Lions and Elephants
Lake Manze Camp news
By Shaun, Milli and the staff at Lake Manze camp in the Selous Game Reserve, Tanzania.
In January, as the normally expected small rains did not arrive, we waited with bated breath for some rain relief as the small lakes and puddles slowly dried up.
This lack of rain forced the Manze pride of lions to move closer to a water source. Firstly to the back end of tent number six, where we have the camp’s water tank that sometimes overflows and has created a small pond for all animals to enjoy this needed resource. The lions now also frequent the staff soccer field close to staff quarters and have made the small soccer goal posts their toys.
Completely demolished!
Young lion guiding a wildebeest kill in Lake Manze camp
Another first for Manze. A lion kill in camp. The Manze pride strikes and takes down a wildebeest thirty meters from the water tank that supplies our guests. January has been a whopper of a month for amazing sightings.
We were fortunate enough to meet a new baby elephant passing through camp with its mother. On one occasion you could see the little ellie suckling away on the mother so close we could nearly touch them. Not a care in the world. On another occasion his antics as he tries to work out how this attachment to his face actually works and what it is used for.
photo by Janice Flynn
photo by Janice Flynn
Later in the day the little guy and some of his extended family lying down for a nap in front of the camp. It must feel to them that the camp and surroundings is a safe haven and that here they will not be harmed. Memorable moments.
Even better news, the birth of a brand new baby elephant up at the staff quarters. We were lucky enough to capture them the following evening on a short video where the mother and friends bring the baby for a drink of water and a slightly reluctant bath!
These are the memories that all our guests enjoy and relate later in many a gathering with friends and family at home.
See you all soon.
Safe travels!
Shaun, Milli and the Lake Manze team
NB – the camps in southern Tanzania are currently closed for the long rains, but open again on 1st June. Now is a good time to book for next season – and don’t forget that in June, November, 1-20 Dec and 10 Jan to end of season in mid March 2018, are low season periods when a special 4 for 3 offer is in place. Pay 3 nights, get a 4th night free. Check with reservations@ed.co.tz
Best game viewing time in Selous and Ruaha is July-October, when the vegetation dies back and game is most visible.
GUEST COMMENTS
We are in love with this place. Wish to come back here again. One of the best adventures in our life. Thank you very much
Felix and Katerina, Russia
Wonderful camp. Magic moment on our last morning to see a baby elephant outside our tent. Thank you Shaun, Milli, Masai and all the staff
Stewart and Katherine
What an adventure. From landing at the airstrip, to be greeted by 10 Giraffes (and then fantastic hosts Milly and Shaun at camp) to the highlight of a pride of lions alongside a family of Elephants – everything has been fantastic. The staff are wonderful and the chefs create amazing food three times a day. Thank you all at Lake Manze for a memorable trip
Sarah and Dave, Bournemouth England
We came here on our honeymoon. We thought that our wedding was the best day of our lives ….. Little did we know? From finding a hippo outside our tent, to being driven back after dinner because lions had decided to sleep outside tent 3. We never had a dull moment. An adventure of a lifetime without even leaving camp. On top of all of this we had fantastic game drives with Joseph and Daniel. Two of the most knowledgeable, good natured men with eagle eyes. They were able to spot things that were just dots to us. The pride in their jobs and their passion about the animals shone through and we can’t praise them enough. Onto Shaun and Milli – We instantly felt welcomed and relaxed in their company. Everything ran smoothly and we thoroughly enjoyed meal times with them (and our fellow guests), exchanging experiences with them was a highlight of our trip. We hope to come back and visit them in the future. All of the staff were friendly, caring and patient with Dillan’s incorrect Swahili. And the Masai made us feel safe and protected at all times. Asante Sana.
Love Dillan and Victoria, St Albans UK
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