Shenton Safaris - Newsletter archive
April 2001
Greetings !
The 2001 safari season is upon us ! The Luangwa River flooded it's banks this year in January and February. At one point the water was so high it was lapping at the steps of the chalets at Kaingo, and the camp area at Mwamba was under water. The only damage caused was that Kaingo lost it's Mahogany tree in front of the dining area. This has however had the effect of opening up the view to the river, which makes a nice change. All the water has now receded and the long rains are over leaving a lush green park that provides for it's abundant wildlife and birds.
During the rains Shenton Safaris sponsored a number of anti poaching patrols in our area, in an effort to deter elephant and meat poaching. These patrols have had an effect and underline the essential role that Honorary Rangers "RAT's" have begun to play in the South Luangwa National Park. This organisation is privately funded by the camps and individual sponsors and is run on voluntary basis by a few of us who are gazetted honorary rangers working in conjunction with the Zambia Wildlife Authority.
On the marketing side we now have an attractive brochure covering both Kaingo and Mwamba camps, an updated website (www.kaingo.com) and a couple of very complimentary articles in recent Getaway and Comair magazines. Please do not hesitate to ask us to send you copies of the new brochure.
Kaingo opens on 20 May and Mwamba has bookings from 01 June. The season gets off to a busy start with the solar eclipse on 21 June generating a lot of interest. (We still have space at Kaingo for 6 pax in 20 out 22 June, if there are any last-minute.com bookings !)
Although this part of the Luangwa valley will experience only 80% of the total eclipse, it will be interesting to witness it's effect on insect and wildlife, however briefly. For more information on the solar eclipse in Zambia, please log on to www.eclipse.com.zm
Joining our team this year on the guiding front will be Ed Sayer who grew up in Zambia and recenly spent a season in the valley. Ed's enthusiasm for the bush is infectious. Zambian born, Adrienne Kleinschmidt takes over catering and hostessing from Sarah at Kaingo, who has "weighed anchor" in Cape Town. Emma Robinson from the UK will be full time at Mwamba, having been recruited in LA on her way back home from Australia. Deb and Patrick have been in the valley for most of the rains both enjoying the exceptional birdlife.
We begin our road grading shortly, and a couple of new game viewing loops are planned. Camp preparation this year will include improving access to the chalets to increase privacy. A second new Toyota Land Cruiser has been added to the game-viewing fleet.
Following the success of Mwamba bush camp last year, we look forward to a busy season at both camps and will continue to offer our best personalised service and high standard of guiding in this prolific game area. We look forward to seeing you for another classic safari.
Derek Shenton
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