Greetings from Zambia, where the weather gods have certainly decided that winter has come to an end! Temperatures by day are creeping into the high 30s and night-times are warmer, requiring a blanket only in the early hours of the morning. It seems ridiculous to grumble about the weather in a year when the world’s status quo has dissolved, but it really feels like we didn’t have a winter in Zambia this year and hot season has arrived way too quickly! But perhaps that is simply a function of the unusual time-warp that we find ourselves in. As I explained to someone recently, I feel “at a loose end while simultaneously totally overwhelmed”. I am sure that many globally can relate to that.
We have been fortunate beyond words to live through COVID in the wilds of Zambia. But, in recent weeks, the reality of the situation has (perhaps belatedly) settled on my shoulders too. To have such beautiful outdoor wilderness to enjoy has motivated me and kept my energy levels up. But, without my guests to share the experience with, my commitment to even my favourite activity is slowing. The long-term effects of COVID on our staff and businesses, on our daughter (who, like many, has been out of school since March) and on us is showing. Over the coming weeks we, like many across the world, will be taking time to care for our home life.
We have a couple of local adventures planned later in the year which provide the much needed change of scene that we all need occasionally. But our weeks are spent home-schooling, enjoying the incredible nature that comes to visit us at home, and trying to navigate the business challenges that we face in a country where there has been no government bail out of any kind.
In between, I have done a number of photoshoots for local NGOs and businesses which has been welcome work in some cases, and provided the opportunity to give my time for good local causes in others. So, with captions as always, here is the story of the last couple of weeks.
The Zambian Carnivore Programme provides crucial support to the Department for National Parks and Wildlife in the form of research and protection for the area’s large carnivores. I spent a day with their teams creating images of the researchers in the field. They also gave local community members an insight into their work through a presentation about lions in the area.
Mfuwe Lodge asked me to provide images to show their brand-new, self contained Director’s House accommodation. Beautifully-located in the grounds of the lodge, this is sure to attract families and couples wanting special quality time on safari. They just completed a refurbishment of the whole lodge, so I also took photos of the newly-appointed rooms.
With remaining water and food sources diminishing, wildlife sightings around our home are increasing! Our bird bath attracts many different species, some of whom take more than their fair share.
The Bushcamp Company’s recipe e-book project continues, all in support of Conservation South Luangwa. I was happy to give two more afternoon shoots to supporting this project.
In between all this, I have explored new areas, loved wonderful sunsets, played with Sukey in the mud (!) and spent time at my favourite elephant crossing point!
I use my Instagram account to share plenty of updates from the bush. At the end of this month, I will be starting a new adventure in the Luangwa Valley and I’ll document it on Instagram…so please sign up.
Until then, thank you as always for following along and all my best wishes from here.
