EN ROUTE WITH BEKAH: Falling Into Zambia -- Part One

Photo by Bekah Wright

“You’ve caught it.” The words startled me awake from a siesta slumber. Hot from the Zambian heat, my mind searched for the meaning of the utterance, first thoughts turning to bodily appendages, wondering if a malaria-carrying insect had bitten me. Later, the reality of the words would take on a whole different essence.

Arriving in Mfuwe

After almost 48 hours of travel, our small group of journalists (three counting me, plus one publicist) stepped off yet a fourth plane and onto the tarmac of Zambia’s Mfuwe International Airport. The tiny building also houses the village’s bank and post boxes, along with several papier-mâché creatures signifying the wildlife to be encountered in the bush. Despite lack of sleep, I perked up as we climbed into the vehicle that would curry us into the wild.

The drive through Mfuwe held magic of its own. Post sunset, the sky was darkening with dramatic clouds, the result of brush fires throughout the countryside. The smell of wood fires was everywhere, from front yards where neighbors were gathering, to a bare-chested, elderly man keeping the blaze of a brush fire under control; a mighty struggle between he and the element itself.

A multitude of bicycles whizzed past our Land Rover, most carrying more than one person. Impressive were the passengers on these two-wheeled vehicles, many balancing large vessels of water atop their heads, not a drop spilled in transport. Other travelers along the road ferried firewood over one shoulder or babies slung across their bellies in a sling.

Interspersed between cinderblock storefronts with names like Peace & Love Pharmacy, Taonga Hair Saloon and Gideon’s Blessings, Fashions and Music Center, were small huts that looked as though their structure could blow away at the slightest wind, yet had maintained their residence for decades.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Soon, signs of villagers gave away to pure nature, a barely perceivable shift from “town” to “bush.” Upon arriving at the gate of South Luangwa National Park, a rifle-bedecked security guard approached our Land Rover, asking about our origins. Blurry-brained, I turned to our driver, searching for an answer. “Where are you from?” Suddenly, my hometown of Los Angeles seemed an unlikely dream from which I’d just awoken.

Photo by Bekah Wright

Mfuwe Lodge

Smiles, wet towels and juice were proffered upon arrival at The Bushcamp Company’s Mfuwe Lodge. Stepping forward with outstretched hand was Manda Chisanga, our group’s guide for the next 10 days. Overtaken by a rush of excitement, I introduced myself twice. Sleep was definitely necessary after our journey, but first… a night drive.

Photo by The Bushcamp Company

Fatigue? What fatigue? Our induction into the bush came under the light of the Zambian moon, which was edging towards fullness. A second guide shone a spotlight into fields, receiving back the reflective glare of resident eyes. “Impalas,” Manda relayed. Our thrill over these creatures elicited a laugh from Manda. “You’ll see a lot more of those before this trip is over.” Indeed, the local joke was these graceful creatures with a natural M on their hindquarters were considered the McDonald’s of the wild — fast meals for carnivores.

The spotlight swept over a tree branch, catching a Verraux’s Eagle Owl batting its pink eyelids. A pair of young honey badgers contemplated the beam, curious. And then, amidst tall brush were several figures that looked like veritable mounds of land. The smaller “mound,” a baby elephant, sent up a bellow, giving us what-for and defending his herd.

Photo by The Bushcamp Company

Too quickly, the fun came to an end. Curfew/dinner time was calling back at Mfuwe Lodge. Eyelids propped open over a candlelit dinner, we listened with rapt attention as Manda outlined the day ahead. But first, to sleep. Security led each of us to our chalets. Inside, “turndown” service had taken place – mosquito netting draped around the bed and a hot water bottle tucked between the sheets.

Photo by The Bushcamp Company

Sleep was beckoning, but still, I resisted. There were night sounds to take in. Some, I’d already been told, were hippos who were making the gully just outside my chalet their accommodations for the evening. Others noises were emitted by baboons playing in the trees and throwing things on the chalet deck. And, much like me, Zambia’s birds seemed unable to sleep, their chorus of calls eventually becoming a lullaby, sending me to slumber.

NEXT WEEK — Close encounters with lions at Bilimungwe Camp