Zambia 2005: Bwana is back
 

I just arrived from this year's Zambian safari, up-to-now the most relaxed but also the most adventurous so far.

Highlights:
- fire on a transfer vehicle where I lost half of my luggage (including all the films!)
- a sudden awake by a bush fire one metre next to my bush chalet in southern SLNP (never packed my remaining things so fast)
- and another sudden awake - this time a more muddy one in northern SLNP - a diarrhoea which struck me in a bush camp at 2am - what a mess in my bed!

But these things make good travel stories... ;-)

I got a lot of new insights about good (and not so good) wildlife areas, guides and camps in Kafue and South Luangwa, and will tell you about these in the not so far future...

Mitch

WELCOME BACK BWANA! I leave for Zambia in 6 days!! :-d
Dennis

welcome back--so sorry about the films but at least you are safe.

So good to have you back!!! Sorry about all the mishaps, but yes, they will make excellent travel stories! I'd love to hear about the Bushcamp experience when you catch your breath....I'm booked at Chamilandu next year! :-D

((@))

Dennis,

Pack a rain poncho before leaving!

The weather in Zambia has gone mad. We had the first rains end of September, one month earlier than expected. Only a small downpour in Kafue, but heavy rains in South Luangwa. And last Sunday there were thunder storms all around in South Luangwa again.

Because of this year's drought some people already called September the 'suicide month'. Don't know how they will call October... but currently it's really HOT down there.

Mitch

Welcome back, Mitch! Glad you survived the misadventures ;)

Sharon,

I've visited 4 of the 5 BC camps. Chamilandu is really nice. Great views of the Luangwa and the opposite hills. The chalets are more like viewing platforms - totally open to the river, with comfortable deck chairs in front of the honeymoon beds. I will publish some photos later this year...

Wildlife in this area is another story...

Mitch

I'm sorry that you lost your film (and more). But I laughed so hard when I read of your third sudden awakening.

Sounds like a pretty exciting trip. Welcome home. You've been missed.

Oh God......Don't leave me hanging here...what about the wildlife????? :-)

Sharon

Mitch,

So the staff won't wash the women's underwear but they will clean up your soiled sheets? With guests like you, pretty soon we will be seeing rubber sheets at the lodges! ;)

Did someone put a curse on you when you landed in Zambia? Bushfires, Diarrhea, Vehicle Fires?

Can't wait to hear more. :)

Bwana, its been quiet without you. Only Rocco complaining about never seeing Dogs to keep us amused.

Can't wait for a very detailed report.

On mishap #3, at 2am would that be a suitable time to use the airhorn :-)

Hi Mitch,

Welcome back -- can't wait to hear more about your adventures!

Cheers,
Julian

Karibu nyumbani bwana (don’t know any Zambian languages)
I’m sorry about your films, but glad you’re still alive.

Rocco - LOL!!!

Sorry Mitch. I experienced something very similar my last night in Belize. Luckily I was able to make it to the toilet (like every 3 minutes thruout the night.)
((@))

As far as amusement goes, my complaints about not seeing wild dogs cannot compare to Mitch's bowel problems. No matter the amusement level, that is something that I would not confess! ;)

Welcome back!!!

Please do share more about everything except your diarrhoea in bed... WAY TOO MUCH INFORMATION!

:D

Welcome back. Am waiting for your next installment as I have been to both SLNP and Kafue. Had two memorable safaris at Lunga River Lodge and Busanga Plains Camp. They're on my list for a third visit!

I think I am starting to understand why Bwana Mitch is a single traveler! ;)

Rocco,
the advantage of travelling solo: you always have a spare bed! :-D
And believe me, during that night I wished they had rubber sheets - I also 'damaged' the 2nd bed.
Fortunately I always have a lot of plastic waste bags in my luggage to protect my camera equipment against rain - this time some of those bags fulfil another purpose.
(Sorry, Kavey, for these details. :-D)

Matt,
in none of the camps I stayed were airhorns, whistles or something similar (must be another camp category...) In cases of emergency you just shout...

Sharon,
the Kapamba area is great for walking trails, with several different landscapes. However, it's bad for game drives. Very shy animals, because it has been heavily poached in the past, and because of the hunting consession on the other side of the Luangwa. My hiring of a private vehicle was a complete waste.

Mitch

Mitch - Do you think my three nights in early June at Chamilandu could be a waste? Err, bad choice of words maybe..;-) I mean GAMEWISE, hee hee.

And just curious - is there something we should avoid eating at these camps? @-)