Mushroom Lodge

An interesting weekend just passed as Mushroom Lodge hosted a fantastic group all the way from Australia and Tete in Mozambique. There were a lot of exciting events during their stay and excellent safaris with all the guests sighting lion, leopard, elephants and buffalos. Mr. Ben Grobler led the Australian group from Travel Joy while Mr. Pablo Blanch from Argentina led the Brazilian group through a weekend full of fun, excitement and relaxation.

Above: A group photo taken while on a Special Sundown in front of the beautiful Luangwa river.

Travel Joy Group—All the way from Australia getting ready for their night safari with Safari Guide Brian Zulu.

A herd of elephants seen crossing the Luangwa river while on sundown. The Loxodonta Africana is their scientific name and they are found in abundance in South Luangwa National Park and they also remain the largest living land mammal.

A bush breakfast was also set up for the group and it was set over looking the Luangwa river under a Natal Mahogany tree. The Natal Mahogany which is also known as the Trichilia Emetica plays a significant role in the Park in the sense that monkeys feed on the flowers and the baboons and antelope eat the fruit.

The Local people soak the seeds in water, which leave behind a milky substance, this is sometimes eaten with spinach. The seeds are also eaten by certain bird species. Oil extracted from the seeds is used cosmetically and also used to help heal bones.

The flowers are produced between August to November and fruit is found between December to April. The wood is used for carvings, musical instruments, household implements, furniture, bats and canoes.

One of the many exciting birds also seen during the weekend by the 2 groups was the Carmine Bee-eater . Every spring, Carmine Bee-eaters (Merops nubicoides) gather to breed at favoured sites in the sandy banks near water on the Luangwa River. With large colonies supporting up to 1 000 pairs, they provide an unforgettable birding experience.

Above: Part of the team that hosted and led the 2 groups. From Far left, Tenson Ngwenya, Ernest Njobvu—Safari Guide, James Lungu—Safari Guide, Malilo Banda and Brian Zulu—Safari Guide.