Sunsets: Safari in South Luangwa Park

My father died suddenly October 8, 2015.  A year without him went by so fast.  The most painful days are his birthday, Thanksgiving, Christmas .. any holiday .. but those who advised that the pain will always be there but so will the memories, the smiles with the tears ... they are right.

I originally wanted to spend October 8, 2016 in my bed, in my memories, in my mourning.  A year without him went by too fast.  But my mother was having NONE of that! She threw a Remembrance Party, inviting family and friends and encouraged me to get out of town.  Find moments to smile about as I remember my Daddy.  I decided to spend the weekend in South Luangwa on safari.  After some high praises I made my reservation for Lion Camp (http://www.lioncamp.com/).

Lion Camp is quite far into South Luangwa National Park.  They pick you up in a safari vehicle and tell you to prepare yourself for a 2 hour ride to the lodge.  They also provide a cold bottle of water which is a pretty cool souvenir! On the way to Lion Camp it was HOT.  And by HOT I mean I am sure the devil was breathing on us (I immediately understood why we were greeted with the cold water) haha but you do get to see wildlife roaming throughout the park on your way to the lodge which was pretty cool!

Staying at Lion Camp is quite expensive (see rates here: http://www.lioncamp.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/2016-Lion-Camp-Rack-Rates-International.pdf) but is such a great experience and for this particular weekend I was willing to spend the money.

A typical day at Lion Camp:
5:15 am:  Wake Up
6:00 am:  Leave for morning safari
10:00 am:  Return back to the camp
11:15 am:  Brunch

After brunch enjoy a cool cocktail in or by the pool as you watch zebras, elephants, giraffes, etc. walk up to the creek, near the lodge, for viewing pleasure.

A view from my chalet

3:30 pm:  Afternoon Tea
4:00 pm:  Leave for evening safari
8:00 pm:  Return back to the camp
8:15 pm:  Dinner

After dinner everyone is usually exhausted!  But maybe one more cocktail by the pool before going to bed early in an effort to be ready for another early morning!

The food was pretty good!  And of course an open bar is always a guest favorite! My only 'complaint' is that there is no air condition in the very hot rooms ha ... a safari guide said this is because they want you to truly feel like you are in the bush! haha oh and I truly felt in the hot ass bush!  But it was cool enough at night to enjoy a full night of sleep.  I would just encourage you to sit by the pool with a refreshing cocktail in the afternoon versus trying to get in an afternoon nap.

If you know me, you know I was more of a fan of the evening safari - I am not a morning person! But my last morning there I did venture out and go on the morning safari.  I will not present falsehoods to you.  I spent most of that safari asleep, only waking up when I felt the vehicle stop.  I oohhed and awwed, took a photo or two and went back to sleep!  This being said, please enjoy the photos taken of amazing wildlife during my safari weekend!

DID YOU KNOW:  Elephants have the largest brain in the animal kingdom!

 

 DID YOU KNOW:  A lion's roar can be heard up to 5 miles away!

DID YOU KNOW:  Leopards are strong and skilled climbers!  After hunting, they usually carry their heavy meal far up a tree to ensure it is not stolen (usually by hyenas)!  

DID YOU KNOW:  Giraffe spots are like human fingerprints - no two giraffes will have exactly the same pattern!

DID YOU KNOW:  Hippos are quite aggressive!  Don't let their stocky bodies fool you.  On land they can run up to 30km/18 miles per hour!

DID YOU KNOW:  African buffaloes are known to kill more hunters than any other animal in Africa!  On our safari we watched a herd run away a lion attempting to prey upon one of them at the back of the herd!

Shout out:  thanks for the laughs Bethany and Marita!

To close this blog, one of my favorite things about the evening safari were the gin/tonics with lime cordial while enjoying these sunsets!  But every sunset provided me with a moment of silence, another moment to think about my Daddy. Sunsets represent not only a completion but also the promise of a new beginning. Yes, there is a moment of darkness, but after those dark moments, the sun - hope, newness, life - rises again.

Sundowner during evening safari.

Sunrise.  The promise.

The weekend was everything I needed.  I had my moments of down time to be in thought and in my memories.  I cried, I giggled, I missed my Daddy.  But as you can see, I also had a great time!  If you are ever in Zambia, find your way to South Luangwa Park - you will not regret it!

**UPDATE:  Lion Camp will unfortunately be closed until the season in 2018.  They are closing to renovate the main areas and the chalets.  If you are interested in doing safari in South Luangwa next season, I have heard great things about Flatdogs (http://www.flatdogscamp.com/)**

Me on safari!  Next time, follow me on snapchat to see my
memories as they are created:  pmkenney79

Wine Time!: The 2016 Lusaka Wine Show

My last weekend (just a short vacation) in Lusaka was wine and laughter filled!  June 10 - 11 was the 2016 Lusaka Wine Show.  The name is a bit devious as the over 80 wines which were featured were from 11 farms located in Cape Town, from Stellenbosch, Franschheok and Paarl.  The event was held at the Radisson Blu.  We attended the event on Friday night, June 10.

The tickets were K125 (advance) which is approximately $12 per person. The ticket included enterance into the event, a wine glass and a pen.  *I am just realizing as I type this that I left my wine glass and pen behind...*

Before venturing to the wine show I decided to load up on carbs and enjoyed a yummy Indian dinner complete with rice and naan.  My wine tasting strategy was to stop at every table to taste the sparkling, white and rose wines.  After enjoying those, I planned to have another carb filled snack, water and then re-circle the venue for reds (I have to have my Pinotage, of course).  I think it worked out pretty well actually!

The eleven farms that blessed us with the fermented juice from their vineyards were: Babylonstoren, Black Elephant, De Meve, Hillcrest, Hoopenburg, Lynx (one of my faves), Marianne, Niel Joubert, Noble Hill (a new fave), Painted Wolf and Peter Falke.

The very first farm we enjoyed was Hoopenburg (http://www.hoopenburgwines.co.za/Default.aspx?CLIENTID=1138).  This is where we met Anton and where I realized that I am a fan of unwooded Chardonnay.  I realized I have not been a fan of Chardonnay because I do not like the California, wooded, version.  But the more I try from South African farms, I realize I am a true fan.  Anton did not believe we would make it back to his table but let me tell you, we made it back three more times! haha Unfortunately, the bottle was sold out when I went to purchase.

One of the reasons the Lynx farm (http://www.lynxwines.co.za/index.php) is one of my favorites is because I absolutely LOVE their Blanc de Noir.  It is definitely a 'drinking wine' - chill it, open it, drink it!  During this event I became a fan of their Lynx Vino Blanco - another easy drinking wine and their Lynx SMV (a blend of Shiraz, Mourvedre and Viognier).  I am not a fan of the other wine pictured - Viognier Tardio - mainly because it is a sweet white wine.  However, if you are into sweet whites, the Viognier Tardio is for you!

My second favorite at the event, and a new favorite, was the Noble Hill farm (http://www.noblehill.com/).  The one thing that really drew me to this table was the presentation. The gentleman who provided the tasting was the nicest dressed at the event wearing a nice pair of khakis, dress shirt, bow tie and jacket.  The table was also well organized and presentable.  When we first arrived the table was quite popular but once many of the people left my friends and I swooped in!

The first thing we tried was the Blanc de Blanc - their MCC bubbly.  Only 1200 bottles are made per year and it is a special bottle.  I would have procured one at the event, however, in Lusaka the bottle cost K300 or almost $30.  On the farm the same bottle costs R185 or a little over $12!  Plus the way this farm was presented, it is definitely one I want to visit my next time in Cape Town!

The other wine I really enjoyed at the Noble Hill table was their Estate Blend.  He informed us that the wine represented Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Verdot. To me, this was a big steak wine!  Something I could imagine enjoying with an amazing rib eye with blue cheese.  But alas my dreams were shattered as the bottle was sold out when I attempted to purchase.  Another reason to visit the farm!

Of course not every farm is perfect.  One of the farms I really wanted to try was the Painted Wolf farm (www.paintedwolfwines.com/).  I really wanted to like more from this farm, mainly because of their adorable mascot but we were all disappointed.  The one that I admittedly LOVED was their Rose.  My goodness it was good!  It was another drinking wine.  Something you open and enjoy with friends during the summer on a hot day.  Like fermented lemonade ha ...

Isn't the mascot - an African wild dog - adorable?!

The farm was the Black Elephant and none of us were fans.  No photo and if you cannot say anything nice ... well ... moving on.

Eventually we made our way to the Babylonstoern farm (https://www.babylonstoren.com/).  This was actually a really nice selection.  I really enjoyed their Mourvedre Rose but more than that, I loved their Babel Red.  I am starting to realize I enjoy a nice, big blend when it comes to red wines!  Their Babel blend is quite a representation of Cabernet Sauvignon, Shiraz, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot.  

One of the final tables we enjoyed was the Hillcrest Farm table (http://www.hillcrestfarm.co.za/).  By the time we arrived, he was serving one of two wines:  Cabernet Sauvignon Rose and the Sauvignon Blanc.  To my surprise I was a huge fan of the Sauvignon Blanc!  There was something very subtle, yet spicy about the wine that made me want to pair it with my favorite pizza.  Apparently, this farm is also known for its olives and olive oil.  I entered the contest to win the gift box pictured, but alas, no luck.  Guess this is a reason for me to visit the farm the next time I am in Cape Town!  I do love olives, warm bread and an amazing olive oil!

Hillcrest Farm

I was able to purchase 6 bottles, ultimately.  The price was not bad.  For the six bottles I paid a little over $90.  After the event some of us went to the outside dining area, opened a bottle and stayed a while.  I would absolutely say it was a really fun event!

I actually procured 2 bottles of the Blanc de Noir and 2 of the Painted Wolf rose
but well I have already shared one bottle with friends!

I am actually looking forward to the next event which is August 26 - the Wine and Whiskey Festival!