A Mwabvi First - our solar pump for the new waterhole

As 2009 draws to a close we have some exciting new changes at Mwabvi Wildlife Reserve.

Our new waterhole just above the Mwabvi Gorge is now in place. We have already seen buffalo, kudu, sable, impala, warthog and bushpig spoor. And the birdlife has been amazing - we will bring you more information on this in 2010.

The water is provided by a trickle feed from the pump, powered by solar energy. Running a pump on a permanent electric supply is not feasible here, and running a generator is a 'nonstarter'.

The waterhole is 20 km from our base at Chipembere and several kms fom the new lodge. So solar is the answer. And we are so pleased with it we are looking to put solar into Chipembere Camp for our own power.  We can store the power during the day and use batteries for the evening/night power supply there.

The vegetation around the water hole has changed within days. We have seen all manner of insect life as well as the animals and birds.

We have seen Sable, Buffalo, Kudu, Impala, Warthog and many other animals and bird including nocturnal animals from our new Trail cameras.

Our plans for 2010 now include the construction of 2 hides - one north and the other south of the waterhole - to enable visitors to the lodge to enjoy the waterhole and its flora and fauna no matter which direction the wind is blowing.

See the difference in the vegetation in the photo to the left, within 48 hours of starting to pump water.