A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!
NEWS: DECEMBER 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.
WILD ZAMBEZI WISHES YOU WARM AND WONDERFUL HOLIDAYS!
These beautiful Fireball-Lilies (Scadoxus multiflorus) appear with the first rains in Zimbabwe, bringing vibrant and festive colour to the dry bush after a long hot, dry season.
If you are travelling, look out for them in the Victoria Falls "rainforest", in parts of the Zambezi Valley and along the roadsides throughout the country.
VISITING ZIMBABWE AND ZAMBIA?
BUY A KAZA "UNIVISA" FOR BOTH COUNTRIES
A ONE-OFF US$50 AT MAJOR AIRPORTS AND BORDERPOSTS
Zimbabwe and Zambia have now launched their new KAZA (Kavango/Zambezi) tourist UNIVISA allowing entry to both countries for a single payment of US$50. Citizens of 40 countries are eligible for the visa which is intended to save time and money and make regional travel much easier.
The new UNIVISA is available at Harare, Victoria Falls, Lusaka and Livingstone airports, the Victoria Falls road border (Zimbabwe/Zambia) and the Kazungula road border (Zimbabwe/Zambia/Botswana). Where credit card point of sale facilities are not available at port of entry it is recommended that visitors have US$50 cash available for payment.
The KAZA UNIVISA is valid for 30 days as long as you remain in Zimbabwe and Zambia. Visitors can cross into Zimbabwe/Zambia as frequently as they like within the 30 day period. If the UNIVISA is obtained at Victoria Falls, you cross over to Zimbabwe at Kariba or Chirundu or vice versa and the visa will be valid. It also covers those who visit Botswana for day trips through the Kazangula Borders. However, it is not currently valid if staying in Botswana overnight. In such cases, a new Visa will need to be purchased. The UNIVISA cannot be extended, but you can buy a new UNIVISA (up to 3 per year).
The plan is to "pilot" the new KAZA Uni-visa for six months and then extend it to the other three KAZA countries – Angola, Botswana and Namibia.
For more information, visit www.kazavisa.info
NEW LOW-COST FLIGHTS LINK HARARE AND VICTORIA FALLS
On 1st December 2014, low-cost airline Flyafrica.com introduced a new domestic service in Zimbabwe linking Harare with Victoria Falls three times a week (Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays) to the following schedule:-
Depart Harare: 14.25 Arrive Victoria Falls: 15.30
Depart Victoria Falls: 12.50 Arrive Harare: 13.55
The airline keeps its fares to minimum with its "pay-for-what-you-want" approach, excluding fuel surcharges and charging passengers for extras such as in-hold baggage, in-flight meals etc.
Meanwhile, Air Zimbabwe currently flies between Harare and Kariba every day of the week (sometimes via Bulawayo or Kariba).
AIR ZIMBABWE HARARE-VICTORIA FALLS SCHEDULE:-
UM322 - Depart Harare at 0930 arrive Victoria Falls 10.30 (every day except Saturday)
UM323 - Depart Victoria Falls 16.30 arrive Harare 17.30 (Mon – Friday)
UM326 - (via Bulawayo) Depart Harare 0700 arrive Victoria Falls 0900 (Saturday only)
UM327 - (via Bulawayo) Depart Victoria Falls 1600 arrive Harare 1800 (Saturday and Sunday)
AIR ZIMBABWE HARARE-KARIBA-VICTORIA FALLS SCHEDULE:-
Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays:-
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
For airline bookings, contact Harare-based ticketing agent and partner of Wild Zambezi's network Premier Travel & Tours.
THINKING OF TRAVELLING IN ZIMBABWE AND THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY?
NEED SOMEONE TO ORGANISE YOUR TRIP OR ACT AS A GROUND-HANDLER?
CHECK OUT WILD ZAMBEZI'S LISTINGS:-
Wild Zambezi.com has a carefully-chosen selection of experienced Destination Management Companies (DMCs), Travel Agents and Tour Operators in its online listings. For those who would like expert advice in planning a trip, or who don't have time to research travel options and accommodation choices online themselves, these companies can help you put together something perfectly-matched to your requirements (or to those of your clients). All of them are Zimbabwe-based and so can provide first-hand, on-the-ground knowledge of the wide range of holiday, safari and business-travel options on offer. They can advise on transfer and transport options and can cater for special needs. All of them offer a very personalised service and may have particular areas of expertise.
Some operate their own properties or mobile camps in addition to offering tour services. We do not feature these in our list below. However you can find them among our full listings on WildZambezi.com by searching on DMCs, Agents, Tours & Safaris
The companies below offer travel and tour services for individuals or groups of holiday-makers or business travellers.
Africa Spectacular – Bulawayo-based agent for travel throughout Zimbabwe – specialist in accommodation and houseboats in Binga/Mlibizi/Msuna area
Baobab Bookings – Booking agency for accommodation, houseboats, transfers, fishing safaris and other activities throughout Zimbabwe - Lake Kariba specialists.
Discover Victoria Falls – Private, guided safaris in and around Victoria Falls, Hwange and the Zambezi National Park, with a special interest in wildlife, birding and conservation.
Experience Africa Safaris – Exclusive, tailor-made safaris focusing on Zimbabwe best camps and operators in wild areas.
Premier Travel & Tours/Premier Holidays and Destination Management – Top Harare-based travel agent providing a "one-stop-shop" travel and holiday service throughout Zimbabwe.
Rhino Rendezvous – Houseboat chartering agency for luxury, corporate and family holidays on Lake Kariba.
Safaris 4 Africa – Experienced DMC and agent providing safaris and holidays carefully tailor-made to the individual needs of clients.
Travel Wild Zimbabwe – Victoria Falls-based agent for holidays and tours throughout Zimbabwe to suit all interests and budgets.
Vayeni – Zimbabwe-based tour operator specialising in high-end, luxury, travel experiences throughout Southern Africa.
Wild Dog Tours – Kariba-based booking agent for self-catering accommodation and houseboat charters.
ON SAFARI FEATURE: 'AL FRESCO' BATHROOMS & SHOWERS
There is nothing quite so deliciously indulgent while on safari in the bush, than having a refreshing shower or a bath in the open air as part of your safari camp experience. After a hot, dusty day game-viewing or walking, to enjoy the calming, cleansing qualities of hot water "al fresco" while marveling at the magnificence of the stars and constellations in the night sky above you, with a cold glass of your favourite refreshment close to hand, is one of the sheer luxuries of African travel! Alternatively, a warm or cold dip in the privacy of your own outdoor bathroom attached to your tent/chalet during the heat of the day, is a welcome fresher, while you gaze out over the waterhole or the floodplain at animals drinking or grazing peacefully in front of you. You will have to pinch yourself to make sure it's not a dream!
Not every camp offers this experience, but it is something worth looking out for if you enjoy the outdoors and want to get the most out of your precious few days getting as close to nature and as far away from human "civilization" as you can.
Remember, though, that you may have to share your outdoor bathroom facilities with all manner of Nature's little creatures who like to visit the water source. Almost all of them are completely harmless, and are most likely to move off in a hurry as soon as you appear. Enjoy the opportunity to learn what lives in the vicinity of your tent! You will have plenty of opportunity to study large, hairy mammals on safari, but the little things often go un-noticed! Be on the lookout for skinks, lizards, frogs, spiders and all manner of insect-life (particularly once the rainy season starts). It's best to hang your towel and clothes up on a rail or on hooks while you use the bathroom to avoid any of these little critters seeking refuge beneath them! But, above all, don't be paranoid! This, after all, is what a truly good safari experience is all about. Enjoy the freedom!
Among the many safari operations which are listed in Wild Zambezi's travel network, the following offer an exclusively private outdoor bathroom/shower experience:-
VICTORIA FALLS
2. Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge
5. Victoria Falls River Lodge – Zambezi Crescent
KARIBA/MATUSADONA
7. Changa Safari Camp (Matusadona)
8. Rhino Safari Camp (Matusadona)
MANA POOLS
9. African Bush Camps – Kanga Camp & Zambezi Life Styles
10. Goliath Safaris
11. Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris)
12a & 12b. Vundu Camp & Little Vundu Tented Camp
ZAMBEZI RIVER
16. Nyamoumba Fishing & Birding Camp (Wild Dog Tours)
17. Tafika Zambezi
KARIBA
UMBOZHA HOUSEBOATS – REDUCED RATES FOR JAN-MARCH AND SOME GREAT PLANS FOR 2015!
In January, February and March 2015, there are special reduced rates (up to 25% off) for the three major houseboats in the luxury Umbohza Houseboats fleet owned by Dunhu Ramambo – The Chief's Collection.
The special rates quoted below are for dry boats i.e. not including fuel used on a trip.
Umbozha - US$1950 per day – this is the flagship of the fleet, sleeps 28 in en-suite, air-conditioned cabins
Karabezi - US$1250 per day - sleeps 20 in air-conditioned cabins
Liberty Bell - US$425 per day sleeps 8 with an air-conditioned living area.
Rates do not include National Parks lake entry & fishing fees or food. A cook is on board to prepare meals if you bring your own supplies, and a full catering rate is available on request.
Refurbishment of HMS Shikra
The newest and largest houseboat in the fleet, Shikra, (pictured here), which can accommodate up to 40 people, is being upgraded between Jan and March to a similar standard as Karabezi and Umbozha but without air-conditioning in the cabins. There will be good quality fans instead.
She will be fully glazed and have full air-conditioning in her very large reception areas.
There will be new and extended shaded deck areas and a very large pool on the second deck .
Both Shikra and Umbozha will be fitted with sonar, so that they are able to travel the whole of Lake Kariba during the day or night. This will allow overnight cruising between Kariba town and the Binga/Milibizi/Msuna area at the other (western) end of the lake. Rates for this will depend on the trip schedule.
"Floating hotel" Matusadona cruises on a per-person rate
In May 2015, Dunhu Ramambo will be launching regular 3 day/night houseboat cruises along the Matusadona National Park shoreline in Umbozha, based on a per person rate. This will be a wonderful opportunity for independent travellers who are single, in pairs or in small groups to experience the magic of a houseboat cruise (with their own cabin) without having to charter a whole boat. Dates and charges to be finalized by end of Jan 2015. The package will be fully inclusive of meals , fishing, drinks, parks fees etc.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Dunhu Ramambo & Umbohza Houseboats
INTRODUCING THE SUPERMODELS AT BUMI HILLS!
Wild Zambezi enjoyed this delightful photograph of new-born impala lambs posted recently by Bumi Hills Safari Lodge.
Here's how they captioned their picture:-
After the first welcome rains a couple of days ago, the shoreline is full of delicate, spindly, beautiful supermodels - their doe eyes and never ending legs adding a touch of glamour to the bush.
It is heartening to hear that the very late rains have finally fallen on the Lake Kariba shoreline so that these little cuties and their mothers will soon have plenty of fresh green grass shoots to eat.
It has been a long, dry and scorchingly hot start to the season in the Zambezi Valley areas.
Let's hope the animals elsewhere in the valley have received similar relief from exhaustion, thirst and starvation which is always the consequence of late rains.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge, atop a hill with magnificent views overlooking Lake Kariba is open all year – even during the rainy "green season". It's a wonderful place for total rest and relaxation, with luxurious accommodation, great wildlife viewing and excellent fishing.
Treat yourself and your family to a weekend at Bumi.... and make sure you don't miss the supermodels!
For more information and contact details, see this link: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge
ZAMBEZI VALLEY
VUNDU CAMP, MANA POOLS –ACCOLADES FOR AFRICA!
Vundu Camp (Bushlife Safaris) in Mana Pools ended its safari season on a high this year, with a string of accolades in the 2015 Safari Awards.
Within Zimbabwe they were voted as follows:-
• Best Value Safari Property, Zimbabwe - Winner
• Best Safari Guiding Team, Zimbabwe - Winner
• Best Walking Safari, Zimbabwe – Third Place
• Best Mobile Safari, Zimbabwe – Third Place
However, the highest recognition of this camp's safari excellence is reflected by the camp achieving Third Place as "Best Value Safari Property" in the whole of Africa!
"To be acknowledged among some of the best in Zimbabwe and then in the whole of Africa is a tremendous honour and we are deeply grateful to those who voted for us." says their latest newsletter. " We would like to thank an incredible bunch of colleagues who worked tirelessly day in and day out to ensure that guests' needs were met, delicious meals were served, cold drinks were always on hand, game drives vehicles ran efficiently and most importantly that guests' safety and experience with wild animals was always top priority. A special mention to those behind the scenes, our kitchen staff, housekeeping and mechanics, who, headed up by Peter and Desiree worked hard at all times of day or night to help smooth running in camp. Our paddlers who were on hand to help with the canoeing, and last but not least our incredible, charismatic, fun and at all times highly professional and experienced guides: Nick, Henry, Alistair, Kingsley, Simeon, Steve and Brent.
We have ended the season on such a high!"
For more information and contact details, see these links:-
Vundu Camp & Little Vundu Tented Camp
Bushlife Safaris – Ruwesi Canoe Trails & Chitake Camp
.VICTORIA FALLS
CONDÉ NAST READERS CHOICE AWARDS - "BEST 100 HOTELS & RESORTS"
STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE FEATURES AT #13!
The Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge just outside Victoria Falls has been voted at No 13 out of 100 in a list of the World's Best Hotels and Resorts gleaned from feedback from readers of Condé Nast Traveler in 2014! It is the ONLY Zimbabwean-based tourism property listed among a prestigious line-up of luxury options, dominated by South Africa (Cape Town in particular).
The Safari Lodge is situated within the 6000-acre Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve and represents "the grandeur of a bygone era", with 16 opulently-appointed private suites and conference facilities for 12 delegates, all overlooking the wildlife-rich game reserve which boasts Africa's "Big Five", including rhino.
The more intimate and informal 8-bedded Ursula's Camp is situated within the property as is the Nakavango Conservation Centre & Bear Grylls Academy which provide opportunities for conservation volunteers and students to learn about wilderness and wildlife management and to practice bush and survival skills in the field.
For more information and contact details see these links:
Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Safari Lodge & Ursula's Camp
Nakavango Conservation Centre & Bear Grylls Academy
VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE CELEBRATES 20 YEARS!
It's 20 years since The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge opened its doors to tourism on a ridge overlooking the Zambezi National Park just 4 kms outside the resort town of Victoria Falls. In that time, it has become an icon of success for tourism to Zimbabwe and has set standards for environmentally-friendly design and construction in the country. The occasion is being marked by several days of celebration in Victoria Falls.
Latest statistics show that occupancy of the Lodge in 2014 is at an all-time high, following a recent $1 million refurbishment and upgrade of all 72 rooms.
Dave Glynn, Chairman of the Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group of which the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is the flagship property, believes that this success is due partly to the Lodge's celebration of Africa. "When people are coming to Africa, they want Africa, they don't want Europe in Africa... so we went to great lengths to provide an African authentic feel. We incorporated thatched buildings, lots of timber... and we built all of the rooms facing outward so they are completely open to the wilds, and visitors can hear the sounds and smell the smells of Africa".
During construction in the early 1990s, an environmental architect was employed to ensure a minimal impact on the lodge's surroundings. No mature trees on the land were destroyed during building and 6000 young trees were replanted on and around the estate. ""When we opened in 1994, it looked as though we had been there forever, all over those mature trees were still standing, and they were undamaged. That was quite a remarkable feat" says Dave. Today, these same trees have matured, providing a wonderful, shady, natural ambience to the environs of the Lodge and its adjacent tourism properties. A number of small animals have made these gardens their home, including a family of warthogs who crop the green lawns, providing great entertainment for the guests, and no doubt making life difficult for the gardeners!
Another remarkable achievement for Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, as it celebrates this anniversary, is that more than 20 members of its staff have been with the property for at least 20 years. "Some of them started their employment with us in 1991 and 1992 when we first started to develop the property", says CEO, Ross Kennedy. As a tribute to their dedication, and to mark the special occasion, the staff of the Safari Lodge are featured in a catchy "Happy Birthday" anniversary video. You can watch it HERE.
The Africa Albida Tourism hospitality group's tourism portfolio in Zimbabwe also includes the Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, Lokuthula Lodges and The Boma Restaurant.
The group recently announced its plans to create "Santonga" an 80-acre high-tech eco-park adjacent to Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, which will interactively tell the story of Victoria Falls through its history, culture and nature. This will be the biggest commercial investment in the area in more than a decade, and, when completed in mid 2016, is expected to draw some 120,000 visitors a year.
Zimbabwe resident 3-night specials
Zimbabwean residents are being invited to celebrate with the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and enjoy some special 3-night 20th Anniversary tourism packages available between December 2014 and March 2015.
3-nights Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Standard Room (above left)– US$498 per person sharing (rack rates)
Upgrade to a Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Suite (above centre) – US$618 per person sharing
Upgrade to the Victoria Falls Safari CLUB (above right) – US$690 per person sharing.
Includes: 3-nights' accommodation; 1 Boma dinner experience per person, including transfers; 1 dinner at Makuwa-Kuwa restaurant per person; transfers to and from Vic Falls airport; complimentary bottle of wine per room on first night; 10% discount on all other food and beverages; complimentary Vulture Culture experience; complimentary shuttle bus to and from Vic Falls rainforest and town centre.
Excludes: Laundry, all meals other than specified, drinks other than specified, activities and Parks fees.
For contact details and more information, see this WildZambezi.com link: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
IMBABALA ZAMBEZI SAFARI LODGE & THE ELEPHANT CAMP
WILD HORIZONS ZIMBABWE RESIDENT "GREEN SEASON" SPECIALS
There are some great local specials for Zimbabwean residents during the 2014/2015 "green season" months (5th Dec 2014 – 31 March 2015) at Wild Horizons' properties in Victoria Falls.
3-NIGHT SPECIAL AT IMBABALA
US$659.00 per person (Rack rate excluding VAT)
Includes:
• Accommodation and meals
• Early morning tea, brunch or lunch, afternoon tea & dinner.
• Game drive am or pm, River cruise am or pm and Night drive.
• Drinks (alcoholic & non- alcoholic - excluding premium brands).
• Return scheduled airport transfers for guests arriving/departing ex Victoria Falls or Kasane airports only
• Rates quoted per person (sharing/single) per night
• A Chobe Day Trip
• A Tour of the Falls en-route from/to Victoria Falls
Excludes: fishing, game walks, all other excursions and additional permits, premium brand drinks, Park fees, any visa fees required for cross border activities.
Optional for an extra fee: Fishing, Vic Falls town visit, Walking Safari.
For more information and contact details see Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge
3-NIGHT SPECIAL AT THE ELEPHANT CAMP
US$747.00 per person (Rack rate excluding VAT)
Includes:
• Accommodation & all meals, local brand drinks & house wines, complimentary mini bars in the rooms
• Return Victoria Falls Airport transfers & two transfers to Victoria Falls town per day
• Laundry & Emergency Medical Evacuation cover
• Meeting the Wild Horizons elephants, Tour of the Falls & Sundowner Cruise
Excludes: transfers other than specified, all Park fees, any visa fees required for cross border activities, activities (other than specified), premium brand drinks, gratuities, curios and all items of a personal nature
For more information and contact details, see The Elephant Camp
TAIL ENDER.... MONKEY BUSINESS IN KARIBA GORGE
Whilst drifting by boat through the Kariba Gorge roughly 18kms downstream from the dam wall, Danie Coetzee from Jecha Point Fishing Lodge near Chirundu recently took this picture on the Zimbabwean side of the Zambezi River.
Interestingly, the animal in this image raises an interesting taxonomic conundrum. It looks like a Samango Monkey and in fact this is what Danie, understandably, identified it as. However, what puzzled him is that Samango Monkeys (Cercopithecus mitis erythrarchus) are traditionally found in Zimbabwe within the montane forest habitat of the Eastern Highlands only.
However, coincidentally, at the same time as this report, there has been an ongoing Social Media debate among Zimbabwe Professional Guides on this very subject.
Monkeys assumed to be Samangos have been reported by canoe and safari guides in Luangwa and along the Zambian side of the Zambezi River opposite Mana Pools and in the Mupata Gorge opposite Chewore Safari Area. However, they are described as being smaller than the forest-dwelling Eastern Districts Samangos, much leaner, thinner of hair, with very long tails and more terrestrial (ground-based) in their habits.
It seems that recent DNA research is showing up some interesting new findings in monkey taxonomy! DNA samples taken from specimens have shown that a monkey looking like a Samango and found only in Eastern Zambia and Malawi is in fact the central-African Blue Monkey (Cercopithecus mitis moloneyii). Experts now think that the Luangwa/Zambezi monkeys may be part of this Blue Monkey complex too. They could be endemic (found only in that area) – and are certainly a unique sub-species – but of the Blue Monkey, rather than the Samango (which occurs much further east).
So..... is this monkey from the Kariba Gorge (possibly the first of its kind seen in Zimbabwe) a Blue Monkey too?
It's a puzzle.... and should get the mammal taxonomists jumping up and down!
Thank you to Danie and Jecha Point for this wonderful observation which could prove to be scientifically significant! Keep on taking your fishing clients up into the Kariba Gorge and keep on looking out for these monkeys and photographing them if you can.
For more information and contact details, see this WildZambezi.com link: Jecha Point Fishing Lodge
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
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