A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!
NEWS: OCT-NOV 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.
NEW "UNI-VISA" FOR ZIMBABWE & ZAMBIA
LAUNCHING END NOVEMBER
Zimbabwe has announced the introduction of a new tourist visa covering a 30-day stay in Zimbabwe and Zambia for a single payment of US$50.
The new "Uni-Visa" is due to be launched on 28th November 2014.
Citizens of 40 countries are eligible for the visa which will save time and money and will enable much easier travel between Zimbabwe and Zambia (e.g. at Victoria Falls). It will also cover people who want to enter Botswana for day-trips through the Kazangula border.
It is anticipated that in the future the KAZA Visa will be extended to the other three KAZA (Kavango/Zambezi) countries – Angola, Botswana and Namibia.
The new Uni-Visa will be available at Harare, Victoria Fall, Lusaka and Livingstone airports, the Victoria Falls road border (Zimbabwe/Zambia) and the Kazungula road border (Zimbabwe/Zambia/Botswana).
For more information, visit www.kazavisa.info
AIR ZIMBABWE PASSENGERS NOW REQUIRED TO PAY AIRPORT TAXES IN CASH ON DEPARTURE
As from 10th November 2014, all passengers travelling on AIR ZIMBABWE flights – international or domestic - are now required to pay their airport taxes in cash at the airport prior to their departure (instead of them being included in the ticket).
The taxes are for a Passenger Service Charge (PSC) and an Aviation Infrastructure Development Fund (AIDEF) charge and are payable directly to the Civil Aviation Authority of Zimbabwe (CAAZ) at its receipting offices located at Harare, Bulawayo, Victoria Falls and Kariba airports.
The total charges per passenger are as follows:-
International departure: US$50 (or equivalent)
Domestic departure: US$15 (or equivalent)
Fees are payable in cash in US$, Rand, Euro, Pula or Pound equivalent
Note that this arrangement applies to Air Zimbabwe passengers only.
For more information and contact details see Air Zimbabwe
FLYAFRICA.COM NOW LINKING HARARE, VICTORIA FALLS AND JOHANNESBURG
Low-cost airline Flyafrica.com has just introduced a new daily service into Zimbabwe linking Johannesburg and Harare.
On 1st December 2014, the airline is set to launch a Harare-Victoria Falls service on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.
Earlier this year, the airline launched direct flights between Johannesburg and Victoria Falls on the same days.
Billing itself as "revolutionary", Fly Africa has undercut other carriers on these routes by excluding fuel surcharges and charging passengers for extras such as in-hold baggage, in-flight meals etc.
Travellers to Zimbabwe looking for affordable flight options will welcome this "no frills" pay-for-what-you-want approach.
However, the very early departure time (6.20a.m.) from Johannesburg on the Harare link may prove challenging for some.
The airlines plans new routes into other destinations within Zimbabwe and regionally, including Windhoek, Lusaka and Cape Town.
Wild Zambezi is delighted that Fly Africa's "revolution" is introducing some much-needed and healthy competition into the airline industry servicing these routes.
Flight bookings can be made online, or via a local travel agent.
Premier Travel & Tours is a Harare-based airline booking agent and a partner of Wild Zambezi's network
Map concept thanks to African Bush Camps, who recently announced that they will waiver cancellation fees on any bookings to their portfolio of camps (or safari logistics) cancelled as a result of an Ebola Outbreak, confirmed by the World Health Organisation (WHO) within Botswana or Zimbabwe.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL PROFESSIONALS VISIT ZIMBABWE
FOR SANGANAI-HLANGANANI TRAVEL EXPO 2014
Wild Zambezi was once again delighted to represent its network partners at Zimbabwe's annual Sanganai-Hlanganani Travel Expo held at the HICC in Harare 16-18 October 2014.
Our stand, pictured left, which we shared with a new Kariba partner - Dzimbabwe Lodge – attracted a great deal of visitors interested to know about the travel opportunities available in the wild areas of Lake Kariba, Victoria Falls and the Zambezi River.
We were able to have useful meetings with visiting tourism agents, operators and media from the UK, Germany, Netherlands, Belgium, France, Italy, Canada, Nigeria, Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Egypt and Dubai.
Thank you to the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for the opportunity.
Wild Zambezi accompanies UK agents/media around Lake Kariba
Following on from the Sanganai-Hlanganani Travel Show, a group of 10 influential agents and media professionals from the UK were hosted by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) and some of Wild Zambezi's partners on a post-Sanganai familiarisation trip to Lake Kariba and Victoria Falls.
Wild Zambezi met them off new the Air Zimbabwe scheduled flight between Harare and Kariba and accompanied them on a tour of Kariba's sights, including the Kariba Dam Wall, the community craft market at Kariba Heights and the Church of St Barbara, (below left) followed by a 3-day houseboat and safari lodge experience on Lake Kariba including the Matusadona National Park.
They were hosted aboard Dunhu Ramambo's luxury Umbozha Houseboat, spending a night each at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Rhino Safari Camp, and stopping at Spurwing Island for lunch. After the cruise, they took a quick tour of accommodation options in Kariba, including Hornbill Lodge and Caribbea Bay Resort and then flew on Air Zimbabwe from Kariba to Victoria Falls.
During the trip, they were able to learn from Wild Zambezi about other places and travel opportunities they had not been able to visit because of time constraints.
In addition to taking a tour of the magnificent Victoria Falls, a World Heritage Site and Zimbabwe's most famous Natural Wonder, they took part in various activities on offer, including a Flight of the Angels helicopter ride over the Falls and toured some lodges and hotels. They were accommodated at Pioneers Camp and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and enjoyed an evening's dinner and cultural entertainment at The Boma Place of Eating.
The UK visitors then continued on to complete their Zimbabwe tour by visiting Hwange National Park, Bulawayo and Matopos National Park.
Here are some of the comments that we have received from those who took part:-
· "It was truly an amazing trip and I genuinely think we all came away with a love for the country and a real desire to spread the word back here in the UK." (Katie Edwards SAA London)
· "All of us left Zim feeling very positive" – Ian Barton (Venatour)
· "Lake Kariba really was really was the highlight of the trip for me....The big winner is all of Zim as it is definitely a destination that has a lot to offer and I am sure that we will be doing more business to the country" - David Holland (African-Pride)
· "I'm not alone in saying the houseboat was a big highlight of our trip" - Simon Heyes (Simon's Jamjar Blogspot) – see his wonderful blogs on the trip, starting HERE.
Wild Zambezi thanks everyone involved in the hosting and organisation of this very successful tour.
We hope to see increased interest in Zimbabwe and especially the Zambezi River areas by UK visitors as a result of the wonderful experience that these agents and media had.
TRAVEL PRIZES FOR LUCKY VISITORS TO WILD ZAMBEZI AT ST JOHN'S SPRING FAIR
It was a lucky day for some visitors to the St John's College Spring Fair held on Sunday 5th October in Harare!
Wild Zambezi was at the Fair, showcasing our network of tourism opportunities to the wonderful wild areas of the Zambezi.
We had some great prizes to give away in our Lucky Dip draw.
A HUGE thank you to our network partners for their sponsorship and CONGRATULATIONS to the lucky winners!
We managed to photograph some of them (from left to right), and have listed them with their prizes below:-
· Annabel Prinsloo – Natureways Safaris - 4 day/3 night semi participatory Tamarind Canoe Safari on the Zambezi River – Chirundu to Mana Pools
· Chris and Maimie Noon – Gache Gache Lodge, Lake Kariba - one night's accommodation for 2 people including all meals
· Kelly & Paul Simpson – Spurwing Island, Lake Kariba - 2 nights accommodation for 2x people including all meals
· Patrick Smet – Wild Horizons, Victoria Falls – Sundowner Cruise on the Zambezi River for 2 people
· Amy Durrant - Wild Horizons, Victoria Falls – Rainforest Canopy Tour for 2 people
· Coralie Mawere and family - Dunhu Ramambo/Umbozha Houseboats - Day trip to Pamuzinda Lodge, including lunch, tea & an activity
Additional prizes won by lucky visitors to the Wild Zambezi stand were donated by:-
Caribbea Bay Resort, Kariba – 2 nights bed & breakfast accommodation for 2 people
Chawara Harbour Houseboats, Kariba - Caps & T-shirts
HAC (Halsteds Aviation) – branded mugs
Jecha Point Fishing Lodge, Chirundu – Golf umbrellas
Marineland, Kariba – Caps
Stray Dogs Furniture, Bulawayo – 2 x teak & canvas Directors chairs
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge et al (Africa Albida Tourism Group) – branded "goodie bag" with notebook, pen & cap
Warthogs Bush Camp, Kariba - 2 nights' self-catering accommodation for 4 people and 4 x 50% discount vouchers for accommodation
CONGRATULATIONS TO ZIMBABWE'S 2015 SAFARI AWARDS WINNERS!
The annual Safari Awards have just been announced in London, UK.
Wild Zambezi would like to congratulate FELICIA MUNJAIDI (pictured far left) who runs the London Office of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority for her 3rd place in the 2015 Safari Awards, for Best Personal Contribution to Tourism in Africa!
Wild Zambezi is proud to have recently collaborated with Felicia, who works tirelessly for Zimbabwe tourism in the UK, and was responsible for arranging sponsorship for the familiarisation tour of Kariba & Vic Falls etc for UK agents and media as described above.
We would also like to congratulate Wild Zambezi's new network partners, VUNDU CAMP, Mana Pools, (picture above right) for being awarded 3rd place as the Best Value Safari Property in the whole of Africa! This is a fantastic achievement! Well done to owners Nick and Des Murray and all the team at Vundu Camp.
We visited this camp during October and can vouch for the fact that it is a truly authentic bush safari camp offering top quality professional guiding and wildlife experiences second-to-none in one of Africa's true wildernesses.
In the Country Category (i.e. Best in Zimbabwe), the following were winners:-
Goliath Safaris (Mana Pools) – Best Walking Safari
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge – Best Ecologically Responsible
Victoria Falls River Lodge – Zambezi Crescent – Best Family Safari Experience
African Bush Camps – Best Mobile Safari
Vundu Camp – Best Safari Guiding Team
Finalists for the Safari Awards are judged by a panel of tourism experts, from nominations from over a thousand luxury travel professionals, hundreds of readers of Conde Nast Traveller, Tatler, Brides and Travel Africa Magazine. They are amongst the top 3% not just in Africa but worldwide, and the Safari Award Winners are unquestionably the best, their reputation earned through excellence recognised by independent industry experts.
WILD ZAMBEZI WELCOMES EXECUTIVE AIR & LIFE FLIGHT TO ITS TRAVEL NETWORK
We are proud to welcome one of Zimbabwe's largest air charter companies, Executive Air, to the Wild Zambezi network of travel partners.
Executive Air offers a private, professional and personalised air charter service based out of Charles Prince Airport, Harare, but they will fly anywhere in Africa.
They cater for business travellers as well as holiday-makers and groups.
They have a wide-ranging fleet from a 8-seater twin-turbine King Air 200 and a 12-seater Caravan, to 4-seater single-engine Cessnas for landing at bush airstrips in remote areas.
All aircraft are maintained to the highest standards by Executive Air's private team of engineers, and staff are able to assist with flight clearance and ground handling services for some of the most "tricky" destinations.
The company also runs Life Flight, a fast and efficient medical evacuation service using a pressurised King Air 200 aircraft, and working in partnership with EMRAS (a locally-based medical emergency ambulance service).
For more information and contact details, see this link: Executive Air
EXPERIENCE AFRICA SAFARIS
SHOWING THE WAY IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY CONSERVATION
Wild Zambezi would like to applaud its network partner and tour operator, Experience Africa Safaris, for making a commitment to support community conservation through tourism bookings made through her operation.
In this case, the beneficiary is the Mahenya Charitable Trust, which was set up by Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge and supports a local school and other community projects in the Mahenya community adjacent to the Gonarezhou National Park in Zimbabwe's SE Lowveld.
Debbie Ewing of Experience Africa Safaris announced her new project at a recent function held in Harare. She is pictured here (left) with Clive Stockil, international award-winning conservationist, director of Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge and pioneer of Mahenya community conservation.
Here is what Debbie had to say: "The extent of Clive's life-long work in the Gonarezhou area, his commitment to the people - changing and touching their lives along the way - has really opened my eyes and showed me the difference between what good money can do and what good people can achieve. Obviously funding is essential but it's the passion and drive behind a person that makes a project work and ensures that the money is filtered down into the right hands.
Luckily for us - we get to enjoy the results of the hard work done by people like Clive. Wildlife is flourishing in Gonrezhou... poaching is at a manageable level and the people living in the area are happy with the status quo as they benefit when the region benefits – all in all this makes for a sustainable solution.
Seeing how well things have progressed in the Gonarezhou - I realized that this has to continue and if possible I had to support what they are doing. As a tour operator I am in contact with many people from many different walks of life. How could I use this point of vantage to help contribute towards those less privileged and ultimately preserve a small piece of this wonderful country we live in? I have now decided that for every confirmed booking I get through Experience Africa Safaris –whether it's a night in Kariba, a fishing trip to the Zambezi River, a week in Mauritius or a two week safari in East Africa, each holiday will earn a donation towards the Trust."
Wild Zambezi is aware that are other DMCs, agents and operators locally, regionally and internationally who are already showing such commitment – to either community or conservation support or both - and we applaud those too. However, for those who need a little encouragement to think along the same lines, here is a list of Wild Zambezi network partners doing excellent work with communities and/or conservation in and around the wild areas of the Zambezi River:-
Gache Gache WEPU (Wildlife & Environmental Protection Unit)
KAWFT – Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust
MAPP – Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project
RIFA Conservation Education Camp
VFAPU – Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit
Thank you Debbie Ewing and Experience Africa Safaris, for setting the example!
KARIBA
RESULTS OF THE KARIBA TIGERFISHING TOURNAMENT – 22– 24 OCTOBER 2014
Congratulations to the organisers of this year's Kariba Invitation Tigerfishing Tournament (KITFT) on another successful event.
Patrick Driscoll (pictured) caught the biggest fish of the tournament which weighed in at 12.03 Kgs. and won himself a Chevrolet 1.4 Utility Pick-Up vehicle.
Here are the top 10 teams for 2014 with their total weight of fish caught (Kgs)
1 CHARTER REMINGTON GOLD: 143.765
2 TREK PETROLEUM: 140.215
3 CHARTER AFRICOM: 135.825
4 ULTC BATTERY WORLD: 127.440
5 MARINE CENTRE YAMAHA: 122.455
6 CHICAGO: 119.215
7 FUCHS TITANS: 118.150
8 VELLIE BRIGADE: 117.270
9 W.R.S SUPREME: 115.230
10 EAGLES ANGLING: 113.230
The top three individual scores were:-
1 PERI PRINSLOO (WRS SUPREME) 63.97
2 DES GAMA (BITE ME) 51.88
3 DAVID BARNARD (MAGUIRES BAYER) 50.41
For more information see the KITFT website
THE ZAMBEZI TRADER
CHRISTMAS CRUISE: 24–27 DECEMBER
Looking for something different to do with the family this Festive Season?
Why not treat them to a Christmas Cruise aboard Lake Kariba's largest "floating hotel" passenger ship – The Zambezi Trader?
Dates: 24th – 27the December 2014
Rates from as low as US$137 per person.
The Zambezi Trader sleeps up to 50 people in a variety of accommodation choices from double or twin cabins to a luxury Presidential/Honeymoon Suite.
There are several large open-air decks and sitting areas, a fully-stocked bar, a dining saloon with excellent cuisine, a large pool deck with an infinity pool, massage treatments and party/disco facilities.
The ship has four separate tender boats on which guests can enjoy sundowner cruises, game viewing, fishing and birdwatching.
Lake Kariba offers fabulous scenery, wildlife viewing and the most magnificent sunsets.
The management staff of the Zambezi Trader have some special Festive fun lined up to share with all their Christmas Cruise guests.
For more information and contact details, see this link: The Zambezi Trader
GACHE GACHE LODGE INTRODUCES VOLUNTOURISM
Exciting news from Gache Gache Lodge, which has announced that it is introducing Kariba's first Voluntourism Programme in 2015 aimed at providing valuable experience for students and adults alike.
The lodge is situated in the Gache Gache river estuary in the eastern basin of Lake Kariba, in a natural wilderness area, where visitors can experience the "Big 4" wild animals, plenty of crocodiles and hippo, amazing birdlife and wonderful fishing for tigerfish or bream. Owner, Ray Townsend, has worked tirelessly over the past few years to develop and train an effective anti-poaching team to protect the abundant fish and wildlife resources of the area. It has not been an easy road, but the results are showing. The Lodge also has strong links with the local communities in the area and provides support for villages and schools.
Volunteers taking part in the newly-introduced Programme will be able to gain experience in Wilderness Area & Lodge Management, Anti-poaching and Community Outreach including assistance to the Gache Gache Schools. They will also be able to enjoy trips to various points of interest and take part in activities including Fishing, Photography, Birding, Clay Pigeon Shooting and Rifle Training.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Gache Gache Lodge
CHANGES AT CHANGA
Changa Safari Camp in the Matusadona National Park on Lake Kariba, has a change of management.
Andrew and Jean Riley have taken over from Jo Sharpe who has been with the camp since it opened a couple of years ago.
The camp reports great bird sightings and excellent wildlife as temperatures soar and a dry, dusty landscape waits for the first rains of the season.
"The highlight has been seeing the flurry of activity of the migratory White-winged terns (pictured), foraging along the shoreline for insects and small fish. The Grey-headed gulls have been nesting on Bed Island on the way to the Sanyati Gorge. With great gusto they have been tending to their young and we are now seeing the first fledglings leaving their nests. Soon the Grey Herons will take over this same site and we look forward to some Christmas babies. We have also seen a duet of Osprey as well as the Carmine bee-eaters and a pair of rare Pel's fishing owls..... With the bush looking dry and dusty it has been easier to spot the cats on our game drives and our guests have been fortunate enough to have a few great encounters.... We have had a number of sightings of cheetah which is not surprisingly, always a winner with our guests... Elephants have been out in their numbers along the shoreline enjoying the sweet green grass which has come about due to the lake levels receding. The causeway to Fothergill Island is now passable and we have been seeing a spectacular amount of game out grazing including some of the larger antelope such as kudu and waterbuck.
We now wait for the summer rains which will cool our day time temperatures and bring a burst of life to the area. Already the clouds are beginning to build up in the late afternoons which in turn gives way to some really spectacular sunsets across the lake. Lightening displays across the Matusadona range are also incredible, displaying the glorious power of Mother Nature."
For more information and contact details, see this link: Changa Safari Camp
MUSANGO SAFARI CAMP LAUNCHES NEW WEBSITE AND EXCITING PACKAGES
Take a look at the beautiful new website launched by Musango Island Safari Camp.
Located on its own island in Lake Kariba, Musango overlooks the Matusadona National Park and is a classic 16-bed safari camp, with a focus on authenticity, exceptional wildlife experiences and top quality, highly-experienced professional guiding.
You can watch a short video clip about the camp HERE
Featured on the new website, are some exciting new travel packages combining some of Southern Africa's iconic safari destinations with a stay on Musango Island.
Choose from:-
The Classic Safari Collection – 10 day package: 3 nights Victoria Falls/Livingstone (Sindabezi Island Lodge), 3 nights Hwange National Park (The Hide), 3 nights Lake Kariba (Musango)
Legends with Elephants – 7 day package: 2 nights Victoria Falls (Ilala Lodge); 2 nights Hwange National Park (Camp Hwange), 2 nights Lake Kariba (Musango)
The Grand Daddy – 10 day package: 2 nights Cape Town (Grand Daddy Hotel); 2 nights Chobe National Park (Chobe Safari Lodge), 2 nights Victoria Falls (Ilala Lodge), 3 nights Lake Kariba (Musango).
Cool Waters Package – 9 day package: 3 nights Victoria Falls (Ilala Lodge), 3 nights Lake Kariba (Musango), 2 nights Mana Pools National Park (Wilderness Safaris' Ruckomechi Camp)
Musango Only Special – Stay for 4 nights and pay for 3
For more information and contact details, see Musango Island Safari Camp
END OF YEAR SPECIALS ON LAKE KARIBA
There are some great specials available for last-minute/spontaneous holidays in the Lake Kariba area leading up to the Festive Season. Contact the following for more details:-
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge/Air Zimbabwe – special all-in packages available until 15th December – inclusive of flights Harare-Kariba, cross-lake transfers, accommodation, meals and two activities per day.
Changa Safari Camp – special rates for Zimbabwean residents for November
Gache Gache Gache Lodge – special rate of US$120 pp per night for November – accommodation, full catering and one activity
Rhino Safari Camp - special rate valid 1st-19th December, $135pp per night sharing for 3 nights or more for groups of 4 or more. Includes full-board & activities. Excludes transfers, drinks and parks fees.
Umbohza Houseboats/Dunhu Ramambo – houseboat special until end November – pay for 3 nights, get the 4th night free. Special reduced rates also available for Jan/Feb/March 2015.
Warthogs Bush Camp - November special – En suite cabin $35 per night (sleeps 2), $30 second night. Self-catering cottage $50 per night + $5 pp.
ZAMBEZI VALLEY
KAVINGA SAFARI CAMP – WARMING UP FOR 2015
Work on the newest safari camp development in Mana Pools National Park – Kavinga Safari Camp – is progressing well with everything set for a proposed opening next safari season.
Like the predator-rich Chitake Spring, the location of this new camp is inland, in the south of the Park, against the Zambezi escarpment mountains on the upper reaches of the Ruckomechi River.
Leah Beevor sent us this report on progress:-
"We have 5 lodge structures completed with their pale green insulated roofs blending into the surrounding bush extremely well. The views from the lodges are just spectacular and there's something so special about waking up to a magnificent sunrise and, while still in bed, being able to see elephant taking an early morning drink from the pan. The game response to the new permanent water source has been beyond expectations. Elephant drink from the pan throughout the day and there's nothing better than going to bed at night listening to them sloshing and splashing about below. Leopard are seen regularly and if you're vigilant, you'll be rewarded with a sighting of these magnificent creatures visiting the pan when there's a quiet moment. Buffalo herds drink daily, often 2 herds in one day, and where there's buffalo, there's lion. Night time brings the sounds of lion battling it out for supremacy and we wait to see who, out of the several majestic male lions sighted in the area, gets to call Kavinga Safari Camp home.
Building certainly hasn't stopped the action, with 6 lion kills near the pan in the last month - 4 buffalo, a warthog and a huge eland bull. Two packs of wild dog have also been regular visitors to the area. Large numbers of hyena are a constant presence, especially at the carcasses, and keep the lion on their toes. We've been keeping a protective eye on our lone hippo, who's spent the season with us. Let's hope he finds a friend in the rains. We're excited to see what next year brings and can't wait to open our doors at the start of the 2015 season."
For more information and contact details, see this WildZambezi.com link: Kavinga Safari Camp
HEAT AND DUST - MANA POOLS IN OCTOBER
ZIM4X4 CAPTURES IT ON VIDEO
October is the hottest, driest and dustiest month of the safari season in the Zambezi Valley, and attracts only the most intrepid and die-hard of safari enthusiasts.
But for those who are willing to put up with searing daytime temperatures well into the 40's Centigrade and bare, dustbowl landscapes, the wildlife-viewing and photographic opportunities can be absolutely superb.
In October, the life-giving Zambezi River and Mana's perennial pools provide a constant source of water when all the inland pans have dried up. This attracts large numbers of wild animals. At this time of the year, almost all the trees inland are leafless, and the grass eaten to the ground, but on the narrow Mana "floodplain" along the Zambezi, there is green grass to be found at the water's edge and foliage to be browsed by those animals that can reach it. The "Winter-Thorn" Faidherbia albida trees are key to providing sustenance with their reverse-cycle winter leaf-cover and protein-rich "apple-ring" pods when there is no other food to be found.
The elephants are also key, for the biggest of them are able to reach up and pull branches down so that all animals benefit.
If you do visit Mana Pools during October, the stark truth is that many animals are weak with hunger and exhaustion at this time of the year, and the lions are never far behind to pick out unwary stragglers, even baby elephants. October is a peak time to watch the predators and scavengers in action. But be warned, some of your sightings may be heart-rending.
Self-drive wilderness enthusiasts and safari operators, Zim4x4, have captured the essence of Mana Pools in October in a recent video.
Watch it HERE.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Zim4x4
.VICTORIA FALLS
THE WILD ZAMBEZI NETWORK WELCOMES THE STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE et al
Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Safari Lodge & Ursula's Camp
The 6000-acre Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve is an oasis of tranquility and "Big Five" wildlife experiences just 10 minutes drive away from the tourism bustle of Victoria Falls. Enjoy game drives, guided walks, birding or botanical safaris, fishing or a night drive with dinner in the bush. The Lodge will also arrange all the usual adrenalin activities, day trips, river cruises and tours centred around the Falls themselves.
You have a choice of accommodation within the Reserve:-
- The Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge (centre left) represents the grandeur of a bygone colonial era, with 16 opulently-appointed private suites overlook the wildlife-rich Reserve, and conference facilities for 12 delegates.
- Ursula's Camp (right) is perfectly suited to families and small groups, with four intimate chalets set amid green manicured lawns and flowing fountains. Full Board, Half Board, Bed & Breakfast and Self-Catering options are available at Ursula's.
For more information and contact details see this link: Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Safari Lodge & Ursula's Camp
Nakavango Conservation Centre & Bear Grylls Academy
The Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve is home to the Nakavango Conservation Centre which provides opportunities for volunteers of all ages to help preserve the unique natural environment of the Victoria Falls area for future generations, simultaneously enriching the lives of local communities in Africa. The Centre can accommodate 20 people in simple, comfortable single rooms with communal bathrooms, and there are en-suite rooms for teachers or facilitators. A further 20 can also be accommodated in a rustic bush camp. Three meals a day are served, sometimes in the bush under the stars.
The Centre has a lecture room with a fully equipped library and internet access, along with a swimming pool to cool off in the warm weather.
A wide variety of courses and programmes are on offer in game reserve management, wildlife research and environmental education, including challenging survival courses and teambuilding exercises offered by the new Bear Grylls Academy – the first of its kind in Africa.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Nakavango Conservation Centre & Bear Grylls Academy
PIONEERS CAMP – PRE CHRISTMAS SPECIAL AND A BASE FOR WILD FRONTIERS' NEW SAFARI PACKAGES
If you are a SADC or Zimbabwean resident come and enjoy Wild Frontiers' delightful tented Pioneers Camp situated on the banks of the Zambezi River within the Zambezi National Park upstream from Victoria Falls
Book for a minimum of two nights on a full board rate between now and 23 December 2014, and receive one free activity during your stay (either canoeing, sunset boat cruise or game drive).
Wild Frontiers have, over the past 24 years, set up their own safari camps and lodges with 'keeping it real' in mind - in Tanzania, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. They also work closely with other safari outfitters and lodge owners in offering the best journeys to their guests - real people, who think like they do. Zimbabwe is one of those true safari destinations where they are able to offer real safaris. They have developed some wonderful Real ZIMBABWE package Safaris. Here they are:-
4 day package: Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park (Pioneers Camp)
7 day package: Victoria Falls, Zambezi National Park, (Pioneers Camp) Kariba and Matusadona, (Changa Safari Camp, or Rhino Safari Camp, or Musango Island Safari Camp)
9 day package: Mana Pools Canoeing, Victoria Falls and Zambezi National Park (Pioneers Camp)
7 day package: Victoria Falls, Zambezi National Park (Pioneers Camp) and Hwange (Wild Frontiers tented camp or Ivory Lodge)
7 day package: Victoria Falls, Zambezi National Park (Pioneers Camp) and Lake Kariba Houseboat
For more information and contact details, see this link: Pioneers Camp
ELEPHANT CAMP WEST AVAILABLE FOR EXCLUSIVE USE FROM FEB 2015
Wild Horizons, owners of the award-winning Elephant Camp and Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge report that the final phase of construction of their luxurious family-orientated Elephant Camp West is well underway and set to open in February 2015.
The new camp, situated just west of the existing Elephant Camp, will consist of four luxury tented family suites along the same lines as those at the existing Elephant Camp. It will be ideal for small groups and families, capable of accommodating 8 adults and 8 children under 15.
Separated from the main camp for privacy, but linked in terms of some services, the new facility will have its own central lounge, bar and dining area with a main deck and pool. Its cuisine will be of the same high standard as that offered by The Elephant Camp.
It will have its own duty manager and team of guides and staff.
Elephant Camp West is available for booking on a exclusive use basis at a 7 x adult sharing rate.
This Exclusive Use rate will apply regardless of the number of guests.
For more information and contact details, see this link: The Elephant Camp
CHANGES AT CHUNDU ISLAND
Chundu Island Camp in the Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls has new management.
Jon Lucas and Sarah Nellist, who have run the camp for the past two years are moving on to new ventures in the tourism industry.
They are replaced by Sonia and Gary Clark who have 10 years experience of lodge management most recently at Chikwenya Safari Lodge in Mana Pools.
Says Tina Pigors, who is now in charge of marketing this idyllic 12-bedded camp with six tented rooms built on wooden platforms overlooking the Zambezi River and the Zambezi National Park:-
"Sonia and Gary's hospitality and attention to details has earned them a great reputation, and we are excited to see them settle into Chundu. Having dealt with children in remote areas, they feel the child policy should be revised and we are pleased to confirm that we now accept families – however, please note that this is a free-roaming camp, with wild animals in the area, so care must be taken at all times. Gary has plans to explore the fishing options and has been assured by the local fundis that the fishing upstream is excellent... so watch this space.
As a welcome gift, a great value-for-money special has been launched which will run until 10th January 2015, after which, in camp tradition, Chundu will close for annual shut-down until the end of February. This gives everyone time to rest, renovate, upgrade and work towards a busy and exciting 2015."
For more information and new contact details, see this link: Chundu Island
END OF YEAR VICTORIA FALLS SPECIALS
Take advantage of these great specials available for last-minute/spontaneous holidays in the Victoria Falls area leading up to the Festive Season. Contact the following for more details:-
Pioneers Camp – special valid until 23rd December: book for 2 nights full-board & get a free activity
Victoria Falls River Lodge (Zambezi Crescent) - Stay for 2 nights minimum during November and December and pay 2013 rates.
Zambezi Sands River Camp (Imvelo Safari Lodges) - Flash introductory sale - $230 per person sharing per night, includes accommodation, all meals, soft drinks, limited beers, wines and local spirits, transfers from Vic Falls and two activities per paying night.
TAIL ENDER....
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
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