By Julie Dunaiskis
On May 11th, we left our regular routine at Annie’s Lodge (7 a.m.) to travel to Liwonde National Park for a weekend safari. Despite a brief stop at a police spot-check and rescue from certain death of a poisonous puff adder snake (by David), we arrived at the boat launch and took a quick trip across the Shire River to Mvuu Lodge. The welcome was wonderful with the offer of a local drink and it felt like being in paradise. The immediate recognition of the peace and serenity was instantaneous. The only rule was “no cell phones on the property” except in the cabins. Once settled into our quaint open air cabins (with resident monkeys as visitors), we climbed aboard the boat for a 2 hour cruise down the Shire River. It was a gloriously warm day. We saw many animals along the way – cormorants, ibis, kingfisher and egret birds, hippos (eyes and ears only), crocodile, water buck, elephants, monitor lizard and sausage trees. When we approached the elephants, we had to whisper which was very difficult for some of the team members (sorry no names). We then had a delicious lunch and after Chris and David took part in swimming activities at the pool, others tested the sleeping quarters. At 4 p.m. we set off on a jeep safari through the park. Again we saw many impalas, a great kudoo bird, baboons, guinea fowl, a Jesus bird (who walks on water/lily pads), a stork, candelabra trees and a python tree. At 5:30 p.m. my “Africa moment” happened when the jeep stopped at a beautiful bay overlooking the Shire River with 3 palm trees in the background. As the sun was setting, the sky was turning a beautiful red, we all picked our favourite drink and took in this very special moment. But not to be outdone, Prince, Brian and David decided to take a long dark walk with one of the guides to the fright of the other guide who was afraid of an animal appearing unexpectedly. Gladly everyone arrived back in one piece. As nightfall began, we could hear only the sounds of the wildlife of Africa. It was a beautiful moment. Our jeep continued through the park using an infrared light to see the nocturnal animals. Just as we turned a corner, we came upon a pod of hippos (baby included) that had come out of the water. It was amazing to see something so close. We then stopped at another point to look at the stars and got a quick lesson on astronomy from our guide, Duncan. A perfect end to a perfect day!

On May 12th, some of the group (excluding Abi and Karen who wanted to rest a little later) got up at 5:00 a.m. for a 6 a.m. walking safari. There was some debate amongst the group whether there was a hippo or an elephant in our sleeping compound last night but I thought it was my roommate (no name attached). The hike began with an armed guard keeping watch over us. He was to fire in the air should a pack of elephants decide to charge. We saw fresh animal droppings along with our friends the warthogs and many species of birds. We heard the elephants but never saw them. Came back to the lodge for scrumptious breakfast. After breakfast, most of the group took a different jeep ride. We found a herd of elephants with the mountains in the background. Amazing sight to see! We stopped at a large balboa tree that is big enough for a person to stand inside(only David, Chris, Norma and I squeezed in). We continued on our way (almost leaving without Andrew who was chatting with the locals). Once everyone was accounted for, we searched for zebras but they were much smarter than us and we failed to see them this time. We arrived back at the lodge hungry for lunch and our departure by boat back to Zomba. Sad to leave but we will continue our work on the school this final week. Along the road back to Annie’s Lodge, we stopped in at a village cotton collection house and saw bags and bags of cotton ready to be picked up for manufacturing. Chris even tried to pick up one of the bags but was outdone by the local young lad who was working there. The going rate for cotton was 110 Kwachas/kg (about 40 cents in US $). We next stopped at a local village market to pick up some more wood carvings which family and friends will be able to enjoy very soon. Our week will be winding down towards our homeward journey but we are excited to get the school classrooms finished and see this wonderful project completed. Watch for updates!