A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!
NEWS: AUGUST 2014
Visit our website at www.wildzambezi.com
Find us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/WildZambezi
PLEASE FORWARD this e-newsletter!
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.
TRAVELLING TO SOUTHERN AFRICA?
HERE ARE TWO USEFUL INFOGRAPHICS TO CLARIFY CURRENT "HOT" TOPICS
There has been much in the travel press recently about South Africa's new regulations for children travelling in and out of the country (due to come into effect on 1st October this year), and about the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. Wild Zambezi is grateful to Talking Stick Marketing and The Safari Co via Africa Geographic for sharing these useful info-graphics which clearly explain the situation in both cases.
KARIBA
A REMINDER: SCHEDULED FLIGHTS LINK KARIBA-VICTORIA FALLS-HARARE
3 x TIMES A WEEK
Don't forget that Air Zimbabwe are now running scheduled flights into Kariba linking the resort town with Victoria Falls and Harare via the "Zambezi Triangle" flight route.
Feedback received by Wild Zambezi so far indicates that the service is running to schedule and is providing a comfortable, affordable and convenient link.
Flights run three days a week, on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, using a 52-seater MA60 aircraft to the following schedule:-
UM226
Depart Harare at 0930 arrive Kariba at 1020
Depart Kariba at 1050 arrive Victoria Falls at 1210
UM227
Depart Victora Falls at 1400 arrive Kariba at 1520
Depart Kariba at 1550 arrive Harare at 1640
There are also direct flights linking Victoria Falls with Harare (one hour flight) every day of the week except Saturday, when the flight goes via Bulawayo and takes two hours.
For more information and bookings, contact Air Zimbabwe or your local travel agent.
Wild Zambezi recommends Premier Travel and Tours in Harare.
KARIBA HALF-MARATHON EVENTS ATTRACT 600+ ENTRANTS!
Kariba town was buzzing on Sunday 10th August over Zimbabwe's Heroes Long Weekend, when the annual half-marathon and its associated events took place through the town, ending at Lomagundi Lakeside.
This year's combined events attracted over 600 entrants, and there were hundreds more visitors, residents and well-wishers cheering them on! Even Kariba's elephants turned up to take part, and caused a few minutes' delay to a group of runners! Elephants and other wildlife have right of way in Kariba – so even a Half-Marathon stops for them! Marshals from the Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT), ZimParks (the National Parks Authority) and the Kariba Emergency Medical Centre were on hand to ensure that the wildlife and runners were safe, and there were no incidents.
This year the traditional (and challenging) 21km Half Marathon, which winds its way along the lake, through the Kariba hills and across the Kariba Dam Wall, attracted 184 serious runners. The winning male runner was Elijah Mabhuno, who set a new course record of 1.04.29, while Constance Nyasango placed 11th overall, after the top ten male entrants, winning the Ladies Category in 1.18.25 - - no mean feat!
The 10km Fun Run is always extremely popular for recreational participants. This year it attracted over 350 entrants, and was won in a staggering 28 minutes by Open male runner Wellington Varevi.
Just so there is fun for everyone, there is always a Childrens' Race. This year, the entry age was increased to 12 years and under and a total of 91 children competed.
One of the main points about the Kariba Half-Marathon weekend is that it provides an excuse for visitors to descend on Kariba from far and wide to enjoy the spectacle of the running, take part in the accompanying festivities and take advantage of the beautiful, mild, August weather to enjoy the best that Kariba has to offer. Hotels, self-catering accommodation and houseboat bookings were high and many people extended their Marathon excursion to include a trip across the lake to a safari camp or lodge for the rest of the weekend, to enjoy wonderful fishing, game viewing and the legendary Kariba sunsets.
LAKE KARIBA – ZIMBABWE'S BEST DESTINATION FOR FAMILY HOLIDAYS
In celebration of Air Zimbabwe's new, affordable, flight schedule linking Kariba with Victoria Falls and Harare, this month we feature family holiday options aboard houseboats on Lake Kariba.
HOUSEBOAT CHARTERS – something for everyone
For many people with young families, a boating holiday on a freshwater lake in a wildlife-rich area with a warm climate is simply paradise!
Houseboats on Lake Kariba come in all sorts of varieties to suit different pockets and different size groups. They can be chartered on a full-board or self-catering basis. They are usually staffed by a friendly and competent crew who will take care of your every need (including all the cooking and cleaning), and help you and your family to make the most of a variety of lake-based activities.
Set sail across Lake Kariba to the idyllic wildlife-filled shores of the Matusadona National Park. Here you can moor among the elephants and the waterbirds and relax in peace. There is often a splash pool on board to keep cool in during the heat of the day, and a plentiful supply of ice-cold drinks is always on hand.
Active family members can enjoy fishing for tigerfish or delicious bream (tilapia) straight off the houseboat or from one of the small accompanying tender boats (the staff will willingly prepare the day's catch for an evening meal!). You can take a leisurely game-drive by boat to watch the animals on the foreshore of the lake, or a sundowner cruise to take those awesome Kariba sunset pictures. Wildlife enthusiasts might like to take a walk in the Matusadona National Park. They can do this in the company of a professional guide or an armed game ranger from one of the National Parks' stations, but must not attempt to disembark from a houseboat onto the shore unaccompanied, because of potentially dangerous wild animals, including crocodiles, hippos, elephants and lions.
Accommodation on board a houseboat varies, depending on its size, but there are usually individual cabins (some of them with en-suite bathrooms) and an upstairs deck with plenty of space for daily lounging or for sleeping in the open-air if the weather is hot at night (mosquito nets and bedding are always provided).
Wild Zambezi.com's network listings include a number of different houseboat options available out of Kariba town or at the western end of the lake at Binga or Mlibizi.
Take a look at the following:-
Houseboat charters/harbours
Blue Water Charters (Andora Harbour, Kariba)
Chawara Harbour Houseboats (Chawara Harbour, Kariba)
Umbozha Houseboats (Dunhu Ramambo) (Andora Harbour, Kariba)
Freestate Houseboat (Chawara Harbour, Kariba)
Marineland (Marineland Harbour, Kariba)
Sunpath Safaris (Andora Harbour, Kariba)
Zambezi Trader (CMED Harbour, Kariba)
Zambuka Houseboat Safaris (CMED Harbour, Kariba)
Booking Agencies for Houseboat charters
Premier Travel & Tours/Holidays
SUMMER IS A-COMING IN..... LAKE KARIBA SPECIALS FOR SEPT/OCT/NOV
1.
Umbozha Houseboats (Dunhu Ramambo) (left) – Pay for 3 nights, get the fourth night FREE (1 Sept- 30 Nov)
2. Sheer Magic Houseboat Chawara Harbour Houseboats (middle left) – Charter rate discounted by US$100 per night! (1 Sept – 30 Nov)
3. Spurwing Island (middle right) - $99 per person per night accommodation and all meals (1 Sept – 15 Oct and 21 Oct – 3 Dec)
4. Changa Safari Camp (right) – Zimbabwe special - $140 per person sharing, accommodation, meals, teas, coffees & laundry (1-30 November)
FAMILY FUN AT THE SUPA-TUBE – COOL OFF AT CARIBBEA BAY, KARIBA
If you are staying in Kariba town and start to feel the heat as the summer temperatures rise in September-October, the perfect place to take the family for a bit of fun is the SUPA-TUBE.
This is a giant water-slide which empties into a swimming pool set in shady, lawned gardens next to the Caribbea Bay Resort in Kariba.
You don't have to be a guest at the hotel to spend time here with the kids (of all ages)!
The TUBE is supervised, but it is advisable for parents to be in attendance at all times.
For more information, see this link: Caribbea Bay Resort
(Thanks to Kariba Holidays for the images)
SAILING ON LAKE KARIBA WITH CHANGA SAFARI CAMP
Changa Safari Camp are now offering another breathtaking way to experience Lake Kariba and the Matusadona National Park shoreline.
" Experience the romance, tranquility, superb game viewing, silence and freedom of sailing with an experienced guide to accompany you and show you the ropes on this magical adventure.
You can opt for a fast paced morning activity, or a leisurely all day trip!"
Note that this new is activity not included in rates, extra charges apply.
For more information, see this link: Changa Safari Camp
BABOON PHOTOGRAPHED EATING KARIBA CRAYFISH!
Thank you, Steve Edwards of Musango Island Safari Camp who took a series of pictures, including this one, of a Chacma Baboon searching the shallow waters of Lake Kariba to feast on freshwater crayfish!
This is a most unusual sighting because Lake Kariba has only been infested with these invasive Australian redclaw crayfish (Cherax quadricarinatus – commonly known as "yabbies") in the last few years. So this is learned behaviour on the part of the baboon, who has obviously developed a taste for the invaders!
Interestingly, African Openbill storks have also been observed cracking the shells of these crayfish on the shorelines of Kariba's Matusadona National Park.
Conservationists and anglers are deeply concerned about the effects of these alien crayfish on the ecology of the lake and the natural fish populations (the crayfish eat fish spawn). They will be delighted that some of Kariba's inhabitants (other than the human population) have taken to consuming them!
No-one is quite sure how the Australian freshwater crayfish first came to Lake Kariba. One theory is that they were released from a fish-farming enterprise. Whatever the reason, the result is glaringly obvious today. Large areas of the lake are infested with the creatures which breed at an excessive rate. They are easily caught in home-made wire "lobster-traps" baited with fish-heads and lowered off the back of a boat. Some Safari Camps and houseboats have taken to catching and cooking them as a delicacy for their clients. They taste like prawns, but have tough shells, and being smaller in size than salt-water crayfish, are time-consuming to prepare.
Some enterprising individuals have started exploiting the resource commercially for export to restaurants in Kariba, Harare and Lusaka. However, unfortunately, the Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority has imposed a licence fee for crayfish trapping on the lake, so this has discouraged many people who might otherwise have helped to reduce the ecological havoc that these crustaceans may be wreaking.
DON'T FORGET THIS YEAR'S KARIBA TIGER TOURNAMENT....
ZAMBEZI RIVER
AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS – NEW VEHICLES & GREAT WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES IN MANA POOLS
African Bush Camps, who run Kanga Camp and the mobile Zambezi Life Styles in Mana Pools National Park tell us that this September they will be taking delivery of new game viewing safari cruisers, with comfortable tiered seats and removable shade coverings. They also report an increase in the number of their guests wanting to experience both a riverside and inland experience in Mana Pools, and opting for a 5 - 6 night combined safari.
The team at Kanga Camp reports that the water inland of the Zambezi River is slowly starting to dry up and the concentration of animals is once again picking up at Kanga Pan. Guests are already beginning to enjoy the "Armchair Safari" available at Kanga, as larger herds of elephant, buffalo, kudu, impala and bushbuck come down to the Pan to drink at staggered periods throughout the day, whilst the evenings are spent enjoying occasional sightings of the more elusive predators such as leopard and hyena. The Painted Dogs have started to frequent the Pan more, and there are already some guests who are choosing not to go on game drives, but to remain in camp instead to sit back and relax whilst enjoying the wildlife activity around the Pan.
Meanwhile, guests on the Zambezi Lifestyles mobile safaris have been especially lucky to have up-close encounters of elephants walking through the middle of camp mid morning as they make their way down to the cool waters of the Zambezi. The lions and wild dogs are being seeing on a regular basis, with the guides tracking them on foot. With clear and sunny skies - canoeing has been very good recently, and the sunsets and sunrises are starting to get more exceptional with each day that passes due to the increase of dust as the area dries out.
For more information and contact details, see this link: African Bush Camps in Mana Pools
WEDDING REHEARSAL WITH A DIFFERENCE....@ TIGER SAFARIS!
Tiger Safaris report that their camp on the banks of the Zambezi River at Chirundu has been a hive of wedding activity recently, with 3 weddings in 4 weeks!
We were tickled pink with this delightful image of an elephant "rehearsing" the night before the wedding of Jason and Tin Gruber! Apparently he had decided that both the aisle and the dance floor needed inspection, and, after finding all was good to go, he happily left the area.
But he was back for the next wedding the following weekend!
"Just as the tables had been set up and some delicious "fudge favours" had been laid out for guests…..Eeeek! We luckily managed to grab all the fudge and in this time, he had decided that the fairy lights were rather tasty. After munching down a few 'heart' shaped lights and snooping out the area, content and happy, he went on his way…."
What a wonderful memories for the lucky brides and grooms and their guests!
Tiger Safaris' spacious lawns under shady trees overlooking the Zambezi offer an ideal (and very romantic) setting for weddings and other special occasions.
The camp has 6 lovely thatched, fully-equipped self-catering cottages. Five of them can sleep 6 people in each, and chalet No 6 can accommodate parties of up to 8 people.
Chirundu is a popular spot for holiday-makers wanting to go fishing on the Zambezi River. Boats are available for hire from Tiger Safaris.
For more information and contact details, see Tiger Safaris
FISH ON THE BITE @ JECHA POINT
Look at these wonderful Zambezi River Tigerfish catches by guests at Jecha Point Fishing Lodge!
The fish on the left was a 17 pounder (7.7 kgs)! Both fish safely caught, revived and released as per the policy of this riverside fishing lodge just downstream of Chirundu.
Jecha report that Ben Mcmaster has taken over the fishing side of things at this camp, while the rest of the crew have been very busy with a hectic month of weddings, a bachelorette party on the wildlife viewing platform! (the mind boggles!) and the christening of the new Jecha Point Campsite. " The campsite ablution block is almost complete, with all the plumbing done & just the roof to go! The open air showers are a must try for everyone!" they report.
It seems the Chirundu elephants have also been checking out the wedding preparations at Jecha Point!
" The apple-ring pods of the winter-thorn trees have been falling thick and fast - keeping elephants in camp on a daily basis! This was great for all the overseas guests attending the wedding... but did make some of the prep rather challenging! The poor hire company guys who came to put up the wedding reception tent frame, were quite frazzled by the ele eating pods only 20 metres from them. But after 15 minutes of trying to 'shoo' him away they eventually realised he wasn't about to give up his delicious pods on their account - so the guys calmed down and got back to putting up the tent- with the munching elephant acting as Chief Overseer!"
For more information and contact details, see Jecha Point Fishing Lodge
MEDICAL EMERGENCY EVACUATION PLANS – HAC CAN HELP
While the likelihood of a serious medical emergency while you are on safari is minimal, it's a good idea to make sure that if you are travelling to remote areas in the Zambezi Valley or elsewhere, your medical insurance is sufficient to cover everything if you need to get to a hospital quickly.
Most travel insurance plans will usually cover the costs of treatment and hospitalisation, but not many cover the costs involved in an Emergency Evacuation from remote areas to the nearest medical facility.
Air charter company, HAC (Halsted's Aviation) are offering assistance with this.
They are partnered with Medical Air Rescue Services (MARS) and operate 24 / 7 across Southern Africa. HAC's fleet of aircraft are able to access the most remote of registered runways. From call activation to patient collection and drop-off, their objective is to get to the scene as quickly as possible in order to get the patient to the elected medical care as soon as possible.
The HAC staff are equipped to handle emergency situations and their level of professionalism is assured for peace of mind in such situations.
As an added service, HAC are offering to assist visitors to Southern Africa in putting an Emergency Evacuation Plan in place.
For more information and contact details, see this link: FLY HAC
.VICTORIA FALLS
WILD ZAMBEZI WELCOMES A NEW ADDITION TO OUR NETWORK IN VICTORIA FALLS
ZAMBEZI SANDS – Zambezi National Park
This is the latest addition to the Imvelo Safari Lodges' stable – 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.
Accommodation consists of 8 double or twin luxury tents built into the bush on raised wooden platforms at the water's edge. Each has its own private splash pool . A four-bed family suite is being constructed and will be ready later in the year. 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.
Activities are wildlife and river-based - game drives, game walks, canoeing and fishing, as well as tours 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 by vehicle (1.5 hours along the Zambezi River, or 45 mins through the forest).
For more information and contact details, see this link: Zambezi Sands
NEW VICTORIA FALLS AIRPORT SET TO BE A GAME-CHANGER
By all accounts, the new $150 million international airport at Victoria Falls is set to change the face of the region.
Due to be completed and operating from the end of July next year, the new airport will be capable of landing and handling about 17 medium size aircraft and three long-haul wide-body passenger jets including the Boeing 747 and the Airbus A380, at any given time. Victoria Falls Airport manager Ronnie Masawi says more than three times more passengers will be accommodated, with an annual capacity of 1.2 million international travellers and 500,000 domestic passengers.
"This will turn Victoria Falls into a new regional hub, firstly for tourism, but it also has the potential to become a commercial centre", says Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida Tourism and Southern African Director of ATTA (the African Travel & Tourism Association). "The Victoria Falls is one of the seven natural wonders of the world, and is a natural jump off point for visitors to Southern Africa. It is also the hub of several countries, surrounded by incredible wildlife parks, and relatively few people".
"We sincerely wish that some international airlines that offer simple and cost-effective connectivity to most European markets will start to service the new airport", says Kennedy, in an interview with SA Tourism Update. "Opening new markets is the key to the growth of tourism across Zimbabwe and the region..... Source markets currently experiencing growth include Australia, UK, USA and some Nordic countries and there is significant market potential from South American countries, Eastern Europe and Russia".
In addition, it is hoped that a Univisa, mooted for visitors to Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries, will be introduced next year, boosting the ease of flow of tourists across borders.
The new airport development is funded by a China Exim Bank loan to the Zimbabwean Government, and is being constructed by China Jiangsu International Group. It includes the construction of a new international terminal building, and the rehabilitation of the existing one into a domestic terminal, a new 4km runway designed for wide-body planes, with the existing runway becoming a taxiway, a new control tower with state of the art equipment, a new fire station, extension of the aircraft parking area and a new car park built to accommodate 400 vehicles, including long term parking.
STAR-GAZING AT VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI CLUB
Guests at the exclusive 20-room Victoria Falls Safari Club who enjoy wonderful views of the incredible clear African night skies from the Club deck, can now have their star-gazing experience enhanced by complimentary Star-Talk sessions led by a specialist guide on Wednesday and Saturday nights.
"The introduction of this service has been an instant sensation with guests", says Africa Albida Tourism group general manager Brian Gardiner, "The guide talks about the night sky, putting into perspective how big the universe is, really enthralling and captivating all of the guests".
Guests can also enjoy a free 15-minute head, shoulder or foot massage on the Club deck, as well as complimentary afternoon tea and pastries and, as the sun goes down, cocktails and snacks while the wildlife enjoy their last drink of the day at the waterhole in the Zambezi National Park below.
Each of the 16 luxury Club rooms and 4 Club suites, which offer guests a personal butler service, also include a complimentary mini bar, WiFi, and the use of a Nespresso coffee machine.
For more information and contact details, see this Wild Zambezi.com link: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Club & Suites
NEW DEVELOPMENTS FOR WILD HORIZONS IN 2015
Major Victoria Falls tour operator, Wild Horizons, whose portfolio includes The Elephant Camp and Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge, has announced some exciting new developments in the resort town.
NEW SPA OPENS AT IMBABALA
The spa at Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge is now open, offering a range of spa treatments to guests in a tranquil, serene setting overlooking the Zambezi River.
There is a qualified beauty therapist on site, and a range of beauty and skin care products on offer.
The spa building is set away from the main lodge area, and is partially open to allow for a soft breeze to filter through.
Treatments available include manicures, pedicures, massages and skin therapy.
For more information, see this link: Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge.
ELEPHANT CAMP WEST EXTENSION PROGRESSES
A new western extension is currently being added to the popular, award-winning Elephant Camp. The Elephant Camp West, will consist of four new tented suites and a central dining area separate from the main camp. It is designed to cater for groups and families traveling to Victoria Falls. Each suite will accommodate two adults and two accompanying children. The luxurious suites, each with a private lounge area and plunge pool, will overlook the Victoria Falls National Park, and the spray from the Victoria Falls.
The foundations and slabs of the suites are now complete. The dining area slab is going in, and Wild Horizons awaits the arrival of the tents, equipment and furniture.
For more information, see this link: The Elephant Camp
"ZAMBEZI ROYAL" LUXURY CRUISE BOAT
From 31st January 2015, Wild Horizons will be offering guests a more intimate, luxurious Zambezi River Cruise on the river above the Victoria Falls aboard The "Zambezi Royal". The cruise boat will boast lush, modern furnishings and will offer gourmet hot & cold canapés, imported wines and spirits, and a cigar bar. The cruise bookable with scheduled transfers or, for the more discerning guests, with Wild Horizons Gold, executive transfers.
NEW BISTRO COMING AT "THE LOOKOUT"
Construction has just begun on the "360° Lookout - Bistro on the edge" - a 40 seater restaurant and cocktail bar perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, offering spectacular panoramic views of the gorge, the bridge and the spray of the Falls (see artist's impression left).
The bistro will offer a simple, but totally unique menu, and will serve imported wines and spirits and a lively cocktail menu.
Expected to be completed in early 2015, the new bistro will enhance the company's current facility where the Wild Horizons high-wire activities operate from, but construction will not interrupt gorge-side activities.
TAIL ENDER .... we've heard of pink elephants.... but a pink hippo??? That's absurd!
Well.... here's the proof! Meet "Chipolata" aka "Ermintrude", the little pink hippo of Gache Gache!
Thanks to Shearwater, Victoria Falls, for this image and a delightful story. Read it HERE
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
Visit our website at www.wildzambezi.com
Find us on Facebook:
PLEASE PASS ON THIS NEWSLETTER!
WILD ZAMBEZI TRAVEL PARTNERS
(Advertise in our Bulletin Board! Reach the tourism sector through our extensive worldwide mailing list.... contact us on info@wildzambezi.com)
