The scoop, though, might have been the most interesting of these trunk-formed tools; all the methodically rigorous destruction of the tree had littered a veritable wedding carpet of confetti across the decking – prime snacking material for an elephant’s 7.02 repast.

Its bush dinner tonight for our guests at Anabezi: an experience of fine dining in traditional Zambian and braai (barbeque) fare: hot soup to start, followed by a sumptuous choice of grilled meat and vegetables, nshima, and relish. But first, drinks by the fire: a gin and tonic with wild basil, or perhaps a South African Cabernet Sauvignon – the choices abound!

An oh-so-casual “have you seen the elephant shrew?” lilts across the bar, as guests trickle onto Zambezi deck for tea, and as it’s Monday. scones. The scene is too perfect to be plausible, but the shrew, scenting the soft breeze with its patent proboscis, pays no heed to the unlikelihood of the situation, and continues in its scurrying bounce to flit about the pool-side lawn.

Antlers or horns? What is the difference and does it matter? Well the answer, predictably is yes, and very much so. To answer this we need to take a closer look at the Linnaean taxonomy (how animals are classified according to the basic concentric groups of Kingdom, Phylum, Class, Order, Family, Genus and Species) and phylogeny (or evolutionary history) of ruminants.

The vast expanse of Jeki plain opens below as the aircraft descends to buzz the airstrip, ensuring its clear of ponderous elephant or idle zebra, circle once, and then a low approach over the river headed northeast by east, clearing the tree canopy and ghosting in to land, so much so that you barely notice the wheels are on the ground.

Many regular travellers find packing a breeze – they’ve worked out the ratio of essentials to availability of laundry service and somehow effortlessly manage to fit their luggage into a small carryon bag. However, if travelling is not in your usual routine and safari in particular is new to you, this post may well help make the process of selection and packing less daunting.

No matter their respective departments, our team’s single top priority is to ensure the ultimate guest experience in the place we are all so privileged to call home. We much look forward to welcoming you to Anabezi and Amanzi luxury tented camps, and we are very excited for what the 2019 season may bring!