Essential Destinations and the Local Artisanship

Essential Destinations has made a concerted effort to support local artisans and has established solid collaborations with some of these talented artisans. You can view some of these creations in the camp decorations including the table mats, guest comment books and the decorative tea boxes.

We believe it is important to give credit to these talented locals who have shown great creativeness and initiatives as they ply their trade. These manual skills and techniques have been passed down from previous generations ensuring that the skills applied will last for generations to come as they in turn pass them on.

Neto, a talented artisan, chisels, moulds and creates these amazing wooden carvings and statues that embosses the Tanzanian culture. Items that have never been seen before. A true master craftsman.

Others we support are part of organizations and projects:
Neema Craft trains and employs people with disability in handicraft: https://www.neemacrafts.com.
Women Craft is a community driven social enterprise that produces fair trades products handwoven by Tanzanian and refugee women in Tanzania: https://www.womencraft.org.

LAKE MANZE CAMP

News from Selous Game Reserve

Once a year, normally during December, as the Lake waters start to recede, the birds and crocodiles form this allegiance to ferry all the fish into one corner of the lake. Let the feast begin. As they work in unison, they gorge themselves to the brim on fish. Their tactics, as if discussed, works a charm as you hear the beaks and jaws slam shut as they catch the next appetizing meal. As quickly as it started their appetites will have been satisfied and they wander off in different directions.

Wild dogs are the epitome of the bush. Coming upon them does leave an excited taste in your mouth as your expectations are heightened. From the playful youthfulness to the more serious, although lazy adults before a hunt.

Our Elephant males and family groups have frequented the camp on a regular basis with the highlight being the mother feeding the baby near the tents to the delight of the guests.

Birdlife around camp has been prolific as the food source of insects increased due to some of the rain we have received. These small rains have turned the area into a kaleidoscope of green, which in turn has fattened up the grass and leaf eaters.
Lions are looking in awe at their next meals.
We would like to wish all our guests an awesome Christmas and may your 2020 be filled with many plans to come and visit the wild here at Lake Manze camp.

See you soon.

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

MDONYA OLD RIVER CAMP

News from the wild side

Fewer guests visited us this month, which saddened us.
But it also gave the Mdonya Old River Camp team time to unwind: camp staff got the opportunity to go on game drive and enjoy the park beauties; accompanied by Mdonya’s guides, they had the chance to approach wildlife and be answered to their questions and wonders:
Faustino, tent attendant, was guided by Jimmy through species of birds that he couldn’t name; Marco, staff cook, wanted to see a big tortoise and his request was surprisingly satisfied! Mahanga, carpenter, after being challenged by the other staff, showed to be a great spotter… A great day, a great fun!

Elephants have appeared again in camp. At this time of the year, where water is abundant and grass growing taller by the minute, they usually stay in our region, but not within the camp. To our surprise, a group of approximately 5 bulls visited us again after a while away. Among them, we recognised Charlie, the old but gentle bull, leading Jino Moja and three other bulls.

The mdonya river is alive again, full and flowing throughout the day, animals are happy. Every night, we can also hear the Mdonya Falls thundering.
Many may think that this time of the year isn’t the perfect opportunity for a safari. Despite the fact that the grass is green, and trees are flowering, the abundance of wildlife cannot be discussed.

On top of the list there are the cheetahs. A coalition of three young males were spotted on the open plains nearby our camp. They looked good and healthy; they were relaxed enough to give us a chance to take a few pictures. Bat eared foxes also made a good impression. On some occasions, seeing more than nine on a single safari. They are often not regarded as such a prize to see; however they are irrevocably cute and an overall rare sight.

In the hope to see you soon,

Iris, Kingsley and all Mdonya Team.

GUEST COMMENTS DECEMBER 2019

“Experience fabuleuse ici au Mdonya Old River Camp. Toute l’equipe extraordinaire!”
AFabienne & David in Mdonya in December 2019

“Thank you for having us stay here. It was a very enjoyable experience and the food especially lovely! Hopefully see you again!”
Isaak, Samuel & Pauline in Mdonya in December 2019

“All round exceptional job by all the staff. We especially appreciate the extra attention paid to our dietary needs. Thanks for fulfilling our long-standing wish to see Wild dogs.”
Lee and David, USA, in Manze in December 2019

“Thank you for the lovely stay at your camp. We enjoyed the wonderful hospitality and all the animals. Elephants at dinner and breakfast. Wonderful staff and lodging. We would love to return.”
Richard, Kansas, in Manze in December 2019

< go back to Newsletter Archive