A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!
NEWS: FEBRUARY 2015
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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.
BEEN TO THE ZAMBEZI IN ZIMBABWE?
Tell us about your experience online in a TRAVEL REVIEW!
Wild Zambezi.com's new website allows you to share your Travel Reviews online! Simply find your favourite places, safari camps, lodges, or tourism facilities in our searchable listings, select the Reviews section on each individual page and fill in the form to rate your experience there and tell us all about it! We reserve the right to moderate your posts before making them live (in order to ensure we are not spammed), and to invite the owners of the facility to respond if necessary.
Help us to spread the word about our wonderful, wild, Zambezi places through your first-hand, on-the-ground knowledge!
Check out some of the recent Travel Reviews on Wild Zambezi.com (click on REVIEWS at the top of each page)
The Boma – Place of Eating, (Victoria Falls)
Jecha Point Fishing Lodge (Chirundu)
Now share your Reviews with us!
WILD ZAMBEZI WELCOMES THREE NEW PARTNERS TO OUR TRAVEL NETWORK!
1. CHIRUNDU SAFARI LODGE & TENTED CAMP
Chirundu Safari Lodge (pictured left) sleeps 20 people and is situated on a ridge overlooking the Zambezi Valley, slightly inland from the river and about 5ms downstream of the border town of Chirundu. It has 10 en-suite air conditioned bedrooms, a swimming pool and secure parking for vehicles. The extensive gardens overlook a natural waterhole on one side and a dam on the other. Both are visited by the local wildlife and teem with birdlife and fish. Tamarind Tented Camp (pictured right) sleeps 10 people in 5 twin bedroom en-suite tents, with a central living/cooking area and a large deck overlooking the river and set among a shady grove of Tamarind trees. There are magnificent views over the water towards Zambia, and secure parking for vehicles and boats. The Lodge and the Camp can be accessed by air charter, vehicle or boat from Chirundu. Fully catered or self-catering options are available, and activities include game-drives (boat and vehicle), fishing trips, scenic Zambezi Valley or Kariba Dam Wall aircraft flights, crocodile farm tours, sight-seeing trips to local historical sites, Mana Pools day-trips and tailor-made training and educational group activities if required.
Read more, check out the Picture Gallery, or write a Review at this link: Chirundu Safari Lodge & Tamarind Tented Camp
2. WILD HORIZONS - ACTIVITIES, TOURS & TRANSFERS - THE LOOKOUT CAFÉ and THE ZAMBEZI ROYAL (Victoria Falls)
Wild Horizons is the complete Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Chobe activity, transfer, safari camp & adventure operator. Apart from its two well-known and award-winning safari camps: The Elephant Camp and Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge, Wild Horizons offers white-water rafting, single and multi-day Zambezi River canoeing; gorge canopy tours; Zambezi River boat cruises, wildlife encounters, high wire activities and scenic helicopter rides. Also on offer are cultural and interest tours, Falls Rainforest visits, village tours, craft market visits and traditional hospitality experiences. The company has a fleet of vehicles offering Victoria Falls tour & transfer services throughout the region for any number of guests from a single person to large corporate & incentive groups
New additions to the company this year include the spectacularly-located Lookout Café (pictured top left), built on the site of Wild Horizons' high wire activities overlooking the Batoka Gorge and the famous Victoria Falls bridge, and the luxury cruise boat The Zambezi Royal (pictured top right) based on the Zambezi River above the Falls.
Read more, check out the Picture Gallery, or write a Review at this link: Wild Horizons
3. WILDERNESS AIR & WILDERNESS TOURING (Victoria Falls)
We are delighted that Wilderness Safaris have extended their portfolio on Wild Zambezi.com to include Wilderness Air (Zimbabwe) - their private air service linking Wilderness Safaris Camps in Zimbabwe and the region, and Wilderness Touring, the company's new guided touring division
based in Victoria Falls.
Wilderness Air Zimbabwe, based out of Victoria Falls, operates a varied fleet of light aircraft, chosen for their ability to transport visitors to remote wilderness destinations (including the company's camps in Hwange and Ruckomechi/Mana Pools) with short, dirt-surfaced landing strips. Wilderness Touring has offices, hand-picked and experienced guides and a fleet of 30 comfortable vehicles in the Victoria Falls/Livingstone area, available for scheduled groups or private touring. The touring team has intimate knowledge of the area, striving to stay abreast of new activities, restaurants, places of interest as well as arts and cultural events, to ensure a perfect itinerary for guests taking full-or half-day excursions.
Read more, check out the Picture Gallery, or write a Review at this link: Wilderness Air (Zimbabwe) & Wilderness Touring
SOUTHERN AFRICAN TRAVEL SHOWS IN 2015
INDABA 2015: 9th-11th MAY
Wild Zambezi and several of its network partners will once again be exhibiting at the Indaba Travel Show at the ICC in Durban, South Africa this year.
Our stand number is DEC2C56, situated in the DEC2 Hall right opposite the Zimbabwe country stand.
We will be showcasing all the travel opportunities on offer in our wonderful, wild Zambezi region of Zimbabwe.
If you would like to meet with us, please contact us in advance on info@wildzambezi.com to make an appointment.
Our stand will be shared with representatives from the following Wild Zambezi travel network partners:-
Dzimbabwe Lodge (16-room lodge in Kariba overlooking the lake)
Experience Africa Safaris (exclusive, tailor-made safaris in Zimbabwe's wild areas)
Rhino Safari Camp (authentic, luxury-rustic bushcamp on the shores of Lake Kariba)
Halsted's Aviation (HAC) (high quality air charters in Southern Africa including remote areas)
Kavinga Safari Camp (new safari camp under construction in southern Mana Pools)
Natureways Safaris (mobile tented canoe & walking safaris along the Zambezi River)
Safaris 4 Africa (experienced Destination Management Company for Southern African holidays and safaris)
SANGANANI-HLANGANANI
ZIMBABWE TOURISM SHOWCASE
NOW TAKING PLACE IN JUNE
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has announced a change of timing for this year's Sanganai-Hlanganani, Zimbabwe's annual World Tourism Expo, held every year in Harare.
The event will now take place between 18th and 20th June rather than its traditional October timing.
The venue is the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC), next to the Rainbow Towers, Harare.
According to the Authority, this follows recommendations from international buyers who felt that an earlier timing was more suitable for their planning and participation.
Wild Zambezi will be taking part.
For more information see the Sanganai website
SELF-DRIVING IN ZIMBABWE?
HERE'S A USEFUL LIST OF TRAFFIC OFFENSE FINES TO MAKE SURE YOU STAY ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE LAW
There is controversy in Zimbabwe at the moment regarding the legality (or otherwise) of the Zimbabwe Republic Police insisting that motorists pay "On-the-Spot-Fines" for breaking the law on the country's roads, instead of issuing "Admission of Guilt" tickets which have to be paid up at the nearest Police Station within 7 days.
The controversial practice has encouraged guilty motorists to try and bribe their way out of situations with some Police officers as willing recipients.
Wild Zambezi stresses that it is in the best interests of Zimbabwe tourism to avoid such temptation at all costs.
Our advice is simple. BE WELL INFORMED ABOUT THE RULES AND STICK TO THEM.
If you break the law and are stopped, pay the correct fine and insist on a receipt.
If you feel you have been unjustly accused, there is a Police Helpline for advice and assistance.
Wild Zambezi has published a definitive list of Zimbabwe's traffic offence fines and Police Helpline numbers on our Travel Blog - List of Zimbabwe official fines for road traffic offences
We suggest that self-drive visitors travelling on Zimbabwe's roads print this list in advance of their trip and keep it in the car, in order to be well informed if stopped at a Police Roadblock.
ZIMBABWE TOURISM ACCOMMODATION BOOKINGS NOW ATTRACT 15% VAT
INDUSTRY REACTION? - DISAPPOINTMENT
Despite a good deal of lobbying on the part of the tourism industry, the Zimbabwe government announced early this year that a 15% VAT charge will be applicable on all foreign tourism accommodation bookings (VAT was always applicable for local bookings). This applies to all types of accommodation, including the lodges, chalets and camping charges of ZimParks (the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority).
The move is not popular with the Zimbabwe tourism industry which is trying its best to attract visitors to a country which has only just begun to show signs of recovery as an international destination. The imposition places an extra financial burden on visitors and a huge administrative burden on industry players, many of whom had already issued their 2015 fares excluding VAT charges.
The industry continues to lobby for removal of the tax, but, in the current economic climate within Zimbabwe, it seems unlikely that they will succeed. The imposition of this tax has delayed the announcement of 2015 tariffs from some organisations, including ZimParks. However, the 15% VAT addition is now universally applicable and will be added to all accommodation charges across the board.
KARIBA
KARIBA 'TEST OF THE BEST' TIGER FISHING COMPETITION – RESULTS
Every year, the top ten fishing teams from KITFT (the Kariba Invitation Tiger Fishing Tournament) are invited to compete against each other the following year for the annual "Test Of The Best" Title.
This year's "Test of the Best" took place on 20th and 21st February 2015.
The ten teams, comprising 39 anglers altogether, scored as follows:-
1st REMINGTON GOLD CHARTER X (82.93 points)
2nd EAGLES ANGLING (70.82 points)
3rd ULTC BATTERY WORLD (63.15 points)
4th CHARTER AFRICOM (61.43 points)
5th TREK PETROLEUM (55.76 points)
6th VELLIE BRIGADE (54.61 points)
7tn CHICAGO (52.94 points)
8th FUCHS TITANS (50.91 points)
9th MAGUIRES BAYER (50.83 points)
10th MARINE CENTER YAMAHA (35.96 points)
The largest tigerfish was caught by Andrew Bailey and weighed in at 7,56Kg. Quinton le Roux had the highest overall individual angler score of 33.71 points.
All keen tiger fishermen please note the dates for the 2015 KITFT which are 14th, 15th and 16th October 2015.
CALLING ALL FISHERMEN – PLEASE SUPPORT THE GACHE GACHE AND MATUSADONA ANTI-POACHING PROJECTS!!
Without them there would be very few fish to catch!
While the "Test of the Best" fishing competition was taking place in February, Pat Townsend of Gache Gache Lodge posted this picture of several tournament boats fishing in the Gache Gache River estuary right opposite the lodge. This is an increasingly favourite spot for fishing teams taking part in tournaments because the fish populations have increased hugely in the past few years thanks to the tireless efforts of the community anti-poaching project run by the Lodge and the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority.
Pat commented: "Thanks Dave Bruin for popping in to make a donation to our anti-poaching community project whilst fishing in the Gache during Test of the Best Tiger tournament. If the other 6 boats did the same it would help considerably. It's not too late however guys! The anti-poaching is an ongoing battle and we need your support to keep at it. Contact me for bank details when you get home. Thanks."
It is a sad fact that so few fishermen who are directly benefitting from the efforts of conservation projects like the Gache Gache Wilderness Area Anti-Poaching Unit (WEPU) and the Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project (MAPP) are prepared to help support these very worthwhile causes.
MAPP advises fishermen on Lake Kariba – stick to the rules
In its latest newsletter MAPP reports that thanks to their influence in patrolling the shoreline of the Matusadona National Park on Lake Kariba's southern shores, the use of twine netting for fish poaching (pictured) now carries a 6 to 8 month jail term (if tried in the Kariba courts). This is a major deterrent. They go on to provide some advice for sport anglers and holiday makers on Lake Kariba:-
"All too often, fish poachers dump their load of netting and fish when approached by our vessel (stealth is not always possible, a bass motor would really be a great help) and in such instances they are charged with other offences like, not being in possession of boat and drivers licences, life jackets etc etc. The cumulative cost of these fines is significant and a further deterrent. With that in mind, we encourage all sport anglers and holiday makers on Kariba to be compliant in such matters. Ensure that your boat is equipped with the following:
1. That the boat is licensed.
2. That the driver is the holder of a coxswains' licence.
3. That you display the max pax of the boat and that you have sufficient life jackets to match that pax
4. That you wear your life jackets WHILST THE BOAT IS IN MOTION
5. That you have a paddle, yellow flag and reflective mirror on board
6. That you have a ship to shore radio or alternatively a cell phone on board.
7. National Parks regulations state that each angler may keep 5 fish per day. All too often we fill our keep nets for 'bragging rights' (I have been there, done that). Enjoy a day's catch, take a picture, then select 5 fish each and release the rest. I know this all sounds rather onerous, but it is the only way forward. We are supporting law enforcement so that we can bring poachers to book, and the law must be applied without discretion. If the truth be known, some of these laws date back to the 1970s, including fish quotas."
Please, if you are fishing on Lake Kariba (even if not in a tournament), make an effort to support these excellent and hard-work conservation initiatives.
"LOW-SEASON" HOUSEBOAT SPECIALS ON LAKE KARIBA
Even though it can rain a bit during March-April on Lake Kariba, this should not deter anyone from enjoying one of the world's largest man-made lakes on a comfortable houseboat cruise. The rain storms are often short-lived and there is still plenty of warm sunshine, fabulous skies and the most magnificent sunsets. A Kariba houseboat trip is one of the gems of travel to Zambezi in Zimbabwe – a perfect way to relax with family or friends in spacious comfort, with an experienced boat captain and crew to take care of all the details. At this time of the year, with the air clean and fresh from the rain, you can see forever across the open lake, bounded by the magnificent Matusadona mountain range to the south and the hills of Zambia to the north. The fishing is great, the weather is warm (even if there is the odd shower), the landscape is brilliantly green and lush and all the wildlife is looking plump and healthy. There are also wonderful summer migrant birds for the "twitchers" out there.
Take advantage of greatly reduced rates for houseboat charters during this "green season" period. Here are some:-
DUNHU RAMAMBO (UMBOZHA HOUSEBOATS)
Discounted dry-boat rates (excluding fuel) during March 2015
UMBOZHA (max pax 40) – US1950 per day (normally US$2450)
KARABEZI (max pax 20) – US$1250 (normally US$1650)
LIBERTY BELL (max pax 8) – US$420 (normally US$540)
For more information, bookings and contact details (or to post a review), see Dunhu Ramambo (The Chief's Collection)
WILD DOG TOURS – HOUSEBOAT SPECIALS
Valid until 31st March 2015 – dry boat rates (excluding fuel)
1. LADY MAY: (max 12 pax) $729 per night
2. NYATI: (max 14 pax) $364.50 per night
3. AFRICAN QUEEN: (max 12 pax) $375 per night
4. MTEPATEPA: (max 12 pax) $350 per night (pay for 4 nights & get 50% off last night)
5. CHARISMA: (max 8 pax) $300 per night (Book 4 nights, get one night free. Book 3 nights, get 50% off last night)
6. STORMVOGEL: (max 6 pax) $300 per night (Book 4 nights, get one night free. Book 3 nights, get 50% off last night)
For more information, bookings and contact details (or to post a review), see Wild Dog Tours
SUNSETS @ CHANGA – A PHOTOGRAPHER'S DREAM!
Thank you to Changa Safari Camp on the shores of the Matusadona National Park, Lake Kariba, for a spectacular collection of sunset photographs taken during the rainy season.
There are always wonderful sunsets on Lake Kariba, but somehow during summer, when there are often spectacular cloud formations in the sky, the light is intensified and the outcome dramatic.
Find out more (or post a Review) at this link: Changa Safari Camp
ZAMBEZI VALLEY
TALKING TIGERS.....
The folks at Jecha Point report excellent rains in their area along the Zambezi River just downstream of Chirundu. Despite this, the tigerfishing (all "catch and release" at Jecha) has been surprisingly good.
"We have had some very enthusiastic fishermen just showing us how it's done! Pete popped on his raincoat & off he went everyday- rain or shine & just had such a wonderful, successful week of fishing catching a 10kg! Jay & company also had a fantastic time mostly catching on chessa cutlets! Ish & his family had screaming reels for 3 days straight! Most of the tiger have been caught on livies or fillet with very few being hooked on surface or subwalk lures. The early evenings after a light drizzle when the flying ants come out , seem to give loads of top water action & not just tiger...but seemingly every other species too!
But Jecha Point isn't all about fishing. "If you are planning a wedding or birthday bash, consider Jecha as the perfect venue - the wild of the bush without the wild price tag to go with it! We have finished our campsite ablutions as well, so that should make the campers a little more comfortable - we have open air showers & electricity points for the camping fridge/freezers! It's a perfect stopover on the way to Mana Pools or Zambia - or simply as a cheap getaway with the kids for the weekend!"
Read more, check out the Picture Gallery, or write a Review at this link: Jecha Point Fishing Lodge
MANA POOLS: A TRIP IN 'THE RAINS' AND SOME MUSINGS ON VISITOR BEHAVIOUR
Self-drive tour operator, Dick Pitman of Zim4x4 has contributed a Travel Blog on WildZambezi.com describing a trip to Mana Pools National Park in January, during the rainy season. He also comments on people behaving badly in the same Park at the height of the safari season.
This year we hit the "sweet spot, he writes. Although it rained fairly constantly for our first 24hrs there, it then cleared up nicely....There were baby warthogs and impala all over the place; but it soon became obvious that Mana was - to put it bluntly - stuffed with elephants.... What makes it all so truly satisfying is to see well-fed animals after the harshness and near-starvation of the late dry season... There's a lot else to see and experience at this time, besides large mammals.
So - would ZIM4x4 undertake guided safaris at this time? No, we would not."
Read the whole Blog and find out why not.
Also, check out their video of the trip entitled "Mana in January" at this link: Zim4x4
2015 ZAMBEZI SPECIALS FROM AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS
1.
EGG-STENDED EASTER TREAT (until 30th June 2015)
Enjoy an Egg-straordinary and Egg-stended Easter Treat with African Bush Camps this year with a 10% discount on African Bush Camps safari camps (including Kanga Camp & Zambezi Life Styles in Mana Pools) when travelling between 1st March and 30th June 2015. Take time out this Easter to relax and unwind in the most remote locations whilst enjoying incredible up close and personal wildlife encounters with ABC's team of passionate professional guides.
2. MANA POOLS FULL MOON – INTENSIVE ADVENTURER (24th - 29th November 2015)
This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience inland Mana Pools between 24th and 29th November 2015, combining the famous Chitake Springs during the Full Moon followed by a relaxing Armchair safari at Kanga Camp. African Bush Camps are working in collaboration with Sunpath Safaris on this special adventure safari.
3. ZAMBEZI DREAMS – END OF YEAR SPECIAL 2015 (5 nights between 1st November and 10th December 2015)
Indulge yourself this November /December by spending 5 nights exploring the riverside (Zambezi Life Styles) and inland (Kanga Camp) experience of Mana Pools at a 10% discount!
Read more, check out the Picture Gallery, or write a Review at this link: African Bush Camps on Wild Zambezi
.VICTORIA FALLS
AFRICA ALBIDA TOURISM WELCOMES GAVIN RENNIE
Gavin Rennie, well-known Zimbabwean professional cricketer and long-term Sales and Marketing Manager for The Hide in Hwange and Changa Safari Camp on Lake Kariba, will join Africa Albida, the tourism group which includes the famous Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and associated properties, mid-April.
Ross Kennedy, CEO of Africa Albida Tourism says that Rennie's experience, reputation and network are respected and well earned, locally, regionally and internationally. "Gavin joins us in the newly created role of Head of Sales, in which he will boost our highly regarded and well-known sales team, as well as complement the marketing and PR team headed up by Nommy Vuma."
Despite the move, Gavin still remains a company director and shareholder of The Hide. "He will continue to add value to the business where possible," said Angus Preston, MD of The Hide. In the meantime, Kelly Wood has joined the team as Sales and Marketing Manager for The Hide and Changa Safari Camp.
TWO TAIL ENDERS....
During the "green season", there are lots of fascinating bugs to look at. The guides at two Zambezi Safari Camps tell us what some of these "little critters" get up to. It's quite extraordinary.....
Red Velvet Mites (Family Trombidiidae) (Thanks to Jecha Point Fishing Lodge near Chirundu).
They have the strangest mating ritual imaginable!
These little bugs are arachnids found in soil litter. They are easily seen because of their bright red colour, but are often mistaken for spiders. They prey on termites and insect eggs and are harmless to humans. Sometimes called Rain Bugs because they are most commonly seen after a heavy rainfall, they have a very wide distribution in Southern Africa, but are also found in South America and Asia.
Probably the most interesting fact about them is their strange mating ritual. The male will weave an intricate silken web between blades of grass, he then deposits sperm 'bubbles' in his 'love garden'. He lays a silken road out from his 'palace' and waits at the end of the road for a lady to crawl along. Once he sees her, he performs a little dance to entice her and if she is interested she will follow his love path all the way to the bubbles, and impregnate herself.
The oil from the red velvet mite Trombidium grandissimum is used in traditional Indian medicine to treat paralysis. Also, due to their alleged ability to increase sexual desire, Trombidium mites are known locally as "Indian Viagra"!
Mud Dauber Wasps (Family Sphecidae) (Thanks to Spurwing Island on Lake Kariba)
They paralyse spiders with their sting, lay their eggs in them and seal them up in a mud nest.
When the eggs hatch, they have fresh spider to eat!
Spurwing Island on Lake Kariba took these pictures of a Black and Yellow Mud Dauber Wasp building a section of its nest, and then they carefully opened-up its nest chamber revealing what is inside!. They wrote: "Cleaning up the office this morning we came across this incredible little piece of nature. The Mud Dauber Wasp is a common resident at Spurwing Island. This little wasp stings small grubs or caterpillars and sometimes spiders, the sting doesn't kill but actually paralysis its prey , it then lays an egg on each grub and secures them in a nest of mud. When the larvae hatch they have fresh food straight away to get a boost in life."
Wikipedia tell us more..... "They are solitary insects that build nests out of mud, in sheltered locations, frequently on man-made structure such as bridges, barns, open porches or under the eaves of houses. These nests are not aggressively defended, and stings are rare.
The nest comprises a series of cylindrical cells that are plastered over to form a smooth nest that may attain nearly the size of a human fist. After building a cell, the female wasp captures several spiders. The captured prey are stung and paralyzed before being placed in the nest, and then a single egg is deposited on the prey within each cell. The wasp then seals the cell with mud. After finishing a series of cells, she leaves and does not return.
There are some 30 species of this type of wasp, occurring throughout the world. They are widespread in Canada, the USA, Central America, Southern Africa and the West Indies.
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