Bushtelegraph November 2008

Posted Nov 30, 2008

For two weeks in November every year, when the Wild Mango (Cordillia Africana) is in fruit, a family of wild elephants led by a matriach called Wonky Tusk, walk through the reception of Mfuwe Lodge to eat the fruit. It is thought that this family of elephant have been eating from this particular tree long before the lodge was built and as far as the elephants are concerned they own the tree. It is an incredible sight to witness as the family of elephant walk in and out the lodge a couple of times of day to feed. One year I was very fortunate to witness Wonky Tusk assist her new born calf down the steps of the lodge.

"Checking In!!!"

AUSTRALIAN BEEF & GRAIN FARMERS WITNESS LION KILL

"Discussing new fish farming project on Chiawa Estates"

Recently a group of Australian beef and grain farmers visited Zambia on a farm study tour and safari of the country. Whilst staying at Mfuwe Lodge some of the group were very luck to witness a pride of 10 lions pull down a buffalo bull. We happened to be on a night drive and were observing another pride who seemed to be stalking some Zebra when we heard a mournful sound coming from a buffalo. We quickly decided to go and investigate and we found the lions were on his back trying to pull the old bull down. Another old bull tried in vain to assist him to chase the lions but he was promptly chased off. Although incredibly exciting to watch it was gruesome as one of the lioness took about 10 minutes to suffocate the poor beast whilst the rest of the pride started to eat him alive. Sirloin steak happened to be on the menu at Mfuwe Lodge that night and I have to admit for that particular night I became a vegetarian!!

The following morning we went out early to see what had happened after the nights events, to find some of this huge pride of 18 were still gorging themselves on the remander of the carcass. 3 Hyenas and some jackles were lurking on the outskirts waiting to finish of the carcass with a group of vultures patiently waiting for their share.

CHINDENI BUSHCAMP GETS UPGRADED

Chindeni Bushcamp, one of the five bushcamps owned by Bushcamp Company in the South Luangwa National Park has been upgraded to 5 Star standarded. This exclusive 8 bedded camp is situated under a grove of ebony trees overlook an ox bow lagoon and looks onto the expansive Chindeni Hills. The area is proflic in game and one can game view from the luxury of the camp or you can go out on a walking safari - a speciality of the South Luangwa National Park. Game Drives and Night drives are also offered. The camp is now closing for the rains and will re open in June but for those of you who want a true exclusive wildlife experience should think of booking it now as it is incredibly popular as are their other camps in the park and we would definitely recommend it to our clients.

A FEW FACTS AND FIGURES ON ZAMBIAN AGRICULTURE

THE ZAMBEEF SUCCESS STORY

Many of our farm study tours who come with us visit some of the Zambeef farms. The Zambeef Products Group started off some 14 years ago from humble beginnings with no capital. They rented a small abattoir , slaughtering only 180 head of cattle a month and delivering their meat in a landrover.

wheat under pivot

Today Zambeef Group is one of the largest agri-businesses in Zambia and the region and they now employ over 2010 people. Zambeef are involved in the production, processing, distribution and retailing of beef, pork, chicken, eggs, milk, dairy products, edible oils and bread throughout Zambia. They now own 8 abbattoirs and slaughter - 60,000 cattle, 3.5 million chickens, 26,000 pigs per annum. Producing 8.5 million litres of milk and 40,000 tons of crops and have have over 3660 ha of crops under irrigation an further 1500 ha of dr land crops. Kikwata - Ash

Recently they acquired the largest edible oils plant in Zambia and besides producing animal feed cake, edible oil, margerine they are going into biofuel. In addition a large sugar estate has been purchased and they will be producing their own "Zamsugar".

Zambeef have now opened up similar operations in Nigeria and Ghana.

From an incredibly hot Zambia!

Take Care

Ian and Daphne Lindsay

Agricultural Tours

Safaris

Coming to Zambia

Meet the Team

Bushtelegraph November 2008

Agricultural Tours

Meet the Team