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NEWS: MARCH 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.
INDABA 2015: WILD ZAMBEZI WILL BE IN DURBAN - 9th-11th MAY
This is an open invitation to anyone attending the INDABA travel show at the ICC in Durban, South Africa this year to come and meet Wild Zambezi and some of our network partners to find out more about the travel opportunities on offer in our wonderful, wild part of Zimbabwe.
Find us in the DEC2 Hall, stand number DEC2C56 right next the Zimbabwe country stand.
Please contact us in advance on info@wildzambezi.com to make an appointment.
We will be promoting our entire Wild Zambezi travel network of partners, with the following companies individually represented on our stand:-
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 (brand new safari camp 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)
Umbozha Houseboat/Dunhu Ramambo (The Chief's Collection) (largest fleet of houseboats on Lake Kariba & safari lodges outside Harare)
SANGANANI-HLANGANANI – ZIMBABWE 18th- 20th JUNE
Wild Zambezi will also be exhibiting in Harare this June at Zimbabwe's international travel show Sanganai—Hlanganani to be held at the Harare International Conference Centre (HICC) next to Rainbow Towers.
KARIBA
LAKE KARIBA – ZIMBABWE'S INLAND SEA AND BOATING PARADISE
Now that there are regular Air Zimbabwe domestic flights linking the famous Victoria Falls with other parts of the Zimbabwe, it's time for holidaymakers, tour operators and travel agents to widen their focus and think about extending the traditional Victoria Falls adventure trip to include a boat cruise on the vast freshwater inland sea of Lake Kariba.
The Lake covers an unbelievable 5200 sq km of the Zambezi River Valley, and is some 280 kms long and 40 kms at its widest! Cruises are available out of harbours at either end of the lake, some operating from Binga or Mlibizi at the western end, nearest to Victoria Falls, and most out of harbours like Marineland (pictured above left), in Kariba town at the north-eastern end of the lake.
The cruiseboats on Lake Kariba are known as "houseboats" because they are in effect "floating hotels" of various sizes, shapes and degrees of comfort. The largest will take parties of up to 40 or 50 people, providing private cabins and on-deck sleeping space. The smallest will accommodate small families of 4-6. Most comfortably accommodate 12 – 20 people. Some are fully enclosed to provide luxurious, air-conditioned, en-suite accommodation and lavish indoor dining/living/reception areas, Others are more open-air and open-decked allowing for maximum space and a great deal of informality, with private cabins on the lower deck and either en-suite or shared bathroom facilities. Houseboats can be hired either on a full-board or self-catering basis and are usually equipped with an efficient and hard-working crew who will do everything to provide you with a holiday of a lifetime. The boats usually have one or more small tenderboats which can leave the "mothership" once berthed in a lakeside creek, so that guests can set off on fishing or game viewing trips in the vicinity.
Most houseboats embark on a leisurely cruise exploring the shorelines and islands of the vast lake and offering several days of fishing, game-viewing, birding, sunbathing or simply relaxing. Those departing from Binga or Mlibizi have the chance to explore the steep-sided beauty of Devil's Gorge where the Zambezi River meets the upper reaches of Lake Kariba. Those setting off from Kariba at the eastern end, most often cross about 30kms of the lake to the wildlife-rich Matusadona National Park on the southern shore where there are islands, tranquil bays and creeks teeming with wildlife against the magnificent backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment mountains. If you are lucky, you can see a variety of large African mammal species, including elephant, buffalo, lion and cheetah and a staggering variety of waterbirds.
There are a number of locally-based companies which specialise in booking Lake Kariba houseboats and which will provide you with all the details you require to find a boat cruise option that fits your particular requirements, degree of luxury or informality and the number in your party.
WildZambezi.com has many of them represented on our network. Check them out and find their contact details at the following links:-
Premier Travel & Tours/Premier Holidays
Lake Kariba Houseboats/Sengwa Safaris
NEED HELP WITH THE KARIBA BORDERPOST?
The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA) in Kariba is offering help to visitors who are would like a trouble-free crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia using the borderpost at the Kariba Dam Bridge (pictured).
Says Tendai Mushangwe, the ZTA Kariba Area Manager:
"As an office located in a border town, we also help with facilitation of tourists at the border the same way that Beitbridge does.
We do not have a busy border so we cannot be there all the time, but if you need anyone coming into Kariba to be facilitated across the border, we can assist."
Please could you give us a heads up, before someone comes, so that we can liaise with the Port authorities on the requirements etc, so that the entry or exit will be flawless."
For contact details and more information, see Tourism Assistance at Kariba Borderpost
GUESTS DINE WITH LIONS AT MUSANGO
Musango Island Safari Camp, situated on its own Lake Kariba island just offshore of the Matusadona National Park, has been wowing guests in the green season with incredible wildlife sightings as all things wild and wonderful enjoy the lushness the rains have brought.
Game viewing and bird watching has apparently been amazing, and, with lake levels now dropping, lovely expanses of big grassy foreshores are being exposed next to the water. The animal herds favour these shores as their preferred grazing areas and can be seen there often.
A recent highlight occurred right in camp, when some very special Musango guests were literally joined for supper by nine lions who made a kill on the beach right in front of the dining room! "That's what we like to call the African version of "dinner and a show !", says owner, Wendy Edwards. "It was an extremely memorable sighting and very exciting indeed"
She reports that fishing at Musango has been amazing too and a few fishing guests have even been lucky enough to catch tigerfish, and huge bream on fly.
Take advantage of Musango's "Stay for 4 nights and only pay for 3" Special.
For more information and contact details (or to tell us about your own experience at this place), see Musango Island Safari Camp
ZAMBEZI VALLEY
GREAT TIGERFISHING ON THE ZAMBEZI AT CHIRUNDU – REMEMBER TO "CATCH AND RELEASE"
The Zambezi River at the border town of Chirundu offers wonderful fishing experiences for everyone, from young children learning, to avid sport fishermen keen to battle with the river's fighting tigerfish. There are some great places to take the family for a holiday fishing adventure on this stretch of the river. Access is easy as there is a main road all the way to Chirundu and from there, a short stretch of dirt road, passable even during the green season gets you to one of these affordable fishing camps. You can bring your own motorboat and launch it at any of these sites, or hire a fishing boat with a skipper who knows the river intimately and will take you to the best spots.
Remember that "Catch and Release" is encouraged by all fishing establishments along the river at this point, in an effort to ensure that the tigerfish population is conserved into the future. Fishermen and women, please respect this noble initiative and teach your children to do the same. Ensure that you handle the fish sensitively and minimally, take a quick photograph to capture the moment, and then release your catch to ensure that the Zambezi River continues to enjoy a healthy tigerfish population.
Even if you aren't into fishing, these lodges all provide a convenient stop-off for anyone crossing the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe who needs comfortable and affordable accommodation in pleasant wildlife surroundings on the Zambezi River. They are also excellent venues for weddings, informal meetings and family get-togethers if you are looking for an attractive outdoor location.
For more information and contact details, see these links:-
Chirundu Safari Lodge & Tamarind Camp
CHILLI "GUN" HELPS PROTECT CHIRUNDU'S ELEPHANTS
A chilli pepper solution which is said to be 50 times stronger than Tabasco is central to a new conservation project aimed at preventing the elephants of Chirundu being destroyed as pests.
Elephants which have become habituated to human settlement in and around the border town have, over the years, become a nuisance, regularly raiding dustbins and houses for food and sometimes causing a great deal of damage to property. Seen as a danger to human life, they have, in the past, often been shot as "problem animals" by the Parks and Wildlife Management Department.
However, last year a new approach to solving this problem (and at the same time sparing the lives of the elephants) was implemented by a group called the Chirundu Elephant Programme, spearheaded by Aaron Young using technology developed by Mike le Grange, a Zimbabwean expert in human-wildlife conflict. Nic and Iona Coetzee, owners of Jecha Point Fishing Lodge just downstream of Chirundu became involved. Not wanting the local elephant population to be destroyed, they developed what, on the surface, seems to be a simple plan: chase the "problem" animals out of town using a specially-developed "gun" which fires a strong deterrent spray of chilli-pepper oil, until they get the message and stop coming back.
The implementation, however, turned out to be not quite so easy. No sooner had one lot of elephants been "moved on" than another group of young bulls took their place! To create a "virtual barrier" around the town which the elephants know they must not cross without being "chillied", sometimes involves up to 19 hours of overnight patrolling!
It's hard work, but the effort is paying off. Aaron Young reports that not a single Chirundu elephant has had to be "destroyed" in the past year. Elephants are fast learners and extremely intelligent. They have learned to recognise the "chilli-pepper" vehicle on duty in town, and will not come near it. But if they see it parked at Jecha Point, just a few kilometres away, where they know there is no threat, they will happily ignore it!
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Read the full story as reported by News 24 at this WildZambezi.com link: Chilli gun helps protect Chirundu's elephants
FOUR SEASONS OF MANA POOLS ON VIDEO
Self-drive tour operator Zim4x4 has created a series of wildlife videos showing Mana Pools National Park and World Heritage Site in its very different seasons throughout the year.
Check out the Zim4x4 Video Page, showing wonderful scenes of the beautiful Park in January, April, June and October
For more information and contact details about self-drive wilderness trips into Mana Pools see Zim4x4
.VICTORIA FALLS
BBC TRAVEL SHOW FEATURES VICTORIA FALLS!
The BBC Travel Show Africa 2015 will shortly be screening a feature based on the team's visit to the Victoria Falls area in March.
The show's four-man team of Carey Clark, Ade Adepitan, Greg McKenzie and Mike London were guests of Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Victoria Falls Safari Club and spent four days on location in the resort town as part of a visit encompassing Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.
In addition to visiting the Falls themselves on the ground and from the air (by helicopter), the team visited lion research initiatives in Zimbabwe and Zambia and undertook a site inspection of the upgraded Victoria Falls airport which is nearing completion. They also enjoyed an evening's dinner and entertainment at the famous Boma - Place of Eating.
The picture (left) shows the team on the verandah of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, interviewing Dave Glynn, Chairman of the hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism which owns the Lodge properties.
2015 is a landmark year for the Safari Lodge which was completed 20 years ago and has since become one of the most successful tourism enterprises in the region.
Interviews were also conducted with The Hon Walter Mzembe, Zimbabwe's Minister of Tourism, and with Mr Givemore Chidzidzi, Acting CEO of the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority.
Look out for BBC Travel Show's Victoria Falls feature which should be screening sometime in April.
HOW TO GET TO WILD HORIZON'S NEW "LOOKOUT CAFÉ" IN VICTORIA FALLS
THE ELEPHANT CAMP WEST: IDEAL FOR FAMILIES & SMALL GROUPS
A new western extension known as The Elephant Camp West (pictured above) has recently been added to the popular, award-winning Elephant Camp at Victoria Falls.
Four new tented suites and a central dining area separate from the main camp now cater for groups and families visiting the Falls area. Each suite accommodates two adults and has two sleeper couches for accompanying children. The luxurious suites, each with a private lounge area, viewing deck and plunge pool, all overlook the Victoria Falls National Park, and the spray from the Victoria Falls. All are equipped with air-conditioning and fans, bath, inside and outside shower, mini bar and tea/ coffee stations and have 220v mains electricity.
The Elephant Camp West is ideal for bookings requiring exclusive use of the facility for occasions such as weddings or family gatherings.
For more information and contact details, see this link: The Elephant Camp
ZAMBEZI SANDS - LUXURY ON THE EDGE OF THE ZAMBEZI RIVER ABOVE VICTORIA FALLS
If you want a special treat in the wilds away from the hustle and bustle of Victoria Falls town, now's the time to take advantage of Imvelo Safari Lodges' special 2015 rates for Zambezi Sands River Camp.
Opened in 2014, this fabulous new 16-bed luxury tented camp has 8 spacious tented suites built on wooden platforms right on the banks of the Zambezi River a 45-minute drive through the Zambezi National Park upstream from the Falls. Take a look at Zambezi Sands River Camp on WildZambezi.com, check out their photo gallery and promotional video of the camp taken from the air, or click on their website link to view a Virtual Tour of this wonderful property.
You won't be disappointed!
A special STAY FOR 3 PAY FOR 2 rack rate is applicable for Zambezi Sands River Camp for the whole of 2015 as follows:-
US$1064 per person sharing ( a saving of US$532 on the usual package rate of US$1596 per person sharing).
This includes:-
- All meals, soft drinks, beers, wines & local spirits
- laundry
- return pickups and drop offs from Victoria Falls Town or Victoria Falls Airport
- game activities as available by vehicle, boats or on foot
- licensed guides on safari
- Zambezi National Park entry fees
For contact details (or to send us a review of your experience at this camp), see Zambezi Sands River Camp
TAIL ENDER....
Wild Zambezi has had a bit of fun trawling the internet for some inspiration for our tail-ender this month. We came across some wonderful April Fools Day pranks from the past.
Here's an original from nearly 20 years ago, which we adapted slightly!
On 1st April 1997, BMW announced that its engineers had developed a new feature for its luxury cars. They introduced WAIL, standing for "Wildlife Acoustic Information Link." This device was designed to prevent animals from becoming roadkill by emitting high-pitched soundwaves (inaudible to human ears, but audible to animals) that sent them scurrying out of the way: Announced BMW: "This operates on the same ultrasonic echo-sounding principle as BMW's Park Distance Control System. Sonic waves are emitted from the front bumper producing a warning call which alerts animals on the road to the approaching car. This then encourages them to jump into the nearest hedgerow."! (The original cartoon depicted a hedgehog in the road. We think an elephant is more appropriate!).
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
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