South Luangwa – Part 2

Posted on: February 16, 2016
Posted by: Experience Holidays

Credit Peter Ellis

South Luangwa – The wake up call at 05.15 arrived far too soon, but a really good cup of coffee and a bowl of fruit compensated fully. Dawn was just makes its way over the trees and the 2 hippos had returned to their puddle patch.

In no time we were on our way with our guide and another couple. The game spotting started almost immediately with the plains animals making themselves available for photos and there were rumours of a pride of lions – 19 in total, but we failed to finding them – such is wild life viewing. Our destination was Luwi Camp the furtherest and most remote Bush Camp.

This lovely camp nestles in the shade of huge mahogany trees with a view towards the Luwi river and has just 4 rooms that are built every year using the local materials. Indeed a week after our stay, the camp would be taken down and the staff relocated to other areas or taking well earned leave. After a great lunch under a huge tree, we retired from the heat of the midday but keeping an eye open on what wandered past the camp. Then in the late afternoon we set of for another game drive checking the local waterhole which had a complete cross section of birds, plains game and hippo and as a bonus, one of the little 5 – the elephant shrew. But our goal was to find a small pack of wild dog that lived in the area.

Credit Peter Ellis

Driving down the Luwi we had our first sighting of lion on the far bank and then just a mile further on we found the wild dog resting under a big sausage tree. The first time I have seen these beautiful animals in the wild in a number of years. The drive was ended with sundowners on the edge of the river looking across the deepening darkness at 5 adult and 4 lion cubs on the opposite bank. Perfect.

Get the full story or more information on your own bespoke holiday by phoning Peter on 01323 446550 or email peter@experienceholidays.co.uk – Photos by Peter Ellis

Credit Peter Ellis