Friday, January 23, 2015

WILD ZAMBEZI News Jan 2015 d8

 

A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award


NEWS: JANUARY 2015     


Visit our BRAND NEW, upgraded 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.


A FRESH, NEW LOOK TO 2015

WELCOME TO WILD ZAMBEZI'S NEW, UPGRADED WEBSITE!  J J


Wild Zambezi is proud to announce the launch of our brand new, fully-upgraded, mobile-friendly website!

WildZambezi.com is now even easier to use and more interactive than before. 

Check out these awesome new features:-

 

·         Flexible screen size for mobile and tablet use

·         Much easier searching of our network listings (accommodation, activities, houseboats, agents, tours and travel services etc) and Zambezi areas

·         A new Travel Reviews section so you can rate your travel accommodation, post your opinions and share your holiday experiences online with everyone else

·         A new Travel Blog section – where travel experts with local knowledge can share their experience

·         Zoomable Google maps for every listing

·         A new cost indicator guide for every listing

·         A new "Special Offers" section for every listing

·         Updated Travel Advice, News, Photo Galleries and lots more....

 

Please take a few minutes to explore the new WildZambezi.com and let us have your feedback at info@wildzambezi.com.

 

Better still, find the listings of the places you have been to and submit your own Travel Reviews online. 

That way, we can provide even MORE useful information for incredible adventures along the Zambezi River!  


KAZA "UNIVISA" – WORKING WELL FOR VICTORIA FALLS, BUT THERE ARE GLITCHES ELSEWHERE 

First feedback from visitors to the Victoria Falls area indicates that the newly-introduced KAZA UNIVISA (which was launched in November last year and allows entry to both Zimbabwe and Zambia for a single visa payment of US$50) is working well – PROVIDED that your travel focus is the Victoria Falls/Livingstone/Kazungula area.

 

Visitors from 40 eligible countries are able to obtain the new 30-day KAZA Visas at Harare, Victoria Falls, Lusaka and Livingstone airports, the Victoria Falls road border (Zimbabwe/Zambia) and the Kazungula road border (Zimbabwe/Zambia/Botswana). 

 

However, visitors who want to cross between Zimbabwe and Zambia but who are not entering or exiting in the Victoria Falls/Kazungula area are having challenges. 

It seems that the immigration authorities at the Kariba and Chirundu road borders are not operating the new visa system.  This means that visitors who have already obtained a KAZA-Visa are being inconvenienced in having to pay extra for another visa if they wish to cross the border at these points. 

 

Similarly, road visitors entering Zimbabwe at Beitbridge, Plumtree or other Zimbabwean border crossings (other than at Victoria Falls) and wanting to travel onwards from Zimbabwe into Zambia, are not able to purchase a KAZA Univisa at these entry points.  They are forced to buy a visa for each country as per the previous system. 

 

WildZambezi.com has highlighted this problem to the relevant authorities and via the KAZA Visa website.  We have told them that "It is not helpful to visitors when they are promised  "one-visa-for-both-countries", but are faced with having to purchase yet another one at extra cost because the system has not considered travel from the KAZA area into and out of other borderposts linking Zimbabwe with Zambia."

 

This operational challenge has been acknowledged and the Zimbabwe tourism authorities have been asked to respond as a matter of urgency.   We await the outcome.

 

For more information, visit www.kazavisa.info


AIR ZIMBABWE KARIBA LINK WORKING WELL – INDUSTRY FEEDBACK

Feedback from some of Wild Zambezi's network partners in the Zimbabwe tourism industry indicates that Air Zimbabwe's new flights linking Kariba in to Harare and Victoria Falls are generally working well. 

 

Have a look at the comments posted in Wild Zambezi's new Review section on our website listings page for Air Zimbabwe.

 

Chris Kwenda, Marketing and Sales Manager of Air Zimbabwe reports that the Harare-Kariba link is currently the most popular as it tends to attract corporate as well as holiday traffic. However, he is aware that there will be some time-lag before international and regional travellers, agents and operators become fully aware of the Victoria Falls/Kariba link.  He assures us that the airline remains committed to maintaining this route into the future (his response to industry comments is also posted in our website Review section). 

 

As 2015 goes forward, we look forward to hearing from any regional or international tour operators with feedback about their experiences with this new flight link.

 

Here is a reminder of the Air Zimbabwe schedule linking Harare and Victoria Falls into Kariba:-

 

HARARE-KARIBA-VICTORIA FALLS

Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays:-

UM226

Depart Harare at 0930 arrive Kariba at 1020.

Depart Kariba at 1050 arrive Victoria Falls at 1210

UM227

Depart Victoria Falls at 1400 arrive Kariba at 1520

Depart Kariba at 1550 arrive Harare at 1640

 

For bookings, contact Air Zimbabwe direct or your local travel agent.

Wild Zambezi recommends its Harare-based network partner Premier Travel & Tours


ZIMPARKS FEES 2015

EXPECTED SHORTLY

Wild Zambezi.com is informed by ZimParks (the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority) that the 2015 Schedule of National Parks Fees (for accommodation and other services within the National Parks Estate) will be out shortly.  It apparently does have some changes from the existing 2014 Schedule of Parks Fees

We are assured that it should be available soon.

We will publish it, showing the changes, on WildZambezi.com as soon as it has been approved.

 

Keep checking the News Section on our website for the update which will also be available at this link:  ZimParks


VAYENI LISTS THEIR 13 TOP SAFARI CAMPS AND LODGES IN ZIMBABWE FOR 2014

And 7 of them are Wild Zambezi network partners!

Wild Zambezi is delighted to see that inbound tour operators Vayeni have included no less than seven Wild Zambezi network partners in a recent Blog listing their favourite 13 safari camps and lodges in Zimbabwe for 2014!  

 

Owners Luke and Suzanne Brown, who specialize in high-end travel journeys in Zimbabwe and the region, have had the privilege of visiting and staying in many incredible spots.  Their list of favourite includes "places where wildlife abounds, location is pure, accommodation is nothing less than superb and service impeccable". 

 

Here their top choices are divided according to location, with WildZambez.com network partners pictured left to right in the order given below:-


VICTORIA FALLS/ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK

Zambezi Sands (Imvelo Safari Lodges)

Pioneers Camp (Wild Frontiers)

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Africa Albida Tourism)

Elephant Camp (Wild Horizons)

 

MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK/LAKE KARIBA

Changa Safari Camp

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge

 

MANA POOLS NATIONAL PARK

Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris)

 

HWANGE NATIONAL PARK

The Hide Safari Camp

Khulu Safari Lodge (The Amalinda Collection)

Nehimba Safari Lodge

Bomani Tented Camp (Imvelo Safari Lodges)

 

GONAREZHOU NATIONAL PARK

Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge

Pamushana  (Malilangwe)

 

Read Vayeni's Blog HERE

 

If you have something to say about any of the above places, or if you would like to rate and review your own travel experience organised by Vayeni, please make use of our brand new Review facility on Wild Zambezi.com.  You will find this at the bottom of every listings page on our new website.


 KARIBA


KARIBA TOURISM POLICE UNIT - HERE TO HELP


Meet the new Kariba District Tourism Police Unit which has recently been launched in the resort town.

The job of these officers is to strengthen public relations with visitors and promote Kariba Town as a safe destination.

Members of this Unit are to be found on the ground at all major tourist facilities in Kariba, wearing clearly marked, front and back TOURIST POLICE uniforms.  They are available to discuss with the public any problems which they have encountered, and to assist as best they can. It is hoped that their presence will make a big difference to visitors to Kariba, smoothing the way at road blocks on the way in and helping with any problems in Kariba itself.

Their commanding officer is Chief Superintendent S Matongo

Tel : +263 61 3704 or 3010


NEWS FROM MARINELAND HARBOUR

Speedboats for hire

As a result of constant requests for good condition fishing boats to be made available for hire on Lake Kariba, Marineland, the largest harbour facility in Kariba town, has introduced several newly-refurbished, comfortable eight-seater Sabre speedboats for hire (pictured). 

 

The boats are kitted out with economical four-stroke 150hp motors which ensure reduced fuel costs and a quiet ride. They have shade awnings and can be hired, with an experienced driver, not only for fishing, but also for game viewing, family cruises, houseboat tenders or for use by visitors staying at lake lodges.

 

Price: $130 for the full day, $100 half day price plus fuel extra.

 

Some important guidance about fees and licences

Marineland has also issued a warning to all boat users to make sure that they have paid the correct National Parks boating, fishing and lake usage fees BEFORE setting out on the Lake. Patrols are out, and boats are being stopped anywhere on the lake and their occupants asked to produce their Parks receipts.  If not produced, fines are demanded and in some cases arrests are being made.

 

In terms of the Inland Waters Shipping Act and Regulations all persons in control of (driving) any boat on Lake Kariba or any other designated inland water must be in possession of a valid Launch Masters Certificate of Competence issued in his/her name and in respect of the vessel concerned.. Any person caught driving a boat without a licence is liable to be arrested. It should be noted that unlicensed persons, such as children, caught driving even in the company of a licensed driver may also cause the responsible person to be arrested.

Any boat may legally stopped by Police, National Parks officials, the Lake Captain or any member of his staff to check for licences and life jackets.

 

Private boat users, please abide by these rules and avoid unnecessary unpleasant brushes with the law.  Visitors, please check that your boat skipper has the necessary licence and always make sure that there are sufficient life jackets aboard your craft (however small – even on houseboat tender boats).

 

Application forms for a Certificate of Competency (testing) can be obtained from Lake Navigation control stations at Kariba, Lake Chivero (Harare) and Victoria Falls. The current charge for both the tests and the licence is $40.

 

Marineland supports Kariba anti-poaching via KAWFT

Marineland supports the excellent conservation and veterinary work carried out by the Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT) which is based in and around the Kariba area and does a great job in curtailing wildlife poaching activity and keeping Kariba clean. Many Marineland clients and boat-owners opt to have a small donation to this organisation added to their monthly mooring bills. This amount is handed over on a monthly basis to KAWFT in fuel for the anti-poaching operations.  In addition to this, Marineland, adds $ 0.25 for every US Dollar donated by members. This total donation goes a long way in assisting with the overall operations of this very hard-working and successful community project.

 

For more information and contact details, (or to tell us about your experiences at Kariba's largest harbour) see this link:  Marineland


CHANGA SAFARI CAMP, MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK

Changa Safari Camp is a 20-bed luxury tented camp with 6 en-suite double/twin deluxe tents and two family deluxe tents set in an idyllic woodland surroundings on the shores of Lake Kariba, within the Matusadona National Park and overlooking the mountains of the Zambezi escarpment.

Wild Zambezi received the following report from them for the start of 2015. 

 

"We are in the middle of the green season and Matusadona is looking lush.

 

The fishing has generally been good and we have been serving some delicious bream as our bar snacks which always go down a treat. We currently have a Green Season Special valid until the 31st of March 2015 (see below)  

It's a great time to visit us and enjoy the joys of Changa.

 

The rains arrived in earnest, at Changa Safari Camp opening 2015 with some fierce downpours, which the earth eagerly soaked in.  The bush has flourished, and as a result, our guests have reported frequent sightings of lions, buffalos, cheetahs, hyenas to mention but a few. The birds and bugs are also out and about, and the often-ignored plant life is looking crisp and fresh.

Changa Camp at present is a veritable fairyland and when it isn't raining is the perfect setting for some awesome photo opportunities.

 

Changa also has a great programme planned for Valentine's Weekend. Lots of romance, laughter and memories. Given that the special holiday falls within our special, travellers can treat their loved ones with our special rates."

For more information and contact details, (or to post a Review about your experiences here) see this link:  Changa Safari Camp


GREEN SEASON SPECIALS ON LAKE KARIBA FOR 2015


GACHE GACHE LODGE – Lake Kariba. 

Fabulous February Special (including Half-Term)

US$130 per person per night including full catering, teas & laundry.

 

Fantastic fishing, great game viewing, amazing birding, photography courses, volunteer program, 4x4/Camping, weddings, group discounts.

For more info and contact details (or to post a Review of this place), see Gache Gache Lodge

 

 


RHINO SAFARI CAMP – Lake Kariba/Matusadona National Park

US$99 per person per night (min 4 people), including accommodation, all meals, teas & coffees.

Valid until March 15th 2015 (including Half-Term)

Transfers, activities, drinks, entry fees and taxes excluded.

For more info and contact details (or to post a Review of this place), see Rhino Safari Camp

 

 


CHANGA SAFARI CAMP – Lake Kariba/Matusadona National Park

Green Season Special valid until 31st March 2015 (including Valentine's Day)

Local Zimbabwe residents rate from U$D 155 per person per night.

For more info and contact details (or to post a Review of this place), see Changa Safari Camp

 

 


MUSANGO ISLAND SAFARI CAMP – Lake Kariba

Musango Special (including  Valentine's Day) – Stay 4 starry-eyed nights for the price of 3!

(Excluding flights or transfers)

For more info and contact details (or to post a Review of this place), see Musango Island Safari Camp


PESHA WILDLIFE SAFARIS

TRANSFERS & TOURS INTO MANA POOLS/ZAMBEZI VALLEY WITH NEW 4X4s

Kariba-based Pesha Wildlife Safaris who offer road transfer services linking Kariba and the Zambezi Valley areas with Harare and Lusaka have recently upgraded their 4x4 vehicles for tours and transfers into remote locations like Mana Pools (see picture)

 

They now have rugged and enclosed Toyota Land-Cruiser vehicles which are ideal for off-road trips (e.g. Kariba or Chirundu to Mana Pools), seating up to 9 people comfortably.  The vehicles are diesel, have two tanks for long-range capability and come with a driver. 

Luggage is carried on the roof and firmly secured with a net. 

 

In addition to these services, Pesha Wildlife Safaris also has a fleet of saloon cars, minibuses and drivers offering the following:-

- Day trips between Harare and Pamuzinda Lodges (Selous)

- "Meet and greet" Kariba airport to hotels & houseboat harbours

- "Meet and Greet" Harare airport to hotels or lodges

- Transfers Harare/Kariba to Lusaka.

- Transfers Harare-Kariba return.

 

The company also offers short guided tours in Zimbabwe, specialising around Kariba and into the Zambezi Valley.

For more information and contact details (or to tell us about your experiences with this company) see Pesha Wildlife Safaris.


ZAMBEZI VALLEY


NEWS FROM THE ZAMBEZI RIVER AT CHIRUNDU

The rains have come to the Zambezi River during the past couple of months bringing welcome relief from the sweltering heat of early December, where the temperatures were averaging in the 40sC!  It is quite incredible how, with the onset of some moisture, the dusty, dry, brown ground suddenly sprouts lush, emerald green grass and the baobabs and mopane trees burst into leaf.  In little more than a couple of weeks, the landscape has been utterly transformed.

 

TIGER SAFARIS is a popular self-catering fishing venue with six comfortable fully-equipped chalets and boats for hire, situated just downstream of the trans-Zambezi bridge at Chirundu (pictured). 

 

They report that their All Species Invitational Fishing Tournament at the end of the year attracted 22 teams of three.  "The fishing was not easy, given that this time of the year is "Tiger Time'….. The competition was based on Catch and Release and Tigerfish, Chessa, Nkupi and Bream could all be brought in to the weigh bay. It was fantastic to see a 1.8kg Chessa, 2.2kg Nkupi and a 2.23kg Bream being brought in by some very happy fisherman. Overall the competition was a huge success. The Hook, Line and Sinker Team consisting of Oz Locke, Ray Odendaal and Shane Helberg landed first place. Tiger Safaris had Andre Barnard pop down to auction off the top 10 teams and we managed to raise some much needed funds for the Resthaven Old Peoples' Home in Rusape. A huge thank you to everyone who made it possible."

 

Tiger Safaris are now operating their own booking office in Harare (at Arundel Village), staffed by Fathima Ryden.  They have a new e-mail address.  Check out their contact details on WildZambezi.com at Tiger Safaris

 

Meantime, the folks at JECHA POINT FISHING LODGE just a couple of kilometres further downstream from Chirundu, are also enjoying the lush green rainy season. 

In between catching large quantities of tigerfish (up to 10kgs!) and releasing them, they are busy refurbishing their pool, putting the finishing touches to their camping site ablutions and digging a well. 

 

Jecha Point offers self-catering, semi-self catered and fully catered options for fishermen and holiday-makers, with chalet accommodation for 12 people and a lawned and shady camping site next to the Zambezi River.  This camp specialises in guided fly-fishing as well as conventional fishing trips.

 

The lodge owners are also very involved in a new initiative in Chirundu designed to protect the local elephant population by deterring them from hanging around the town and eating rubbish left in bins by the cross-border truck traffic and the local market.  This unsatisfactory situation often causes conflict between the local people of Chirundu and the elephants, the result of which is usually that an elephant has to be shot by the National Parks Authority.

 

The project, known as the Wildlife Conflict Management - Chirundu Elephant Programme, is spearheaded by Mike le Grange, and assisted by local Chirundu residents including Nic & Iona Coetzee of Jecha Point.  The aim is to protect the Chirundu elephants by keeping them away from the town itself.  Daily patrols are carried out in and around Chirundu, and any elephant which ventures too far into the area is targetted with a non-lethal chilli-pepper spray gun (pictured here with Nic Coetzee) which immediately sends him away. 

 

Many of the local elephants have become far too habituated to raiding households in the urban area, and some of the bolder ones are proving to be slow learners.  As a result there have been some interesting episodes since this programme began last year.  However, the signs are that the deterrent is working, with support from the local community, the authorities and National Parks.  One of the most important side benefits of this project is that the residents of Chirundu are being made increasingly more aware of the need to keep their town clean to reduce conflict and of the importance of conserving the elephants of the area rather than shooting them as pests.

 

 

Approximately 20 kms downstream from Chirundu (between Chirundu and Mana Pools) is Mongwe, which is a collection of privately-owned fishing camps situated on the banks of the Zambezi River.

 

HALSTEDS SAFARIS offer an upmarket fishing experience at Mongwe, either fully catered or self-catered, with four elegant and comfortable chalets overlooking the river, a large lounge and entertainment deck, an enclosed family style dining area, a shady swimming pool and internet facilities.

Three fully-equipped and stylish speedboats are on offer and there are skippers, fishing guides and staff on hand to attend to all the details.

Activities (other than fishing) include dining in the wild, boat cruises, and game viewing by boat.

 

If you have visited any of the above Chirundu fishing lodges, and would like to rate your experience and write a review on our new Wild Zambezi website, we would be delighted to hear from you.  See these links:- 

Tiger Safaris

Jecha Point Fishing Lodge

Halsteds Safaris


AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS EXPANDS AND FOCUSES ON CONSERVATION & ECO-TOURISM

African Bush Camps (whose portfolio of tourism properties includes Kanga Camp and Zambezi Life Styles in Mana Pools National Park) have announced an ambitious programme of growth and expansion during 2015.  They are completely re-building their camps in Hwange and Khwai, Botswana, and adding two new camps - Khwai Family Camp and a new tented camp/resort at Thorn Tree River Lodge in Livingstone Zambia. 

 

The company will also be highlighting their focus on conservation and sustainable eco-tourism initiatives, looking to reduce the 'ecological footprint' of their safari camps and tourism operations and introducing more efficient sustainable technologies, and interacting with and assisting others involved in conservation and research in each of the areas where they operate.

 

Richard Hoare (pictured left), an experienced veterinarian and conservationist who has worked in Zimbabwe, Botswana, Kenya and Tanzania, has joined the team as an Advisor on Conservation and Environmental Initiatives to African Bush Camps. His job will be to implement the following conservation initiatives:-

 

- Education of all African Bush Camps professional and learner guiding teams on relevant conservation topics, especially the current threats to wildlife and natural resources;

- Involvement of all staff in environmental and wildlife monitoring;

- Assisting existing researchers with their ongoing projects;

- Building private-public sector relationships with official conservation agencies;

- Developing a series of visual presentations for personnel involved in conservation work and for interested guests;

and via the above activities

- Exposing guests to a better understanding of the serious threats currently facing the African environment and encouraging them to lend their own support to mitigating these problems.

 

African Bush Camps also has a new Head of Sales for their Portfolio based in Cape Town. 

 

Shaun Stanley (pictured left) grew up in Durban, South Africa, and has been lucky enough to travel Southern Africa extensively, exploring some of the most remote areas of countries in this region.  From a young age, his passion for the safari industry was formed. He studied to be a professional guide and conducted work experience in the guiding field in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, on a private game reserve. His experience included guiding guests on game drives, walks, canoeing, horse-riding and boating safaris.

 

In 2000, Shaun decided to broaden his horizons and gain some international exposure. He moved across to the United Kingdom where he worked in the UK tourism industry for over 7 years, travelling to over 50 countries around the world and specialising in tailor-made safaris to Africa. 

 

Shaun brings with him a wealth of experience and a well rounded view of the travel industry from a guiding, operator and agent perspective.

 

For more information and contact details, or if you would like to write a Review about your experience at one of African Bush Camps' properties in the Zambezi region, see this link:  African Bush Camps


RAINY SEASON ROADS – ADVICE FROM ZIM4X4

Here's some useful information from Dick Pitman, who runs Zim4x4 conducting guided, self-drive wilderness tours into the remote parts of the Zambezi Valley.

 

"If you have plans to get out and about into the Zambezi areas in the rainy season, bear in mind that even main-road travel can be unpredictable during the rains.  Early in January the Harare-Chirundu road was flooded and impassable for 24hrs between Chinhoyi and Karoi, and many travellers were stranded overnight.  The floods receded quite quickly, but there has been damage to the road which is currently being repaired.  Watch out for potholes and eroded road edges.

 

Away from the main roads and into wilder areas, just about anything can happen, and often does. Rivers come down in flood; bridges can be seriously damaged or even washed way; innocuous-looking puddles can conceal deep ruts in glutinous mud.

 

Here are a few tips:

 * Keep an eye on the weather. A few days' sunshine can make a big difference. So can an approaching cyclone.

* Get local, on-the-spot advice whenever possible

* Make sure your vehicle is suitable for the proposed area. A 4x2 may be OK for Hwange, but is severely limiting in Mana Pools, and impossible in Matusadona!

* Always walk standing water before driving it; and never "chance your arm" with fast-flowing water at flooded drifts and bridges.

* Travel in company if possible, and make sure at least one of you is carrying a towstrap!

* A shovel is cheaper than a winch, and you get a lot more exercise as well.

* Don't even consider snatch straps and hi-lift jacks unless you really know how to use them and you have suitable vehicle fitments.

* Carry a reserve supply of food and drinking water in case of delays.

 

If you are driving into Mana Pools National Park, please don't blame the ZimParks Authority for the state of the road between the Chirundu tar and Nyakasikana gate. It's not their fault! This is a national road and falls under the Roads Department, without whose express approval - if not participation - nothing can be done.   We mention this, not because of the everlasting corrugations issue on this road, but because at the last count - in early January - there are at least three locations where we suspect that further heavy rainfall or flooding could create serious problems. The approaches to the bridge at S16 10 04.8 E29 11 47.1 (pictured) have been severely eroded by floodwater; there's a developing hole over a culvert at S16 10 04.8 E29 11 47.1; and there's incipient undercutting and erosion on the eastern abutment of the Ruckomechi Bridge." 

 

For more information and contact details (or to post a Review) see this link:  Zim4x4


.VICTORIA FALLS                                                                                                                                                                                                                        


THE ELEPHANT CAMP ADDS VALUE AS WILD HORIZONS EXPANDS

WildZambezi.com has previously reported on the expansion of The Elephant Camp near Victoria Falls to include another 4 suites at "The Elephant Camp West"  bringing the total number of suites to 16 - accommodating up to 32 guests.  The new wing is scheduled to open in early 2015. 

 

In addition to this exciting new development, The Elephant Camp has included some exciting new activities in its nightly rates, subject to time permitting.

In addition to accommodation, all meals, local brand drinks & house wines, complimentary mini-bars in the rooms, return airport transfers & two transfers to Victoria Falls town per day, laundry, emergency medical evacuation cover and a chance to meet the Wild Horizons elephants, the 2015 nightly rates include:-

    •    Sundowners at the Batoka Gorge (pictured here)

    •    Scheduled Birding & Nature walks on the Elephant Camp concession

    •    Lunch (including drinks) at the newly-opened Lookout Café (see below) – (available on request)

 

Wild Horizons' new Lookout Café is now open for business, operating from a spectacular position above the Victoria Falls Gorge where the company operates its high-wire activity products.  The venue offers spectacular views of the gorge and will undoubtedly prove very popular with visitors, as will some of the other new services that the company is introducing this year. 

A new luxury cruise boat "The Zambezi Royal", is about to be launched on the Zambezi River above the Falls, and new a "Concierge Service" has been introduced, with a team of qualified and experienced guides who can attend visitors' on-the-ground needs. 

Two new travel packages will also be on offer: the "Cultural Connection", and the "Pay It Forward" Experience" which have been crafted for the growing number of travellers requesting to be more exposed to the cultural side of the destinations they visit.

 

Rate your experience!

If you have stayed at The Elephant Camp and would like to write a review of your experience on our new Wild Zambezi website, please do so at this link:  The Elephant Camp

You can do the same for Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodgeanother Wild Horizons property in a wonderful location on the Zambezi River near the Zimbabwe/Zambia/Botswana border near Kazungula.


VICTORIA FALLS HOLIDAY SPECIALS:-


Premier Holidays are currently offering some great holiday package specials to a number of accommodation choices in Victoria Falls, including many of Wild Zambezi's network partners in that area.

With Premier Travel & Tours (its travel agency arm), this is one of Zimbabwe's largest, most successful and highly rated Destination Management Companies.

For more information and contact details (or to post a Review on WildZambezi.com), see Premier Holidays & Destination Management


STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE  PRIVATE GAME RESERVE -  

BIG-5 SPECIAL – ZIMBABWE RESIDENTS


This Green Season, Zimbabwe residents can enjoy a "Big-5" experience just outside Victoria Falls at the Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve.

Bed and Breakfast rate at the Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge from US$100 per person per night, sharing.

Valid Jan – March 2015.

For more information and contact details (or to post a Review) see this link:  Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve


TAIL ENDER.... Three little piggies in Mana Pools.... (the joys of the Green Season!)


THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI! 

 

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PLEASE PASS ON THIS NEWSLETTER!


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