Our schedule here at the Linkwasha Camp is similar to Mana Pools with a slightly later start in the morning. The guides come around at 5:30 to give the wake-up call and return at 6:00 am to escort us to the common areas. A continental breakfast with teas and/or coffee is provided before the game drive starts.
We’re only a few hours flight further south from Mana Pools (and the equator) but it’s surprising how much cooler it is here in the mornings. For the first time on our trip we’ve dug out the fleece jackets, stocking caps and gloves we’ve been lugging around for the last few weeks. Livingstone provided blankets and ‘bush babies’ (hot water bottles) for the morning drives to keep us warm until the sun comes out. Nice!
Livingstone has been a guide in this area for many years and knows the area and animal patterns well. Our first morning drive was outstanding. We watched the sunrise during our morning stop for tea and breakfast snacks. Hyenas, giraffes (yay!), zebra, kudu, eland, wildebeest, jackal, elephant & impala – sheesh.
And, cheetah! We were told to keep an eye out for termite mounds as cheetahs perch on them to watch for prey. Sure enough, we spotted a pair who looked to be siblings scanning the savanna from atop a mound. Just incredible.
As cool as the cheetahs were, the ‘hot clip’ of the day was a giraffe being ‘photo-bombed’ by a herd of impala. Watch to the end!
We arrived back at the camp by 11:30, just in time for brunch. Staff brought out a food board piled high with fruit skewers, salad, a variety of cooked meat, olives and cheeses as starters. The staff seemed very disappointed that we took a pass on a cooked breakfast after. Umm, no thanks – we need to fit into our clothes for the rest of the trip!
We had a few free hours and took showers and a short nap, then wandered down to the common area. The viewing platform there has great views of the savanna and a large watering hole which attracts wildlife. Elephants and zebra wander to the pan throughout the afternoon. Of course, there is high tea at 3:30 before the afternoon game drive. No one is going hungry on this trip.
The evening drive is equally as good as the morning. Livingstone tracked the cheetahs who are stalking dinner. Pretty cool to watch.
On the way back to camp we saw a pack of hyenas, hippo, and a troop of baboon in the twilight. Livingstone has got the ‘Sundowner’ process down pat – great gin & tonic, snacks, and sunset views.
At dinner we had a table close to the swimming pool and watched some elephants come there for a drink. They’re not too worried about us being so close. After a nightcap in the lounge we are escorted (rifles ready) back to our ‘tent’ for the evening. Our waiter now knows our drink preferences and has stocked the minibar with beer and wine for us. We could get used to this!