|
Sunday, August 30, 2015
50 Best Romantic Vacations
Saturday, August 29, 2015
WILD ZAMBEZI News August 2015 d8
A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!
NEWS: AUGUST 2015
Explore our travel listings & share your own experiences at www.wildzambezi.com
Find us on Facebook
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.
PREMIER TRAVEL HONOURED BY EMIRATES IN ZIMBABWE
Wild Zambezi is delighted that our network partner, Premier Travel & Tours has been named first runner up in the annual travel agents awards for excellence presented by international airline, Emirates, in Harare this August.
Our picture shows Shirley Pike, Travel Director of Premier Travel (centre left) receiving the award from Emirates Zimbabwe Country Manager Paulos Legesse.
The airline uses these awards to recognise the achievements of the best performing agents each year.
Clayton Pike, Managing Director of Premier Travel, said: "Emirates business class product is among the best in the world. Being able to seamlessly sell a business class product out of our market without any third party carriers is definitely an added advantage. Having said that, one must also take into account the excellent award-winning cuisine and entertainment as well as the add-on services, like wi-fi, chauffer drive service and excellent lounges as well as the on-board lounges on all the A380s."
Premier Travel and its destination management division Premier Holidays are together one of Zimbabwe's most successful travel agencies. Based in Harare, they are a one-stop travel shop, covering destinations within and around Zimbabwe as well as international travel bookings.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Premier Travel & Tours/Premier Holidays & Destination Management
Are you a customer of Premier Travel? Post a review of their services on WildZambezi.com at the above link.
LATEST TRAVEL REVIEWS ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM – July/August 2015
In the past month, an increasing number of visitors to the Zambezi areas have been posting their travel reviews on the Wild Zambezi website.
Take a look at what people are saying about their travel experiences at these links (scroll down to the bottom of each page for the Review section):-
Gorges Lodge (Imvelo Safari Lodges)
ZimParks Lodges Zambezi National Park (Victoria Falls)
Have something to say about a place you have visited or a service you have experienced? Tell others about it by submitting a Travel Review on the relevant page on Wild Zambezi.com.
CURRENT SPECIALS – CHECK THESE OUT ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM
There are a number of great SPECIALS on offer from some of Wild Zambezi's network partners.
Check them out on each of these page links (scroll down to the right):-
African Bush Camps – Kanga Camp/Zambezi Life Styles: Mana Pools Full Moon Intensive Adventurer and Zambezi Dreams End of Year Special 2015
African Fusion Travel: 6-night Zimbabwe Getaway
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa: 3 night fly-in package from Victoria Falls
Changa Safari Camp: International and Local Specials; Victoria Falls-Kariba fly-in package
Dunhu Ramambo: Umbozha Houseboats pre-launch Cruise Special – Kariba-Victoria Falls – September 2015
Musango Island Safari Camp: Cool Waters Package (Vic Falls/Kariba/Mana Pools) and Get a Night on Us (Stay for 4 nights, pay for 3)
Stanley & Livingstone Lodge & Game Reserve: Zimbabwe Residents Special
Zambezi Sands River Camp (Imvelo Safari Lodges): 2015 Special – Stay for 3 nights, pay for 2
KARIBA FEATURE
OUR AUGUST THEME :-
LAKE KARIBA AND KARIBA TOWN:
HOTELS, SAFARI LODGES, CAMPS & SELF-CATERING
This month we feature Wild Zambezi's network partners who offer various types of accommodation on the shores of Lake Kariba or within Kariba Town within Zimbabwe.
Check out our location maps, images and the links provided below to these wonderful places – all reliant on the wonderful wilderness surrounds of this famous "inland sea". .
Lake Kariba is the name given to the huge body of fresh water which spread 5 200 sq km over the Zambezi River valley after construction of the first major hydro-electric dam was completed in 1959, across Africa's fourth largest river. It is roughly estimated to be about 280kms long and 40 kms at its widest – backing up from the dam wall at Kariba Gorge in the lake's Eastern Basin to Devil's Gorge just upstream from Mlibizi in the West (see map)..
Lake Kariba has since become an attractive and popular holiday destination. Its vast expanse of water forms a boundary between Zimbabwe and Zambia; its extensive and attractive shorelines are home to large populations of wildlife and its islands are dotted in a picture-postcard deep blue sea against a backdrop of high escarpment mountain ranges on each side. Big sky sunsets over the lake are legendary, with the calm water turning to golden shot silk in the dusk and the bare branches of its famous drowned trees silhouetted in the foreground.
Lake Kariba is a laid-back holiday playground with a wide choice of activities ideal for families, a hot, tropical climate, fantastic fishing, lots of boating choices, houseboats, motorboating, sailing, and watersports and wildlife and safari opportunities second to none. Most people visiting Lake Kariba take a boat out of one of the harbours (Kariba Town at the north-eastern end of the lake and Binga or Mlibizi at the western end). Some cross the lake to stay at one of the safari or fishing camps along the shoreline, in the Matusadona National Park or the islands. Others are setting out for a leisurely cruise of several days aboard a houseboat, fishing, game-viewing, birding, sunbathing or simply relaxing.
LAKE KARIBA WESTERN BASIN:
Mlibizi & Binga
At the extreme western end of Lake Kariba, the little settlement of Mlibizi is the terminus for Kariba Ferries (top level of pictures). This 22-hour overnight passenger and vehicle ferry service is a popular way for visitors to traverse the lake between the Hwange/ Victoria Falls area and Kariba town - or vice versa. The ferry runs weekly (schedules are published on their website) and sometimes more often during high season periods. Early booking is essential. Departure is early morning (9.00a.m.) and passengers need to embark an hour before this. Some tour operators in Victoria Falls and Hwange offer road transfers to Mlibizi for travellers without a vehicle. However, since the transfer journey is 3+ hours long from Vic Falls, unless you want to make an extremely early morning start, it is usually more convenient to stay in Mlibizi the night before the ferry departs to Kariba (and the same in Kariba for the journey in the opposite direction). Accommodation in Mlibizi is restricted to a few privately-owned lodges, self-catering houses, a small hotel and a lakeside resort (self-catering chalets and a campsite) next to the ferry terminal. There are a few houseboats and pontoon-style fishing boats can be hired at a daily rate.
Binga (bottom level of pictures) is a fishing, boating and cultural centre reachable by tar from the main Bulawayo-Victoria Falls road and with an airstrip accessible by small charter aircraft. The town is an administrative hub created for the Tonga people who originally lived along the Zambezi River and who were re-located inland and to the south, when Lake Kariba was built and its rising waters covered their traditional homes. This community has suffered great hardships since their displacement, and the area has attracted international aid for medical, educational and community projects. Batonga traditions and culture are of great interest to visitors, and a cultural museum has been established along with a thriving co-operative handicraft industry, focused on traditional Tonga basketware, beadwork, drums and carved stools and doors.
Besides its cultural significance, Binga is a also good place for visitors from Bulawayo, Hwange or the Victoria Falls to access a houseboat or fishing holiday on Lake Kariba without having to go all the way to Kariba town. The town makes a good stopping-off point for self-drive visitors aiming to drive the long, slow 4x4 unpaved backroad along the southern shore of Lake Kariba. Much of the accommodation in Binga is privately-owned, so visitor facilities are limited and mostly self-catering. There are some lakeside villa options and small lodges. The old "hotsprings" Restcamp in Binga offers basic chalet accommodation and there are also a couple of campsites.
Contact the following agents for assistance with information, accommodation, houseboats and transfer options for the Kariba Western Basin area around Mlibizi and Binga.
If you have visited any 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.
LAKE KARIBA EASTERN BASIN:
The Eastern end of Lake Kariba is more familiar to tourism from the sunset images of silhouetted "drowned forests" and of the vast concrete span of the Kariba dam wall.
Here, the Matusadona National Park covers a vast area south of the lake, framed by the mountains of the Zambezi Escarpment. Its wildlife-rich shores are enjoyed by visitors to a number of well-known safari lodges and fishing camps accessible either by boat transfer from Kariba town or by air charter. These places offer an unparalleled wilderness experience focused on wildlife/safari activities within the National Park, combined with water-based activities (boating and fishing) on the lake.
Kariba town, located on the lake's north shore, is the site of the famous dam which straddles the Zambezi River in the steep and narrow Kariba Gorge and forms a border crossing-point between Zambia and Zimbabwe. The town itself is spread out along the lake shore and offers a range of accommodation choices mostly at the moderate-budget level with one or two luxury options.
Matusadona National Park
Bounded by the Ume River in the west and the Sanyati River in the east, the Matusadona National Park started its life as a Game Reserve for many of the wild animals rescued from the rising waters as Lake Kariba filled after completion of the dam wall in the late 1950s. This beautiful park is the favoured destination for Lake Kariba houseboat holidays (which will be featured in a future Wild Zambezi newsletter). However, there are also five excellent safari establishments in its vicinity as well as basic self-catering accommodation at the Park headquarters at Tashinga.
1. 
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa – is stunningly located on top of a hill with magnificent views over Lake Kariba to the north and west of the Matusadona National Park and the wide estuary of the Ume River. This iconic 40-bed Kariba lodge offers high standards of luxury, including an al fresco dining deck and infinity pool with a view to-die-for and a lake-facing spa, and is a popular venue for weddings and small conferences. Access is by air charter to the Bumi Hills airstrip or by boat transfer from Kariba town. Activities include game viewing by vehicle and boat, fishing, sunset cruising and cultural encounters.
2. Musango Island Safari Camp – as its name implies, is situated on its own island at the edge of the Ume River estuary This intimate, relaxed, family-run camp sleeps 16 in tent and stone-under-thatch chalets looking out over the lake. Guiding at Musango is of the highest quality, under the leadership of Steve Edwards, an ex-Warden of the Matusadona National Park and a veteran professional guide of some 35 years. On offer at Musango are walking safaris and 'Big Five' game drives, tiger fishing, village tours, sailing, specialist birding trips, and fascinating archaeological insights into dinosaur fossils and Stone Age tools found in the area. Access is by air charter into Bumi Hills airstrip (with a short boat trip to the island) or by boat transfer from Kariba
3. ZimParks Lodges at Tashinga –There are two basic 9-bed brick-under-thatch rondavel-style "lodges" at Tashinga the headquarters of the Matusadona National Park, as well as a beautiful, shady and spacious lakeside campsite. The lodges overlook the Ume River estuary and consist of two sleeping rondavels housing a bathroom and two bedrooms on either side of a central kitchen/living rondavel with a spacious verandah. The lodges are unfenced, so wildlife is all around and can approach at any time. Access is possible by 4x4 through the Matusadona Park, but be warned, the roads are bad and should only be attempted by very intrepid adventurers. Allow a minimum two-night stay to make the long and challenging journey in and out worthwhile. Speedboat charters to Tashinga are available from Kariba town via Marineland.
4. Rhino Safari Camp – is a delightful, intimate, rustic bushcamp located in the Matusadona National Park and overlooking the lake. It sleeps 14 people in 7 twin-bedded, thatched platforms which are raised above the ground on wooden stilts and are open-to-the air at the sides. Each has its own en-suite bathroom, and hot water and lighting is provided via solar power. A central thatched double-decked "boma" provides a spacious living/dining/bar area with a splash pool. This camp has no fences, and prides itself on offering a very personalised and back to nature wilderness experience where close encounters with wildlife are always possible. On offer in this Big Five area are game drives and excellent walks with a professional guide, fishing, birding, al fresco dining and star-gazing. Access is by air charter to either of the two nearby airstrips or by speedboat transfer from Kariba town.
5. Spurwing Island – is a relaxed, family-friendly resort situated on an island-spit just off the mainland of the Matusadona National Park only a 20-minute speedboat ride across the lake from Kariba town. The resort is able to accommodate up to 40 guests in a variety of under-thatch accommodation, which includes 11 tents, 6 cabins and 3 chalets all with en suite bathrooms. The thatched dining room is open to the breeze with a view of the surrounding lake. There is a large swimming pool and a bar area looking out towards the Matusadona Mountains in the distance. Activities include scenic boat trips, game viewing in the Matusadona National Park by foot, boat or vehicle and fishing in the many gorgeous spots on the lake. Access is by air charter to the nearby Fothergill Airstrip or by speedboat from Kariba town
6. Changa Safari Camp– is a luxury safari camp within a private concession in the Matusadona National Park. The camp sleeps up to 20 guests in spacious, de luxe, East African-style tented suites (6 double/twin and 2 family suites) each with its own private deck set into the bush, with stunning views of the lake and a backdrop of the Matusadona mountains. The central living area consists of a lounge / library, separate dining room, separate bar, swimming pool and deck, all beautifully appointed around a natural sandy beach. The camp offers guided walks in the National Park, game drives, boat cruises, sailing and fishing. Access is by air via Kariba or Fothergill airstrip and a speedboat transfer to the camp.
If you have visited any 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.
Gache Gache
The Gache Gache River is one of the major river systems entering Lake Kariba at its extreme south-eastern corner. This is a scenically beautiful area and one of Lake Kariba's finest destinations for fishing, especially for the famous tigerfish.
Thanks to the persistent and determined efforts of the Gache Gache Wilderness Area Anti-Poaching Unit (WEPU) - an anti-poaching team formed by the owners of the local tourism lodge in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Authority and the local community - fish and wildlife populations are being protected in the area. In recent years, the fishing has improved immeasurably and healthy populations of elephant, buffalo and large antelope as well as the major carnivores have been returning to the area.
7. Gache Gache Lodge – is located on a private concession within the Gache Gache community conservation area up the estuary of the Gache Gache River. The lodge has 10 double or twin en-suite brick-under-thatch chalets and a central living/dining/bar area with pool, overlooking the river estuary. There is a shady, lawned campsite for self-drivers with its own separate ablutions. The lodge offers guided fishing (or you can bring your own boat); game viewing by vehicle or pontoon boat, guided walking and bush dinners. Access is by air charter or a half-hour speedboat transfer from Kariba town.
Kariba Town
The little lakeside town of Kariba sprawls for some distance among the hills and along the shoreline of Lake Kariba flanking the steep-sided "Kariwa" gorge from which the place took its name originally. Many people visit Kariba briefly as a stopping-off point prior to boarding a houseboat from one of its four main harbours or setting off across the lake on a speedboat transfer to a safari lodge or fishing camp. Some visit to attend a conference or a wedding at one of the small hotel venues; others take time out to enjoy a few tranquil days fishing, game-viewing, birding, or simply relaxing in the little town which has an attractive, laid-back, tropical, Mediterranean-type atmosphere. Access is via a main road from Harare or Lusaka (via Chirundu), or by air into Kariba airport from Harare or Victoria Falls. Among the many privately-owned homes, there a number of small hotels, lodges, holiday cottages, self-catering facilities and campsites dotted among the hills, bays and shorelines of the town from where views of the lake are stunning.
8. 
Hornbill Lodge – is an intimate, personalised, owner-managed lodge set atop a hill in Kariba town with stunning views over the lake. Catering on a full-board basis for up to 10 guests in A-frame thatched chalet en-suite bedrooms, with a central living area/dining room/bar/TV lounge and splash pool set in lush tropical gardens, this place is a little treasure for small groups.
9. Caribbea Bay Resort – is Kariba's largest hotel and a popular venue for conferences and large weddings. Situated on the shores of the lake, with lovely views, the resort is designed Sardinian-style with 83 bedrooms and can cater for up to 150 conference delegates or wedding guests. Activities include boat cruises, sunset cruises, game drives, game walks, village tours, Kariba dam tours, canoe safaris, fishing and day trips to the Matusadona and Mana Pools National Parks.
10. Cutty Sark Hotel – has recently changed management. The hotel is set in extensive, lush, tropical gardens with beautiful views over Lake Kariba. Accommodation consists of honeymoon suites, family rooms, deluxe and standard Rooms which are en-suite, air conditioned and lake facing. The hotel has an extensive and attractive terrace, with a dining room and separate bar area, a swimming pool, tennis court, pool table, darts and children's playground, and is large enough to host conferences or weddings.
11. Dzimbabwe Lodge – offers fully-catered and/or self-catering accommodation for up to 32 guests, on a private property in Kariba town, overlooking the lake. The Main Lodge consists of 6 double or twin rooms with comfortable beds, 2 generally equipped kitchens, 4 dining areas and 2 spacious TV lounges. The adjacent Cottage has 4 double or twin rooms with comfortable beds, a kitchen, lounge and a dining area. These can be hired on an "exclusive" basis to families or small groups. There are also 6 new de-luxe en-suite bedroom suites in an adjacent block behind the main lodge. Wi-fi, laundry service, secure parking, room service and air-conditioning are also available.
12. Kariba Self-catering options – there are a number of private cottages, chalets and houses in Kariba town and in nearby Charara (Wild Heritage/Nzou Lodges) which are available for short-term holiday lets, usually on a self-catering basis. Many of them have staff available to assist with cooking and household chores. For more information about what's available, contact the following agents who are specialists for Kariba self-catering options:-
If you have visited any 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.
ZIMBABWEAN ARTISTS RAISING FUNDS FOR KARIBA CONSERVATION
Two local Zimbabwean artists have recently donated works to be auctioned in aid of conservation in and around Kariba.
The oil painting (pictured top left) of two beautiful bull elephants in Mana Pools was donated by Zimbabwean wildlife artist Ant Fynn to be auctioned at this year's annual Zambezi Fest weekend in Derbyshire, in the United Kingdom, on 21-23 August. The proceeds of this festive, annual gathering of Zimbabweans in the diaspora will go, as always, towards the extremely important work of the Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT). Bidding on this painting is now closed and we wait to hear the results of the auction.
In the meantime, bids are still out for Debbie Linforth's lovely sketch (pictured below left) of two elephants greeting each other, with a backdrop of Lake Kariba framed by the Matusadona Mountains. The proceeds of this donation are to go towards conservation work around Kariba (KAWFT) and in the Matusadona National Park (MAPP – Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project). The opening bid is US$170. All offers grateful received by KAWFT – please e-mail them direct via their contact details on their WildZambezi.com page at this link: KAWFT
KAWFT is run by a very committed group of volunteers who are residents of Kariba and who have taken it upon themselves to look after the wildlife of their area.
Anyone who has visited Kariba town will know that the constant presence of wild animals within the residential areas of the town is what makes the place peculiarly unique. It is quite possible to be held up on your way through Kariba by a very large elephant (or group of cow elephants) munching happily on the vegetation at the side of the road, or even blocking the traffic completely! Equally, when travelling at night, one needs to be careful of very large hippos wandering inland (sometimes quite far from water) in search of their nightly grazing! Kariba's resident zebras meander happily among the suburbs and can often be seen grazing at a roadside bus stop alongside the human residents waiting for their lift! Baboons are all over the place and, to the local townsfolk, are often a menace because of their scavenging habits. All these animals (and others) are part of the scene at Kariba. Mostly they exist alongside each other in peace. But there are sometimes incidents where their close proximity to people can cause problems. KAWFT has made it their business to improve relations between the animal and human residents of the lakeside town.
In addition to consistently carrying out anti-poaching activities in collaboration with Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, KAWFT volunteers attend to any injured or snared wild animals, calling in veterinarians when required, and have been extremely successful in creating awareness among the Kariba community about the value of the area's wildlife resources and the need to conserve these animal populations into the future.
The work of the KAWFT volunteers is tremendously important and has been recognised as such by Zimbabweans in the UK, who use the opportunity provided by the Zambezi Fest to provide much needed support.
To find out more, or to offer your support, see this link: KAWFT
GETTING MARRIED? DO IT THE WILD WAY!
Where else in the world would a herd of 80 inquisitive buffalo come and join in on a bridal photoshoot?
The above images was taken on the shores of Lake Kariba at Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Spa, 29th August 2015, where this lucky couple hosted their wedding guests.
If this amazing wilderness experience matches your idea of a dream wedding venue – check out this awesome lodge situated on a wildlife-rich concession on top of a hill with magnificent views over Zimbabwe's vast "inland sea". You can have your wedding ceremony on the "beach" and retreat to the luxury of the safari lodge for the party.
For more information and contact details see: Bumi Hills Safari Lodge and Spa
If you were married at Bumi Hills, (or were a guest at a wedding there), and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.
.VICTORIA FALLS
OCTOBER GOLF FUNDRAISER FOR VIC FALLS ANTI-POACHING
The annual fundraising Golf Day in aid of the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit (VFAPU) will take place on 2nd October this year at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club in Harare.
Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) (which owns the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and associated properties) is calling on sponsors and participants to take part in support of this very worthy cause.
Says award-winning AAT chief executive, Ross Kennedy, "It is evident from the worldwide news coverage of Cecil the lion that wildlife conservation and dealing with poaching remains critically important. It is a key aspect of our company's philosophy and corporate social responsibility programme. Poaching comes in many forms and it is vital that resources are raised to ensure that the incredible work the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit (VFAPU) does, which has seen an increase in wildlife numbers in the Victoria Falls area, can continue. This includes giraffe, sable, zebra, all being seen back in and around the area between Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and the Zambezi National Park, and more and more guides are now using the national park for game drives for clients," he said. "We understand the pressure and demands in this economy, but AAT covers the costs of the event, so every cent raised goes directly to VFAPU, and we urge individuals and corporates to support the day by participating, contributing or donating in some way," he said.
Up to 144 players, making up 36 teams, will take part in VFAPU Golf Day, one of the most enjoyable and best organised events on the golf fundraising calendar, which will also include lunch, entertainment, prizes and a charity auction.
VFAPU has arrested nearly 700 hardened poachers since it was established in 1999 by local safari operator and conservationist Charles Brightman and the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge. So far, the unit, which works closely with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, has also removed more than 22 000 wire snares from its operational area. In addition, 179 mammals, including buffalo, kudu, eland and impala, injured by snares have been treated and released back into the wild, Mr Brightman said.
"The Cecil the lion incident was just one example of what VFAPU has been fighting against for many years now, and we welcome the attention that this singular incident has brought to what has been going on for some time. Two rhino a day, and one elephant every 15 minutes, are poached in Africa, with parts of Zimbabwe, such as Matusadona and Chizarira national parks, having lost more than 70 per cent of their elephant population in the past ten years," Mr Brightman said.
The charity golf tournament, which raised a record US$14,750 last year, is integral to the survival of VFAPU, which relies on donations to cover its $6,000 a month operational costs.
VFAPU, which was established in an effort to fight the alarming levels of poaching, operates in a 50kmsq area around Victoria Falls, and has 17 scouts patrolling seven days a week. The unit tackles all forms of poaching, including wood, bush meat and ivory.
For more information on VFAPU Golf Day please e mail: golf@africaalbida.co.zw
IMBABALA ZAMBEZI SAFARI LODGE JOINS THE "HALL OF FAME"
Wild Horizons' Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge was inducted into TripAdvisor's 'Hall of Fame' last month. The Hall of Fame is for receiving the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for 5 Consecutive Years. (The Certificate of Excellence celebrates excellence in hospitality and is given only to establishments that consistently achieve great traveller reviews on TripAdvisor).
Imbabala is an intimate lodge overlooking the Zambezi River at the north-westernmost tip of Zimbabwe a few kilometres downstream from the border town of Kazangula. This is a prime locality for guided wildlife viewing and specialist birding, as well as tigerfishing in the waters of the Zambezi. The lodge accommodates only18 guests and is a perfect, quiet, retreat for those who prefer to be away from the big-time tourism hustle and bustle of Victoria Falls itself. Yet the famous World Heritage Site is only an hour's drive away and day trips can be organised.
Wild Horizons has also been winning locally. Their flagship property, The Elephant Camp, (which is consistently a TripAdvisor winner) was recently awarded the prestigious 'Achievement in the Pursuit of Service Excellence' Award by the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT) which represents the tourism industry in the private-sector. In addition, Wild Horizons' Barbara Murasiranwa was also recognised for her 'Voluntary Services to the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism'. Barbara chairs the ZCT's Victoria Falls branch and has been active in undertaking ZCT activities and communication in the area.
If you have visited 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.
ZAMBEZI VALLEY
LIONS IN THE MORNING LIGHT AT RUCKOMECHI, MANA POOLS
Nothing like an amazing lion sighting before breakfast to get your day started!
Josephine Bestic took these wonderful pictures near Ruckomechi Camp recently. Two females had left their pride to mate with a young male and had had enough of him, rebuffing his advances when he approached them in the extraordinarily beautiful Ruckomechi River bed, right in front of the game-drive vehicle!
Ruckomechi Camp is owned and managed by Wilderness Safaris and is located on a large concession at the westernmost edge of the Mana Pools National Park. The camp accommodates guests in ten spacious en-suite tented units, including a honeymoon suite, all of which overlook the Zambezi River.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris)
If you have visited this camp and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.
KANGA CAMP UPGRADES
African Bush Camps have announced that a full soft refurbishment at their Kanga Camp in Mana Pools National Park is now complete, and that they have introduced a second honeymoon / Family Unit.
Kanga Camp is located inland from the Zambezi River overlooking Kanga Pan, where the availability of all-round water is a life-saving magnet for the Park's wildlife, especially during the dry safari season months July – November. At this camp, you don't need to leave your comfortable armchair to enjoy your safari.... the wildlife comes to the pan right in front of you!
The camp now consists of:-
- A Large Main Lounge and Dining Area on split level decking overlooking the Kanga Pan and including a plunge pool for guests to cool off in during the heat of the day
- 2 Honeymoon / Family Units with en-suite bathroom facilities including an outdoor bath and shower facility (all with views of the Kanga Pan)
- 4 standard Meru-Style Tents with outdoor open-air bathroom facilities including flush toilet and shower (all with views of the Kanga Pan)
For more information and contact details, see this link: African Bush Camps - Kanga Camp
If you have visited this camp and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.
TAIL ENDER.... Why do cats often have conspicuous tail-tips?
Probably so that they can follow each other easily. Cubs, in particular can follow through long grass or thick bush. To be more visible it is important that the tip contrasts with the dominant body colour. Therefore, lions have black tips contrasting with a light-tan body, whereas leopards and cheetahs with a lot of black markings on the body have contrasting white tips. The tip also serves to convey messages, being very conspicuous when the tail is moved in certain ways. The black tip of a lion's tail, whipping rapidly up and down or from side to side, is a sign of aggression and often the prelude to a charge. The side-to-side flicking of the tip of a leopard's tail indicates excitement, presenting itself when prey is observed. It may have evolved as a way of telling young cubs following to lay low and keep quiet so as not to spoil the hunt.
(Images and text from "Beat about the Bush-Mammals" by Trevor Carnaby)
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
Visit our website at www.wildzambezi.com
Find us on Facebook:
PLEASE PASS ON THIS NEWSLETTER!
WILD ZAMBEZI TRAVEL PARTNERS
(Advertise in our Bulletin Board! Reach the tourism sector through our mailing list.... contact us on info@wildzambezi.com)
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)