2010 May brings with it the normal change of season as well as this year a change in management in camp. The Zambezi has let us all know we do not have control of the environment and due to heavy seasonal rains, Kariba dam is full and so full they are releasing water to prevent the dam from over filling. This has resulted in an increased flow and high water levels throughout the valley, turning low-lying land into swampy birding havens. Chiawa itself has had to make adjustments to the high water with our wharf and our fire circle, now fish nurseries.

This has not been without benefits with wading birds and aquatic reptiles coming closer, giving us all a comfortable view from the sitenje.

These high waters have also made interesting canoeing - we have temporarily stopped canoeing our regular channels (waterbuck island channel usually has less than 10 hippos in it, now there are more than 100, including many large crocs all staying out of the faster main channel making it just too risky) and are now canoeing areas where we normally game drive. What fun paddling the back waters and flood plains of AC point and Sunset Strip although there is one exciting hippo encounter that may end up on You Tube!!

Camp opening to all of us here means new guests, old friends and the thrill of the next sighting, and the Valley has not let us down even if volcanic eruptions and a striking airline crew have interfered somewhat. We opened to a fabulous wedding, albeit with a reduced party due to the volcano, and we were proud to have hosted such a special day for such a special couple. Conversely we also had a farewell safari for one of Chiawa's own, Ian White, who we saluted at various memorable locations with friends and family, exactly as he would have wanted - the photo of the shots of Blue Label say it all!

 Lion sightings have been popular with the majesty and presence they bring to any game drive and recently a female with cubs sighted not far from camp provides us with the exciting new challenge to watch them grow up.

Elephants in camp are also a constant reminder that we are very much a wilderness camp as they stroll through unannounced and oblivious to our time schedules. It has not been uncommon for lunch to be delayed as the eles take a snooze by the kitchen door.

Birding has been world class already. Paul Grobler, one of our pro guides, together with Mr Peter Warrick have entertained us all with their nightly reports of sightings and their enthusiastic presentation of the details. Best sightings so far include the Red Faced Cisticola, Pel’s Fishing Owl and Bearded Scrub Robin as well as the Little Bitterns with their incongruously large feet.

Despite the high water, fishing safaris have produced some fantastic Tiger fish and a 50lb vundu catfish (well done Peter). Current tigerfish record for the year is 13lbs for Chiawa, well done Stewart and all fish released unharmed of course!

Our guiding team have had to work hard on drives so far due to the late rains however they have still managed some fantastic results. Leopard (thanks for the super photo, Simon B), Kudu, Honey badger, Porcupine families and a night time sighting of an aardvark have managed to keep us all stretching our necks for what’s just around the corner.

Meal times have provided some of the most amazing viewing, a leopard being seen from a floating barge lunch, a pair of playing elephants, and a family of lions being chased by elephants just on the other side of the Chiawa River during a picnic by Tent 7.

Currently the weather is mild with cool mornings, warm sunny days and cool nights. A light fleece is appreciated at night times but not required during our clear days. The clarity of the air at this time of year provides beautiful photo opportunities.

We are excited by the completion of our new ‘tent’ 9, with its elevated views of the Zambezi and Chiawa River and romantic open bathroom. Our guests have enjoyed the fish eagle that perches in front of the room in the early mornings and the bird’s eye view of the elephant families drinking from the river below. Check out the photos .

The Guiding Team, Staff and Managers at Chiawa look forward to sharing your magic moments on safari.