The Mavunje Nature Camp on the river Kwando, just before Kongola, is known for excellent bird watching. We also heard that the English owner, Dan Brown, is an avid bird lover. That was reason enough to visit him for two nights on December 28th, 2020.

After a short detour into the Mudumu National Parc, which we made without a permit because we couldn’t buy one at the entrance gate, we drove to the Lianshulu Lodge, which is situated a few kilometers from the main road. A sign in front of the entrance announced that the reception was closed due to Covid 19: «Please honk 3 times and someone should show up». We gave up and drove back on the C 49.

A few kilometers further we turned into the bush to the Mavunje Camp. The camp is rustic, but is situated on the banks of the river and has a lot of charm. You have to be self-sufficient here, but that’s not a problem for us. We have everything we need with us – up to cigars and whiskey. We greeted Dan and arranged a birdwatching tour with him for the next morning.

PS. «At what time do we meet?» I asked him. «At 6 o’clock,» Dan replied without hesitation. It was worth it, because what we saw that morning was just great!