Luangwa Wilderness Lodge
Luambe National Park
P.O. Box 111,
Mfuwe
Zambia
Luambe National Park, Luangwa Valley
Zambia
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"Busy, Busy, Busy!" Apologies for the lack of Newsletter last month, but we have been hard at work and very busy with guests, with wildlife and in the villages. On the bright side, we have a bumper edition of the Newsletter this month detailing some of our activities, and there will be further pictures posted on our Facebook page very soon!
"Kind Donation" Following a very generous donation of clothing and other items by the Tuareg family from Spain, we took a trip to the scouts at Chipuka Gate to distribute the gifts. As you may recall, these scouts and their families lost their possessions in a fire earlier in the year, and the children's clothing in particular was much needed and gratefully received. As you can see, the children were very pleased with their new garments!
"Community Schools" We also stopped by our Community Schools Projects to distribute a donation made by a very generous African Studies group, 12 recent visitors to the lodge. The Headmasters of both of the schools we are involved with are in consultation on how to best use the funds. They will ensure that each school can share the resources most efficiently and effectively so that the children at both schools obtain the maximum benefit from the groups' kindness.
"Activity Day" Speaking of the Community Schools, we finalised arrangements for an Activity Day we had planned with the teachers and pupils. The day itself was superb, with hundreds of excited children (and one Lodge Manager in particular) cheering on teams and running around like headless chickens! With all the games, quizzes, prizes and refreshments the day passed far too quickly, though we're still too tired to start thinking about the next one!
"Chocha 0 – Chilubezi 1" With legs still aching we returned to the schools to distribute footballs and team strips. After a game to determine which school got to have the favoured Red outfit, we left each a set of 11 jerseys and shorts, and left the Headmasters eagerly discussing a rematch.
"Where Eagles Dare" On the wildlife front, we had a fantastic sighting this month of a breeding pair of African Fish Eagles thwarting the attentions of a juvenile Martial Eagle, a few metres overhead by the river. The birds dived and wheeled, turning on their backs to lock claws midair until the intruder finally fled. The battle was over before a camera could be located, but we managed to take a picture of the victorious male moments later.
"Birds on The Brain" Staying with the topic of birds, we heard a strange request over the VHF radio recently from a safari guide in South Luangwa. He was looking for a “tame” Lilac Breasted Roller to please a client that wanted to get close to one of these beautiful birds. He should have brought his guest up to Luambe National Park, where we regularly stop to admire these beauties from close range, along with bee-eaters, storks, spoonbills, cranes, owls, eagles, hawks...
"Sad Demise" We were downcast this month to discover the carcass of an elephant on Chipuka Plains. Cause of death is at this time undetermined, but we have ruled out poaching following inspection of the carcass and surrounds. The body appears to be that of a young elephant – maybe 12 years old – whose small tusks have been handed in to the authorities. Sad as it initially seems, our clients have commented that it has been interesting to watch the succession of birds, mammals and invertebrates so quickly and efficiently recycle the nutrients back into the ecosystem.
"Fuel's Gold" On a lighter note, we were called to assist a neighbour in the GMA to the West of the Luangwa River recently. A member of staff there – who shall remain nameless – set off in the tractor without checking the fuel guage. Inevitibly, the tractor ran out of fuel half way across the river, and slowly started to sink while our unnamed friend drained the battery trying to restart the engine. The lower the tractor sank, the more we laughed, though we did manage to stop giggling long enough to assist in refueling and jump starting the vehicle midstream, thus recovering it. The unnamed individual promptly drove back through the river and got stuck in the hole he had just made...
May 2011 "Stubborn Hippo" Ding! Ding! Round 23...We have 2 very stubborn, equally matched, and equally noisy hippos to report on this month. They have been brawling for 4 days and nights now, with no sign of a ceasefire imminent. They started one morning and haven't really stopped since. Apart from the occasional pause for breath, they battle all day, oblivious to their 2 dozen or so neighbours who are much more civilised, and look very fed-up with it all. We are making friendly bets on the eventual champion, and hope to bring you the results by Christmas!
"Poachers Thwarted" While out regrading a game drive route to ensure a silky smooth ride for our guests, we encountered a large herd of buffalo. This section of road is near our boundary with a Game Management Area, through which 3 poachers had come and were quickly spotted stalking up to the herd. Our guide Matthews positioned the Pick Up truck as close as he could without getting stuck, and the vehicle was still moving as our road crew jumped off the back and set off after the now fleeing poachers. Unfortunatley, they had too far a head start and escaped, but were forced to drop their illegal firearm to keep ahead of our guys. This was recovered and handed to ZAWA who will follow up with a patrol and investigation. A quick sniff of the barrel confirmed it had not been recently fired. Many thanks to John Sakala, Lazarus and Kephas. Those buffalo will sleep safe tonight!
"Monkey Business" Back at Camp, it was the wildlife stalking the people, with the local vervet monkeys making their presence known. They like to spend late morning saying "Hello" to staff and guests alike. Whether its trying to get into the monkey-proof bins, tap dancing on the roundavel roofs, or just sitting looking longingly at the preservatives on the Lapa's dining table as our guests enjoy a quick brunch, it's hard to ignore them, and even harder not to smile.
"Calling Cards" Its not just the hippos keeping unsociable hours, with spotted hyaena calling across the river, and lions calling from our maintenance yard. We have yet to lay eyes on them so far this season, but we are making sure our doors are closed tightly as they like to take a shortcut past our beds to drink at the river in the night.
February 2011 "New Faces" The changes continue this month, with the recruitment of a new management team. Our new Conservation Manager and Lodge Manager are Micheal and Silke, and they have kindly introduced themselves on our updated "Accommodation" page. Our new Community Relations Manager is Chris Brugman. More information on Chris can be found on our "Communities" page, using the link below her photo...
"Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine..." Things at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge are no exception. As everyone busily prepares for the coming season, we'd like to congratulate Bjorn and Jessie on their Engagement, and wish them a wonderfully happy future together! Bjorn, Jessie and Joe will sadly not be returning to Luambe for the 2011 season, so we'd like to take this opportunity to thank them for the fantastic role they have all played over the years, and thank them also for the hard work they have put in on the ground to help us secure the future of this very special wilderness area. We wish them every success in their new adventures! Good luck Guys!!
A final say from the Lodge Manager “Well, we have come to the end of yet another wonderful and memorable season here at LWL. I must say we have had a much improved season in comparison to last year so a big thanks to all who visited us. I do hope many of you keep in touch and that we will see you again in years to come. There have been some unforgettable moments such as guests turning up after cycling to us on push bikes! Jörg Völlm, bringing another group of wonderful guests to us, including our oldest visitor, Margaret. We have been able to welcome our largest number of Spanish and Swiss guests since the lodge has opened. We have had famous authors drop in and tell us a tale or two. We must extend a big thank you to our sponsors and directors who visited and supported us this year and lastly, I would like to acknowledge the self drivers and guided tours that passed by our campsite this year. We have had some real adventurers travelling through and it is always great to hear their stories. So as I watch as the lodge is being packed away ready for the rains I would like to reflect on a special moment I wish to share with you all. As many of you know this is my second full season here and I have been unlucky in spotting a full grown male lion here. There have been several times guests have returned from game activities telling me of a big male on the plains or a proud lion crossing the road with his pride in tow, however, up until recently I had never seen one. So from myself, Bjorn, Joe and Josie we wish all the Europeans a good winter and all the Zambian’s a good rainy season and harvest. We look forward to the season to come and see you all again some time!”
A big thank you to our most dedicated sponsor This season we were happy to welcome back Charlene and Fabrice from Touroparc, France. This is their second visit to the project and we are grateful for their active and generous financial support of our conservation activities and protecting Luambe`s wildlife. Not only have they helped to expand our clubs this year by offering them the chance to sell some of their products in Europe, but this time they also brought with them donations in the form of children’s clothing and sun hats. We are happy to report that we have donated these items to a local orphan group run by a village church. The hats are so needed to protect the youngsters eyes from the extremely strong sun and the clothes will come in use when the cooler weather comes after the rains. These donations have given the orphans something to get excited about and they were very grateful on receiving the items. So from the orphans and all us on the ground out here, we say a big THANK YOU!!
Winner of the photography competition Once again, thank you goes out to all those guests who entered this competition, we received some truly spectacular photographs taken both here at the lodge and out in the park, we would like to congratulate all those who took part and entered their photos, we had a tough time deciding on the winner. We are very happy to announce that the winning photograph was taken by Alex and Annette Hagenbeek, during their stay here at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge. It features the lodge’s crowning glory, the Luambe hippos, infamous here due to their number and always a source of entertainment for any guest staying with us. We felt that the winning photo really encapsulated the essence of Luangwa Wilderness lodge, peaceful, beautiful and relaxing. Congratulations Alex and Annette, and thank you again to all entrants, we hope to see you back at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge in the near future!
Winner of the name the leopard competition A huge thank you to all of you who entered the competition with potential names for our resident male leopard, we had some fantastic suggestions. We are pleased to announce that the winning name, chosen by the Directors and the managers here at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge is Chinshingwa. The name was suggested by Chris Swart who chose the name after stating “I feel an ideal name would be " Chinshingwa " meaning shadow in Bemba, You always know it is there and will always be wary of it subconsciously. It disappears as soon as the sun goes down and comes out with artificial light.” Thanks and well done to you Chris.
September 2010 Conservation Corner The new Lapa at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge has proved to be a success with many guests appreciating the hard work that went in to designing and constructing the lapa. One feature that is also commented upon is Conservation Corner, where various items created by the local clubs and skilled local workers are displayed for sale. All of the items for sale are crafted by local residents, items such as woven baskets, local, Zambian style bottle openers, key rings and beaded doylies, made by the women’s club. Conservation Corner plays an important part in the overall conservation project here at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge, giving local workers an incentive to put their skills to good use and create items that can be sold to guests. We have recently received more items to display in the form of mini boats, modelled on the style of the boats used by local fishermen, and decorated egg cups. The most popular items this season have been the bottle openers, popular no doubt for their unique style and effectiveness, the Zambian style bottle opener is one item that no guest should be without!
Expansion of Hippo Pods As the dry season begins to set in and the rivers slowly start to dry up here in Luambe, we have noticed a surge in the number of hippo pods slowly positioning themselves further down the river, in front of the lodge...[read more]
Margaret This season, Luangwa Wilderness Lodge was pleased to welcome whom we believe to be our most prestigious guest to the lodge so far. Margaret Hoz who is 88 years old visited us at the beginning of this month as part of a larger group from Switzerland. Margaret was a joy to welcome and was full of enthusiasm for the landscape and animals, taking part in all of the game drive and bush brunch activities. A skilled potter and artist, Margaret demonstrated her talents by creating a beautiful water painting of elephants in one morning. We were all overwhelmed by Margaret’s zest for life and hope that when we reach 88 years old, we will still be visiting Africa and leading an active and energetic life such as Margaret is.
Scout Success! We are pleased to announce, that the scouts have been on top form recently, through combined efforts by two different scout groups, they were successfully able to track and apprehend two poachers found to be operating within the park. The scouts’ re-kindled motivation comes after a donation of boots was made by the Luambe Conservation Project, through a grant from the NGO CCSC. Many donations have been made to the scouts this season, such as uniforms, rucksacks, hats, sleeping mats, mosquito nets and other items that will ensure the scouts can carry out their duties to the best of their abilities. We hope that with the proper equipment, the scouts will continue the good work and ensure that Luambe National Park stays poacher free.
Photography Competition! This year don’t forget, all guests that visit the lodge will be given the opportunity to enter an exciting photography competition. For any guests fancying themselves as the next “David Bailey” all they have to do is send us their entry, taken in Luambe NP, before Feb 28th 2011. All entries will be carefully scrutinised and the best or most innovative photo will win. First prize will include the winning entry being posted on the website and one night free included in their next stay at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge.
August 2010 Welcome to our New Guide! This month Luangwa Wilderness Lodge is excited to welcome our new guide James to the lodge. James is a grade I guide who hails from Mfuwe, he has worked at many prestigious lodges such as Flatdogs, Kafunta and Norman Carr safaris as a successful guide and we are very pleased that he has decided to join us at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge. Being a Grade I guide also means that we are now able to offer walking safaris to future guests, thus expanding our range of activities. James has already proved himself to be very knowledgeable about the game and its’ surrounding habitat and has kindly demonstrated his skills to us managers on both a game drive and walking safari. We were very impressed by the range of information that James was able to offer and left each activity armed with facts and feeling more educated about our surroundings. We are looking forward to future guests taking full advantage of James’ knowledge and skills on either a game drive or walking safari.
Romance in the Air? Sightings of our resident male leopard were sparse early this season. Fearing the worst we have consistently kept an eye out for him at the lodge watering hole hoping to catch a glimpse and confirm that he is still with us. We had almost given up hope when early one evening our night-watch man came to inform us that there were two lions on the road, very close to camp. We silently made our way to the car and set off up the road to find the lions, alas, there were no lions in sight. What we did find though was our resident male leopard with, what we believe to be, a female leopard in the thicket just outside the boundaries to the lodge. After watching them disappear into the bush we made our way to the watering hole, just in case, and were rewarded with the sight of our resident male quenching his thirst with the female lingering in the background. This sighting was exciting for two reasons, firstly that our resident male is well and still situated close to the lodge which has been the start of many more sightings this season. And secondly that this appears to be a mating pair who will stay in the area during their ‘courtship’, with frequent romantic outings to our water hole we hope!
Name the Leopard Competition As our resident male leopard has been spotted more frequently this year, we at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge have formed quite an attachment to him. Unfortunately we are having difficulty deciding on an appropriate name for our friendly leopard. We therefore are requesting that readers try to come up with an imaginative and original name for our leopard, please send all entries to news@luangwawilderness.com. The winning name shall be announced in next month’s newsletter and on these pages. Be ready for a little surprise as well.
News from the Clubs The gardening club has come on leaps and bounds this last month, providing fresh produce such as tomatoes, lettuce, cucumber, cabbage, green beans, carrots and papaya to the lodge, and to other lodges in the surrounding area. Passimo has been working hard to ensure that the garden is well maintained and we are hoping that guests will be eager to book a village tour to visit the clubs and see first hand the progress that is being made. We are looking forward to receiving many more items from Passimo and the other clubs that Luangwa Wilderness currently supports.
News from the Schools Our conservation Manager Bjorn has been working closely with the two local schools that the Luangwa Wilderness conservation project supports to ensure that the students have suitable accommodation. Plans are currently underway to construct two new teaching blocks at both Chanjuzi and Chilabezi schools to replace the current, outdated timber and clay buildings. Bjorn has been working hard in conjunction with teachers from both schools to create a suitable plan and budget and we hope that construction of these new teaching blocks will soon be underway, once the planning stage has been finalized. We hope that with Bjorn’s continued hard work we will be able to confirm that construction has begun by the end of the current season.
Photography Competition Reminder This year don’t forget, all guests that visit the lodge will be given the opportunity to enter an exciting photography competition. For any guests fancying themselves as the next “Bill Bailey” all they have to do is send us their entry, taken in Luambe NP, before Feb 28th 2011. All entries will be carefully scrutinised and the best or most innovative photo will win. First prize will include the winning entry being posted on the website and one night free included in their next stay at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge. Good luck!
Juillet 2010 Visiteurs nocturnes: Un grand lion chasse les babouins! Reste encore à observer, au cours du mois dernier un grand lion nous a régulièrement rendu visite. Jusqu'à présent, nous n'avons pu l'identifier que par ses traces, néanmoins, nuit après nuit, il visite la loge, inaperçu et en silence. Ne laissant aucun signe, sauf le cri de babouins et ses traces, il nous a tous intrigués et nous attendons notre première observation. Évidemment timide, nos veilleurs de nuit ne l'ont surpris qu’au moment où il quittait la loge et n’ont pu jusqu’à se faire en avoir un bon coup d’oeil. Toutefois, il fait comme chez lui, marchant lentement, en partant de la salle à manger, à travers le coin du directeur, jusque dans la cour de maintenance et, enfin, en sortant par les quartiers du personnel. Nous sommes tous curieux de voir l'impact que sa présence a sur notre amicale léopard résident, mais nous sommes heureux de dire que nous voyons aussi régulièrement ses traces!  Jolly Genet! Nous n’avons pas seulement reçu la visite de grands mammifères, mais certains plus petits aussi. Comme un moyen de se détendre à la fin de la journée, les dirigeants se réunissent au soleil couchant et jouent aux cartes ou regardent un film. Aperçu la première fois par notre volontaire Josie, nous avons eu le plaisir d’un visite régulière de la part d’un genet curieux. Sans faute, il vient au moment où les dirigeants vont se coucher et observe leurs faits et gestes. Nous nous sommes tous tellement habitués les uns aux autres qu’il a finalement commencé à errer de plus en plus près de nous tandis que nous nous sommes assis à le regarder en silence. Malheureusement, après environ trois semaines, tout d’un coup il était parti. Craignant le pire, nous nous arrêtames pour rechercher notre genet. Cependant, nous sommes heureux d’annoncer qu’il est de retour! Tous les jours sans exception, nous trouvons ses traces laissées dans le sable mou. Il vient jusqu’à la maison et saute même sur la table pour voir qu’elles odeurs il peut y trouver. Nous espérons juste que peut-être un jour, il franchira la prochaine étape et nous rejoindra pour le dîner! June 2010 Photography Competition This year, all guests that visit the lodge will be given the opportunity to enter an exciting photography competition. For any guests fancying themselves as the next famous wildlife photographer all you have to do is send us your entry, taken in Luambe NP, before Feb 28th 2011. All entries will be carefully scrutinised and the entry judged to be the best or most innovative will win. First prize will include the winning entry being posted on the website and one night free included in your next stay at Luangwa Wilderness Lodge. Good luck! South Africans flee from Football Fever As football fever hit South Africa, most of the South African citizens embraced the hysteria with open arms. There were however, many who sought out a peaceful and more relaxing alternative in the form of a road trip through Zambia. Whereas South Africa reaped the benefits of avid football fans descending on the Country we at Luambe reaped the benefits of those wanting to get away from it all. We can boast the busiest season for campers so far and would like to thank all those South Africans who prefer rugby to football and came visiting us!! Maintenance Manager strikes 76 days without a day off! This month we would like to extend a big thank you to Joe who has battled relentlessly with blown inverters, noisy gear boxes, faulty fridges, general construction and maintenance and abstained from a day off since the beginning of the season! It is not too much of sacrifice for him as he loves his job, however, things were sent to test him after a run in with an elephant, numerous electric shocks, falling off moving vehicles and other lovely things. Thank you Joe, keep up the good work!! Completion of the Lapa June has seen the long awaited completion of the Lapa, after weeks of hard work by all staff the lapa is now an attractive space for guests to sit and relax, enjoy a drink or browse through the items displayed in the ‘conservation corner’ shop. Many guests have already complimented the design and layout of the new improved Lapa and have felt that it is the perfect setting to unwind after a day of safari. Progression of Game Routes After many days and long hours of slashing and grading by our maintenance manager Joe, conservation manager Bjorn and the staff, the game routes through the plains are now re-opened, finally after heavy flooding...[read more] May 2010 Volunteers home and away This month we are excited to welcome Josie to the Lodge. She will be commencing a six month placement with us as an assistant lodge manager. Josie was the lucky candidate picked from many applicants due to her experience in similar fields and bubbly personality. We would also like to extend a big THANK YOU to Tony Moore. He volunteered his IT skills to design a new website. Although he is based in the UK and has never visited the project, he very generously took on the task and has produced a wonderful result. News from the Clubs As part of the lodge’s duty to the conservation project, managers from both the lodge and CCSC visit the clubs to discuss the season ahead. Any donated items are handed out at this time and also areas of improvement or progress are discussed. The clubs have the following news to report: [read more] April 2010 Staff compound holds strong! As the rainy season went on we heard many reports of the heavy rains. My heart sank at the thought of the brand new staff compound being washed away into the fast flowing Luangwa. With no contact with the lodge over the rains it could only be left to our imagination the kind of devastation that must have been underway. [read more] Building Bridges During the wet season (December through to March) the rain can do a lot of damage. This year, the rains were particularly heavy with some lodges sustaining serious damage from flooding. Here in Luambe we were lucky and only had water damage to our dining area which was scheduled for restyling this year anyway. However, each year the rivers and tributaries fill from the heavy rains and do not dry up until May/June time. This is not ideal for a lodge that opens at the beginning of May! It, therefore, becomes our duty to build bridges over the major river crossings so as to open our main road from the lodge to Mfuwe. If we did not do this we would have to divert and drive 13 hours to Mfuwe via Lundazi and Chipata! So, we joined forces with our nearest neighbour and together with plenty of man power and our Unimog, we have since opened up the road. Thank goodness! It is now a mere 5 hours to Mfuwe as opposed to 13. Solar Success at Luangwa Wilderness!! 2009 proved to be the year the installation of our brand new and high tech solar power system was completed. We are now all making the most of no generators and silent energy production! The lodge is now fully able to run on solar energy including:
October 2009 How to scare an elephant Human wildlife and especially human elephant conflicts are an issue for all conservationists whether in Africa or Asia. Chilli has been published by various sources as one way of protecting crop. It it said to be very helpful to scare away elephant who can destroy months of work within a few minutes. Well, our second gardening club planted Chilli and used our old engine oil to make a chilli fence around their garden. They are enjoying good success after implementing this idea. Other gardening clubs have been badly disrupted by elephants, however, Joseph's has remained unscathed. Hippo and Lion fight it out outside maintenance manager’s house Joe, our maintenance manager likes his sleep! He is renowned for sleeping through the loudest lion roar, the most deafening hippo guffaw and the ear piercing shrill of a baboon alarm call. However, ... [read more] August 2009 Fips the Monkey There are many ways of using a cushion. Most people just sit on them, others cuddle ... [read more] July 2009 A surprise visitor spotted in the kitchen Last night we were sat with our guests around the evening campfire, exchanging safari stories ... [read more] June 2009 A Hippo in the front garden Read all about the life and work in the bush in our new blog (soon in English as well) May 2009 Two young women from Cologne ...and their adventure of a lifetime in Zambia. Read about it all in their blog (if you can read German) www.crossborder.blogspot A lifetime's ambition achieved Looking forward to the future. After visiting Luangwa Wilderness Lodge many times, Bjoern Behlert has finally achieved a long-held ambition...[read more]
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