ZAMBIA: Mfuwe Lodge Welcomes Elephants

Each year South Luangwa’s Mfuwe Lodge welcomes some rather large, grey, wrinkled guests…whole families of elephants have been regular visitors for a number of years, arriving between late October and mid-December to feast on the fallen fruits from the large “Wild Mango” (Cordyla africana) tree in the lodge grounds.

The fact that a large safari lodge is built around this delicious food store is of no concern to them…after all, why walk the extra few metres to go around, when there are some nice steps and a tiled reception lobby to saunter through, or maybe take a nap in, each day?

At least three generations of one particular elephant family have returned annually and their unusual dining habits and unique behaviour has been the focus of many a TV documentary, photograph, video, newsworthy article, and even children’s books.

“In November the resident elephant families near Mfuwe Lodge are on the search for succulent wild mango fruits. One particular family takes the most direct route to the wild mango tree, solemnly walking through reception at Mfuwe to the delight of the guests. What an amazing sight this is. Watching this elephant spectacle each day certainly lived up to all the hype.” .