August 2019

Essential Destinations is CARBON NEUTRAL

Carbon neutrality – To remove the Carbon Dioxide from the atmosphere that you put into it or offsetting your carbon footprint in your actions.

We collaborate with Carbon Tanzania which is an Ngo that protects several woodlands in Tanzania. We calculate the amount of CO2 we emit and proportionally pay a quote to Carbon Tanzania to keep woodland protected.

The world rightly talk of planting trees but we have yet to stop cutting them…

Currently everything that comes into camp is sent for recycling, vegetarian type lunches, solar geysers, solar fans, solar lighting, solar charging station and the hybrid solar boat safaris. All these actions help to classify us as CARBON NEUTRAL.

Introduction to Carbon Tanzania-ED

LAKE MANZE CAMP

News from Selous Game Reserve

 

We have had an awesome Elephant month in camp with the males all over and many visits from the one tusker mothers and the young ones. Mud bathing in front of the dining area to the battles of the male giants. Mpondo lying down sleeping like a baby next to the bird bath on a couple of occasions to the delight of all the guests.
Our resident Genets are still popping over during dinner to show off her magnificent colors and agility.

The selous also has its own tree climbing Lions as can be seen from the youngster showing of its balancing skills.
Guests were lucky enough to spot the wild dogs on a couple of occasions during August which is quite rare as the alpha female has by this time had her new litter of young ones. Can’t wait for later in the season as they make their entrance into the big wide world.

Birdlife has been awesome with some great pictures taken right in camp. To our surprise Wally the warthog made an appearance in camp with a lady in tow. Welcome back Wally!

See you soon.

Safe travels.
By Shaun, Milinda and all Manze Team.

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Click for more pictures

MDONYA OLD RIVER CAMP

News from the wild side

This was one of the driest month of the season and the land was as if dead. Furthest from the truth it couldn’t have been ! Wildlife was, extraordinary, to say the least.

An average of six elephants a day could be seen from the camp. On many occasions we got to see up to ten. A small family group also decided to adventure themselves closer to the camp with their young ones. Most of them are now very relaxed living around us and spending time surrounded by those gentle giants is never wasted.
A family of four warthogs including a mother and her offspring also settled in camp, still a little shy but we are sure that they will come around soon.

And of course, the rest of the Mdonya Family was also seen which included countless monkeys, the troop of banded mongoose, hyenas and bushbucks, the resident herd of impalas and surprisingly a few kudus without forgetting Fundi Mtoto, the resident leopard. On one occasion again, he took down an impala in the lounge, dragged it through the camp and hung the unfortunate animal up a tree nearby. But the most surprising was the day our guides found him, when he gracefully came down his perch, stretched and peacefully went under one of our vehicles for a great nap in the shade.

The safaris ‘ out there ‘ were as exhilarating. Hippos and crocodiles were seen, as well as many lions on several kills, all accompanied by adorable cubs. Including the Njaa pride, which consisted of fifteen individuals feasting on a giraffe. This month was also great with leopards but even more thrilling, the very shy and rare Sable antelopes and Roan were finally spotted more than once not too far from the camp for the first time in years! Looking at pictures, it seems that the population is doing great with many little ones following their caring parents, which is always exciting news.
Elephants were plentiful and it warmed our heart hearing that some days, our guests got to see up to a thousand on a safari.
Buffalos had been missing to the count for a while, guests had seen a few here and there, but eventually a decent herd of six hundred heads were spotted nearby the dry river.
All to say , this month , wildlife was plentiful and our guests had amazing adventures through Ruaha National Park. The more you explore it, the more it surprises you…

But enough said, come join us in your next African experience and feel yourself the joy of driving around this magnificent park.

Photo credit: Carlo Ferrario, our driver Thomas and Iris

In the hope to see you soon,

Iris, Kingsley and all Mdonya Team.

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Click for more pictures

GUEST COMMENTS AUGUST 2019

“To everyone at Mdonya, thank you so much for a truly amazing first safari experience. Every little detail has been thought of and you are all so welcoming and kind. The food is amazing, the guides are so knowledgeable and the Ruaha is a beautiful park. We will be back! Best wishes.”
Jo, Chris, Jake and Daisy, in Mdonya in August 2019

“Parmi nos nombreux voyages en Afrique, assurement un des plus beaux !! Paysages magnifiques, une nature authentique … Sans parler de l’equipe du lodge ! Gentillesse et passion! Asante.”
Regine et Laurent, in Mdonya in August 2019

“There are not enough words in our vocabulary that can explain what a breathtaking experience you have given us. An absolute treasure and thank you so much to every attention to detail you provide that seems so effortless to us, but we know how much hard work goes into it all. You manage this jewel of a place with the passion that it is your “baby”. It has been luxurious, an adventure, stunning and just so very perfect and special. A perfect honeymoon made even more special by your warmth. Thank you. Lots of love.”
Jonny and Abbi Cardy. Finton on Sea UK, in Manze in August 2019

“Truly a holiday of a lifetime. The camp is exactly what we wanted – rustic, beautiful surroundings and very well run. The game drives and boat safaris were outstanding, and we saw everything we expected, Lion, Leopard, Elephants, Giraffes and lots of amazing birds. This will stay with us for all our lives.”
John, Deidre, Callum, Ronan and Ryan Watson, in Manze in August 2019

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