- Magic is a Real Thing
- Kakuli, The White Buffalo
- A
Midnight Maestro
- This Land of Dreams
- The Big Picture
The Big Picture
Today’s destination was
Bilimungwe bushcamp and the confluence of the mighty Luangwa and
Kapamba rivers.
 The
name Bilimungwe means Chameleon but knowing this before departure did
not help in preparing for the literal proof of this. A winding drive
took me up the side of the escarpment. Coupled with the dramatic habitat
change, the views of the valley stretched out below me were awe
inspiring.
It was such a pleasure to get an idea of the big picture and insight
into how the river has etched its’ path over the years and the character
that has created this unique place. High ground brings with it more
diversity of game and the possibility of spotting Sable or Roan antelope
or even the reclusive Duiker. Although we did not spot these majestic
antelope during this drive the chance of doing so kept me firmly on
watch, with my binoculars finely poised. With the warm sense of peace
and satisfaction glowing in my belly the trip was over all too quickly
and we were arriving at camp.
Like a chameleon perfectly blended into and against the canopy backdrop,
Bilimungwe took me completely by surprise! Even as we disembarked the
vehicle I could see no evidence of camp. Hollow through the middle, a
thicket with a translucent arched walkway, soft with green hue tempted
me to enter and explore. Passing trough this dramatic entrance I was
immediately struck at how apt the name of this camp is, as “Chameleon”
Bushcamp slowly emerged from the camouflage jungle.
The complete blending of this camp makes its plush chalets hard to
believe, so spacious and luxurious.
En suite bathrooms with double vanities and individual private verandahs
add to the pleasure of the rustic brick and thatch roofs and the
tasteful but subtle décor and colour scheme.
Obvious attention has been paid to detail and the chalets reflect this.
Incredible that such a discreet camp hides four such chalets, a raised
deck, open-air dining room and a quaint “Canoe bar”, all nestled under a
huge African Mahogany. A permanent waterhole complete with a resident
troop of baboons and bathing Warthogs and the 180-degree floodplain
vista backing onto my chalet, complete my surroundings.
All is invisible until one is actually standing in the camp. |
