We left Zambia on the 1st. November, taking a charter flight (a.k.a. a very small aeroplane!) from Mfuwe in Zambia to Blantyre, Malawi.
Our pilot loaded the baggage . . .
While Mar navigated. . . .
as Jenn and I relaxed in business class.
The weather proved to be even hotter than Zambia, and we spent the first two days chilling out as best we could. But by the 3rd., we were ready to strike out on safari again, a different kind completely from those we’d experienced. This morning it’s a river safari, yet another perspective on the wildlife of the region. Mostly birds, but a good number of animals too.
Our early Malawi morning . . . .
. . and en-route to the river, always something to see from the safety of the jeep. Warthog – a massive male, a baboon surveying his territory, immature Bateaulers doing likewise, an African Hoopoe, and a Nyala (very shy creatures), all before we reach the water!
Along the water edge, we’re treated to an astonishing variety of birds – Osprey; Hadada Ibis; the Water Dikkop; a European migrant, the Common Sandpiper, all the while keeping a lookout for rocks and hippos.
A Western Banded Snake-Eagle keeps an eye on things, especially for this giant Nile Monitor.
Nile Monitors can grow up to two meters in length, and are fearsome predators, hunting on land and in trees. They are the largest lizard in Africa.
This Great White Egret has every reason to stay alert on its nest by the water’s edge. Monitors love eggs and baby chicks!
Not so the elephants, browsing along the bank.
The Emerald Spotted Wood-Dove adds it’s own splash of coulour to the foliage, whilst this young Purple Heron simply blends in.
This Squacco Heron decides flight is safer than sticking around for us to get closer, while the African Jacana seem tame by comparison, and the African Openbill is happy to show his ‘good’ side . . .
. . . until we get a little too close for his comfort and he joins his buddies higher up.
Crocs everywhere, ever present along the wateredge, along with ever watchful hippos.
Meanwhile, our intrepid bush travelers take a well earned morning break.
Back in the boat, and a gentle motor along the shore, watched over by an African Grey Heron, and on a small islet in the middle of the river, a pair of nesting Rock Pranticoles. Our bush guide Samuel became very animated with this sighting, telling us these birds are extremely rare in this Malawi.
Not that the Buffalo could care.
Our water safari comes to an end, and we hand the boat over to the next crew, making our way back to the Lodge in the Majete Wildlife Reserve.
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