I went on my first safari in 2017 and from that first visit I was hooked. In 2018 we stayed at Mfuwe Lodge in Zambia. This was my second team trip and I brought my son with me. I was very nervous about getting into the bush plane to make the trip from Malawi to Mfuwe. I am most comfortable when my feet are on the ground. Absolutely terrified of heights. My son could see the panicked look on my face and told me to just imagine it being a ride in our jeep… only in the air. I reminded him that it was the “in the air” part that had me nervous. I am not sure if it was his advice, or the pressure to be brave in front of my team that helped me climb into the plane. As soon as we were in the air, I told Mason the money we spent on the safari was already well worth it and we hadn’t even arrived yet. Those small little planes are my favorite way to travel and I encourage everyone to try it at least once.
Mfuwe offers some incredible options, but my favorite is still heading into the park. Each drive scheduled a great little break to get out of the vehicle, have a snack and enjoy the scenery.
I have never been disappointed on the drives. There were moments when I thought for sure we would not make it back in one piece, but what a great story that would make! We had a leopard that came within a few feet of climbing into the vehicle and I remember feeling the hair on the back of my neck and a not so popular word came out of my mouth, which isn’t the worst thing, except when your boss is in the same vehicle. We went on a night drive and came across 3 lions who were hunting a herd of water buffalo. I said a big prayer that the lions would not be successful while we watch. The lions would circle the vehicle and were close enough to hear their grumbles and growls. It was incredibly suspenseful!
The rooms are so nice! The food was amazing! The safari guides ate dinner with us. It was so fun to get to know them and to have them be so willing to answer all of our questions. I thought if I could start a new career, I might really enjoy learning to be a safari guide. We felt pampered and loved every second! We had another trip planned for next month, but because of COVID19, we had to postpone it until next year. I can’t wait to go back.
Footprints 
I am so jealous you have come that close to a leopard. I regret to see that I have never seen one, and I live an hour away from Kidepo National Park, in the Northeastern part of Uganda. Leopard sightings are very rare, and after one failed trip, my brother one day announced to me that he saw a leopard on his way out of the park, it was night time and that”s when they are a bit comfortable to come out?
Oh, and your son is a very handsome young man! 🙂
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I hope to visit Uganda on one of my trips. I look forward to learning more about it. I do feel very lucky to have seen the big cats. Someday I hope to see the gorillas. I don’t know if they are found in Uganda. And thanks for the compliment on my son. I am a proud momma🙂
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Yes, you can trek gorillas either in Uganda or Rwanda. They are both a wonder and a mystery. There is so much intelligence in their eyes it’s quite intriguing, like they see through you. Definitely recommend!
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My fiance did a trip to the Serengeti before I met him and said it was fabulous. We plan to return to Africa 1 day so I can enjoy the same. Thanks for the post.
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Congratulations! Enjoy your journey!
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