A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!
NEWS: JUNE 2014
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We promote travel opportunities to the wild areas of the Zambezi Valley
WILD ZAMBEZI invites you to a world of nature where the pace is slow, the sun is warm, the sky is huge and the people are friendly. Our travel promotion focus is the Zambezi River and its iconic wildernesses, including the Victoria Falls & Zambezi National Park, Lake Kariba, Matusadona National Park and Mana Pools World Heritage Site. We provide web-based, up-to-date information on operators, activities, accommodation choices, tours and services in this magnificent area, and offer a reliable, independent travel advisory service.
BUDGET AIRLINES CAUSE A STIR IN ZIMBABWE
Recent news that two new budget airlines, fastjet and FlyAfrica offering cheap fares are due to take to the skies in August and July has caused a flutter of excitement within the tourism industry in Zimbabwe.
fastjet will launch a twice weekly operation between Dar es Salaam, Tanzania to Harare in August 2014. This is the third international route for the airline which began operating low cost flights in 2012 and is now established as a reliable, affordable low-cost carrier linking Tanzania with Zambia and South Africa.
Says Chief Executive Ed Winter: "We are delighted to be launching our third international route to Harare. The people of Tanzania and Zimbabwe are crying out for a direct air link between the two countries and today's news moves us one step closer to becoming the continent's first truly pan-African carrier. ..When we began low cost operations 18 months ago, we promised the people of Africa that we would democratise air travel across the continent and we are well on our way to achieving that. We now look forward to offering fastjet's service of affordable, high-quality air travel to the people of Zimbabwe".
Meanwhile, FlyAfrica has announced that it will be launching local, regional and international low-cost flights on 16th July 2014 starting with operations between Victoria Falls and Johannesburg.
Billed as an indigenous low-cost flight company, this airline has announced that it will not charge fuel surcharges, thereby undercutting existing flights servicing that route.
In addition to low-cost flights, FlyAfrica's advertising boasts that it will offer customers:- " an initial fleet of 5 Boeing 737s, offering 12 business class seats and 102 economy seats, the ability to fully customise travel options, a revolutionary automatic check-in process, airport lounges, tablets to rent onboard, and food & beverages available for pre-purchase or purchase onboard".
FlyAfrica has started taking bookings for flights from 23rd July via its website.
TOLL FEES LOWERED AT BEITBRIDGE
The cost in Zimbabwe of driving a vehicle across the New Limpopo Bridge linking the country with South Africa at the town of Beitbridge has been reduced, as the Zimbabwe government assumes ownership and operation of the bridge after a 20-year Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) agreement with the company that built it in 1994.
Motor cycles will now pay $3 while light motor vehicles and heavy vehicles will fork out $6 and $17 respectively.
Previous tolls were $4,70 (50 rand), $9,45 (100 rand) and $27,25 (300 rand), respectively.
The toll fees will be administered by the Zimbabwe National Road Administration (Zinara) and payable at the designated office within the Beitbridge Border Post.
As advised recently in this newsletter, self-drive visitors should remember that officials from the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority are stationed at the Beitbridge border specifically to assist any visitors or tourists coming into Zimbabwe.
The Area Manager is Bertha Mutowembwa on +263 286 23640/1 office, or +263 772 344317 or +263 712 320428 email: berthamuto@gmail.com
The Marketing Executive is Lindarose Ntuli on +263 772 409373 or the above office number. Email: lindarosentuli@gmail.com
KARIBA
DIARISE THESE KARIBA EVENTS:-
NYAMINYAMI FESTIVAL POSTPONED
In a statement issued on 26th June, The Kariba Tourism and Business Indaba (KTBI), organisers of Kariba's planned 2014 Nyaminyami Festival which was to have been held in July, have announced that the event has been postponed to a future date to enable the committee to attend to issues raised by stakeholders and partners.
These include:-.
· The need to provide more publicity and give individuals and major stakeholders i.e travel agents, tour operators, travel buyers, travel writers, embassies and corporates more time to prepare themselves for the event.
· The lack of a regular airline service into Kariba (which is essential for the future of tourism to the area)
· The need for support from Government departments in reducing tariffs to enable tour operators in Kariba to compete favourably within the country, the region and internationally.
"Since deliberations are still ongoing on these endeavours we felt it prudent to postpone the event." said the statement. "To all the business community that has been so supportive, we "Thank you" very much for your efforts and we will be contacting you directly for your inputs in getting our objectives back on track for the benefit of all.... You will be advised when we have a new date for the Festival".
For more information about the Festival, contact: karibaindaba@hotmail.com
WILD ZAMBEZI NETWORK PARTNERS DONATE PRIZES FOR ZAMBEZI FEST UK – 3-6 JULY 2014
Wild Zambezi would like to thank its network partners who very generously donated prizes for this year's ZambeziFest being held in Northampton in the UK in early July.
Lucky participants at this event stand to win the following:-
ALTAIR CHARTERS (private air charters throughout Zimbabwe) – a return charter flight for 2 people in a Cessna 206 Harare to Kariba
BAOBAB BOOKINGS – (booking agents for Kariba accommodation/tours/houseboats) - 3 x nights self-catering accommodation at Plover's Pad Lodge, Charara, Lake Kariba (sleeps 8)
RHINO SAFARI CAMP – (authentic, wild safari camp in the Matusadona NP, Lake Kariba) – 2 x nights' accommodation for 2 people
TRAVEL WILD ZIMBABWE – (Vic Falls-based booking agent) – 20% discount off any holiday in Zimbabwe booked through them
WARTHOGS BUSH CAMP (2 X PRIZES) – (rustic bushcamp & lively pub in Kariba) – 2 x nights B&B cabin accommodation for 2 x people
Part of the proceeds of the Zambezi Fest will go to Kariba's very pro-active Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT) to assist with their wildlife conservation efforts in and around Kariba.
For more information about KAWFT, see below.
FISHERMEN & VISITORS TO LAKE KARIBA, PLEASE SUPPORT THE ANTI-POACHING TEAMS!
There are four extremely hard-working anti-poaching teams at work to protect fishing and wildlife resources in different parts of Lake Kariba. They work closely with local communities, the Zimbabwe Police and with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority.
Please support these teams by making a donation to their efforts, without which your fishing and game-viewing experiences would be greatly inferior.
KAWFT – The Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (above left): since its formation in 2010, KAWFT performs a vital community role in Kariba, creating awareness about animal welfare, assisting the with anti-poaching operations in the area, providing much-needed veterinary support and assistance to wild animals which are injured or in need of supplementary feeding and conducting litter clean-ups throughout the area.
Gache Gache's WEPU (Wilderness Environment Protection Unit) (centre left) works tirelessly in and around the Gache Gache River at the eastern end of Lake Kariba, to protect fishing and wildlife in this area. This river estuary is a very popular tigerfishing spot, and fisherman are encouraged to stop at the lodge and make a contribution to the work of these men. The WEPU team was chosen by the community in the surrounding areas and has the support of local chiefs. They recently underwent intensive anti-poaching training, along with District Council game scouts and a member of the local police. However, they continue to fight a constant battle with fish poachers and kapenta rigs. This team receives no support from government or the National Parks Authority, because it is in a community area. Funding is required for food and living allowances for the team as well as fuel & maintenance for patrol vehicles and boats.
MAPP (Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project) (centre right): this initiative has a very large job on its hands to assist the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority to protect the fish and wildlife resources of the vast Matusadona National Park, which forms the southern boundary of Lake Kariba between the Sanyati River in the east and the Ume River in the west. Their efforts have been remarkable in the past year. They have been largely successful in reducing a huge fish poaching problem in the Sanyati Gorge and along the Matusadona shorelines, and their intelligence-gathering into trans-border smuggling and into elephant and rhino poaching in the Park has resulted in several arrests and convictions. They are supported by a number of conservation organisations and safari operators, but the task is immense and needs constant funding.
BHAPU Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit (above right): this small team is supported by Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa and operates largely in the Ume River area and in the communal lands to the south and west of the lodge. They work closely with the Nyami-Nyami Rural District Council Wildlife Section and with the National Parks Authority to protect fish resources west of the Matusadona National Park and wildlife around Bumi and its surrounding areas.
SELF-CATERING OPTIONS IN CHARARA, KARIBA
With flight options into Kariba being restricted to air charter (in the absence of a scheduled air service), self-drive is a popular option for accessing the wonderful water wilderness of Lake Kariba. There are some excellent self-catering accommodation options for self-drivers in the Kariba area, at Charara, which is located on the lakeshore, approximately 27 kms to the east of Kariba town.
Charara is a popular fishing spot and home to the annual Kariba Invitation Tigerfishing Tournament (KITFT), held in October at the National Anglers' Union fishing camp. This peninsula which juts out into the eastern end of Lake Kariba, has a number of excellent-value self-catering lodges, including the Wild Heritage Lodges, the Nzou Lodges and the Cerruti Lodges. These are ideal for small groups or families, are fully equipped and serviced, with swimming pools and access to boat launching facilities.
For more information about these comfortable accommodation options, contact Baobab Bookings
KARIBA NATIONAL PARKS CAMP & LODGES GET A FACELIFT
Here's another option for campers and self-caterers heading for Kariba: the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Authority are refurbishing their campsite and two 3-bedroom lodges at Nyanyana Camp, on the shoreline of Lake Kariba between Kariba and Charara.
Two self-catering "bungalow-style" lodges are available, both having received a recent facelift with repainting. Soft furnishing upgrades coming soon.
They are comfortable, clean and serviced. Each lodge has 3 air-conditioned bedrooms, a lounge (with fan), a kitchen, toilet and bathroom with bath & shower. .
The campsite is large, with braai (barbeque) facilities set under shady trees overlooking the lake and the estuary of the Nyanyana River. The ablution block has been repainted and electric lighting is being installed.
Bookings for Lodge No 1 can be made direct. Contact chararasafari@gmail.com or schibaya6@gmail.com
For other bookings and more information about ZimParks accommodation in Kariba and elsewhere in the Zambezi Valley, see this link: Parks & Wildlife Zimbabwe
VAYENI ROAD TRANSFERS – SOME CHANGES
In June, Vayeni announced a slight change in rates for their Harare-Kariba road transfers which are conducted in partnership with a reputable transfer company.
" Due to economies of scale and current loads on this route, we have had to raise the 1-3 pax rate We will honour any bookings that have been confirmed and paid for prior to this date.. However, the rates for 4 people and more remain the same. For group bookings, we will always endeavour to offer a reduced rate."
The service departs Harare for Makuti-Kariba at 7.00hrs and departs Kariba for Makuti-Harare at 14.00hrs.
For more information and details, contact Vayeni
RHINO SAFARI CAMP – WINTER SPECIAL
3-night special – US$99 per person per night. (Parks fees & drinks not included)
Activities: Drives/walks US$25 per person; Cruises/fishing US$35 per person; Minimum 2 people per activity.
Head down to Kariba during the winter, and warm up at Rhino Safari Camp. This authentic, owner-operated, classic bush camp is in Big 5 territory on the shorelines of Lake Kariba within the Matusadona National Park. There are no fences, no generator – just the sounds and sights of the wild African bush. The camp accommodates a maximum of 14 people and provides a very personalised safari experience.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Rhino Safari Camp
ZAMBEZI RIVER
MANA POOLS CAMPING – SOME IMPORTANT THINGS TO NOTE
Wild Zambezi has been talking to visitors camping in Mana Pools National Park.
As a result of feedback received, here are some important pointers to remember if you are planning a stay there.
1. PRIOR BOOKING IS BEST: It is always advisable to pre-book accommodation and camping with the ZimParks HQ Booking Office prior to your trip.
2. CHECK IN AT MARONGORA AS WELL AS MANA HQ : All visitors to Mana Pools National Park must check in and obtain an entry permit (no charge) at the Parks Zambezi Valley HQ at Marongora at the top of the Zambezi escarpment, BEFORE you descend the hills and turn in at the first entry gate. If you do not have this permit, the gate officers will make you go back up the hill to Marongora to collect one! Once you arrive at the Zambezi River in Mana you must also check in at the Parks HQ at Nyamepi to show your Accommodation Booking Form and pay your Conservation Fees. You will not be allowed out of the Park exit gate if you cannot show proof that you have paid these.
3.
NYAMEPI CAMPSITE LAYOUT CHANGES: The camping site layout at Nyamepi Camp (the main Mana Pools camp) has been modified slightly as a result of the loss of some major shade trees at the edge of the Zambezi River, due to bank erosion. The map above shows the NEW campsite numbers and their approximate location.
If your campsite booking was made before June 2014, please check with the ZimParks HQ Booking Office to see if yours is one of the sites affected by layout changes.
4. CAMPSITE CHARGES VARY: There are different charges for different campsites in Mana Pools. Note that in Nyamepi Camp, sites furthest away from the Zambezi river-frontage are charged at a per person/night rate (see below). If there are only two of you camping, this is more cost-effective than taking a site near the river-front. Similarly, there are per person/night options for some of the exclusive campsites elsewhere in the Park, including at Chitake Spring.
2014 Tariffs – Camping, Mana Pools
Nyamepi Nos: 1,2,4,7,8,10,12, 14, 15, 26 & 28 per person: US$20; US$10
Other Nyamepi sites (Standard Campsites) per site : US$100; US$75
Exclusive Campsites/site: US$150; US$115 (6 pp max – extras US$30 pp)
New Ndungu 1 & 2 & Chitake 2 campsites per person: US$30; US$15
Chitake Exclusive Camps/site: US$200; US$150 (6 pp max – extras US$30 pp)
5. TOILET FACILITIES: There are four Ablution Blocks in the Nyamepi Campsite (see map) with flush toilets, basins and shower facilities. They are basic, but have received a welcome upgrade recently, with new tiling and better plumbing. Hot water is provided via wood-burning boilers. Be sure to bring all your own toiletries, including toilet paper.
Note that the Exclusive Campsites elsewhere in the Park do NOT have Ablution Blocks or running water. The only facility provided at each site is a very basic "long-drop" toilet with a thatched surround for privacy. Campers at these sites need to be completely self-contained and able to provide their own water and ablution facilities. A spadeful or two of cold campfire ash sprinkled regularly into the "long-drop" toilet serves to reduce odours and help sanitise it.
6. THERE ARE NO FENCES! In Mana Pools there are no fences around any of the camping areas. Potentially dangerous wild animals can wander through at any time of the day or night. They may look tame, but they are not. Be vigilant at all times, especially after dark, and carry a torch with a strong beam to shine all around before moving.
7. CHILDREN: Unless you are rigorously cautious about safety, it is inadvisable to camp in Mana Pools with very young children. There are five Park lodges available for hire. These are a safer option. If you are camping with children under the age of 12, keep them well within the confines of your campsite and NEVER let them move away alone (day or night).
8. WALKING IS PERMITTED, BUT ONLY IF YOU ARE WILDERNESS-SAVVY. Mana Pools is one of Africa's great wilderness Parks. Visitors are permitted to walk on the "floodplain" area near the Zambezi River. However, if you are not experienced in the African wilderness, do not attempt to do this. Rather hire the services of an armed ranger from the National Parks office at Nyamepi who will take your group out to enjoy this privilege.
9. SECURE, BURN OR REMOVE ALL RUBBISH. Mana Pools has a "carry-in-carry-out" policy for all rubbish generated within the Park. You should burn anything combustible on your nightly campfire, including organic material, but you must carefully bag any non-combustibles e.g. glass, polystyrene, plastic bottles, aluminium cans) and take the rubbish bag(s) with you out of the Park for safe disposal at an urban centre. DO NOT on any account leave your rubbish bag in Mana Pools or at the exit gate (there are no disposal facilities there, and you will be fined). Monkeys, baboons and hyaenas can be pests in a campsite if rubbish bags and foodstuffs are left out. Make sure all rubbish bags and food are securely shut away in a car, locked trunk or trailer at all times. Never leave food in your tent.
10. FIREWOOD IS A SCARE RESOURCE. In Mana Pools, you are not permitted to collect your own firewood. This must be purchased by the bundle at the Nyamepi Parks HQ. Keep your campfire to a minimum size in order to preserve a fast-dwindling resource.
11. RESPECT THE WILD Here are some useful guidelines for how to minimise your camping impact and make the most of your stay in a wild place like Mana Pools. Respect the Wild Code of Conduct
WILD DOGS - A STAR ATTRACTION IN MANA POOLS
Whatever you choose to name the species, – Wild Dog, Cape Hunting Dog, Painted Dog – a sighting of a pack of Lycaon pictus is one of the highlights of a trip to the Zambezi Valley.
Of course, you may not always see them – like lions, they are sometimes elusive. But in Mana Pools National Park, you've got more of a chance of lucky sightings than elsewhere.... and when you find them, it's a real bonus!
There are several packs that roam quite widely within the Park, their movements currently being monitored by The Painted Dog Conservation Project via tracking collars attached to some of the animals.
Wild Dogs breed once a year, and May/June is the time. During "The Denning Season", as it is known, the pack stops its wanderings and settles down at a chosen den site – typically an excavated ant bear hole in the side of a termite mound. Usually it's only the alpha female who produces a litter (8-10 pups is the average, but the number can vary).
All members of the pack, whether they are related to the alpha pair or not, help to raise the litter. They will hunt to bring back meat that is then regurgitated to the pups. Some pack members will stay at the den to guard it while the others go off hunting.
Since the pups are born blind (their eyes only open after two weeks), they are extremely vulnerable during this period. They first venture to the entrance of the den at around three weeks, and will only be able to participate in the social interactions of the pack and become capable hunters after at least a year's apprenticeship with the pack.
In recent years there has been some controversy about people in Mana Pools causing pressure and disruption to the dogs – especially during the 10 – 12 weeks of the Denning Season. If too many visitors (including tour operators and researchers) eager for photographs or data approach a den site and get too close, this harassment can be seriously disruptive to the pack and may cause them to abandon the site (often to the detriment of the pups).
If you are lucky enough to visit the Park at this time, it is wise to avoid approaching a Wild Dog den altogether – or at the very least to keep at a respectful distance.
These animals are rare. They need time and space to breed unthreatened. Let's give it to them.
Here are some wonderful images of Wild Dog sightings in Mana Pools taken in the interior of the Park near African Bush Camps' Kanga Camp:-
Left: "Not Cleared for Take-off!".....what a great sighting for visitors to Kanga Camp taking an early morning air charter with Safari Logistics and Halsted's Aviation (HAC) out of Dandawa airstrip!
Right: Kanga Camp, which is owned by African Bush Camps is one of the few tented camps in Mana Pools set inland and away from the Zambezi River. While this makes the wildlife experience a little bit different from the normal river setting associated with this wonderful World Heritage Site, there are nevertheless opportunities for amazing sightings – particular late in the season when inland water supplies have dried up and the animals flock to Kanga Pan (right in front of the camp) for life-giving water. In September-October visitors to Kanga need never leave camp – a parade of extraordinary wildlife experiences occurs day and night right in front of the guests – including a visit by this pack of dogs!
Visitors to Kanga Camp who also want to experience the Zambezi River at Mana Pools can spend a few extra nights in African Bush Camps' Zambezi Life Styles tented camp.
WINTER FISHING SPECIALS AT CHIRUNDU
Both Tiger Safaris and Jecha Point Fishing Lodge on the Zambezi River near Chirundu are offering special rates for visitors during July.
Daytime temperatures are wonderfully warm here, even in mid-winter – so here's a chance to take a quick weekend warm-up break, do some fishing and see some wildlife!
Tiger Safaris - First 2 weeks in July - US$35 per person per night. Stay 2 nights and get the 3rd night FREE. Boat hire (for Tiger Safaris guests only): Full day - US$80; Half day – US$50
For more information and contact details, see this link:- Tiger Safaris
Jecha Point Fishing Lodge - $35 per person per night self catering. There is also a new 'Basic catered' special rate of $80per person per night - bring your own drinks. Jecha Point tell us that this is proving very popular with many of guests and it may become a permament option. Jecha also has a new campsite set right on the edge of the Zambezi River.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Jecha Point Fishing Lodge
.VICTORIA FALLS
ZAMBEZI SANDS – A NEW ZAMBEZI RIVER CAMP UPSTREAM OF VICTORIA FALLS
Imvelo Safari Lodges, who own and operate the spectacular cliff-hanging Gorges Lodge near Victoria Falls, are introducing an exciting new product this August.
Zambezi Sands is a brand new 16-bed tented lodge situated on the banks of the Zambezi river, within the western part of the Zambezi National Park, upstream from Victoria Falls.
Eight king or twin double luxury tents have been built on raised wooden platforms at the water's edge. Each has its own private splash pool . A four-bed family suite will also be constructed in early 2015. The centrally-located main camp consists of a dining room, lounge and bar, with a shaded outdoor deck for alfresco dining experiences looking out over the river.
Zambezi Sands offers a wonderful combination of wildlife and river-based activities, whilst being conveniently close to the attractions of Victoria Falls itself. On offer are game drives, game walks, canoeing and fishing, as well as a guided tour of the Victoria Falls, shopping trips, a sunset cruise among the islands and a village visit and school tour. Other Victoria Falls activities can be arranged on request.
Transfers from Victoria Falls are either by boat up the Zambezi River ( approx 40 mins) or by vehicle (45 mins through the forest).
For more information and contact details, see this Wild Zambezi.com link: Imvelo Safaris/Gorges Lodge/Zambezi Sands
PLASTIC MONEY INTRODUCED IN VICTORIA FALLS
Visitors to Victoria Falls will now be able to draw cash with their VISA, MasterCard and Maestro Cards by swiping at any Barclays Point of Sale (POS) Terminal in the town.
This is good news as it significantly reduces the risks involved in carrying around large amounts of cash to pay for goods and services, and also reduces cash-handling costs.
Barclays Bank Zimbabwe launched the machines in the resort town at the end of June 2014.
Read more at this Wild Zambezi.com link: Barclays introduces POS machines in Vic Falls
TAIL ENDER ........ for all the 4x4 ethusiasts!
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
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