Remote Africa Safaris

drained by South Luangwa’s October midday heat, we lay listlessly on the bed, marvelling at how close he was and pondering the likelihood of him jumping right up onto the bed. A giraffe peering over a nearby ‘hedge’ however spooked the bushbuck and he retreated to a safe distance, leaving us to watch some impressive aerial aerobatics as a pair of fish eagles swooped, soared and summersaulted overhead…ultimately culminating in some rather ‘R’ rated, romantic fish eagle activity.

Located on a bend of the Luangwa River, Mapazi Camp is perfectly situated to catch the constant and welcome breeze as it comes off the water, cooling things down in the intense October heat. Once the temperatures of the day had somewhat subsided, we set out on foot again and found the three lions of the morning’s encounter. Two slipped away, the third tolerated us for a while, before he too moved off with a mildly menacing growl. As dark started to descend, we turned and headed for ‘home’. Walking along the raised edge of the river bank, we found we were following a badly battle-scarred hippo, limping through the shallows. Hundreds of huge welts, scratches and bite marks were visible on his skin and his hip bones and ribs showed clearly through his hide. It made a sombre sight and as the sun set we wondered if he would be alive the following day.

After dinner under the stars, and tired out from a day of excitement, heat and six hours walking, we were tucked up in bed by 9.30pm and sound asleep by 9.35pm. Hours later, somewhere around 2.00am, we were woken from deep sleep by the bellows of a lion. The air trembled (and so did I) with every roar; even the ground seemed to vibrate...he was close by and in the dark it sounded as though he was mere metres away. At regular intervals throughout the night we heard him call to his companions, and one or two lions would always roar in response. We followed their progress throughout the night…they were never too far away, but never as close as that first spine-tingling roar. During dinner we had heard the plaintive calls of a lost buffalo calf across the river; the calls continued from time to time, but before the sun had come up all was silent. We could only assume that the lions had made him part of their midnight feast.

Having been so abruptly awoken, my heart rate took quite a while to slow and I lay awake in the tent listening to the sounds of the night. Hippos and elephants splashed and waded in the river, a hippo munched on fallen sausage tree fruit just outside our tent, a hyena called across the water and the various other rustles and plods of unknown night creatures continued until dawn. The lions were still roaring as the sun came up. I sat up in bed watching a lone male puku who stood on the river bank, silhouetted by the rising sun. It was a privilege to feel so completely surrounded by nature.

ANNOUNCING THE NEW PUKU RIDGE TENTED SAFARI CAMP—

The new and spectacular Puku Ridge is the safari camp that Zambia has been waiting for, promising the very best in safari and luxury, when it reopens on 10th August, 2019.

Chichele Safaris, who purchased Puku Ridge and Chichele Presidential Lodge from Abercrombie & Kent’s (A&K’s) Sanctuary Retreats in 2018, is sparing no expense and is collaborating with the multi-awardwinning Chiawa Camp & Old Mondoro in the Lower Zambezi National Park, to ensure that this camp becomes the pride of Zambia.

Located well within the incredible South Luangwa National Park, in the heart of big game country, and overlooking a wildlife-rich lagoon where there is seemingly always something to see including the ubiquitous puku, Puku Ridge claims to be ideal for those guests who value excellent guiding, location and wildlife but who do not wish to forego creature comforts. Each room boasts a star bed tower, private plunge pool, complimentary Wi-Fi and a custom-built air-conditioning system thanks to having ample 220v hydro-supplied mains power.

The camp takes its inspiration from bush camps of old and also from the clay huts and grain stores of the local villages, blending natural textures with modern elements to make for a sanctuary of comfort, convenience and wonder whilst being respectful to the location and safari tradition.

Most of the staff are from the surrounding communities, many having worked their entire lives in the safari tourism industry and they are ready to welcome you. On offer will not only be Zambia’s world-renowned friendly hospitality, but game drives in a fleet of brand new, custom-built safari vehicles that photographers will rave about, and bush walks led by an armed scout, to explore and enjoy the amazing wildlife that the South Luangwa ‘Valley of the Leopard’ has to offer.

However, one does not have far to travel to see these creatures as many are seen from the comfort of camp—even the wild dog, a ‘bucket-list’ sighting for any avid safari adventurer. Other notable species to look out for are the endemic Thornicroft’s giraffe and Cookson’s wildebeest, prides of lion, one of Africa’s largest hippopotamus populations and more than 400 species of birdlife.

Accommodating a maximum of 16 guests in eight luxury tents, Puku Ridge combines perfectly with any quality South Luangwa camp or lodge—a stay of three nights minimum at any one camp is recommended. Guests will be pampered

ANNOUNCING THE NEW PUKU RIDGE TENTED SAFARI CAMP—SOUTH LUANGWA NATIONAL PARK

with their choice of pace and safari activities, will enjoy delicious meals prepared by our talented chefs using fresh ingredients—mostly sourced locally—and will have nothing to worry about other than deciding what to indulge themselves in next.

No Zambian safari is complete without a visit to the stunning Lower Zambezi National Park. Here, there are no better places from which to explore this wilderness than the muchacclaimed Chiawa Camp & Old Mondoro which brought safari tourism to the Lower Zambezi and from where their ‘Best in Africa’ guiding team will take guests out on safari by canoe, motorboat, on foot and in safari vehicles.

For the ultimate Zambian safari adventure, with that perfect blend of luxury and wilderness, please get in touch with your favourite Africa safari travel specialist, or contact Chiawa Safaris.

res@chiawa.com www.chiawa.com +260 211 261588