travelinfo: WILD ZAMBEZI News June-July 2015 d8

A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!

NEWS: JUNE-JULY 2015

Explore our travel listings & share your own experiences at www.wildzambezi.com

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.

AIR ZIMBABWE NOW LINKING HARARE AND LUSAKA

Air Zimbabwe has resumed flights between Harare and Lusaka from 22 June 2015.

The flights are operating on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays.

Morning flights depart on Mondays and Wednesdays at 06h00 (from Harare) and 08.00 (from Lusaka)

Evening flights depart on Fridays at 18h00 (from Harare) and 20h00 (from Lusaka) .

The flight time is one and a half hours.

For bookings, contact your local travel agent or Air Zimbabwe

WILD ZAMBEZI WELCOMES FALCON SAFARIS!

Wild Zambezi is delighted to welcome tour operator, Falcon Safaris, to our travel network.

Falcon Safaris specialise in tailormade, packaged tours around Zimbabwe and the rest of Southern Africa.

They have an active tours, transfers and cruises division in Victoria Falls and are currently focused on promoting itineraries which encompass Hwange, Binga, Matusadona, Kariba and Mana Pools.

Here's what they have to say about themselves....

"At Falcon Safaris, we're largely born and bred Africans – we've experienced most of the very best and worst that Africa offers..... Together with our English colleagues who've taught us a bit of perspective, we've formed a strong, knowledgeable team, offering highly personalised, good 'value for money' tours and personalised itineraries driven by our love of Southern Africa.

If you want to experience the true essence of Africa, then the big lodges filled with masses of tourists are not for you. Falcon Safaris in conjunction with only the very best of our local African partners, are here to offer you the perfect honeymoon, the daring African adventure holiday, the ultimate African safari or a unique family vacation. We specialise in photographic African safaris, eco tourism and adventure travel. All our trips are tailor-made to our guests' specifications - so no two trips will ever be alike. Whatever your special interest, we have something that will meet your needs. Our dedicated consultants will do all the research, plan your itinerary, provide necessary information and cover all details – all you need to do is pack your bag and prepare for the African vacation of a lifetime."

Wild Zambezi is particularly pleased that this company also offers reliable ground-handling and transfer services within and around the Victoria Falls area with a fleet of buses, minibuses and luxury sedans.

They will organise transfers to and from Mlibizi (or vice versa) for visitors wanting to move between Victoria Falls/Hwange and Kariba using the Kariba Ferry which plies the length of the Lake between Mlibizi and Kariba.

For more information and contact details, see this link: Falcon Safaris

EMERGENCY PRE-HOSPITAL MEDICAL INSURANCE FOR VISITORS TO ZIMBABWE

When travelling abroad, the usual advice about accident or medical emergency is to get good international insurance cover that will get you admitted into a decent medical facility.

What is often missed, though, is that the most exciting destinations, the get-away-from-it-all places, are naturally in the remotest areas - in the middle of nowhere.

An emergency medical situation in a remote place means the absence of what most people take for granted in our modern world: the absence of first class medical facilities down the road, the absence of the local pharmacy, the absence of a well-maintained road network and in some extreme cases the absence of a reliable phone network.

In an emergency it is vital to access appropriate medical intervention as quickly as possible. Your International Insurance will get you admitted into a decent medical facility. But how do you quickly organise the necessary authorisations and get there from the middle of the bush? Travel insurance policies rarely provide cover for evacuation from the scene of the illness/accident to the hospital.

Zimbabwe has several very reliable and effective ambulance services which will operate in remote areas. You can find out more about them on WildZambezi.com - check out ACE; EMRAS/Life Flight or MARS (Medical Air Rescue Services).

To assist with the insurance problem, MARS also offer affordable short-term Travel Insurance Cover packages for tour operators and hotels/lodges (to cover their clients) or for individual visitors so they can access emergency road and air evacuation to the nearest healthcare facility without having to waste time checking with or waiting for authorisations from an international company.

Tour operators and tourism establishments can purchase wholesale cover for their clients for as little as US$15.00 per person per week. Before you travel, check if your tour operator has such coverage. If not, you can buy the cover yourself at a cost of US$24.50 per person per week (US$3.50 per person per day).

Note that this emergency short-term insurance does not cover the actual hospitalisation and subsequent medical costs. Those will be for the patient's account (this is where your normal travel insurance policy comes in).

BENEFITS OF AN EMERGENCY EVACUATION POLICY

• In the event of an emergency requiring evacuation, the full cost of air and road ambulance rescue, including medical treatment, from the scene of injury or illness to the hospital is covered.

• Peace of mind: in the event of an emergency, a professional service is in place to take care of all the requirements.

• Whilst the MARS policy covers all evacuation and transport costs, doctors, specifically assigned to MARS members are on constant stand-by to provide medical treatment and to arrange a physician or surgeon if required. (Remember that hospital and subsequent medical costs are not covered)

• Aircraft based in Harare ensure a rapid response capability, with on-call pilots and trauma-trained staff.

For more information about this type of insurance cover and contact details, see this link: MARS (Medical Air Rescue Services)

LOOK OUT FOR 'SPECIALS' IN WILD ZAMBEZI.COM'S LISTINGS!

When browsing through our Directory of travel listings on WildZambezi.com, don't forget to check down the page of each listing in case there are any Special Offers.

Specials are often seasonal and have a time-limit which is clearly marked on the page.

African Fusion Travel are currently offering a fantastic all-inclusive package focused on Harare, Kariba and Victoria Falls, entitled "Experience the marvels of Zimbabwe"

The package includes return flights between Johannesburg and Harare, Kariba and Victoria Falls and B&B accommodation - 1 night Harare - 2 nights Kariba - 3 nights Victoria Falls.

There are lots more Travel Specials on our website, some of which are featured in this newsletter (read below), or check out the Specials column on these links direct:-

Bumi Hills Fly-in Package Special

Changa Safari Camp Fly-in (and other) Specials

Halsted's Safaris (Mongwe) Mid-Year Self-Catering Special

Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge (Wild Horizons) Zimbabwe Resident Special

The Elephant Camp/Imbabala combo (Wild Horizons) Zimbabwe Resident Special

Jecha Point Fishing Lodge Winter Special – self-catering

Musango Island Safari Camp – Winter Special

Rhino Safari Camp Winter Special

Spurwing Island Winter Special

Tiger Safaris Winter Special – self catering

KARIBA

SPURWING ISLAND - PLANES, BOATS AND FAMILY FUN IN THE WINTER SUN

Spurwing Island resort on Lake Kariba has been fortunate enough to host the annual Zimbabwe Air Rally for the past few years. They report that this year no less than 36 light aircraft of all different shapes, sizes and colours landed safely on nearby Fothergill airstrip (pictured above left) and were greeted by the Spurwing Bush Bar, lifting spirits even further than they already were. All participants were ferried on houseboats across to Spurwing Island where a beautiful spread of roast beef and a chicken curry was awaiting the intrepid flyers. A quiet evening was spent at Spurwing as the pilots and navigators got their much needed shut-eye for the next big day's leg to Hwange National Park. "What a sight it was having planes flying tree-top height over the island! If anyone out there has access to your own plane, why not get to Spurwing for a weekend getaway?" They will arrange transfers and meet and greet to and from Fothergill for you.

Not to be outdone by those "magnificent men (and women) in their flying machines", every year an adventurous crew of intrepid motorboaters traverse the length of Lake Kariba (some 280 kms) and back all the way from Msuna at the extreme western end of the lake, in the annual "Turbo Charge". This year was their 25^th Anniversary, so instead of just passing through as they migrated down the lake, they spent a splendid two nights at Spurwing Island during which they had a fancy dress party where everyone outdid themselves! (pictured above centre). There was much humour had by this group, and they left replenished with ice and fuel for their long journey back up the Lake.

Spurwing can cater for a wide variety of events and special occasions, including weddings, birthday parties, anniversaries and family weekends away.

Meantime Spurwing is perfectly located for fishing holidays. There are abundant populations of Tigerfish, Vundu, Catfish, Bream and comical "Squeakers" in the waters surrounding the Island – enough to keep all types of fisherpeople happy - from serious anglers to families just having fun (like little Angela pictured above right with her very own Bream!). Spurwing is fully equipped for all fishing needs, so visitors need not worry about having a boat or kit. The island has two pontoon boats available which are perfect for families and provide a nice shaded fishing spot all day. There are also speed boats available - a Volvo (4 pax) , Falcon (6 pax) and Pelican (13pax) - which can cater for more experienced die-hard fishermen who don't mind the heat.

Special US$99ppp night will extend during refurbishments

Spurwing's Winter Special rate of US$99 per person per night is still applicable during July. This price includes ALL accommodation and meals, but excludes transfers, Park fees, drinks and any extra activity fees.

The resort is undergoing a bit of an upgrade during the coming months, but will remain open and functional, and the wonderful US$99 Special will be extended during the months of September, October and November to further entice visitors. (Children under the age of 12 only pay half price and children under the age of 3 stay for free!)

For further information and contact details for bookings, see Spurwing Island

If you have stayed at this resort and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

FLY-IN PACKAGES TO LAKE KARIBA at BUMI HILLS or CHANGA SAFARI CAMP

Both Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Spa and Changa Safari Camp are now offering inclusive fly-in packages from Victoria Falls for visitors wanting to combine a trip to Lake Kariba as well as experiencing Zimbabwe's most famous Natural Wonder and World Heritage site. Details are given below, but for package prices contact the respect camps direct via the links given.

BUMI HILLS 3-NIGHT FLY-IN PACKAGE

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Spa sits atop a hill at the western end of the Matusadona National Park, with 20 luxurious rooms commanding breath-taking views over Lake Kariba. Activities include game-viewing by vehicle and boat, beach sundowners, sunset cruises, fishing, Spa treatments and cultural encounters.

The fly-in package includes:

· Return air transfers from Vic Falls;

· 3 nights accommodation in a Premium Room;

· Meals as served; Teas & coffees;

· Standard beverages and

· Laundry charges.

Excluded are:

· Premium brand beverages;

· Spa treatments (unless otherwise indicated);

· Shop purchases;

· National Parks fees for water-based activities;

· BHAPU (Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit) Council fees for land-based activities.

Childrens' rates for the fly-in package are applicable only when they are sharing the room with an adult.

For more information and booking contact details, see this link: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Spa

If you have stayed at this lodge and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

CHANGA SAFARI CAMP 2-NIGHT FLY-IN PACKAGE

Changa Safari Camp is a luxury, 20-bed, tented camp set into the natural bush on the shores of Lake Kariba at the eastern end of the Matusadona National Park.

Their special fly-in package includes:

· Victoria Falls - Changa return charter flights

· All road or boat transfers from Fothergill airstrip to Changa Safari Camp

· 2 nights luxury accommodation

· All meals and snacks

· Local drinks including house wines

· 3 activities a day.

· Teas/Coffees

· Laundry.

National Parks fees are payable direct.

Visitors can also opt to stay at Changa's sister Safari Lodge - The Hide, in Hwange National Park as an add-on at discounted rates.

For more information and contact details, see Changa Safari Camp

If you have stayed at this camp and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

AERIAL VIDEO FOR UMBOHZA HOUSEBOATS SHOWCASES LAKE KARIBA'S LOVELY LANDSCAPES

Click on the image below and scroll down to watch this beautiful aerial video taken for Umbohza Houseboats (Lake Kariba's largest and most luxurious commercial fleet of houseboats).

Enjoy the truly magnificent scenery of Zimbabwe's inland sea - water and wildlife wonderland!

If you have stayed aboard any of the Umbohza houseboat fleet and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

"KARIWA" - THE MYSTERIOUS, LEGENDARY ROCK WHICH GAVE "KARIBA" ITS NAME

The water level of Lake Kariba is seriously low this year. Opinions differ as to whether this is because of two new electricity generating turbines extracting more water on the Zambian side of the dam, or a deliberate management intervention to facilitate maintenance work on the dam wall. Be that as it may, a low lake level has exposed a VERY large shipping hazard in the form of a large, protruding rock, which sticks up out of the water at the narrow entrance to the Kariba Gorge (see picture below left).

The sudden emergence of this large rock outcrop brought to mind the legend of an infamous (and mysterious) rock known as "Kariwa" (meaning a "trap") from which the name "Kariba" was derived.

"Kariwa" was apparently a large "overhanging" rock with the appearance and shape of a traditional "trap" which is said to have marked the entrance to the Gorge through which the Zambezi flowed before it was dammed.

A second photograph (above right) shows another (possibly more accurate) candidate for the original "Kariwa" rock (see the information below). This too, stands right at the entrance to the Kariba Gorge, but is on land, rather than submerged by the lake. (Many thanks to Sunera Millar (of Hornbill Lodge & Natureways Safaris) and Steve Jacobsz (Blue Water Charters) who supplied the photographs).

But which is the real "Kariwa"?

Wild Zambezi would be delighted to hear from more descendants of the original inhabitants of this area who will be able to enlighten us about the real "Kariwa" rock and share their stories about it.

In the meantime, Jenny Nobes from Rhino Safari Camp has some information that may help decide. Anyone who visits this delightful, intimate and authentic bushcamp within the Matusadona National Park, on Lake Kariba's southern shores, will no doubt meet the camp boat driver - an experienced captain who delights in the name of "Funnyboy" .

While returning to Kariba town on a recent boat transfer across the lake from the camp, and passing the entrance to Kariba Gorge, Funnyboy recounted to Jenny a tale about his family's experience of the legend of the Kariwa rock.

He explained that the rock's name derives from the fact that it is ideally shaped (if somewhat overly big) for a traditional African trap used to catch mice in the bush. This device is carefully constructed using a specially-shaped "trapping rock" with a flat surface on one side, propped up on a stick to which is tied a long piece of string with a patiently-waiting human (often a small herdboy) at the other end! A deliciously roasted pumpkin seed that is irresistible to mice is strategically placed on the ground beneath the propped-up rockface . When a mouse approaches, attracted by the pumpkin seed, the string is pulled and the results are optimistically obvious....and deadly for the mouse!

Funnyboy explained that according to traditional beliefs in the area, if a person disappeared close to the "Kariwa" rock they should not be mourned. If the family mourned, the person would be gone forever. However, if they carried on going about their daily business, the spirits would return their loved one to them in due course. He recounted the story of a family member who was taken from the Zambezi river bank nearby by a crocodile, and dragged to a cave above the water mark where he was left untouched. While lying there, he noticed small amounts of soil falling on his head from above and realised that this was being caused by a flock of guinea fowl above the cave scratching the soil (as is their habit). There was obviously only a thin layer of earth above him preventing his escape. With some effort he was able to exit by digging his way out via the roof of the cave. And thus, as legend would have it, he was returned to his family.

Says Jenny " I have great respect for the men whose families have lived in the Zambezi Valley with nature for many generations, and who keep their stories and recount them to the new generation. This one really struck a chord with me and I felt it was good to share."

For more information and contact details, see this link: Rhino Safari Camp

If you have stayed at this camp and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

NOTE: KARIBA PHONE NUMBERS HAVE CHANGED

A recent upgrade of the telephone exchange in Kariba town has resulted in all the landline phone numbers in the area changing as well as the area code.

Wild Zambezi has tried to update all its existing listings to take account of the changes, but there may be some that have slipped through.

The new area code for Kariba is +263 261 and all landline numbers have changed. They now have 7 digits starting with 214....

If in doubt, use an the e-mail address given in our listings.

A LITTLE PIECE OF FORGOTTEN HISTORY – MODEL OF THE KARIBA COFFER DAM

Wild Zambezi is grateful to Debbi Ottman (KAWFT) in Kariba town for taking these photographs of a mini concrete replica of the Kariba Dam showing the coffer dams designed by the engineers to divert water away from the construction works while the wall was being built. The model is located near one of the Water Pump Stations in Kariba and has been sadly neglected and is in danger of falling apart. This seems a pity, as it is surely of very interesting historical significance.

The exact reason for its construction is unclear (although there is sure to be someone who remembers).

Perhaps it was built as an experimental demo for engineers to model how the diverted waters of the Zambezi River would flow once the coffer dams were in place?

Maybe it was simply a miniature constructed in a convenient place to demonstrate to visiting dignitaries what the plan was for dealing with the river flow during the dam's construction?

Whatever the reason for it, it deserves a better future as a historical relic.

Wild Zambezi would welcome informed opinion as to what the model was used for, and also any ideas about how this fascinating little artefact might be rehabilitated and turned into an interesting tourist attraction for Kariba town.

ZAMBEZI VALLEY

NATIONAL PARKS REINSTATES "UNGUIDED" PUBLIC WALKING IN MANA POOLS

Visitors to pay for the privilege.

Zimbabwe's National Parks and Wildlife Authority has, with immediate effect, reinstated the privilege of walking "unguided" in Mana Pools National Park under the following conditions:-

"All walking activities will require permits as follows:-

a. $10 per day for Zimbabweans

b. $15 per day for foreigners;

The option of hiring a ranger still remains at the gazetted price;

All persons found walking without a permit will be fined $100;

Kindly note that this is with immediate effect. This position will be reviewed at the end of the year in line with all other conditions."

The new requirements were revealed in a statement issued by conservation organisation, The Zambezi Society who conducted a public survey on the issue after the Authority had announced a ban on "unguided" walking in May this year. The Society took the results of the survey and made urgent representations to ZimParks on behalf of its constituency.

There were 121 responses to the survey - a highly representative sample of visitors to Mana Pools

Of this sample, 55% were from Zimbabwe and 45% were foreign visitors

15% said unguided walking is bad

78% said unguided walking is good

52% said they would stop coming to Mana Pools, or would come less frequently as a result of the ban on unguided walking.

The survey results showed an overwhelming call for the ban to be revisited, and a strong acceptance that an enforceable Code of Conduct be put in place.

Prior to the ban, the Zambezi Society had worked with its constituency members as well as the Lower Zambezi Tour Operators Association (LZTOA) and the ZimParks Authority at Mana Pools station level to develop and agree on two Codes of Conduct - one for Mana Pools National Park and one for Chitake Spring.

The ZimParks Authority has agreed to these Codes of Conduct being implemented. It is putting in place strong measures to ensure that fines are strictly enforced for offenders and non-permit-holders.

In the meantime, The Zambezi Society is reviewing the draft Codes of Conduct and will shortly make them available to the public.

Says the statement :"The Zambezi Society wishes to thank the ZimParks Authority for taking its representations seriously. We urge visitors to Mana Pools to recognise the privilege that has been returned to them and to respect the guidelines provided by the agreed Codes of Conduct. While making a daily payment for the privilege of "unguided" walking adds an additional financial burden to visitors, it is nonetheless arguable that this requirement should have been in place long ago, and might have served to prevent the unacceptable behaviour of a small minority of visitors in recent years."

NATUREWAYS HAS A NEW WEBSITE!

Want to enjoy the ultimate wild adventure experience on the Zambezi River?

Check out the wonderful canoeing, walking and tented camp safari options listed on the brand new website created by Natureways Safaris

If you have been on safari with Natureways and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

TIGER SAFARIS, CHIRUNDU – AN EASY ESCAPE FROM THE WINTER CHILL!

Tiger Safaris camp is situated on the Zambezi River just downstream from the Chirundu Bridge. Easily accessible from the main Harare-Lusaka highway, this delightful and informal camp is a popular spot for keen fishermen and women and for family holidays. Bring your own boat or hire a speedboat with an experienced skipper who knows the river well and can take you to the best fishing spots in the area.

The camp is currently offering a Winter Special rate of US$35 per person self-catering. However, if required, they can also offer fully-catered and semi-catered options at very reasonable prices.

Their latest newsletter reports that it has been very chilly on the river in the early morning and evening, but back at camp... it is definitely a good few degrees warmer.

"The water temp (always an important indicator of success for Tigerfishing) has only dropped to 24 degrees from 28. The tiger fishing has slowed down since the peak in February and March, however, our clients are still having some fantastic fishing here. This last weekend an average of 9 fish per boat... all between 3kg and 5kg. The Chessa & Nkupe are still on the bite and a few Vundu have been landed too.

The surrounding bush and inland pans are slowly drying up and the elephant are the first to venture back to the Zambezi. We have our daily visits from the elephants that wander through the camp to our water hole behind the swimming pool (picture above right). Our little family of warthogs are back too. Early one morning we even had one old buffalo drinking from the water hole. The resident hippo continue to visit the camp nightly to mow our lawn.

A giant kingfisher has taken up permanent residence at the office is causing havoc! He sees his reflection in the windows and attacks! He has managed to crack four windows and break one so far!

We have finally been able to get the tractor in to sort out our roads. It is a much smoother ride and a new section of the road, closer to the camp, has been put in.

It is well marked and a beautiful scenic drive into Tiger Safaris!

Our speed boats all have new Mariner 90hp Motors, and our 5 drivers remain excellent in the navigation of the river and finding the good fishing spots."

For more information and contact details, see Tiger Safaris

If you have stayed at Tiger Safaris and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

HALSTED SAFARIS – LUXURY FISHING ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER AT MONGWE

If you're looking for a great fishing escape on the Zambezi River but need a touch more luxury than that offered by the average family fishing camp, then Halsted Safaris is for you!

This beautiful, intimate, fishing and safari lodge sleeps a maximum of 8 people in 4 comfortable chalets nestled into the trees at the edge of the Zambezi River at Mongwe – roughly half way between Chirundu and Mana Pools.

Surrounded by green lawns and focused on a central, shaded lounge/bar/dining area with a pool deck overlooking the river, Halsted's Camp has internet facilities, boats, drivers, fishing guides and well-trained staff to look after your every need. The camp can also be hired on a self-catering basis by groups of minimum 6 people (maximum 8).

For the month of July, take advantage of their Winter Special Self-Catering rate of US$50 per person!

For more information and contact details, see this link: Halsted Safaris

If you have stayed at Halsted Safaris and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.

.VICTORIA FALLS

ZIMBABWE RESIDENTS' SPECIALS FROM WILD HORIZONS

at IMBABALA SAFARI LODGE and THE ELEPHANT CAMP

If you are resident in Zimbabwe, and would like to enjoy a luxurious break in some of the wonderful wild areas near Victoria Falls, Wild Horizons is offering two fantastic Zim resident Specials until 8^th September 2015.

Enjoy 3 x nights at Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge (inclusive of accommodation, activities and a tour of the Victoria Falls) or a 3 x night combo of Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge (2 x night) and The Elephant Camp (One night) (inclusive of accommodation, activities and a tour of the Victoria Falls) at very special rates.

Check them out in the Specials column at these links:-

Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge

The Elephant Camp

If you have visited either of the above properties and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at one of the above links.

TAIL ENDER....

Wild Zambezi enjoys this image of a Black Heron catching fish under the "shade umbrella" created by folding his wings.

These fascinating birds with their comical habits can be seen hard at work on the shorelines of Lake Kariba (or elsewhere along watercourses in the Zambezi region.

BBC Wildlife created a funny video featuring this bird (among other amusing images of African wildlife "talking"). It'll make you smile J

Click on the image to watch the video. Enjoy!