travelinfo: WILD ZAMBEZI News July 2015 d8

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NEWS: JULY 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.

WILD ZAMBEZI WELCOMES RAM PETROLEUM

(Fuel suppliers in Kariba and in towns en route to the Zambezi Valley)

Wild Zambezi is delighted to welcome RAM Petroleum to our travel network.

RAM is a major sponsor of the annual Invitation Tiger Fishing Tournament on Lake Kariba, and has several fuel outlets at boating centres in Kariba town including at Marineland (pictured above left & centre); National Anglers Union of Zimbabwe (NAUZ) site at Charara and at Chawara Harbour.

Their 18 retail outlets throughout Zimbabwe include fuel stations at Banket, Chinhoyi, Lion's Den and Chirundu (pictured above right) – all situated en route to or within the Zambezi Valley.

WILD ZAMBEZI urges self-drivers to and from the Zambezi Valley to fill up at any of the above RAM fuel outlets, as there is currently no fuel available at Makuti (where the Kariba road joins the main Harare-Chirundu highway).

For more information and contact details, see this link: RAM Petroleum

ALARM RAISED ABOUT ZAMBEZI VALLEY ELEPHANT NUMBERS

In the wake of the media storm surrounding illegal hunting activities in Zimbabwe, centred on Cecil the lion in Hwange National Park, one of the country's non-profit conservation groups, The Zambezi Society, has pointed to a wildlife crisis of even greater proportion – the plight of Zimbabwe's elephants in the Zambezi Valley.

Aerial surveys conducted by experts as part of the 2014 Africa-wide Great Elephant Census, have revealed a 75% decline in the numbers of elephant in the Sebungwe area of the Zambezi Valley (south of Lake Kariba) and a 40% decline in elephant numbers in the Middle Zambezi Valley (Mana Pools/Sapi/Chewore).

While such a significant drop in elephant numbers may not be immediately obvious in wildlife-rich tourism areas like Mana Pools National Park (pictured here) especially during the dry season months, where they gravitate towards the Zambezi River, the decline in elephant populations is all too evident in the drier, marginal lands surrounding Zimbabwe's National Parks and Safari Areas, where proximity to human populations provides an ever-increasing threat.

Similar surveys in Tanzania and Mozambique last year also reveal a 60% and 50% loss in elephant populations in those two countries respectively.

Experts say that there has been a huge escalation in the demand and price of elephant tusks in China since 2002. They believe that China's legal ivory trade is acting as a smokescreen for illegal activities in Africa that are driving this horrific and unsustainable loss.

Says The Zambezi Society: "We are deeply concerned by these latest elephant figures. The message for Zimbabwe's Zambezi Valley is clear – poaching is rife and we need to do something about it urgently"

In Africa (and Zimbabwe is no exception), state wildlife authorities are unable to provide sufficient policing and protection of wildlife areas. The costs of protection are high, but government funds allocated for the purpose are negligible. This gap is exploited by corruption. Rangers on the ground, in general, are highly experienced but poorly paid. Support from the concerned public is urgently needed to help strengthen their motivation, resolve and performance.

Zambezi Elephant Fund

The good news is that Zimbabwe's Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is working together with the private-sector to try to find ways of combating this threat. One of the results of this collaboration is the formation of the Zambezi Elephant Fund, - an intitative spearheaded by John Stevens Guided Safaris and involving The Tashinga Initiative, The Zambezi Society and other conservation organisations.

Donations to assist with anti-poaching activities, equipment supply, and ranger training to protect elephants in the Zambezi Valley are welcome and can be channelled through any of the above organisations via their links.

OUR JULY THEME :-

RIVER LODGES & CAMPS ALONG THE ZAMBEZI

This month we feature Wild Zambezi's network partners which are Safari Lodges or Camps located directly on the Zambezi River 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 magnificent river.

.VICTORIA FALLS

VICTORIA FALLS AREA: RIVER LODGES & CAMPS ALONG THE ZAMBEZI

Upstream of the Victoria Falls (between Kazungula and Victoria Falls town – see map), the Zambezi River is a wide stretch of water meandering calmly between forested banks and islands lined with Waterberry trees and Ilala Palms, passing through protected safari and forest areas and the wildlife-rich 57 000 hectare Zambezi National Park.

There are four beautiful Wild Zambezi partner lodges and camps situated along the way, all fronting directly onto the Zambezi River (see pictures below).

1. Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge - is located 80 kms from Victoria Falls on a private concession within a wildlife area. The lodge sleeps 18 in 8 individual en-suite thatched lodges and one 4-bed family lodge – all with verandahs. This is fantastic place for birding, game-viewing, walking and fishing, with magnificent, sweeping views over the river, often dotted with elephants crossing between Zimbabwe and Zambia. Transfers are available from Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane and day trips to the Falls and into Chobe (Botswana) can be arranged.

2. Zambezi Sands River Camp – sleeps 16 in 8 luxury en-suite Bedouin-style tents built into raised wooden platforms (each with its own splashpool) overlooking a quiet channel of the river in the western section of the Zambezi National Park. Activities are wildlife and river-based and include game-viewing, walking, canoeing and fishing as well as tours of the Victoria Falls, shopping trips, a sunset cruise among the islands, a village visit and school tour. Transfers take approximately 1 – 1.5 hours.

3. Pioneers Camp – is an intimate, 12-bedded tented bushcamp with a spacious, al fresco tented dining/living area situated on the edge of the river in the Zambezi National Park. There are excellent wildlife experiences here and the camp is close enough to Victoria Falls to be convenient, but yet away from the hustle and the bustle of the town. Camp-based activities include game drives, walking, fishing, canoeing and river cruises.

4. Victoria Falls River Lodge – is situated on a bend in the Zambezi River a short 10km drive (or boat-ride) upstream from Victoria Falls. This spacious luxury lodge has seven huge, modern, tent-under thatch suites (two of which have an extra bedroom for children), and an expansive, open-plan dining/living area fronting onto the river. The lodge prides itself on exceptional wildlife viewing, fine dining, personal service and luxury accommodation with a wide range of activities based in the Park, on the river at in Victoria Falls town itself.

Once the waters of the Zambezi River have tumbled down into the yawning 100-metre-deep chasm that forms the Victoria Falls, they are confined within the narrow sides of the Batoka Gorge. Here, the river boils and rolls its way over basalt boulders between rocky black cliffs where adrenalin-junkies seek out some of the most challenging white-water rafting runs in the world.

Perched above the Gorge and situated right at its edge, lies the fifth of our Wild Zambezi network properties located along the Zambezi near Victoria Falls.

5. Gorges Lodge - this lovely lodge has to have one of the most spectacular locations in Southern Africa. It sleeps 20 people in 10 single or double-storey stone-under-thatch chalets which have recently been completely upgraded and renovated. These, and the central bar/dining area are set amid lush and peaceful gardens along the lip of the Batoka Gorge looking right down into the chasm, with black eagles (literally) soaring below you! The lodge is a 30-minute drive from Victoria Falls town and guests are offered one free return transfer per day. All the usual Victoria Falls activities are available as well as a gorge walk, visit to the local village, school tour and black eagle viewing.

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.

STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE PRIVATE GAME RESERVE

ZIMBABWE RESIDENTS SPECIAL

Resident in Zimbabwe and feel like a special treat in Victoria Falls?

Enjoy a "Big Five" stay at the Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge and Private Game Reserve just outside Victoria Falls from US$300 bed and breakfast for 2 people sharing!

Special available until 31 December!

In addition to all the usual activities on offer in and around the Victoria Falls, at the Stanley & Livingstone, guests can also choose from the following:

- Morning and evening game drives including refreshments

- Walking safaris

- Rhino Encounters

- Birding

- Botanical Experience

- Fishing

- Night Drive with Bush Dinner

For more information and contact details, see this link: Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve, Safari Lodge, & Ursula's Camp

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

WILD HORIZONS – COMMITTED TO COMMUNITY AND THE ENVIRONMENT IN VICTORIA FALLS

Wild Horizons, a major tour operator in Victoria Falls, and owner of the award-winning Elephant Camp and Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge, takes social responsibility seriously and believes that giving back is an integral part of preserving the environment and uplifting the local community on which tourism depends. Here are some of the projects that they are involved in:- :

· Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust

Wild Horizons established the Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust, a non-profit organisation promoting conservation awareness, education and the empowerment of local, indigenous communities, through sustainable use of endemic resources. The Trust is dedicated to protecting the area's unique indigenous fauna & flora, in collaboration with authorities, local communities and stakeholders.

· Support for National Parks game scouts

Wild Horizons currently provides assistance in the form of food and fuel to assist in the National Parks anti-poaching efforts in the Kazungula and Matetsi Safari areas of Zimbabwe.

· Rainforest raincoat project

This project provides jobs and income on a grassroots level. Wild Horizons sources and donates raincoats to an association of vendors who hire them out to guests visiting the Victoria Falls. This provides an ongoing income to more than 30 vendors and their families.

· Pobwe home hosted meals

This initiative empowers local people by providing income and the chance to have a fun interaction with visitors and teach them about local culture and traditions. For a fee, families welcome visitors into their homes and provide them with a traditional meal.

· The Clean-Up team

Wild Horizons, together with other tourism entities in the area are helping keep Victoria Falls clean by engaging staff whose sole duty is to collect litter.

· Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit

Wild Horizons sponsors two officers to assist with anti-poaching activities in and around Victoria Falls.

· Tourism Police Unit

Wild Horizons has sponsored two officers of this unit since its inception in 2004 and has equipped the unit with uniforms and operating equipment. The Unit has a total of 28 officers and is funded by the Victoria Falls business community. Wild Horizons also offers personnel who sit on the board.

· School fee payment

Wild Horizons pays the school fees for 32 sponsored children. The company does this in order to give back to the community by investing in its future.

For more information and contact details see these links:-

Wild Horizons, The Lookout Cafe, The Zambezi Royal

The Elephant Camp

Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge

KARIBA

LAKE KARIBA LODGES AND CAMPS

Although Lake Kariba is part of the Zambezi River system, we are not including lodges and camps on its shores here.

We will feature these in a future issue of our newsletter.

UMBOHZA HOUSEBOATS CRUISE SPECIAL LINKING KARIBA AND VICTORIA FALLS (SEPTEMBER 2015)

Fancy the opportunity to travel between Kariba and Victoria Falls (or vice versa) on a 2-night luxury boat cruise along the lake?

Dunhu Ramambo's Umbohza houseboat fleet is on hand to start just such a service with a set of pre-launch cruises for Zimbabwe residents this September.

Cruise dates are set as follows:-

Kariba – Mlibizi: 2-4 September and 15-17 September

Binga – Kariba: 23-25 September

Prices are fully-inclusive for 2 nights on-board with luxury accommodation, National Parks fees, all meals, tender-boat activities and 5 complimentary drinks per day per person.

2-people (standard cabin) – US$595 per cabin

2-people (master cabin) – US$695 per cabin

4-people (family cabin) – US$895 per cabin

Transfers between Victoria Falls and Binga/Mlibizi can be arranged and also to and from Harare and Kariba.

For more information and contact details, see Dunhu Ramambo/Umbohza Houseboats

ZAMBEZI VALLEY

CHIRUNDU AREA – RIVER LODGES & CAMPS ALONG THE ZAMBEZI

Once the waters of the Zambezi River have made their escape northwards from the vast open expanses of Lake Kariba, through the electricity turbines of the Kariba Dam hydro-electric project, their passage is channelled between the high border mountains separating Zimbabwe from Zambia, through the narrow, 25-km-long Kariba Gorge.

When the river exits the Kariba Gorge, it spreads out to cover a much wider part of the Zambezi Valley passing under the two large road bridges at the border down of Chirundu and flowing past the Mongwe fishing camps towards the Middle Zambezi World Heritage Site complex of Mana Pools/Sapi and Chewore.

In this "Chirundu section", there are five more Wild Zambezi riverside network partners (see pictures and numbered descriptions below):-

6. Nyamoumba Fishing & Birding Lodge & Camp – is situated at the point where the Zambezi River exits the Kariba Gorge - some 35 kms upstream of Chirundu and not shown on our map. It has 4 comfortable and stylish self-catering en-suite chalets with a central dining/living area, swimming pool, braai/barbeque facilities and four campsites set under shady trees at the river's edge (pictured). This is a perfect venue for fishermen keen to access the fast-flowing waters of the Gorge. Boat launch facilities are available.

7. Tiger Safaris – is a family-orientated self-catering or fully-catered fishing camp and wedding venue in Chirundu just downstream of the two road bridges that cross the Zambezi between Zimbabwe and Zambia. The River Camp is set on beautiful green lawns at the edge of the river and accommodates up to 30 people in 5 thatched, 2-bedroom chalets each with a central bathroom, kitchenette, braai/barbeque facilities. The complex includes a shared swimming pool. A sixth chalet (which sleeps 8) is located about 1km upstream near the bridge. Boat launching facilities are available and speedboats with excellent drivers and fishing guides are also for hire to visitors.

8. Jecha Point Fishing Lodge & Camp - is located about 3kms downstream from Chirundu and accommodates 12 people in comfortable, en-suite, stone-under-thatch chalets set in shady and lawned surroundings on the banks of the river. An attractive campsite with newly-constructed ablutions and a braai/barbeque pit can accommodate several parties of campers adjacent to the Lodge. Self-catering and fully-catered options are available as are boat launching facilities. The hire of boats and experienced drivers/fishing guides can be arranged. An attractive feature of this lodge is its raised wooden "tree-house" game & bird-viewing platform built into an Acacia tree and overlooking a watercourse behind the lodge. It makes an adventurous and romantic "first night boudoir" for newlyweds, and the lodge is a popular choice for weddings.

9. Tamarind Camp & Chirundu Safari Lodge - are situated on a private wildlife estate about 5kms downstream of Chirundu. The self-catering camp is set right on the river bank and sleeps 10 people in 5 twin-bedded en-suite tents with a central living/cooking area and a large wooden deck overlooking the Zambezi. Staff are on hand to help and to provide security for vehicle and boat parking. The Safari Lodge is set back on a ridge about 1 km from the river. It overlooks a wildlife waterhole, is fenced and has 10 en-suite, air-conditioned bedrooms and a swimming pool. Activities include game-viewing, boating and fishing. This is a ideal wilderness location for small, informal conferences or workshops. There is a private airfield nearby and boat-launching facilities.

10. Halsted Safaris - is one of several privately-owned fishing properties located at Mongwe, on the Zambezi River some 20 kms downstream from Chirundu. The lodge bills itself as an upmarket fishing destination, with four, elegantly-furnished en-suite chalets with verandahs, built around a central living/dining/deck area with a riverside plunge pool. Fully-catered or self-catering options are available, and three fully-equipped Osprey speedboats with drivers/fishing guides are on hand for visitor use. Activities include dining in the wild, boat cruises, fishing, and game viewing by boat.

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.

MANA POOLS AREA – RIVER LODGES & CAMPS ALONG THE ZAMBEZI

As it passes through Mana Pools National Park (which is part of a vast World Heritage Site covering the Zimbabwean side of the Middle Zambezi Valley), the Zambezi River is a wide, meandering stretch of water filled with wild animals (especially hippos and crocodiles) and abundant bird life. The "floodplain" alluvial terraces and channels of Mana Pools are famous for their riverine woodlands dominated by dark mahogany trees and the pale green acacia-type "Winter-Thorns" which provide protein-rich "apple-ring" pods much favoured by wildlife. Here the elephants, antelope, buffalo and zebra congregate for food and water during the dry, hot season months, with the predators not far behind them.

There are a number of small, wilderness-orientated lodges and camps along this stretch of the Zambezi River – some are permanent, some are mobile - most are seasonal (closed during the rainy season months of Dec - March because access into these remote areas is very limited). Access during the safari season is either by air charter, 4x4 road transfer or self-drive.

11. Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris) - is a permanent camp set on a private concession in woodland near the confluence of the Zambezi and Ruckomechi Rivers at the upstream edge of Mana Pools National Park . It has 10 spacious, luxury, en-suite tented units and an expansive wooden-decked central living area, with dining-sitting-bar area, pool, star-gazing deck and a famous "open-air bathroom" (pictured) overlooking the river floodplain. The camp also offers adventurous guests a "sleep-out" wooden deck "tree-house" option overlooking Parachute Pan behind the camp. Wildlife viewing opportunities from vehicles or boats are magnificent in this area as are birding and walking with a professional guide.

12. Vundu Camp - lies within the National Park and has 8 spacious tent-under thatch en-suite chalets and a large, double-story, wooden, central living area set under shady trees overlooking the river. The main camp is complemented by "Little Vundu" - a smaller 5-tent basic bushcamp located 3kms upstream and designed for those who prefer a more traditional tented camp safari experience. Wildlife viewing is exceptional in the area and the camp is renowned for its experienced professional guiding. Fishing and canoeing are additional activities on offer.

13. Mana Pools Safari Company and John Steven Guided Safaris – are a family combination offering exceptional, luxury, bespoke safaris based from a traditional, colonial-style tented safari camp with a modern touch, set on the banks of the river at Mana Pools. John is one of Africa's most experienced professional safari guides, and, together with his family members and staff, prides himself on offering a top-class safari experience.

14. Zambezi Life Styles (African Bush Camps) – is a rustic yet elegant mobile 8-bedded tented camp set up in Mana Pools on the banks of the Zambezi River as a complement to African Bush Camps' Kanga Camp which is located inland within the Park. Open during the season (April-Nov) for private safaris, it offers superb walking, canoeing, fishing and game-driving activities, and can be combined with a stay at Kanga Camp for a more varied wilderness experience.

15. Natureways Safaris – offer mobile or static tented camps, canoeing and walking safaris along the Zambezi River for small 6-8 people groups, catering for different tastes and budgets. In Mana Pools, their static camps offer an authentic African experience with the added touch of comfort and luxury including full waiter service, spacious walk-in tents with en suite facilities and hot open air showers. All meals are freshly prepared in camp and all safaris are conducted by an experienced and knowledgeable professional guide.

16. Goliath Safaris – sleeps 12 people in an intimate, luxury tented safari camp with 6 East-African-style twin-bedded en-suite tents set on the banks of the Zambezi River in the heart of Mana Pools. Exceptional wildlife experiences and walking safaris are personally conducted by Stretch Ferriera, who is one of Africa's most renowned and experienced professional guides. Activities are flexible and include game drives, walks, close encounters with wildlife, day canoe trips and fishing.

17. ZimParks Lodges & Nyamepi Camp – there are 5 ZimParks self-catering lodges/cottages overlooking the river at Mana Pools, two are double-storey, sleeping 8 people each, while the remaining three are single storey, sleeping four each. They are basically equipped for self-catering, with beds, bedding, bathrooms, fridges and indoor/outdoor cooking facilities provided. Prior booking is essential. Nyamepi Campsite has about 30 sites for public camping, with braai/barbeque facilities, water points and several ablution blocks with toilets and hot showers. There are also several "exclusive" campsites for private use dotted along the river frontage which are bookable in advance. These have only very basic "long-drop" facilities and no running water.

18. Chikwenya Safari Lodge – is situated at the downstream end of Mana Pools National Park on a private concession, at the confluence of the Sapi and Zambezi rivers. The lodge offers luxury accommodation in 10 private, en-suite chalets, with air conditioning, each with its own verandah and an outside bath and shower area. The main lodge has an outside bar, swimming pool with viewing deck, with a dining and lounge area. Activities include fishing, game drives, game cruises and walking.

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.

MIDDLE-LOWER ZAMBEZI AREA – RIVER LODGES & CAMPS ALONG THE ZAMBEZI

Downstream from Mana Pools, the Zambezi River meanders onwards through the Sapi and Chewore Safari Areas (which are also included in the Middle Zambezi World Heritage Site) and then narrows considerably to pass through the Chewore Mountains at Mupata Gorge. At Kanyemba, where the borders of Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique meet, the river starts to widen into the upper reaches of Lake Cabora Bassa. Along this remote section of the Zambezi River, wildlife is not as obviously abundant as in Mana Pools, but there is excellent tigerfishing in the hot dry months of September – November.

There are two Wild Zambezi network partners located on this remote section of the Zambezi River:-

19. Tafika Zambezi – is a luxury, fully-catered fishing lodge accommodating up to 14 guests in 7 brick-under-thatch en-suite chalets with overhead fans, and a central dining/living area with a large patio and fire pit and a pool overlooking the river. Boats and fishing gear are available to guests and the lodge provides a team of professional river guides to assist with finding the best fishing or game viewing spots. Tafika is complemented by Shamashanga Zambezi fishing camp which is located a few kilometres upstream and accommodates up to 16 guests in 8 large, luxury twin-bed East African style tents with en suite bathrooms.

20. Falcon Lodges & Campsite – offer basic self-catering facilities in the very remote border village of Kanyemba which is a fishing centre and the end-point for most long-haul canoeing safaris. Three simple brick-under-thatch lodges/chalets each accommodate four people in double or twin bedrooms, with a bath/shower, separate toilet, kitchen and sitting room. Each is fully furnished, with bedding, kitchen utensils, fridge, stove, satellite TV and hot & cold running water. A newly-completed campsite at the edge of the river provides basic facilities for campers and canoe parties needing an overnight stay at the end of their trip.

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.

MANA POOLS WALKING - CODES OF CONDUCT FOR VISITOR BEHAVIOUR

Now available for download online

Following on from the reinstatement of "unguided" public walking in Mana Pools National Park, two CODES OF CONDUCT FOR VISITOR BEHAVIOUR in the Park have been compiled for wide distribution. One is for Mana Pools itself and one specifically for the remote Chitake Spring area in the south of the Park.

You can download them as PDF files HERE

The Codes were compiled as a collaborative effort between the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), the Zambezi Society, its supporters, members of the visiting public, and the Mana Pools tour operators Association (LZTOA).

ZimParks management has agreed to the immediate implementation of these two CODES OF CONDUCT.

Visitors are allowed to walk freely again in Mana Pools without a guide, on payment of a daily, per person, permit fee (US$15 for non-residents; US$10 for Zimbabwe residents).

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

Meanwhile, ZimParks is putting in place strong measures to ensure that fines are strictly enforced for offenders and non-permit-holders.

ON SAFARI IN MANA THIS SEASON? TAKE PART IN THE CARNIVORE SURVEY!

A survey of the carnivores is taking place in Mana Pools this safari season and the visiting public are being asked to help.

Baseline date on the numbers and distribution of key predators is being collected in a collaborative effort between the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, The Zambezi Society, Hwange Lion Research, the Zimbabwe Cheetah Conservation Project and Painted Dog Conservation.

Information is being gathered in 3 ways:-

· Camera traps which are motion sensitive and triggered to take a photograph when an animal walks by

· Spoor surveys: where researchers drive Park roads and record fresh signs of animal movement

· Recordings of sightings: This is where visitors come in!

Visitors to the Park are asked to report sightings of the major carnivores (pictured above). The information that is most useful is:-

· Good photographs of any carnivore seen

· GPS position or accurate geographic description of where you saw the animal

· Date and time seen

· Group size and composition

Carnivore sightings with as much of the above information as possible can be reported to the tourist office in Mana Pools or sent by e-mail to manapoolssurvey2015@gmail.com

Alternatively post on the Facebook page www.facebook.com/manapoolssurvey2015

RARE SIGHTING AT RUCKOMECHI CAMP, MANA POOLS

A very special moment occurred at Wilderness Safaris' Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools recently when game ranger, Engilbert Ndlovu, was leading guests on an afternoon game drive.

"The sun was dropping behind the Kahila Mountains when I saw a little cloud of dust rising up from behind a termite mound. I quickly realised that it was a pangolin when I saw it walking on its hind legs and dragging a long tail. I could not believe my eyes and with great excitement shouted "pangolin!", said Ndlovu. "None of my guests had ever seen one before so it was a very special sighting for all of us. We were able to spend some time with it and take quite a few good pictures. It was "Mana Magic" at its finest."

There have been some equally incredible sightings at Ruckomechi over the past month including a leopard with cubs, lion and honey badger. One of the rangers reported a buffalo-lion dual during one of his game drives. An injured cheetah that had been attacked by baboons found comfort in staying close to the camp for over a week while he nursed his injuries. Special birding sightings included the purple-crested turaco, white bellied sunbird, white-faced scops-owl and golden-tailed woodpecker.

Engilbert Ndolvu has been a guide at Ruckomechi for the past eight years. He shares his passion of the bush with guests and camp staff, as he is always seen with his binoculars spotting birds. He has a finesse for finding the elusive leopard. Says Engilbert, "This pangolin sighting is definitely one of my highlights…sharing the wonders of Mana with both our local and international guests is why I get up in the morning."

For more information and contact details, see this link: Wilderness Safaris, Ruckomechi Camp

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

WILD ZAMBEZI VISITS JECHA POINT FISHING CAMP

Wild Zambezi was privileged to visit Jecha Point Fishing Camp on the Zambezi River near Chirundu in July and had a wonderful time.

The camp has comfortable chalets available on a fully-catered or self-catering basis, but we chose to experience the delightful, lawned and tree'd campsite which has a magnificent view over the river. The newly-constructed ablution facilities were excellent, with hot water always available, and we were able to purchase ice to top up our cooler boxes.

The campsite is set in a grove of "Torchwood" trees the fruits of which (when ripe) are irresistible to elephants..... and so it proved! Each day we received a visiting delegation of hungry pachyderms, intent on hoovering up all the Torchwood fruits that had fallen in the night! They picked their way delicately between the tents and the vehicles, mostly ignoring the campers (as long as they kept calm and quiet), and then trundled on their way downstream! A wonderful, wild, Zambezi experience!

Jecha is primarily a fishing camp – but in a wildlife area. There is a launching site for people who bring their own fishing boats, but we organised to hire a boat and an experienced driver for a couple of days' enjoyable tigerfishing. However, what surprised and delighted us was the variety of bird and wildlife to be seen, (given the camp's proximity to the town of Chirundu). We were privileged to have a rare sighting of a very large flock of 50-or-so Great White Pelicans sailing over the Zambezi River and roosting for the night on one of the sandbanks in the river. Back in camp, a few morning hours spent quietly sitting in the delightful raised wooden "tree-house" platform behind the camp, produced wonderful, close-up sightings of elephant, buffalo, warthog, bushbuck and a huge variety of bird species!

The owners of Jecha, Nic and Iona Coetzee, are involved in the Chirundu Elephant Programme which is trying to prevent Chirundu's elephants from being shot or "stoned" as "pests" in the border town where a proliferation of markets, streetside food outlets and open dustbins attracts the animals. With other volunteers, they take turns to patrol the settled areas, chasing any marauding elephants away using a non-lethal chilli pepper spray gun. Their efforts are paying off. No Chirundu elephants have had to be destroyed recently. Instead, they are roaming happily in the bush areas either side of the busy border town, in search of Torchwoods and other natural delicacies!

For more information and contact details see this link: Jecha Point Fishing Lodge & Camp

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

TAIL ENDER....

The tale of Boswell's tail

"Boswell" (pictured) is the famous and much-photographed bull elephant who stands up on his hind legs to pull down the branches of the Zambezi Valley "Winter-Thorn" trees that others can't reach.

He has become an icon of Mana Pools, and carries a radio tracking collar (you can see it hanging round his neck) so that his movements can be tracked in order to help protect him from poachers.

He recently appeared with a much curtailed tail with a nasty-looking infected wound at the end of it.

It is possible that a crocodile had bitten the end off it, as Boswell is prone to wading deep into the waters of the Zambezi River to reach islands of lush green vegetation to supplement his diet.

With the assistance of the ZimParks authority, vets and concerned volunteers recently tranquillised Boswell for a short while and treated his infected wound successfully.

He now sports a jaunty stump, but has sadly lost the use of that hairy "fly-whisk" that is the hallmark of a healthy elephant's tail.

(Incidentally, if you ever wondered...Boswell derives his name from his "circus act" behaviour. The "Boswell Wilkie Circus" was a well-known travelling outfit that visited towns and cities in Southern Africa several decades back, and entertained families with daring trapeze artists, clowns and acrobatic animals including elephants.) Thankfully, no such fate befell Boswell. He learned his tricks all on his own, in natural surroundings and continues to thrill hundreds of visitors to the wilds of Mana Pools.

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

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