The Fence Post

When The Guest Confuses The Name of What Haunts Her

I heard this story from a former tour guide in Malawi the other day and thought it was worth retelling. One of his treasured anecdotes from his time as a tour guide and translator in Malawi centers around a lady from another group staying at the same lodge during her visit to Liwonde National Park.

A Night in Liwonde National Park

Nestled in the heart of Africa, Malawi is renowned for its stunning landscapes, including serene lakeshores, lush forests, and diverse wildlife. Liwonde National Park, situated in the country's southern region, is a prime example of Malawi's natural beauty, boasting an array of wildlife, such as elephants, hippos, and various bird species.

In many unfenced lodges across Africa, including those in Malawi, it's crucial for guests to be escorted to and from their tents after nightfall. Despite this advice, some guests still venture out alone, only to rethink their decision upon encountering a solitary hippo or elephant.

The Misidentified Guest

After dinner one evening, a petite elderly English lady, likely over 80 years old, bid us goodnight and was escorted to her tent.

Fifteen minutes later, she reappeared at the bar/restaurant area. With her characteristic politeness, she expressed concern, saying, "There's a gecko in my room." While geckos and lizards occasionally find their way into tents, she was reassured not to worry, as they pose no threat to humans. Once again, she was escorted back to her tent. However, she returned after another 10-15 minutes, distressed because the creature was beneath her bed, disrupting her sleep. This time, she was informed that having a gecko in the room was beneficial as they prey on mosquitoes.

Upon her final return, the lodge manager, slightly perturbed, decided to investigate and remove the troublesome "gecko" from beneath the woman's bed. To everyone's surprise, what she had identified as a gecko turned out to be a massive monitor lizard. These monitor lizards are notably giant, sometimes reaching over six feet (about two meters). Somehow, the poor creature had found its way into the tent and became trapped in the mosquito netting. Understandably furious, it repeatedly struck the bed with its tail, frightening the elderly lady who was struggling to sleep.

Fencing Out the Unexpected

Knowing a gecko from a monitor lizard can make a massive difference if you want to fence them out. We have wire meshes that gradually get smaller at the bottom; though it likely wouldn’t stop a gecko, it definitely will stop a monitor lizard!

Check our mesh fencing here.

Who has a story about lizards, snakes, or Africa? I’m waiting.

Warmest regards,

Debbie Page

CEO, Louis E. Page Inc – Woman-owned business and Family-owned since 1893. (So 131 years ago our family ancestor Louis E. founded the company)