Its afternoon and the shadows are lengthening. Days start early here so by mid afternoon we are heading for the pause between daytime and night. Birds are settling although the perennial dove calls continue like a forest heartbeat.
Malaria has claimed another as Long John succumbed this morning. He is taking the treatment and I hope will be on the road to recovery very soon. Other staff members are taking their leave break and the Mwamba team feels somewhat diminished right now. It is a good time for them to go however, as we are quite quiet with only two guests in camp for a couple of days.
A couple from Finland arrived this afternoon. They are off on their first drive with Philemon the Guide, and Peter the Game Scout. We look forward to tales of their adventures. They have been here before, and have enjoyed many African safaris in southern and eastern countries. It says a lot that they return here to Mwamba. They had planned to return in 2020 but covid and world events interfered in their plans. This was quite an emotional return for them to Zambia and South Luangwa.
The pride of lions finally finished up the entire buffalo carcass - leaving little or none for the patient vultures and hyenas. The lions have left the scene but may not have moved far away as the waterhole becomes an increasingly good ambush zone for lion mealtimes. We are not sure where they are exactly, but the herd of zebra that comes regularly into the Mwamba view, were startled by a baboon warning and took off in a cloud of dust.
Lester is recovering from his malaria, and always trying to do too much. Its hard to stay still when there is so much to do.
Today was a sad day for two lady tourists on a walking safari. Both in their sixties. most of you have probably read the news reports by now, But they were chased and killed by a cow elephant while walking in the luangwa riverside area. The cow elephant had a small baby. The details are still sketchy and we must respect their families who must be in shock right now.
The pall of sadness in this story hangs over the Valley communities; Not knowing any of the characters does not make it less sad. There is wildness here and things can go wrong at any time. Everyone here does their best to keep people safe. Guides are well trained. Risks are minimised. But even so.