Day 9
Sept. 3, 2010
Mvuu Lodge, Liwonde National Park

Our day began with a relaxed start by sleeping in until 0600hrs,
followed by breakfast and we were off in the jeep on our excursion to
Liwonde National Park.  The almost four hour drive south was
adventuresome.  Our most gracious driver James managed to avoid all
goats, bicycles and passersby.

Upon arriving to the park, we relaxed while waiting for lunch to be
served.  The dining room overlooks the dock where the boats launch for
the river safari which we will be taking tomorrow morning.  We very
much enjoyed a delicious lunch followed by a relaxing swim in the
outdoor pool.  We then gathered for an afternoon tea before embarking
on our afternoon/evening safari.  There were many impalas, mongoose,
wart hogs, water buck, and other 4 legged creatures of which none of
us seem to remember the names.  Oh yes, monkeys, baboons, and various
birds.  There was a brief sighting of elephants.  Unfortunately, our
screaming in excitement and the very squeaky brakes on our Land Rover
scared them away, after the bull threatened to charge us.

Then we watched the sun go down over the lake with a huge hollowed out
baobab tree in the foreground.

Upon arriving back at the lodge, we were escorted to our outdoor
dining room on sand floors with a blazing fire in the centre of the
room and live entertainment.  Many of us ate too much.

As we write this, we can hear the hippos snorting nearby.  It will be
an interesting night.