A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!
NEWS: SEPTEMBER 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.
IN HARARE? COME AND SEE US AT THE ST JOHN'S COLLEGE SPRING FAIR
SUNDAY 4TH OCTOBER – 9am – 3pm STAND NO: J5
If you are in Harare, please come and visit the Wild Zambezi Stand (No: J5) at the St John's College Spring Fair on Sunday 4th October.
We have some wonderful travel prizes for a Lucky Draw and Raffle this year!
Proceeds in aid of:-
The Zambezi Elephant Fund and
The Matusdadona Anti-Poaching Project (MAPP)
Come and have some fun.....all for two excellent conservation causes!
LATEST TRAVEL REVIEWS ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM –September 2015
Take a look at what people are saying about their travel experiences at these latest Travel Review postings on WildZambezi.com. Follow the links (scroll down to the bottom of each page for the Review section):-
Altair Charters - private air charters and transfers to all areas (including remote locations) throughout Zimbabwe and the region.
Baobab Bookings –agency for accommodation, houseboats, transfers and activities throughout Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba specialists.
Changa Safari Camp – private, luxury safari camp in the Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba
Pesha Safaris – tours, safaris, holiday lets & vehicle transfers linking Kariba with Harare, Lusaka, Mana Pools & the Zambezi Valley.
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.
Photos courtesy of Sarah Kerr/Wild Horizons and Nick Milne/Bumi Hills
ZAMBEZI/VIC FALLS/KARIBA WATER LEVELS LOWEST FOR A DECADE
Due to erratic rains in the upper catchment area of the Zambezi River during last wet season, water inflows into the Zambezi River are considerably lower than they have been for nearly two decades (since 1995/96).
This means that currently (and until around January next year when rainfall inflows should start to raise levels), most of the water at Victoria Falls is flowing on the Zimbabwean side of the Falls, with the Zambian side being virtually dry (see top left). Visitors to Zambia are being advised to purchase a KAZA Univisa for Zimbabwe and Zambia which will allow them to move freely between the two countries in order to see the best of the Falls. For the more adventurous traveller, the good news is that low water levels bring a leaner, meaner, Zambezi River for awesome, adrenalin-pumping white-water rafting in the Batoka Gorges downstream from the Falls!
In Lake Kariba, the reduced Zambezi inflow situation has been exacerbated by the fact that both Zambia and Zimbabwe are dependent on the hydro-electricity generated by allowing water to flow through the turbines at Kariba Dam. Lake water levels have dropped dramatically during the last six months, exposing vast areas of bare shoreline in shallow areas around the lake. The view from Bumi Hills Safari Lodge (pictured above centre) says it all. While this makes boating and fishing in among Kariba's famous "drowned forests" somewhat more hazardous than when the lake is high, it is good news for wildlife viewing in the Matusadona National Park. Low lake levels bring much larger areas of shoreline grassland which will encourage increasing populations of grazing "plains game" like buffalo, zebra and the antelope species (waterbuck, impala etc). Increases in prey species can also stimulate similar increases in predators such as lions.
In Kariba Town, low lake levels bring challenges for the houseboat harbours, where boat mooring, storage and launching are increasingly become a problem. While the outer houseboat harbour at Marineland is still deep enough for most of the large houseboats, the inner harbour has now dried up even more than the image at above right shows. Alternative launching facilities for boat-owners have been put in place, but visitors who are familiar with the Lake Kariba of the past decade should be prepared for a bit of a change in the landscape!
Downstream of Kariba Dam, the water levels of the Zambezi River through the Kariba Gorge, Chirundu, Mana Pools and beyond are artificially controlled by outflows from Kariba's hydro-electric turbines. As Lake Kariba's water levels decline in the next few months before the rains begin in November/December, strict controls and limits are being imposed for electricity generation. This means that less water will be released downstream into the middle and lower Zambezi River. The effects will be less noticeable than at Victoria Falls or on Lake Kariba, but Zambezi canoe safari operators and safari camp boat cruise captains will be watching the daily river fluctuations carefully for exposed rocks, previously inundated logs, sandbanks and other hazardous obstacles. Again, a lower river level is good news for the wildlife. Exposed islands bring new grassland and make river crossings easier for elephants, buffalo and other animals willing to brave the crocodiles in search of fresh pastures. New sandbanks offer new nesting spots for migrant birds like the African Skimmer.
In the long term, dependant on the forces of nature and climate, the Zambezi River's ecosystems are in a state of constant flux and adaptation. Where mankind has brought modifications (e.g. the building of Kariba Dam) there will inevitably be consequences. After a decade of good rainfall and high water levels, it looks as though we are in for a change. No doubt Nyaminyami the ancient, traditional Spirit of the Zambezi River, has seen this all before, and will take it in his stride!
ZIMBABWE TOURISM WINNERS FOR 2015
Wild Zambezi is proud of its network partners who were recently recognised for excellence by the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT)and the Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents (AZTA) in the industry's annual Travel Awards 2015.
Top of the list is Ross Kennedy, (pictured here) CEO of Africa Albida Tourism, who was named Tourism Personality of the Year by the ZCT. Ross is a businessman and hotelier with a record of service to the travel and sector dating back more than 35 years. He has been at the forefront of international promotion of Zimbabwe, especially Victoria Falls, and has been active in public affairs in the sector to the benefit of operators throughout the country. He is also chairman of the African Travel and Tourism Association (ATTA).
Here is a list of the other winning Wild Zambezi network partners for 2015:-
ZCT Awards 2015
· Achievement in Cultural Tourism – African Bush Camps Foundation
· Achievement in the Pursuit of Service Excellence – The Elephant Camp, Victoria Falls
· Achievement in Environmental Awareness and Action – jointly awarded to the Matusadona Anti-Poaching Unit (MAPP) and the Victoria Falls (Stanley & Livingstone) Private Game Reserve
AZTA Awards 2015
· Best Resort Hotel - Winner - Victoria Falls Safari Lodge
· Best Safari Camp-Tented – First Runner Up - Changa Safari Camp, Matusadona NP, Lake Kariba; Second Runner Up The Elephant Camp Victoria Falls
· Best Safari Establishment-Non Tented - Second Runner Up - Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa, Lake Kariba
· Best Mobile Operator – Winner - Natureways Safaris, Kariba/Zambezi River/ Mana Pools
· Best Self Catering – Winner - Lokuthula Lodges, Victoria Falls
· Best Ground Handler – Winner - Wild Horizons, Victoria Falls
· Best New Establishment – Winner - Pioneers Camp, Zambezi NP, Victoria Falls; First Runner Up - Zambezi Sands River Camp, Zambezi NP, Victoria Falls; Second Runner Up - Victoria Falls River Lodge, Zambezi NP, Victoria Falls.
· Best Travel Agent Service Provider – Winner - Premier Travel & Tours
If you would like to submit a Comment or Travel Review about any of the above operations/properties, you can do so online on Wild Zambezi.com at the above links.
CURRENT SPECIALS – CHECK THESE OUT ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM
There are still 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 and to the right):-
African Bush Camps – Kanga Camp/Zambezi Life Styles: Mana Pools Easy-Access Special; 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
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)
Spurwing Island : October & November Special (excluding 16-19 Oct); NOVEMBER BOOK DIRECTLY SPECIAL
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
IT'S TIGER TIME AGAIN!
14th – 16th October 2015
The water temperatures are heating up, the fish are biting and ambitious fishing teams are gearing up for the 54th annual Kariba Invitation Tiger Fishing Tournament which takes place 14th, 15th and 16th October.
Wild Zambezi wishes all the participants the very best of luck (and great fun).
This year's sponsors have provided loads of wonderful prizes.
The "BIG ONE" (for the largest tigerfish over 10kgs) is a brand new Chevrolet Utility 1.4 Pick-Up.
RAM Petroleum – providing fuel and prizes
Wild Zambezi network partners, RAM Petroleum are Gold Sponsors of the Tournament and official suppliers of fuel during the event.
Anyone travelling to Kariba by road for the tournament should remember that there is currently no fuel at Makuti (at the turnoff to Kariba on the main Harare-Chirundu highway).
Make sure you have enough in your vehicle to reach Kariba, or fill up at RAM stations in Banket, Chinhoyi (if coming from Harare) or Chirundu (if coming from Zambia).
RAM Petroleum have a grand array of prizes for the best and biggest catches this year.
Fishermen and women weighing in their catches through the RAM Petroleum weighbay each day stand a chance to win a number of goodies including a cooler bag/mini braai kit (pictured), travel first aid kits, stylish waterbottles, flask and mug sets and many more.
You can follow the tournament online and on Facebook. See www.kitft.co.zw
VISITING LAKE KARIBA FOR KITFT OR ON A HOUSEBOAT?
PLEASE COLLECT AND REMOVE LITTER
Wild Zambezi received this photograph from Jenny Nobes, owner of Rhino Safari Camp in the Matusadona National Park on the southern shores of Lake Kariba.
Says Jenny "On a recent evening drive in search of lions with Researcher Rae Kokes based in the Park, we came across a pride of three lionesses with four cubs. As they slowly moved off from their resting place one of the cubs found something distinctly man-made to play with - a piece of plastic "flotsam" that had washed up or been discarded as the Lake receded from the area."
They watched him for some time. The lion cub made full use of his plaything and, although she admits that his antics were a delight to observe, Jenny was moved to comment on the fact that such a sighting is a sad reminder of the impact that humans, even unknowingly, have on an otherwise naturally pristine environment.
Pieces of plastic are not good for young lions (or any type of wild animal). Like human babies, wild babies love to chew on such things and may ingest enough to cause serious long-term harm to their insides.
The shores of Lake Kariba are becoming increasingly littered with such potentially harmful "flotsam" and "jetsam". This is particularly evident as the low lake levels expose large areas of formerly inundated land.
Wild Zambezi appeals to all visitors to this year's KITFT (Kariba Invitation Tigerfishing Tournament) and to all houseboat crews and their guests to assist in helping to clear the shores of the Matusadona National Park (and other wildlife areas around the Lake) of plastic and other non-biodegradable garbage. Have a ready-to-hand stock of black bin-bags in your boat into which you can place all such objects in the vicinity of your mooring spot. Encourage the crew of your houseboat to do the same and to clear the area of rubbish (your and that of others) before you leave. All filled binbags should be returned to the Kariba Town harbours for safe disposal in the Municipal garbage collection system.
Jenny tells us that her staff at Rhino Safari Camp regularly patrol the area around the camp and, as a matter of principle, clear the place of all washed-up objects that might be harmful to the resident wildlife.
Thank you, Jenny, for drawing attention to this very important issue and thank you for caring about keeping Lake Kariba's wildlife safe and healthy.
If everyone undertakes a "clean-up" as a matter of principle in the areas they visit, all Kariba's residents (wild or otherwise) can only benefit.
For more information and contact details see Rhino Safari 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.
ZAMBEZI VALLEY
HISTORY REPEATS ITSELF.... FATHER AND SON GUIDING TOGETHER AT RUCKOMECHI
Wilderness Safaris report that they are delighted to congratulate Ruckomechi Camp's Honest Siyawareva (left) who recently qualified as a Professional Guide in Zimbabwe, one of the highest accolades in the industry! Growing up, Honest spent much of his life close to nature. His father Benson (right) is a well-known and sought-after African guide who mentored Honest to achieve his own successes in the industry. They are pictured here guiding together at Ruckomechi Camp on the Zambezi River in Mana Pools!
After leaving school, Honest went straight to work in the wildlife industry, a natural consequence of his childhood aspirations. When not in the bush he enjoys photographing birds, wildlife, people and the spectacular landscapes of southern Africa.
Honest is an enthusiastic photographer with an encyclopaedic knowledge of wildlife and the bush, skills he readily credits to his father's close mentorship, as well as some of the specialist guides he has met while working for Wilderness Safaris, who greatly inspired him.
Honest's favourite area of his training has been acquiring the ability to gauge people's interests, enabling him to feed each visitor's particular thirst for knowledge about the natural world we live in.
Meantime, Josephine Bestic visited Ruckomechi Camp earlier this year and took some wonderful images of the camp and its wildlife.
We've included the description of her experience and some of her pictures in our Travel Blog at this link: Marvels of Mana Pools
For more information 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.
A SNEAK PREVIEW OF KAVINGA SAFARI CAMP, MANA POOLS
This September, Wild Zambezi was fortunate to be able to enjoy a one-night sneak peek of the new Kavinga Safari Camp which is nearing completion at the southern end of Mana Pools National Park.
We can't show you images of the camp, as it isn't yet finished, but we can show you the images above, taken from the raised deck of our private, ensuite, bedroom unit!
There's no doubt about it, Kavinga has an awesome location and is set to provide a wildlife experience second to none for bush-lovers.
Built on a cliff overlooking the wide expanses of the upper Ruckomechi River with a backdrop of the Zambezi escarpment hills, the camp is only a few kilometres' distance from the famed Chitake Spring.
Even during the driest time of the year, there are water seeps and wallowing holes in the main river, as well as a waterhole immediately in front of and below the camp which attracts animals from all over the area.
Apart from this magnificent and enormous herd of buffalo raising dust in the early morning air, and numerous herds of elephant some of which drank unperturbed just below us, we had lions calling all around the camp at night, a pair of side-striped jackals foraging in the riverbed in the evening, and magnificent birdlife all day. We were enjoying our dinner so much in the evening that we missed the resident leopard visiting the pan below (I'm sure he sneaked in when we weren't looking with the spotlight!). The camp is building a wildlife viewing hide right on the edge of the waterhole which will provide wonderful photographic opportunities. I'm determined to see that leopard next time!
For more information and contact details see Kavinga Safari Camp
THE FIRST SIGN OF SPRING IN THE ZAMBEZI VALLEY
If you travel into the Zambezi Valley during September, when the temperatures are heating up and the bush is drying out, you are bound to see this beautiful little flowering plant along the sides of the dusty road as you pass through patches of dense thicket known as "jesse" bush.
This scrambling shrub is affectionately known as the "Shaving Brush Creeper" because of its prominent whitish-pink densely-spiked flower heads which are held horizontally all along the upper side of long, slender, trailing branches.
You can't miss it. There's nothing else leafing or flowering at this very stark time of year right at the end of winter and the beginning of the African Spring.
Like many of the floral jewels of the bush, it's appearance is deceptive.
If you have the time, stop and take a closer look.
Not only are its brushy white flowerheads exquisitely beautiful with their delicate pinky-oranges tinges, but they have a delicious sweet scent.
Interestingly, the pretty winged fruits of this plant are often present on the bush at the same time as the new spring flowers (as in this image). They, too are exquisitely crafted, each with 4 or 5 thin papery wings growing from the centre and grouped in velvety clumps which vary in colour from cream to apple green to pale pink, to deep pink and finally to straw-colour as they age and dry out.
The plant's scientific name is Combretum mossambicense and it is also known as the Knobbly Climbing Bushwillow (it has little knobbly spines on its trailing branches).
It is part of the large Combretum plant family (all producing winged fruits), which vary from small shrubs to very large trees like the Leadwood (Combretum imberbe) found on the floodplain sands near the Zambezi River at Mana Pools.
WALKING WITH DINOSAURS
The image below right (courtesy of Zim4x4) shows visitors exploring one of several fascinating dinosaur footprint "trackways" from the Late Jurassic period (140 million years ago) that have been discovered in the rocks of some of the Zambezi Valley's river systems!
This particular trackway is in a very remote part of the Chewore Safari Area. Here, water erosion in riverbeds has revealed a layer of underlying rock where a large meat-eating dinosaur - probably Allosaurus (pictured), an ancestor of the famous Tyrannosaurus Rex - once walked on two hind legs leaving its imprints in the wet sand of a drying stream or a shallow-watered pan. A layer of soft mud was deposited on top, filling the prints which were subsequently covered by layer upon layer of siltation deposits over the ensuing millennia. In relatively recent times a new river system has eroded all these deposited layers back down to the original footprints – now completely fossilised into rock.
Palaeontologists are continuing to find new trackways - of both Allosaurus and of a much bigger vegetarian dinosaur (possibly Brachiosaurus) - as they explore this very exciting area.
Their studies reveal that the Allosaurus was a fearsome creature standing some 4-5 metres high and about 12 metres long. It weighed about 1400 kgs, had large, powerful jaws, with long, sharp, serrated teeth 5-10cm long. Its 40cm-long footprints show three forward-protruding clawed toes and a heel drag or slip. Its front "arms" were much smaller than the powerful hind legs, and were equipped with sharp claws for clinging on to prey while it was grappled to the ground.
A visit to see these fascinating relics of an ancient era can be included as part of a self-drive, guided, World Heritage Safari offered by Zim4x4. Their trips are tailormade to suit whatever interests you may have, and can also include tigerfishing on the Zambezi River or Lake Kariba, game viewing and camping in the wild in Mana Pools and houseboating on Lake Kariba.
For more information and contact details, see Zim4x4
If you have been on safari with this company and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.
.VICTORIA FALLS
HOW TO ESCAPE TO THE WILD IN VICTORIA FALLS
If you are visiting Victoria Falls but would prefer to be away from the hustle and bustle of the tourism town, and enjoy a quieter, less "touristy" and more wild-orientated experience, Wild Zambezi's network has some excellent accommodation and options.
Some of these were featured in our July 2015 newsletter, and can now be viewed online in our Travel Blog at this link: Victoria Falls area: River Lodges and Camps. Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge, Zambezi Sands River Lodge and Pioneers Camp are all situated within the Zambezi National Park upstream from Victoria Falls town. Victoria Falls River Lodge (see this map), is also within the same National Park but a little closer to the Victoria Falls town. Gorges Lodge (see this map) is located downstream of the Falls on the edge of the Batoka Gorges.
Apart from these lodges and camps set on the banks of the Zambezi River, there are also some options inland of the river and within easy reach of the town and the Falls themselves.
1. The award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has become a travel icon of excellence in the 20+ years of its existence. Built on a hilltop plateau only 4 kms away from the Falls, and right at the edge of the Zambezi National Park, it has magnificent views looking out over the vast expanses of the Park with a wildlife waterhole in the foreground and the Zambezi River in the distance. The Lodge is set in beautiful, gardens planted with indigenous trees and carefully landscaped to blend into the surrounding natural bush. There are 72 recently-upgraded en-suite double or twin bedrooms each with its own private deck. The central dining/bar/restaurant area is open-air and spacious with a popular outdoor deck and pool area.
2. Two restaurant options are available – the a la carte MaKuwa-Kuwa Restaurant within the Lodge itself and the famous Boma Place of Eating (pictured at 5 below) which offers a unique evening's African entertainment combining mouth-watering local cuisine, spirited dance and drumming performances, traditional storytelling and more.
3. To complement the Safari Lodge, and located nearby within the same complex, with the same magnificent sunset-facing views, is the very exclusive Victoria Falls Safari Club (pictured 2 below) offering a VIP Premium experience with extra large suites and Club rooms and a butler service.
4. The Victoria Falls Safari Suites are individual 2 or 3 bedroomed up-market units of the highest quality, designed for families and small close-knit groups who seek stylish comfort, flexibility, privacy and space.
5. The Lokuthula Lodges (also in the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge complex), are a RCI Gold Crown Resort offering 2-3 bedroom lodges. These are available to family groups wanting an affordable, yet high-quality self-catering or bed-and-breakfast option, with access to facilities at the adjacent Safari Lodge, including the restaurant, bar, internet lounge, activities desk and complimentary coach shuttle service to the town centre and the Victoria Falls Rainforest.
6. At a slightly further distance (10 kms south) from the Victoria Falls town and situated on its own private wildlife concession bordering on the Batoka Gorges and overlooking the spray of the Falls, is the luxurious and award-winning Elephant Camp. This offers 12 exclusive tented air-conditioned suites of the highest luxury (each with its own viewing deck and plunge pool) built into the surrounding bush with a large central tented complex housing reception/sitting/dining room/bar and an extensive deck. A new, entirely separate 4-suite camp known as The Elephant Camp West has recently been added, with its own living area, to cater on an exclusive-use basis for groups, weddings and family gatherings. Completely surrounded by the African bush, with a nearby waterhole which attracts wild animals, The Elephant Camp has become famous for the close interactions with wildlife (especially elephant and cheetah) that it offers guests via the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary which is located on the private concession. Guests can also undertake guided walks and game drives within the concession.
7. All the usual Victoria Falls activities & transfer services are on offer from the Camp through partner/operator Wild Horizons.
8.
A little further out of the town (15 minutes by vehicle transfer towards the airport) is the 6000-acre Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve offering a tranquil, serene setting, fantastic "Big Five" wildlife viewing opportunities (including Rhino Encounters) and a safari lodge reminiscent of a bygone era. The Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge represents the grandeur of a bygone era and oozes intimate Victorian charm with 16 opulently-appointed private suites overlooking the extensive grounds of the game reserve. There is also an alternative, more affordable, accommodation option for families and small groups: Ursula's Camp has 4 en-suite chalets sleeping a total of 8 guests and is available on a full board, half board, bed & breakfast or self-catering basis. There are lots of wildlife-orientated things to do within the Game Reserve itself and, on request, all the usual Victoria Falls activities and transfers can be arranged.
9. The Stanley & Livingstone Game Reserve is also home to the Nakavango Conservation Centre and the Bear Grylls Survival Academy. The centre accommodates 20 conservation volunteers, gap year students or school/university/corporate groups on a full-board basis, in simple yet comfortable single-room accommodation or a rustic bush camp. They are kept busy in the Reserve with a variety of wildlife management, conservation, research and survival and team-building activities in addition to all that is on offer for tourism in Victoria Falls.
10. Serious wildlife enthusiasts who visit the Victoria Falls and who would like to enjoy a truly authentic guided experience with a professional wildlife expert and conservationist, should get in touch with Charles Brightman who runs Discover Victoria Falls. In addition to being a first-class guide, offering private, guided game drives, walking safaris and specialist wildlife and birding outings within the Zambezi National Park upstream from the Victoria Falls, Charles runs the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) in partnership with the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority, the Police and other law-enforcement authorities, and supported by the local and international tourism industry. Visitors are able to participate in VHAPU conservation activities by prior arrangement. Charles is passionate about the Victoria Falls World Heritage Site and its wildlife. Protecting it into the future is a mission he loves to share with local and international communities.
If you have been a guest with any of the above properties/operators and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at one of the above links.
FAMILY- FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES IN VICTORIA FALLS
With a full gamut of activity options in Victoria Falls, some of which are adrenaline-based, it can be a bit overwhelming to plan your trip there if you have children (especially little ones).
To make it easier, tour operator, Wild Horizons has rounded up some of the best activities for families. There are some pretty exciting options here which are safe and friendly even for young children.
Here are some of the suggestions (pictured from left to right):-
A Cultural Tour - a rural village tour, a township tour or a home hosted meal. In any of these your children will likely get to meet and interact with local children while learning about their culture.
A Boma Experience - this is an evening out for all ages. It includes a huge buffet of local delicacies and Western fare and an evening filled with entertainment, with face-painting, traditional dancers, a local story teller and a fortune teller. Children will love to join in the drumming session after dinner.
A Sunset Boat Cruise - on the Zambezi River. Meander upstream of the Victoria Falls for about two hours enjoying the wildlife and birds with some drinks and snacks. The Zambezi Royal is quieter option ideal for families. Children are half price.
A Canopy Tour - this is a more adventurous but safe and family-friendly, guided "thrill" option. The 2-3 hour tour consists of 9 different "high-wire" slides, varying in length and 1 cable bridge. Children can be harnessed in with their parents or go alone. The view of the turbulent rapids, the Victoria Falls Bridge and spray of the Falls is amazing.
A Victoria Falls Tour – through the Rainforest right opposite the Falls is a "must-do" for everyone, but be aware that safety precautions at the very precipitous edge of the Falls are scant. ALWAYS keep your young children close to you and take a stroller or baby carrier (or arrange a babysitter) for very little children as the walk can be quite long.
Read the full article online on our Travel Blog at this link: Family Friendly Victoria Falls
For more information and contact details see Wild Horizons
If you have enjoyed any of the above activities with Wild Horizons and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link.
TAIL ENDER....baboon early warning system
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
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