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Writer: Mahina Perrot Photography: The Bushcamp Company
South Luangwa
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othing could have prepared me for the sense of awe, wonder and amazement as I watched, for the first time, two big bull elephants walk through the reception at Mfuwe Lodge, situated in the gorgeous South Luangwa National Park, in late October 2016. Elephants had been around the lodge’s grounds for the last few days, and that particular morning two males had decided to snoop around the tall, thick, famous wild mango tree located right by the main area. While I had heard amazing stories of these beautiful pachyderms walking inside the lobby from members of staff and repeat guests, I had never actually seen this yet.
We told those of our guests who hadn’t gone out on a game drive about the elephants on the lawn, and they hurried to the library deck to get a closer look. I, on the other hand, had decided to stay near the reception. It was so quiet and I was alone, so I took the opportunity to call my mother via Skype to share with her some more of the incredible things I had seen so far since I had started working for the Bushcamp Company, just a few months earlier. Suddenly, one of the male elephants turned round the tree and came to stand right at the entrance to the lobby. I thought, ‘This is it!’. He and I locked eyes. I slowly turned the computer so my mother could also see him but at that moment the second male joined in and pushed the other in the back. Slowly, they both came inside the lobby and steadily made their way towards me. I stood up shakily and walked slowly behind the counter, still holding the laptop in front of me.
‘Stop moving! It’s all blurry, I can’t see them!’ my mother whispered excitedly. Tears of joy welled in my eyes, and my heart caught in my throat as I watched in awe as the two elephants walked peacefully right in front of me. They strode past and one of them gently lifted its trunk, sniffed the air around me and again looked me in the eye, before heading to the carpark. A deep sense of humility, unconditional love and respect for these stunning creatures filled me in that instant. Since then I have seen them walk through many times. But the excitement and feeling of anticipation when you know they are going to walk through remains the same. Each time is unique, and often funny.
One day, during afternoon tea, a huge matriarch stepped right inside the lounge where we had carrot cake on the table. Another time, two males urinated in the lobby while frantically greeting each other! Yet another time, a female grabbed a check-in card, pushed the tip box around and stuck her trunk out at the jug of juice which I was clutching against my chest! But my favourite moment is most certainly when guests see them for the very first time, as I know exactly how they feel. To watch such beautiful, wild animals so comfortable and safe around the lodge truly is a privilege and I am grateful every day for the opportunity to live amongst them. While they are even now around the lodge, already I can’t wait for the next elephant check-in, in October to November!
ELEPHANT CHECK-IN TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
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