Mfuwe’s Hidden Treasure

Buried in plain sight

By: Janet Mwanza Photos: Janet Mwanza

Mfuwe left me with more of a profound, inexplicable impression rather than actual words. On the surface, it is a delightfully rural little village on the edge of the South Luangwa National Park. All fresh air, long stretches of clear blue skies drawn over acres and acres of grass, trees and dust –particularly at this time of year (July). And while that might sound a little dismal, it really isn’t. Upon this stretch of land is where Zambia’s big four roam, play and hunt! Where some of the greatest adventure stories unfold. Tales of bravery, wit and cunning. And yes-even love. Did you know- lions mate at total of two to three hours a day during mating season? That has to taking care of itself. If humans don’t negatively interfere, then the animals will find an ecological balance and coexist in harmony.

And so it is with great comfort that you will slip into a new pattern of early morning game drives, punctuated by informative narration from extremely knowledgeable guides, sumptuous meals in between, and glorious sunsets overlooking the plain.

The highlights for me though, were the school visits. As I was staying at Mfuwe Lodge, it was through the Bush Camp Company that I got to find out about the projects within the community that are designed to support not only wildlife conservation also but education. These projects ultimately generate sustainable forms of income through the creation of employment.

One such school I went to was Uyoba Community Primary School. It has a total of 700 pupils, six classrooms, and only 12 teachers. It’s not hard to see the problem in this equation. It creates a student to teacher ratio of 58 to one. And bless them, the teachers really do a phenomenal job with the limited resources available. There is a lot more that can be said on the subject. And even more that should be done.

But if you ask me, this is the real treasure of Mfuwe—the warmth and spirit of togetherness in this community. The gift of being part of something that transcends my temporal visit. To be a part of a development plan that builds and shapes lives. Such a blessing!

be an expression of love! Or a desperate need to procreate. Go figure! Honestly though, it truly is the makings of Lion King 3.

Perched from my vantage point of game viewer, I have been witness to some of the most elaborate hunting schemes. Oxbow ambush maneuvers by prides of lions or leopards rolling about in giraffe urine before stealthily creeping upon their prey. It is absolutely fascinating to watch!

But even in the midst of all this excitement, there is a sense of quiet tranquility that permeates the air, a life force circulating a reassuring sense of wellbeing that I believe stems from the incontestable evidence that nature is capable of