At 5.30 on the morning of 05 April, I stood on the dining room deck with a cup of coffee waiting for Johan and Jeff to finish up in the chalet. The car was packed and we were almost ready to leave for home but I stood and watched the horizon lighten as the sun was about to appear and listened to the far away call of the Ground Hornbill and the occasional hippo's grunt echoing across the river. Surely this could not be too far from heaven - leaving Mvuu Lodge behind after each visit is becoming increasingly difficult.

Easter at Mvuu was extremely busy with our camp site and all the lodges full. A huge thanks to all the guests for their support - a lot of whom were there on their second, third and even fourth visit. We had guests from so many different countries and more children than I have ever seen at the Lodge and what a privilege it was for me to be able to be there and meet everyone.

Once again April proved to be a record breaking month. The biggest fish caught so far this year was a 8kg Tiger caught by Shameer Variawa. Congratulations! However, our all time record of a 9kg Tiger Fish caught by Tim Featherby still stands unbeaten.

We also had our youngest serious fisherman Darian Jacobsen who is only six years old and caught and released his first Tiger. He also caught 3 Spot and Red Breasted Bream. Well done Darian - hope we see you again. Actually, word has it that he has told his Dad they are moving to the Zambezi River!

We also had our youngest guest - three month old Niquia Variawa. She is as beautiful as her name and stole all our hearts.

Our new managers Esther and Hugo are settling in and coping well with the demands of Mvuu Lodge and the Zambezi Valley. They are from South Africa but their previous Lodge experience and love for the bush has pulled them through their first few months at Mvuu.

Late, heavy rains have halted the progress of the dining room, bridge and wash up area for the self catering chalets. We had hoped that most of this would have been completed by now, but we do need the rain and the building will continue as and when possible. I apologise for any inconvenience it may cause to guests but I'm sure the end result will be well worth it.

There have been quite a number of Lion and Wild Dog sightings close to the camp and the bush seems to be alive with breeding herds of elephant. Lots and lots of babies which always get the cameras clicking - they are quite irresistible.

The butterflies have been an absolute treat, with February being the best month so far. I have recently been given three butterfly books and intend to become quite a knowledgeable lepidopterist, but this may take some time. Fortunately, Esther and Hugo are already very knowledgeable on this subject and will quickly encourage all guests to admire the beauty of these and other small creatures.

Is the bird life improving in the area or am I just becoming more aware? I'm not sure of the answer here but to all bird lovers - we now have Check Lists of the birds in the valley and the Ornithological Society boast some 365 identified species. I will be putting together some "birding packages" so please contact me if you are interested.

This fishing season we are running Flyfishing Workshops with a well known Flyfisherman teaching guests to tie fly and fish for specific species. Anyone requiring more information on the subject can give me a call

Lynn Zwiegelaar