Work and Majete

Well, another working week has finished and the presentation to the large bank could have been better. They picked on the one aspect of our local team that was hard to overcome, namely the lack of experience of doing the work required. Oh well, it's all a learning curve and next time there will be a  more planned effort to field this question. We have not heard back about this but it seems unlikely we will have won the work. Some progress on getting some forward planning done, with a workshop planned for the end of May and agreement to publish an e-Newsletter, due to go live in the middle of May. Hopefully these 2 things will help generate some presence for the company, and help with additional income as well.

So to the weekend, and a visit to Majete game park, quite local so possible to complete in a day. Went with Jim, another consultant out here and arrived in the middle of the morning which was really a bit late for proper game viewing. However, we went for a game drive with John one of the rangers, complete with his automatic rifle, and he managed to find us a fairly impressive haul of wildlife. As you can see from the snap elephants were there, along with many different types of antelope, including Impala, Eland and Waterbuck. [Not sure they are all antelope, will have to check!] Also saw a fairly large herd of Zebra in the distance but they spooked as soon as they got sight of us, so no snaps! Added to that we also saw Warthogs and Water Buffalo as well as many unidentified birds flitting about. Another good sight was some 8 or 10 hippos just lazing in the middle of the Shire river, soaking up the rays in the lee of a small island. It did look remarkably cool in the river. What a difference to see these animals in a 'wild' habitat, albeit protected to a degree from poaching etc, compared to the UK safari parks. Longleat will not be the same again.  It was a really impressive set up and there is a lodge inside the park with good accommodation so may consider another visit and an overnight stay. Could then do and evening and morning game drive and see more. However, as we are visiting Liwonde, another larger game park over Easter, I may not feel the urge again. Lunched at a really great place overlooking the Shire river with excellent views and facilities. They are planning to build some rooms but funding has dried up at the moment so that will have to wait. They have not yet been open a year but are seeing a steady improvement in trade.

More of that next week and more work updates as well.