw was marking territory in an overt display of dominance.  The second one was more furtive and clearly the interloper:  more hesitant but also scent-marking in at least one spot.  Eventually both of them disappeared into the thick cover.  All the leopards in the Musekese core study area have designations like MSF-5 or MSM-8. This refers to the gender and the sequence in which they were first seen and positively identified.  Hence MSF-5 is Musekese Female #5, and so on. Their behavior and distribution and relationships are intensively studied and recorded. Phil identified both of the females for us on the basis of mostly their facial features. 

Villa Maua

Sanctuary Retreats


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

Lunch around noon hit the spot with a delicious tomato & poached egg main dish, roast potatoes, green vegetables and freshly baked bread.  

That afternoon we went boating on the Kafue River.  I had forgotten just how impressed I was – on my earlier visit to the region – with the beauty and sheer magnificence of this amazing ‘Zambia only’ river.  It is massive and majestic, and the forested areas abutting it around Musekese are simply gorgeous. Beyond beautiful. Even though it was quite windy and cold, we got some pretty decent looks at a wide variety of birds including African Skimmers.  And of course there were hippos. Lots of them.  And crocodiles.  Drifting down the Kafue as the sun was setting felt unreal. Was this a movie set and would someone suddenly appear behind us, shouting ‘action!’ from a bullhorn? I wouldn’t have been surprised. Fortunately the dramatic scenes surrounding us were all too real – and ours to enjoy in solitude and peace.


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Ntemwa-Busanga Camp

On our last morning at Musekese, we drove to the northern part of the Busanga Plains and made a quick stop at Musekese’s sister property, Ntemwa-Busanga.  The camp consists of four unabashedly rustic thatched huts, in authentic bush camp style, with bucket showers and proper flushing toilets.  If you’ve always wanted to spend some time in an authentic Zambian bush camp in an adventurous setting, this is your place.  The camp has a comfortable, compact lounge and dining room area, elevated well above the ground and overlooking the plains.  It is well-located to make the most of the diverse Busanga Plains.  From Ntemwa-Busanga you can explore a multitude of habitats, from riverine thickets in the south, the tree-lined edges and the productive, flooded grasslands in the center and the variety of wildlife that inhabit them.  Several of the regional Busanga specials such as roan antelope and sable antelope are common sightings in this area. I already have Ntemwa-Busanga on my list of properties to visit in future, so watch this spot. 


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

Wildlife in the core Musekese conservation area

Currently, there are 20 individual leopards in the core study area.   Leopards have been detected across the majority of the study area – a good indication of a healthy and growing population of these sometimes elusive cats.   

The Lumbeya pack had originally been the only African Painted dog pack known to frequent the core area, but a new painted dog pack had taken up residence subsequently and there are now three known packs utilizing the core area for denning this season.


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

There are 16 known lions across two resident prides in the study area around Musekese.  Four of the seven cubs of the Musekese lion pride survived the rains and are growing into healthy sub-adults with three females and one male, while both female cubs of the SCZ pride survived the prolonged rains. All adult lions are in good condition.  The research team has identified two new adult male lions and detected the presence of others within the study area.  

Cheetahs were detected originally mostly based on their tracks, with only one direct sighting.  Lately, cheetah sightings have increased and two newly identified sub-adults have been recorded.  

Preliminary camera trap study results have indicated the presence of other carnivores in the area, including hyena, caracal, serval and African wild cat.


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

The Musekese Conservation Initiative

Before dinner on our last evening,  Phil talked to us about the Musekese Conservation Initiative and shared some photographs and personal experiences.  This dedicated conservation project works to protect core areas of the Musekese and Lumbeya sectors in Kafue National Park  in conjunction with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife.  Phil and Tyrone, the founders of Musekese Conservation, have a long history of working in Kafue NP in various capacities including guiding and camp management. They have spent many years building relationships with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife, with tourism operators and local communities based on the core principles of commitment, trust and respect.


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

All this has positioned them ideally to achieve their current goals:

  • Identify, recruit and train a minimum of 5 full time anti-poaching teams and to equip them with the necessary skills and tools to effectively stop illegal poaching of wildlife in core areas of KNP.
  • Establish baseline population data for indicator species within the core area to identify trends enabling more effective monitoring.  Also to determine the effectiveness of interventions.

Since its inception in 2014, Musekese Conservation has spent more than 4,900 days on patrol; have covered more than 6,500 km by foot, recovered 137 traps and snares, traveled 8,500km by vehicle, recovered 9 firearms, recovered more than 1500kg of illegal bushmeat, and covered nearly 60km by boat and bicycle. 


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

Getting There

It has never been easier or more affordable to fly to the Kafue with flexible departure times available every day of the week from and to Lusaka.

BY AIR

  • Lusaka to Lufupa Airstrip (or vice versa) – flight time approx. 1 hour 15 minute
  • Flying to and from all other Zambia destinations from Lufupa Airstrip is also possible with competitive charter flight rates available – Livingstone, Kalabo, Jeki, Mfuwe, etc.
  • Lufupa Airstrip is across the Kafue River from Musekese Camp.  The transfer takes approx. 30 mins and includes a small drive to the river bank, a short boat cruise along and across the Kafue River, and another short drive into camp.


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Photo by Jeffery & McKeith Safaris

BY ROAD

  • Musekese Camp is reachable by road.
     
  • Lusaka to Musekese Camp can take approx. 5 to 6 hours, with 3 on a good asphalt road and 2 on a graded bush-road when inside the park towards camp.

We recommend combining Musekese with an additional camp in the Kafue, in the Busanga Plains, as well as with a property in the Lower Zambezi such as Tusk & Mane.  Time and budget permitting, it is also possible to add a few days in the South Luangwa National Park.  Call or email us for recommended trip itineraries and cost estimates.

More Info

Email bert@fisheaglesafaris.com

Email jason@fisheaglesafaris.com

@fisheaglesafarishouston

#FishEagleSafaris

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Chindeni and the Bushcamp Company, Zambia

10th September 2021

Chindeni and the Bushcamp Company, Zambia


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Photo courtesy of Bushcamp Company

Chindeni and the Bushcamp Company, Zambia

By late July we found ourselves at Chindeni, a small Bushcamp Company property with a simply idyllic location facing out over the Chindeni Lagoon, with the pretty Chindeni Hills in the background. Having first visited Chindeni a few years ago, when we had a marvelous time there, I had every reason to look forward to my stay.  

I’m happy to report that the return visit was even better than my first time at Chindeni.  Of course, there is a degree of bias and personal preferences, likes and dislikes involved.  Making a value judgement about a safari property is a subjective process and two people spending the same two nights at a given property may end up with quite different opinions, at the end of it.


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Photo courtesy of Bushcamp Company

Beyond the physical product (rooms, facilities, common areas, location, accessibility) I tend to put a heavy emphasis on the quality of the guiding and I also look at the staff dynamic.  What you want to see and experience are a bunch of happy, positive people who are always around and for whom nothing is too much trouble.  Not a good sign?  Staff that are aloof and hardly ever to be seen.  Chindeni cleared this hurdle with ease.  A happier, more content staff complement would be hard to find.  Clearly management is doing all the right things.  As we were to find out, our professional guide Peter Milanzi, was also the manager of Chindeni. You could not ask for a nicer person or a more competent, all-round guide than Peter.  


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Photo courtesy of Bushcamp Company

How does a camp earn bonus points in my little black book?  Wildlife in camp.  Once again, Chindeni ticked the right box:  there were no less than four lions right along the path just outside the camp, upon our arrival, two of which happened to be a mating pair. Having big cats in camp definitely gets you a gold star!

After a cup of tea and a snack, we went back to the lions.  Predictably, they were sleeping.  Even so, there was a hint of excitement in the air as there was a good-sized buffalo herd crossing the road about 50 to 100 meters behind the lions.  All this barely 500 meters out of camp.  We were hoping that the lions would live up to their reputation of being opportunistic when it comes to hunting, but alas, we were disappointed.  As a consolation prize, I got some photographs of the buffaloes.


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Photo courtesy of Bushcamp Company

A bit later we found a large male leopard on an anthill, in decent light.  More good photos, particularly after the leopard relocated from within a thicket to a more open spot.  Sometimes the safari gods play along.  Then it was time to enjoy sundowners overlooking an oxbow lagoon with the Chindeni Hills in the background.  Is there a better way to end a day on safari in Africa?  I doubt it. 

Remarkably, we experienced all of this without seeing even one other vehicle.  As we were to see here and again, later on our trip in Kafue and the Lower Zambezi, Zambia can still deliver a safari experience harking back to the Africa of old where 2021 might as well have been 1921.  If there’s not a vehicle in sight, or any signs of modern civilization, time is reduced to where the sun is sitting at any given moment.  No villages or power lines, no cattle or goats.  Just the wilderness – and you.


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South Luangwa National Park is legendary for an abundance of leopards plus good elephant numbers, giraffe, zebra and of course hundreds of hippos along the Luangwa river. There are thousands of hippos on the Luangwa so you are almost always within hearing distance of their booming snorts and honking. Hardly surprising, given that they can be heard as much as a mile away.  Chindeni is well away from the main river but we could still hear them in the distance, at night.  


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After a rather uneventful night drive, we were back in camp just after 7pm for dinner.  A delicious soup to start, served with freshly baked bread rolls.  The main course was an elaborate Mongolian stir-fry, a culinary and visual extravaganza.  This most memorable of meals was finished off with a tasty flan.  Of all the safari operators who hosted us on this trip, the Bushcamp Company was the clear ‘winner’ in terms of special events & surprises, such as sundowners served in a scenic location and meals prepared and served al fresco, in a bush setting.  


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Walking is central to the safari experience in Zambia yet it isn’t forced or mandatory. Most camps do the walking excursions early in the morning as it does get hot later in the day.  And so it was the following morning when we were up at 0530 for our second South Luangwa foot safari, this time with our guide Peter. After a long day in the car the previous day, it was really nice to be out on foot again.

If nothing else, a foot safari is always great exercise.  But there’s more:  signs, tracks, plants, trees, birds – and animals.  On this two hour walk we saw giraffes (close up), elephants (we had to divert around some), lots of antelope including a kudu, and baboons. 


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Sundowners this evening were served in the shallow waters of the Kapamba River, close to its confluence with the Luangwa.  It was fun and different.  Wading into the cool water and feeling the soft sand between your toes is a special treat.  I had seen many photographs of the Kapamba River sundowners over the years and it was really good to finally experience this myself.

Legendary Lodge


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During the course of the two days or so which we spent in the Bushcamp Company area, we managed to find time for site inspections at four other bush camps and Mfuwe Lodge:  

Kuyenda:  This small 4-roomed camp is not right on the Luangwa River but close.  Set beneath shady trees by the Manzi River, it felt very intimate, a real bush camp.   Quite noticeably, there was plenty of wildlife around the camp.

Chamilandu:  This tiny bushcamp – which has just 3 stilted ‘tree-house’ rooms – is beautifully located  on the edge of the Luangwa River.    The usual sequence of activities is to do walking in the morning, and game drives in the afternoon.


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Kapamba: This 4-roomed bush camp combines the isolation and superb game-viewing opportunities of a true bushcamp with a touch of luxury.  Two of the rooms – on the outer edges of the camp – have sleep-out areas.  The rooms don’t cost more, they simply have to be requested in advance.  Kapamba is known for getting a high percentage of return visitors.  Set on the banks of the shallow, spring-fed Kapamba River,  game drives are done mostly towards the south in the direction of the Luangwa River. 

Bilimungwe:   Set beneath a huge mahogany tree, the heart of Bilimungwe is the cool, shady lounge area that looks out over one of the camp’s three waterholes.   The four raised thatched rooms are comfortable – even a bit luxurious – but retaining an authentic bush camp feel.  Like the other bush camps, Bili offers walking safaris, day and night game drives, and sundowners on the river’s edge.

Villa Maua

Sanctuary Retreats


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Mfuwe Lodge:  On our way out of the South Luangwa, en route to Kafue, we checked out Mfuwe Lodge, where Kathy and I had spent some time a few years ago.  Set in the most prolific game area of the South Luangwa National Park, Mfuwe Lodge is the perfect place to start and finish your journey to the bush camps.   Its  eighteen air-conditioned chalets are arranged around the banks of two lagoons where a stream of wildlife will keep you entertained.   The large, airy interior of the lodge blends quite seamlessly into its natural surroundings.


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The Mfuwe region of the park is renowned for its prolific game, and as a result giraffe, hippos, buffalo, antelope, and crocodile are constant visitors to Mfuwe Lodge’s lagoon.  In the month of November the local elephants regularly wander right through the lobby, lured by a nearby wild mango tree. Whether you stay overnight, or just have lunch en route to a bush camp, Mfuwe Lodge’s relaxed charm and enviable surroundings make it the perfect stopover. 


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Photo courtesy of Bushcamp Company

A new addition to Mfuwe Lodge is the well-appointed director’s room, a 2-bedroomed thatched unit which comes with its own swimming pool, private dining and private guide and is ideal for families or 2 couples who are friends wanting total privacy.   It also has a small gym.

More Info

Email bert@fisheaglesafaris.com

Email jason@fisheaglesafaris.com

@fisheaglesafarishouston

#FishEagleSafaris

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A Silent Safari in Zambia at Shawa Luangwa

2nd September 2021

A Silent Safari in Zambia at Shawa Luangwa


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

A Silent Safari in Zambia at Shawa Luangwa

Driving into a large herd of buffalo on an electric vehicle is a startling experience.  For the buffaloes just as much as for the occupants of the vehicle.  After years of experiencing noisy diesel-powered vehicles bearing down on them, and taking evasive action to stay a safe distance away from them, the buffaloes seemed baffled by the approach of the practically noise-free electric vehicle.  At least that was my impression last July, when I had the opportunity – together with a couple of Safari Pros on an educational visit – to experience several game drives in Green Safaris’ battery-operated Toyota Land Cruisers. 


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Our guide – the legendary Jacob Shawa – was extra careful not to spook the herd and it worked.  Moving up a few meters and then stopping.  And repeat.  The buffaloes were not completely fooled.  A few of them would momentarily wheel and peel off from the herd, only to realize that there was no danger and quickly slow down to a walk.  The reaction of the young buffaloes was priceless:  giving us some fierce, sustained stares but clearly not overly intimidated by the appearance and presence of this large object moving slowly, quietly past them.  


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Why electrical safari vehicles?

Using Africa’s abundant solar energy to power vehicles offers a clean and sustainable alternative to burning fossil fuels.  Over the last several years, great strides have been made with carbon-free electricity management in the African safari industry.  A fast growing number of safari properties are run entirely by  solar generated power.  The one exception to this development to date, has been the safari vehicles which are mostly still fueled with diesel.  Change is coming though and will largely be driven by improved battery technology.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Electric vehicle batteries are rapidly becoming safer, cheaper, and faster charging, with higher energy density.  Lithium-ion batteries are the current standard for electric vehicles, yet they have a relatively short life cycle and have a history of overheating.  Lithium-silicon and solid-state batteries are emerging electric vehicle battery technologies that will improve performance, hold more energy, and last longer at a lower cost.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

The advantages of electrical game drive vehicles over their noisy internal combustion engine counterparts are legion.  Being driven around in one is a silent and seamless experience with zero carbon emissions.  The vehicles have plenty of  torque and power to go anywhere that the traditional vehicles can, as we’ve seen and experienced ourselves. Worried about getting stuck in the bush?  It’s probably more likely to happen with a conventional vehicle than an EV.  The vehicles are recharged from solar panels and on a full charge the battery lasts up to 6 hours, good for 100 to 125 miles, depending on the terrain.  Game drives rarely exceed 25 to 30 miles, so there’s plenty of reserve ‘gas’ in the tank. 


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Beyond the obvious environmental benefits, electric vehicles enhance the guest experience in several ways.  It starts with silence.  The absence of extraneous noise and the incessant drone of large cities is what makes Africa’s wilderness areas so special.  Yet the moment a driver-guide starts up the massive V-8 motor which powers many of the Land Cruisers and Land Rovers in current use, the silence is shattered.  The noise is incessant for the duration of the drive, and relief comes only when the vehicle is stationary and switched off.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Not being able to hear the driver-guide from anywhere beyond the first row in a conventional safari vehicle is a constant source of dissatisfaction on outings.  What was that again? Huh? What did he just say?  Not so with an EV.  Guides communicate easily with guests without having to shout over the sound of the engine.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Just as importantly, the guides can hear bird or small mammal alarm calls, often the most reliable clue to the presence of predators.   An electric vehicle is ideal for approaching  sensitive or ‘jumpy’ animals such as leopards, or cats with babies for whom the sound of the engine can spark a negative reaction.  The smooth drive of an electric vehicle also provides a better platform for taking photos and videos without the incessant vibration and ambient engine noise.

Legendary Lodge


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Repositioning a vehicle around a sighting – often a necessary maneuver when an animal changes position – always creates a disturbance in a regular safari vehicle.  There’s the startup noise – which often startles the animals – the rumbling around, and of course the inevitable spewing of yet more diesel fumes in the air.  With the electric car, there is a soft hum for a few seconds and then – click – you suddenly start to move forward.  No noise, no fumes, no aggravation. It actually takes a while getting used to, because there is no cue (ignition sequence) that you are about to move.  Hold on to your hat!  All movement is just more pleasant without the unnatural sound of an engine in a natural environment.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Also, it is just flat out cool to be on a battery operated safari vehicle.  It was quite noticeable that nearly every time Jacob pulled the Green Safaris electric vehicle alongside traditional diesel ones, it became the object of attention – and maybe just a tad of envy.  Other tourists, photographers and even the driver-guides themselves were staring more than just a little, peering in the direction of the vehicle to confirm their first impression.  Did that vehicle just move without making a sound?  You betcha!

Villa Maua

Sanctuary Retreats


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Electric game drive vehicles and boats elsewhere in Africa

Electric safari vehicles have been showing up at a handful of camps across Africa, starting with Desert and Delta Safaris’ Chobe Game Lodge which scored a first in Africa when they launched an electric game drive vehicle and boat on November 7, 2014.  Currently, Chobe Game Lodge operates  four electric vehicles and four boats,  three of which are fully solar powered.  Since the start of the project they estimate saving over 38,000 kilograms of CO2 emissions and almost 15,000 liters of diesel.  

Electric vehicles are also in use in Kenya in the Lewa Wildlife Conservancy at Lewa Wilderness Lodge,  at Campi Ya Kanzi in the Chyulu Hills and at Emboo River Camp,  the only Mara safari camp that has gone all-electric with its fleet.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

In South Africa, Makanyi Lodge in Timbavati Private Nature Reserve in South Africa has a converted Land Cruiser in operation while Cheetah Plains Lodge in the Sabi Sands Reserve operates several luxury-fitted electric game drive vehicles.  We were fortunate to undertake several drives in the northern Sabi Sand on Cheetah Plains’ smooth, quiet-driving vehicles in March 2020.  Here is a link to our blog post recounting the experience.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Shawa Luangwa Camp

We had arrived at the new Shawu Luangwa Camp the previous afternoon, after a short pontoon ride across the Luangwa River.  There is a lot to like about this 5-roomed camp.

  • It has an excellent location right on the edge of the Luangwa River, with a large floodplain stretching out in front of the camp, to the left and right.
  • The camp is constructed in a heavily wooded site, filled with birds and birdsong and small animals.
  • Shawa Luangwa has a fleet of battery-operated vehicles making ‘silent safaris’ a reality – and what a pleasure it was to silently glide through the bush with practically zero noise and no pollution.
  • We experienced superb guiding by no less than Jacob Shawa, the head professional guide and inspiration behind the naming of the camp.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

I was impressed with the innovative design of the main lodge and dining room which is a compact,  split-level structure, not the usual sprawling edifice.  The elevated deck provided an ideal al fresco dining spot overlooking the pool and the river in the far background. 

There’s also what appears to be a particularly inviting fireplace with chairs – which we unfortunately didn’t have the opportunity to use.  I was told that the fireplace came with a view of hippos at night and it is easy to see why, with so much grassy floodplain right in front of camp, and so many hippos….  All in all, the food at Shawa Luangwa was tasty, a highlight being the great spareribs for lunch.  To be sure, I wasn’t wowed by the bare-bones cheese platter served with dinner, but it was no big deal.  The breakfast was excellent.  


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

The rooms have a couple of design features which some visitors will like a lot, and others won’t.  I think everybody will like the open design, with great looks towards the floodplain and the river, and the feeling of being right inside a forest.  The rooms probably could have used a bit more space.  The sunken bath right inside the room will be popular with bath aficionados but clearly that’s not everybody.  The smallish toilet room – barely bigger than a closet – feels a bit like an afterthought.  At least it is separate and has a door.  


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Head professional guide Jacob Shawa

Despite a couple of minor glitches with service, including an overly lengthy process to charge park fees upon our departure, my stay at Shawa Luangwa was most enjoyable.  Head Guide Jacob Shawa provided me with some excellent photographic hints and suggestions and he would be an asset on safari for anyone serious about getting some great photos.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Voted one of Wanderlust’s top 8 professional guides and one of the most interesting and passionate guides you will ever meet, Jacob is at the heart of Shawa Luangwa’s story.  Like the other members of the Green Safaris team, Jacob fell in love with the Zambian wilderness many years ago and has been deeply connected to it ever since.  Jacob hand-picked the spot where Shawa Luangwa sits – an untouched area overlooking the Luangwa River  –  and he inspired the name of the camp.

On the morning of our departure, we enjoyed a superb game drive inside the South Luangwa National Park, just across from Shawa Luangwa.  Our first sighting was a huge herd of buffaloes of around 500 drinking at a pool.  They were very curious about the approach of the silent vehicle and allowed us to come closer and with less disturbance than would have been the case with a regular vehicle.


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

We also had some interesting views of a leopard which had made a kill and dragged it into a tree. The South Luangwa has one of the highest densities of leopards in Africa and sightings of this elusive big cat are frequent. This part of the South Luangwa opposite Shawa Luangwa is known for large herds of elephant and buffalo, and several of the 14 antelope species to be found in the park.  Predictably, there were lots of hippo along the river bank, together with bushbuck, kudu and puku. And bunches of a local endemic, the handsome Thornicroft’s Giraffe. 


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Photos courtesy of Green Safaris

Puku Ridge Camp

A bit later that morning,  Jacob drove us south to Puku Ridge, where we did a site inspection and enjoyed an excellent tapas lunch.

Puku Ridge is a beautiful property with an impressive main lounge and dining room complex, and a fine fire-pit area with great views of the Luangwa River floodplain.  There is a well-appointed eye-level hide (blind), which is easily accessible from the main area.

The rooms at Puku Ridge are among the best in Zambia, luxurious and stylishly appointed with effective climate control, which makes this camp a good option for the warmer months of the year.  There is a rooftop sleepout option in all the rooms.

More Info

Email bert@fisheaglesafaris.com

Email jason@fisheaglesafaris.com

@fisheaglesafarishouston

#FishEagleSafaris

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A walking safari in the South Luangwa, Zambia

26th August 2021

A walking safari in the South Luangwa, Zambia


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Photo: Time & Tide

A walking safari in the South Luangwa, Zambia

The first of two walking safaris which we would do in the South Luangwa National Park in Zambia this July was perhaps a bit more adventurous than we had anticipated. Blame the hippos. There are thousands of them along the Luangwa River – at last count more than 60 of these behemoths per kilometer of river bank.  On the day, a handful of them were still making their way back to the water by the time we set out of camp. It made for a few adrenaline-charged moments. 


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Photo: Time & Tide

Earlier, back in camp, we were up before sunrise for a 530 am wake up call, accompanied by a cup of tea. By 6 am we were enjoying a full breakfast with eggs to order (all three of us opted for scrambled), toast made over the coals, fresh fruit, juice, and freshly made pancakes. Not to mention freshly popped popcorn.  I had to try a couple of pancakes with Lyle’s Golden Syrup – the perfect combination!


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Photo: Time & Tide

Walking directly out of Kakuli camp, we set out on our guided walk with our Time & Tide guide Innocent and parks guide Bottle. Our walk would take us all along the edge of the Luangwa River upstream towards Mchenja Camp.


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Photo: Time & Tide

I had not done a ‘proper’ foot safari in quite a while and this one reminded me what I had been missing. It felt good to get out of the vehicle, into a pair of walking shoes and back on my legs for a while.  Other than the sound of our footfall, and some bird calls, the only noise was the near-constant grunting and bellowing of the hippos in the Luangwa River.  The noisy hippos in the river were not a threat.  The ones we had to worry about were the ones still making their way back to the water, after being out all night, grazing.  As it turned out, we were hardly ever out of sight of one or more hippos, for the first 40 minutes of the walk.


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Photo: Time & Tide

Once I realized that we would be mixing it up with the hippos, so to speak, the walk took on a completely different tenor.  We all started to pay a lot more attention to what was happening in front of us. And maybe even more so to our left, from where any potential ‘problem’ hippo would likely materialize.  The river itself being on our right.  ‘Don’t get between a hippo and the water’, is the generally accepted advice – and practice – in these parts.  We were not exactly trying to do that, but it is almost unavoidable when you are walking early in the day in an area with hundreds of hippos around.


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Photo: Time & Tide

As it turned out the only close call was when we surprised one particular hippo when we inadvertently blocked the exit of his regular route down to the river. Fortunately for us, the hippo decided not to pursue the issue. It simply made a 180 degree turn, and went off in a different direction. We continued on our way, but only after making eyes at each other, at the conclusion of the momentary standoff.   


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Photo: Time & Tide

Along the way, Innocent drew our attention to some fascinating natural history highlights of the area, including several tracks and marks. One – which none of us had ever seen or recognized before – was the mark left by the hairy face and beard of a hippo. We learnt about the life cycle of the ivory palm, were informed about the status (active or dormant) of some giant termite mounds and we saw some fascinating bird species such as the African Fish Eagle, various bee eaters, coucals and kingfishers. 


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This being the South Luangwa there were dozens, maybe hundreds, of inquisitive hippo eyes intently fixed on us as we made our way upstream. What were they projecting?  If I had to take a guess, it would be a mixture of ‘don’t you dare come any closer’ and – as we were moving away, ‘good riddance’.   It was comforting to know that hippos would rarely – if ever – leave the water to pursue a real or imagined threat.

By mid morning we had made our way to a rendezvous point from where we drove a short distance to Mchenja Camp for a site inspection.

Legendary Lodge


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Photo: Time & Tide

Mchenja Camp

Mchenja is the local name for ebony, and the camp is tucked into a shady ebony grove beside the Luangwa River in the heart of South Luangwa National Park.

Its five rooms (including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family suite) are pure, natural elegance with grass walls, soft cushions and light-as-air curtains. Each has a feather-top bed, large picture windows and open air en-suite bathroom with a bath looking out onto the river.


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Photo: Time & Tide

Built around a bent ebony trunk, the main lounge has the feel of a spacious treehouse. At breakfast, listen to a chorus of birdsong and laughing hippos. Between safari activities, relax in the refreshing pool overlooking the river.

Night drives are always rewarding, with the bush revealing a different nocturnal surprise every time. At the right time of year, from about August through March, this is one of the best camps in the park for seeing carmine bee-eaters.

Villa Maua

Sanctuary Retreats


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Photo: Time & Tide

Fish Eagle Safaris’ history with walking safaris

Our history with walking safaris goes way back to the 1980’s when Bert and Kathy signed up for several of the – even then – legendary Kruger Park wilderness trails.  Joining up with a handful of other trailists, they completed the Nyalaland, Sweni and Olifants trails, spending several days in rustic, primitive camps and going on long hikes through the wilderness..  This is where they first experienced the African bush on foot and came to realize why many people consider walking to be the ultimate wilderness experience.  


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Photo: Time & Tide

Since then, various members of the Fish Eagle Safaris team have participated in walking safaris in several destinations, notably in the Tuli Block of Botswana with Stuart Quinn of WalkMashatu, in Zambia’s South Luangwa National Park with Time & Tide Safaris, in Zimbabwe’s Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks, in Western Tanzania’s Katavi and Mahale Mountains National Parks, in Namibia’s Damaraland area tracking back rhinos, in Odzala-Kokoua National Park in the Republic of Congo, in Rwanda and Uganda on gorilla treks, in Kruger Park on a Rhino Walking Safari with Izibindi Africa, and Bushman’s Kloof in the Cedarberg Mountains.


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Photo: Time & Tide

As one part of a multifaceted trip which also includes game drives and some water experiences such as boating or canoeing, a foot safari is for many the purest form of experiencing the African wilderness.  Free of the noise and intrusive impact of a vehicle and free to go just about anywhere, a walking safari is open-ended and unpredictable.  It is as close as one can get to the wilderness on many levels:  feeling the ground under your feet, touching the surrounding vegetation and listening for sounds while observing signs and tracks.  Being out of the vehicle adds a sense of vulnerability which is exciting and at times challenging.  Of course, you are quite safe in the presence of a careful, experienced, armed guide yet the possibility of an unplanned, unforeseen encounter is always hanging in the air.


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A foot safari always starts with the ground rules:  walk in single file, take turns to walk in front just behind the guide and keep the volume down.  Follow the head guide’s instructions at all times. Most importantly – in the event of something untoward happening – don’t run!

More Info

Email bert@fisheaglesafaris.com

Email jason@fisheaglesafaris.com

@fisheaglesafarishouston

#FishEagleSafaris

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The Hyena and the Crocodile: South Luangwa, Zambia

20th August 2021

DThe Hyena and the Crocodile: South Luangwa, Zambia


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The Hyena and the Crocodile: South Luangwa, Zambia

Even if you travel to Africa regularly, and have been on safari many times, each day brings something new and something exciting.  It may be as simple as seeing the same animals in a different light, or witnessing a difference in their behavior, or perhaps seeing them react to the presence of predators.  And then there are those really special days on safari, when you see something extraordinary.  So it was last month in Zambia when we witnessed an incredible scene of a hyena and a Nile crocodile facing off over the remains of a dead puku antelope.


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Earlier that day, we had left Chinzombo Camp after an early breakfast, game-driving along the Luangwa River, on our way to Kakuli Camp, where we would be spending the night. We witnessed a good mix of general game, including elephants, buffaloes, zebras, giraffe, impala, puku, warthog and an amazing variety of birds.  We also happened upon a couple of young male lions, sleeping right alongside the dirt track we were on.  They did not so much as lift their heads upon our approach, merely opening an eye to acknowledge our presence.


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As we were approaching a well-known oxbow lagoon along the Luangwa River – known as the Luangwa Wafwa – our guide Innocent saw a solitary hyena feeding on something about 10 meters or so from the edge of the water.  It was a long distance away from where we had stopped, to get the binoculars trained on the spot.  Upon closer inspection, we saw that it was in fact a female hyena, ripping away chunks of meat from the carcass of a puku antelope.

Photo – Great Plains Conservation


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We surmised that the puku had gotten stuck in the mud when it had ventured too close to the water’s edge, possibly sometime during the previous evening.  We also noticed the presence of several large crocodiles on the edge of the water, not far from the hyena, seemingly resting up.  By their general demeanor and positioning,  we deduced that they knew exactly what was going on, and that they had an eye – or more than one – on the hyena and the puku.  Crocodiles rarely ignore the opportunity of a ‘free meal’…


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Somehow the puku’s distended stomach got separated from what remained of the carcass and this is when things got interesting.  As we had anticipated and secretly hoped for, one of the crocodiles lifted its head and started to waddle closer to the dead puku, clearly wanting to get in on the feeding action.


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Although it was stuffed to the gills, the hyena would have none of it.  She stoutly defended her prey from the crocodile, twice getting into a scuffle of sorts with the crocodile, at least once succeeding in biting the crocodile on its nose, and another time on its tail.  Even though we were a good 50 meters away, the tension was palpable.  The hyena’s aggression was on full display.

Legendary Lodge


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With its jaws wide open, displaying its fearsome teeth, its body tensed and its tail cocked, its intent was clear as daylight.  Stay away!   Eventually the crocodile retreated back towards the water, realizing that not even the threat of its own formidable jaws was going to make a difference.  This hyena was going nowhere.


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None of us, including our guide, had ever seen this type of behavior.  Of course, it was one of those rare incidents where several unrelated things intersected at a specific time and place.  A dead antelope close to water, and crocodiles within sight. A solitary hyena feeding from the carcass.  All of this in daylight.  And of course we had to show up at the right time.   As the scene played out in front of our eyes, we looked at each other in disbelief, not only about what was going on, but also because there was nobody else around to see it.  In this usually busy area, we were the only vehicle around, for the entire time.


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Eventually we had to leave the animals to their fate, driving further along the Luangwa River in the direction of Kakuli Camp.  An hour or so later, we were in camp, enjoying the beautiful views over the Luangwa River, from the lounge area of this small bush camp.  As it happened, we were just in time for a delicious brunch, and then we enjoyed a short siesta until we met up again for tea around 3:30 in the afternoon.  Served with chocolate cupcakes, lemonade and fresh fruit.  What a treat!


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As it turned out, the afternoon game drive was quite exciting too, the highlight being two different sightings of African Painted Dogs.  Initially a small group of four and then a solitary one, an hour or so later.  Shortly afterwards, we were treated to a ‘surprise’ sundowner event, with drinks and snacks offered right on the edge of the Luangwa River, with an absolutely fantastic view over the water.


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After a quiet drive back to camp, we sat down for a delicious dinner with an onion fritter starter, a delicious main course of grilled tilapia and a local version of ‘New York’ cheesecake, for dessert.  We were grateful that we did not have to face angry hyenas or hungry crocodiles, to be able to enjoy our meal.


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KAKULI CAMP

Kakuli, meaning old buffalo bull, was the nickname given by locals to Time & Tide’s founder Norman Carr, who began the tradition of walking safaris in South Luangwa National Park.

Its five bright and airy rooms (including a two-bedroom, two-bathroom family suite) are designed to make the most of the panoramic setting. Freshly redesigned in 2018, each offers a feather-top bed, indoor and outdoor showers, and a covered open-air seating area.


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The elevated main lounge overlooks the river and a permanent lagoon. Beneath it, a wildlife hide offers up-close views of visitors stopping by for a drink. We spent a bit of time there, observing several different bird species. The camp makes a great base for exploring by vehicle and on foot, with a resident lion pride, a seasonal colony of jewel-like carmine bee-eaters, and with visitors often seeing multiple different leopards on a single drive.


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During the lush emerald ‘secret season’, it is possible to venture out by boat and on foot to enjoy some of the best opportunities for wildlife and landscape photography.  The following day, we were scheduled to do a foot safari ourselves.  We would venture out into the bush, all along the Luangwa River, about halfway to another Time & Tide property – Mchenja.  More about that in our blog next week.

More Info

Email bert@fisheaglesafaris.com

Email jason@fisheaglesafaris.com

@fisheaglesafarishouston

#FishEagleSafaris

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