daviesg

We had the same dilemma with the walking shoes \ trainers and in the end opted for the latter. Your running shoes will be just fine. It's flat walking and the main obstacle will be the heat in October and, for photography, the haze and dust.

On the plus side, the sightings of Lion and Buffalo (as well as other wildlife) should get better and more frequent as they are drawn more to the river as the lagoons and water holes dry up.

Have a great trip.

Graham

GreenDrake

Thanks Graham for the advice - the few lbs I now just saved by ditching the hiking boots, I will now devote to things to keep me "cool".

On my last trip I took in September, I brought a small lightweight battery operated fan I bought from Sharper Image. That did the trick for sleeping at night comfortably. I am sure it will come in handy in October.

luangwablondes

GreenDrake

Do take a swim suit. You will find yourself in the river between bushwalks and a great place to cool off and enjoy sundowners.

GreenDrake

Luangwablondes - I can imagine the Mwaleshi River is a godsend to staff, guests and animals alike during that time of year.

More ways to save lbs. on packing - swim suit can double up as my "formal bush dining wear."

cw

I'm really enjoying reading this thread, especially since I started reading the Owenses "Eye of the Elephant" this week. I'm able to conjure up pictures in my mind.

Thanks.

CW

cooncat3

CW - I have just started reading Eye of the Elephant as well!

luangwablondes

Mark Harvey should be in camp at that time. I would suggest you follow his lead in formal attire at dinner.

You also might want to read Africa House before going. it will add to some interesting campfire conversation.

GreenDrake

Luangwablondes - that book will be perfect for the flight over to Africa. I knew Mark Harvey was the grandson of the Stewart Gore-Brown - the builder of
Shiwa NG'andu estate, but not much more than that.

I just looked up "Africa House, and this quote in a review of the book Africa House really caught my eye:

"In the National Museum in Lusaka, Zambia, there's a battered bowler hat, walking stick and ink-bottle on display with the label "Stewart Gore-Browne: A White Man who supported the Independence Movement."

luangwablondes

I don't want to spoil it for you, because Mark is a fabulous story teller. When he was growing up, he had some very interesting guests at the Shiwa House. I hope you included a nite there too. Charles, his brother would be your host.

GreenDrake

Alright I won't press you on the details. I can only imagine the stories he must growing up at Shiwa. This short story gave me bit of a glimpse into his sense of humor and I look forward to hearing some of those stories around a crackling camp fire underneath the African night sky.

http://www.travelscribbles.com/zambia.html

cooncat3

Africa House sits on my nightstand for when I'm done with "Savannah."

Dang...count me among those finding it hard to concentrate because of this thread!

Robbie - Care to open up a camp in North Luangwa? we could call it "Camp Leba." ;-)

cooncat3

On a more serious note, Graham: Did Ernst talk about the rhino reintroduction up there and when they project safari-goers will have access to that area? I do understand that it will take time to get everything in place but am curious if you discussed it? Thanks

luangwablondes

Yep--GreenDrake- thats Buffalo Camp and not a bad representation of how Mark tells a story in the short form. These stories go on every night and never the same one twice.

Interesting- Henrietta used to sneak through the camp nearly every nite. Came up from behind me several times b4 I heard her. And shes a big one. And the lions. No one ever believes me about the lions. Kakulis used to park themselves every evening next to the river below the camp. And the bushbuck family would appear in the evening at the edge of camp.

This is the camp that I had driven to several times in the past in my landrover. Quite an adventure.

Sharon- Don't think I hadn't thought about it. One of the biggest problems that is quite different from most other parks is the logistics. It is a big challenge to take care of supplying the camps in the park. In South Luangwa, they have a Shop Rite at Chipata and a fuel station right in Mfuwe.Plus the tracks from the South are difficult and from the West, the escarpment road is steep, windy and not the best. Remember, I was there for a season. But Camp Leba is an excellent name.

cw

Cooncat:

Great minds . . . Isn't it a great book and adventure? I'm awed by them.

Savannah is next, and I've just put Africa House on my wishlist at Amazon. Thanks, LB.

I love learning about North Luangwa. It sounds like such a unique area. It's just making my travel wish list that much longer.

CW

bat

Graham:
Thanks for the report. It sounds like it was a wonderful trip.

daviesg

I'll try and get around to posting up some pictures soon - in the meantime, GreenDrake - look forward to your write up later in the year. It would be great to hear about Buffalo Camp. Graham

cooncat3

Bumping to remind Graham to post photos - esp. of North Luangwa!

Thanks~