We changed guides for the final leg of our transfer
where the waters were shallow and the channels
wider. We stopped for a paddle to cool down and
finished our transfer with probably one of the
most beautiful lagoons I have seen. It looked
as though we were going into the sea, you couldn’t
see the sides or the end, it was so large.
I arrived at Shinde Camp early afternoon with
its raised platforms and staggered areas where
you welcomed the cool shaded areas to rest. Tea
and cake was served almost immediately they knew
when you would be there. The landscape completely
different to Okuti – here we had a huge
grass area, the size of at least 10 football pitches
and that looked as though it had been mowed, not
so just well grazed – many Impala and Lechewe
Red had fallen prey here. Dinner was to be served
on the upper terrace and the drumming told you
it was time to dine.
It also told the resident African Civet to bring
her young and lounge in the branch whilst we all
enjoyed our supper. Somehow she knew that she
wasn’t going to be ignored and could rely
on a fair share herself. Such beauty and grace
lounging on the branch, perfect – even the
pike and catfish knew they could rely on Shinde
for some tasty scraps as they jostle for prime
position in the mooring. My tented accommodation
oozed comfort nothing had been spared to ensure
that your night would restful. Listening to the
sound of silence lulled you into sleep nothing
could disturb.
Read more of Julie's visit to
these camps:
Camp Okuti | Shinde
Island | Footsteps
| Kanana
