Lift your legs up

‘Lift your legs up!’ called Chiefundo to Pharnie who was perched in a little seat on the front of our Toyota. Ahead of us was a full creek with a large crocodile. We surged ahead, the crocodile went under the car (survived) and Pharnie still has two legs.

Chiefundo grew up in a village next to Liwonde National Park. The people who own and run Mvuu Camp also run several community projects. One is called Children in the Wild. It focuses on kids growing up next to the park to teach them about conservation, animals, birds and plants. Chiefundo became part of the program in Primary School. He was so inspired he went on to university to study game guiding and started at Mvuu 15 years ago. He’s now Chief Guide and excellent.

Today started at 5am but it was a good start with a lone male lion. He used to be the Casanova of the Liwonde lions. Unfortunately for him he was too virile and produced too many cubs. There’s a very fine balance that needs to be maintained in these park ecosystems, and Africa Parks decided he needed to slow down. They gave him a contraceptive. As soon as the lionesses realized was no longer a productive partner they abandoned him, poor chap. From now on they will give the contraceptive to the lionesses.

I have been so impressed with the management of this park. It’s in beautiful condition, has teams of what appear to be very competent people and the wildlife diversity is excellent. I’ve been game viewing most of my life and have seen several animals here I’ve never seen before: cheetah, porcupine, civet and jennet for example. We are over 40 new bird sightings.

There’s an airstrip next to Mvuu so you don’t even have to face the Malawi roads if you can afford it or have a plane (Andrew and Coral)!

We had a fun elephant encounter this morning which I videoed for you as they were so close. They were literally demolishing and then stripping the bark off juvenile trees and eating it. Meters away.

The Mvuu Camp is now full. Day 1 was all Americans which can be a bit tiring as they seem to say whatever is on their mind all the time whether or not anyone is listening. A woman this morning maintained a good 10 min monologue about the fact that she had thought about washing her hair but then didn’t..,give me a taciturn Brit any day. Today it was diluted by two people from Norway and a French family.

Liwonde was named after the chief of the region who lobbied to have this land protected way back in the 1950’s under British rule. It’s really come into its own since African Parks took over management from the government in 2015. They’ve successfully introduced black rhino and there’s a sense the place is thriving. It’s blessed with the stunning Shiré river which drains Lake Malawi so water is not a problem. One of the highlights for me is the huge wetland just teaming with birds. It was particularly beautiful this evening at sunset. Enhanced by a gin and tonic.

We have a 4am start tomorrow! Cheifundo’s idea as that’s the best time to see rhino. I shall let you know how it went.Read more