A Touch of Nature While on Safari

THE BUSH-SPA SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA

The award-winning, owner-run Bush-Spa overlooks a lagoon that attracts abundant wildlife and the view is quite breathtaking. The safari guest is offered a range of wellbeing packages, giving the discerning visitor an exclusive opportunity to experience a spa in the Zambian bush. The setting is hard to beat; and the treatments are adapted to suit the surroundings, being not only terrific value for money but really leaving you feeling revitalized. Situated in the beauty of the indigenous bush in Zambia, the Bush-Spa in South Luangwa National Parkispart of the stunning Mfuwe Lodge complex andcreates a sanctuary of pure simplicity for those seeking tranquillity and rejuvenation of mind, body and soul.

Enhancing the safari experience and in celebration of the Zambian culture, the Bush-Spa team consists of attentive, qualified Zambian therapists who are on hand to provide you with a wide variety of signature massages and a host of other therapeutic and skin care beautytreatments. Many of these use local indigenous ingredients from the African bush, further emphasizing its beauty and enchantment and creating a true Zambian experience.

The Bush-Spa constantly aims to train and develop its entire staff. They achieve this through providing accessible, high quality development opportunities in education, learning and research. The quality and commitment of the team is fundamental inachieving their vision and following company strategy. And it surely shows. Proud of Zambia, the team takes indigenous remedies to the extreme and makes use of, for instance,the healing essence of Kigelia africana (fruit of the sausage tree), baobab and marula. However,the friendly, in-house-trained Zambian therapists follow African traditions without losing their quality and highly professional touch.

The Bush-Spa thrives on itsunique location. There are plenty of places in the world where one can have a spa treatment, but only a few where your wellness session might be extended due to unexpected sightings of visiting wildlife! Your game viewing can even continue while enjoying a Zambian foot reflexology treatment.

The Spa is open every day of the year, and can be booked upon arrival in South Luangwa, or as part of your package while staying at Mfuwe Lodge. A relaxing holistic treatment is the ideal way to break up a tiring safari, with early morning and late afternoon activities often leaving a sizeable, massage-shaped hole in the middle of your day. Witha separate entrance, a private deck and views over the lagoon, all guests enjoying their safari experience in the Luangwa Valley can easily organise a visit. The Bush-Spa will gladly arrange complimentary transfers to and from the Spa to any of the South Luangwa camps or lodges within the vicinity for a minimum of two guests.

Besides winning several awards, The Bush-Spa has been featured recently in the National Geographic book, ULTIMATE JOURNEYS FOR TWO: Extraordinary Destinations on Every Continent. The authors,Mike and Anne Howard, chose the unique Bush-Spa as thebest spa in South Luangwa. The book has just beenreleased in bookstores worldwide and it’s already gaining a lot of attention. National Geographic is one of the most respected publishers in the world, so this is surely something of which to be proud.

For more information about the Bush-Spa: The Bush-Spa & Retreats Ltd., South Luangwa National Park, PO Box 58, Mfuwe, ZAMBIA +260 979 306 826 / info@bush-spa.com / www.bush-spa.com

JACOB SHAWA

Guide & Manager - Luangwa Safari House

Jacob Shawa, a professional safari guide and manager for Luangwa Safari House in South Luangwa National Park, has just received one of five Highly Commended awards in the Wanderlust World Guide Awards 2017. This award for one of the world’s top eight safari guides was presented in London on 5th October, 2017. Unfortunately Jacob was unable to attend the ceremony due to the pressures of peak season guiding work.

As well as managing Luangwa Safari House, Jacob guides special trips for Robin Pope Safaris such as bat safaris in Kasanka National Park and shoebill safaris in the Bangweulu wetlands. Since 2002 he has guided David Rogers Photographic, also run by Robin Pope Safaris. These are photographic workshops helping to develop guests’ photography skills, run by leading wildlife photographer David Rogers. ‘This has greatly helped me improve my photographic skills,’ says Jacob. ‘Guests interested in photography appreciate my presence,’ he adds.

What is the Luangwa Safari House?

The Luangwa Safari House is a magnificent four-bedroomed house for Robin Pope Safaris in South Luangwa. It is a special place for friends and families of up to eight people to come and experience a memorable safari holiday together. It’s a home like no other in a spectacular wilderness.

How did your safari guiding career all start?

Whilst at school at Mambwe High School I was the wildlife conservation chairman for one year and it was during this period that we used to do a lot of nature walks, talks, and game drives with the late Norman Carr, a tourism legend in Zambia. After completing school, I had an opportunity in 1997 to train as a professional guide when Mfuwe Lodge was training school leavers. Having passed my guiding exams in 1999, I joined Robin Pope Safaris where I have been working as a guide until now. I have also done some internal management workshops sponsored by Robin Pope Safaris with subjects such as guest care, general management of the lodge etc.

What do you love most about your job?

I enjoy taking guests out on walking safaris and game drives, plus the general hosting of guests from different nationalities and professions the world over. The other thing is that I learn every day from different guests.

What’s been your greatest achievement?

Recognition as one of the best eight top guides in the world by Wanderlust.

What’s a typical day for you like?

04.50 am – I wake up, take a bath 05.15 am – Have breakfast with the guests 06.00 am – Go for a game drive or walking safari or village tour with guests 12.00 noon – Have lunch with guests then a siesta 15.30 pm – Afternoon tea with guests 16.00 pm – Go out again for either a game drive or walking safari 19.00 pm – Come back to camp

Mr Eric Schultz

American Ambassador to Zambia

Interviewer by Andrew Muswala

Ambassador Schultz and wife Klaudia celebrating U.S. Independence Day

I understand you have had time to explore wilderness areas in Zambia. What’s been your favourite travel destination? And why?

It’s very hard to point out one as they all have been great. I would say that my favourite moment was when my sons saw Victoria Falls for the first time in 2015. We were on the Zambian side and the look in their eyes when they saw the Falls is a favourite for me. I served at the Embassy in Zimbabwe from 2004-2007 but we did not take the boys to Victoria Falls as they were still very young. We also like the Lower Zambezi National Park because you get a combination of the river and land-based game viewing in the national park. You can fish, canoe, take river safaris, and of course do game drives. Also, of all the places in Zambia, Kafue National Park is the first park I visited in Zambia and it holds a special place in my heart.

What can Zambia do to open tourism to the domestic market?

To be honest, most tourist destinations in Zambia are directed at foreigners, but it’s in Zambia’s interest to convince Zambians to be tourists as well and thereby understand that your wildlife has value through its ability to draw photographic tourism, create employment, and grow the economy. This must be done through conservation, community support, and above all Zambians visiting the parks to understand the value of the wildlife. School visits for young Zambians to visit these sites is a great way to get that exposure.

You have brought conservation issues to the wider audience. What issues did you feel were most important?

Recognition that tourism is a renewable resource that should be protected and also knowing that we are responsible for preserving the wildlife.

Mrs. Schultz and son Alek at Victoria Falls

Ambassador Schultz, with his wife Klaudia and sons Alek and Adam, walking cheetahs at one of Zambia’s private game reserves

What do you feel most needs to be highlighted now?

It’s important to recognize that wildlife is a renewable resource that needs to be protected, then leveraged for economic purposes. One study found that the value of a single lion to photographic tourism is about US$2.5 million over its lifetime, but the trophy fee to the government is only US$4,200. I don’t have a problem with hunting, but it needs to be managed so that it doesn’t impact real economic benefits. It’s also worth mentioning that the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) has 26 metric tons of illegal ivory in its stockpile that it can never hope to sell under any circumstance as it was seized from poachers. An ivory destruction event is free advertising and it also eliminates the cost of keeping the ivory secure. Kenya is a great example in that regard.

What are the hopeful stories in Zambia’s conservation?

I think people recognize that tourism can create employment. But wildlife is the basis for many of those jobs. If, for instance, people look at the number of elephants, it is going down and once they are gone, they are gone. So Zambians are now participating in the protection of wildlife; that makes me very hopeful.

What have the Zambian people taught you?

You know that’s an interesting question. The lifestyle here is different from America, where people are always rushing. I have learned greater appreciation for family, friends, and free time. You get to know people much better when you take time to really sit with them.

What do you love most about Zambia?

Well, the people are fantastic, very friendly, and easy to get along with. But it’s the whole package – people, place, and environment. It’s a beautiful place.

Most memorable moment in Zambia?

When I went to the Victoria Falls with my sons. Also, meeting with Dr. Kenneth Kaunda for the first time definitely stands out, and visiting every corner of Zambia. We will miss this country very much.