Also Known as Chief Smiler, Bush Therapist, and MacGyver
To survive – and thrive – as a safari camp hostess, you really only need three things: a heart that loves people, a talent for making others feel cherished, and a smile so genuine it could calm a charging buffalo. (Oh, and a decent understanding of managing a camp and its wonderful, chaotic team. And nerves of steel. Those help too.)
So there I was at 49 – divorced, slightly crumpled at the edges, and fully ready for my “Eat, Pray, Love … But Make It Bush Edition” chapter – when life plopped me into a remote, wild nook of Zambia. Suddenly I had a tribe of thirteen incredible Zambian men, and together we created unforgettable stays for guests at Luangwa River Camp.
Some days I was Florence Nightingale with insect repellent, other days I was Bob the Builder with a headlamp. But every day was life-changing in ways that still echo through me.
Living and working solo in the bush was a whole tapestry – threads of magic, threads of madness – but here are a few of my favourite memories from my safari-hostess life:
- Dawn wake-ups
Pitch black. The bush humming awake. Me shuffling to the main area, greeting night watchmen Alfred, Lawrence, and Jackson – who had spent the whole night making sure guests stayed safe and hippos didn’t start any unnecessary drama. - The Great Guest Welcome Ritual
My team and I lined up, beaming like toothpaste models, armed with warm citronella-scented flannels. From across the Luangwa River we’d spot the guests approaching by boat, then Yumba bringing them to us by vehicle like a royal procession on safari wheels. - Dinner-table storytelling magic
Guests buzzing with excitement over lions here, leopards there, elephants everywhere. Meanwhile waiters Leonard and Bonface beamed with pride, hanging onto every detail like they were listening to a live-action wildlife soap opera. - Kitchen camaraderie
Laughing, stirring, chopping, taste-testing – working side-by-side to deliver Jason and Richard’s culinary masterpieces. And of course, Benjamin, our bread wizard, kneading dough with such flair and biceps that frankly deserved their own fan club. - Front-row baboon entertainment
Baby baboons stumbling around like toddlers who’ve had too much sugar – oversized ears, wobbly legs, and maximum attitude. - Conversations with John Mphasi
Long chats about life, Zambia, family, wildlife, and future dreams with the extraordinary John – now Manager of Luangwa Bush Camping. - Elephant dodging (not recommended, but memorable)
Room checks with Vincent and Moses often included quick strategic re-routes … because elephants don’t always care about your schedule or your blood pressure.
Through all the hard work and long days, our Camp Manager and Senior Guide, the legendary Daudi Njobvu, led us with heart and vision. His wisdom could rival an old elephant bull’s (just with better manners).
Together, somehow, we created pure magic – something our guests felt the moment they arrived and carried home long after.
And that’s the wild, beautiful, hilarious truth of life as a safari camp hostess.
