travelinfo: WILD ZAMBEZI News October 2015 d8

A proud WINNER of the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award!

NEWS: OCTOBER 2015

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

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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 RAISES FUNDS FOR CONSERVATION AT ST JOHN'S SPRING FAIR!

Wild Zambezi is delighted to report on a very successful fund-raising day at the St John's College Spring Fair in early October.

In addition to promoting a wide range of Zambezi travel opportunities to local Zimbabweans, we ran a "Lucky-Dip" and "Prize Draw" with a wonderful array of travel prizes donated by our network partners.

All proceeds (which amounted to US$852) were donated to two wildlife conservation projects focused on the Zambezi Valley – the Zambezi Elephant Fund (ZEF) and the Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project (MAPP).

Wild Zambezi would like to thank the partners in our travel network who generously donated wonderful prizes in aid of these worthy causes.

PRIZE DRAW:-

Musango Island Safari Camp – 2 x nights for 2 at this Classic Safari Camp on its own island in Lake Kariba (Winner: Kevin Elkington)

Rhino Safari Camp – 2 x nights for 2 at this luxury rustic camp on the shores of Lake Kariba in the Matusadona National Park (Winner: Clint Skinner)

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge (Africa Albida Tourism) – 2 x nights for 2 at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge with a dinner for 2 at The Boma Place of Eating (Winner: Jo Abbot)

Wilderness Safaris – 2 x nights for 2 at Davison's Camp, Hwange. (Winner: Brian Rose)

LUCKY DIP:-

Dunhu Ramambo - day trip for 2 to Pamuzinda or Chengeta Safari Lodge (Winner Judy Wheeler – pictured above left)

Executive Air – 45 min scenic flight over Harare with champagne and snacks (Winner Ross Keth – pictured above centre)

Kariba Ferries - TWO Karibean cruises for 2 on the Lake Kariba ferry (Winner Ryan MacKenzie – pictured above right)

Wild Horizons (Victoria Falls) – Sundowner Cruise for 2; Canopy Tour for 2 and Gorge Swing for 2 – various winners

Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa (Lake Kariba) – Executive Pens

Jecha Point Fishing Lodge & Camp - Caps

Kavinga Safari Camp (Mana Pools) - Caps

Marineland (Kariba) – Fishing shirts and T-shirts

Rhino Safari Camp (Lake Kariba/Matusadona) - Caps

Thank you to our supporting travel partners, thank you to all the Zimbabwe residents who visited Wild Zambezi at the Fair, and well done to all the lucky winners!

ZIMPARKS INTRODUCING AN ONLINE BOOKING SYSTEM

Zimbabwe's National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) is in the process of introducing a new Online Booking System for accommodation and camping facilities in their properties all around the country.

In a recent notification, Customer Services Executive, Choice Mushunje advised:-

" This new system will allow our clients to process their own bookings from anywhere in the world as long as there is internet. The system will also allow for credit card payments direct to the Authority with instant confirmations being received. This is part of the Authority's effort to bring efficiency in terms of how accommodation bookings are processed. The previous system was very manual, resulting in double bookings and in some cases bookings would lapse without payment as it was difficult to track the bookings timeously. It is our hope that the upcoming online booking system will bring sanity to the whole process."

The system is being introduced in phases and plans are to make it available to clients by the beginning of December 2015.

How the new online system will work:

· E-mail alerts with details of each booking will be automatically generated.

· The pricing setup is being changed so that most campsites will now be charged "per unit/site" for a maximum of 6 people. Any extras should be paid for per person on arrival. A few facilities will however be charged "per person" to cater for those clients who do not travel in groups. These particular "per person" sites are bookable direct with the respective National Park stations.

· While the online system is being set up, clients are requested to make bookings by emailing bookings@zimparks.co.zw as usual.

· Once the online system is fully operational a 48hr payment period will apply whereby bookings not paid within that period will automatically be cancelled.

ZimParks are appealing to clients to bear with them during this development period. Interruptions and delays may be experienced in the processing of booking requests particularly with 2016 bookings.

For views and comments, contact ZimParks Customer Services office on +263 4 706077/8 or Cell. +263 772 111836 or email cmushunje@zimparks.co.zw

For more information about ZimParks facilities in the Zambezi areas see this link: ZimParks on WildZambezi.com

FASTJET LAUNCHES IN ZIMBABWE – WITH HARARE-VIC FALLS ROUTE

Low-cost African airline, Fastjet, launched the first of its Zimbabwe-based domestic operations on Wednesday 28^th October, with an inaugural flight between Harare and Victoria Falls.

The airline is now operating this route three times a week on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays with a flight of only 1 hour and 5 minutes' duration.

Flight times are as follows:-

Flight No: 8001

Depart Harare 15.00 hrs

Arrive Victoria Falls 16.05 hrs

Flight No: 8002

Depart Victoria Falls 16.45 hrs

Arrive Harare 17.45

As with most low-cost airlines, Fastjet has a "no frills" policy, keeping its costs down by quoting a basic fare to which government taxes must be added. In addition an extra charge is made for each checked-in item of baggage (one piece of free hand luggage is permitted), for on-board snacks and drinks and for pre-selection of seats.

For more information and bookings contact www.fastjet.com/zw

Zimbabwe's national airline Air Zimbabwe also flies the Harare-Victoria Falls route every day and links these two destinations with Kariba on Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays.

LATEST TRAVEL REVIEWS ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM – October 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 and personalised air charters and transfers to all areas (including remote locations) throughout Zimbabwe and the region.

Jecha Point Fishing Lodge & Camp – affordable chalets and a delightful campsite on the banks of the Zambezi River just downstream of Chirundu – ideal for combining fishing and wildlife viewing

Mana Pools Nyamepi Camp (ZimParks) – public campsite situated on the banks of the Zambezi River within this renowned World Heritage Site and National Park

Pioneers Camp – intimate 12-bedded tented safari camp within the Zambezi National Park on the banks of the River upstream from 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.

CHECK OUT THESE TRAVEL SPECIALS ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM

Don't forget the 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 (Lake Kariba): 3 night fly-in package from Victoria Falls & Harare

Changa Safari Camp (Lake Kariba/Matusadona): International and Local Specials for 2015 and 2016; Victoria Falls-Kariba fly-in package

Musango Island Safari Camp (Lake Kariba): Cool Waters Package (Vic Falls/Kariba/Mana Pools) and Get a Night on Us (Stay for 4 nights, pay for 3)

Pioneers Camp (Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls) Enjoy 3 nights for the price of 2

Premier Holidays: Victoria Falls Carnival Packages for New Year 2015/2016 and Around Zimbabwe special deals

Spurwing Island : October & November Special (excluding 16-19 Oct); NOVEMBER BOOK DIRECTLY SPECIAL

Stanley & Livingstone Lodge & Game Reserve (Victoria Falls): Zimbabwe Residents Special

Dunhu Ramambo - Umbozha Houseboats (Lake Kariba): Reduced rates until 20 December(and then 6 Jan – end March) on all the Lake Kariba houseboats in this luxury fleet

Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris) (Mana Pools/Hwange): Special rates for local residents until end June 2016.

Zambezi Sands River Camp (Imvelo Safari Lodges – Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls): 2015 Special – Stay for 3 nights, pay for 2

KARIBA

2015 TIGERFISH TOURNAMENT WINNERS ARE WILD ZAMBEZI PARTNERS!

Congratulations to the winners of this year's Kariba Invitation Tigerfishing Tournament which took place during a heat wave on 14^th, 15^th and 16^th October.

Wild Zambezi is particularly proud that the winners included several of our travel network partners!

Well done to the following teams: Kariba Ferries (1^{st -}pictured left), Fins Fishing (2^nd- pictured centre) and Bumi Hills Anti-Poaching Unit (8^th).

Well done, also to Ray Finaughty of Fins Fishing and Robert Harris of Kariba Ferries for achieving first and second place respectively in the Individual results, and

Well done to Brenda Marchussen (pictured right) of RAM Petroleum for catching the second largest fish of the tournament (7.11kgs)!

Here are the full final results of the tournament:-

TEAM RESULTS

1^st	ULTC KARIBA FERRIES	60 Fish	121.18Kgs
2^nd	FINS FISHING	51 Fish	111.53Kgs
3^rd	REMINGTON GOLD	52 Fish	109.93Kgs
4^th	CHARTER TREK AFRICOM	49 Fish	97.23Kgs
5^th	LAC TREK	50 Fish	96.53Kgs
6^th	TEAM HILUX	52 Fish	95.65Kgs
7^th	MARINE CENTRE YAMAHA	44 Fish	94.35Kgs
8^th	BUMI HILLS ANTI POACHING	38 Fish	93.20Kgs
9^th	CHICAGO	45 Fish	88.33Kgs
10^th	JAGGERMEISTER	43 Fish	80.52Kgs

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS

1^st	RAY FINAUGHTY	FINS FISHING	19 Fish	42.06 Kgs
2^nd	ROBERT HARRIS	ULTC KARIBA FERRIES	21 Fish	42.05 Kgs

LARGEST FISH OF THE TOURNAMENT

1^st	DARREN CROUSE	7.92 Kgs
2^nd	BRENDA MARCHUSSEN	7.11 Kgs

For more information and pictures of the action see www.kitft.co.zw

CELEBRATE SPECIAL MOMENTS AT CHANGA

Changa Safari Camp reports that yet another romance has sprung to life on the shores of Lake Kariba. It's not surprising - The intimacy of this secluded and luxurious lodge is almost tangible in the air.

Daniel and Kim from Zimbabwe (pictured) planned a romantic getaway together to explore the magnificent Matusadona National Park. Little did Kim know that the weekend would turn into a bit more than just a weekend away. A very intimate dinner was set up by the pool side where Daniel got down on one knee..... Surrounded by the breathtaking blend of bush, mountains and water, it was the perfect spot for a proposal. Kim really didn't stand a chance against all that romance. The team at Changa were all very happy for the soon to be Mr and Mrs Amira and hope to see them back for a future anniversary!

Indeed, Changa is gaining a reputation for excellence in hosting special events and celebrations like this. Whether it's dinner on the beach with family or sushi and sundowners on one of the boats to celebrate a special birthday (pictured right), the personal flair and welcoming atmosphere of this camp wins the guests' hearts every time.

Fiona spent her honeymoon at Changa and had this to say about it in her Trip Advisor review:

"My husband and I stayed at Changa for five nights for our honeymoon. The staff are fantastic. From the managers to the waiter staff, everyone is incredibly accommodating and always friendly. We kept the guides (and managers) up a few nights whilst we sat around the fire talking and they kept us company with great conversation. The camp is still new, so all the facilities are in excellent condition. The rooms are breathtaking! You literally have some netting between you and the outdoors. The gentle lapping of the lake water at night makes you feel as though you are near the ocean. A wondrous sound. We were incredibly blessed to have Kingsley as our guide. If Kingsley is available, I would highly recommend requesting him. His knowledge and passion were incredible. He did everything in his power to ensure that we had a memorable, special and unique honeymoon… "

Changa Safari Camp boasts a four and a half kilometre private concession along the shores of Lake Kariba within the Matusadona National Park. The lodge offers luxury tented accommodation and can only be reached by a 45 minute boat transfer from Kariba town. Its secluded location and unusual blend of landscapes promises an intimate and relaxing safari experience. The views over Lake Kariba and its "drowned" mopane trees are stunning and the sunsets are hailed as being some of the best in Africa.

SPECIALS AT CHANGA

Local residents 2015 Summer Special - valid until December 2015

Full Board (excluding Parks fees, drinks, activities and transfers) - US$130 per person per night

All Inclusive (excluding Parks fees & transfers) - US$225 per person per night

International Specials 2016 - valid January–March and November –10 December 2016

All Inclusive (excluding Parks fees & transfers) – US$320 per person per night for the first two nights US$288 per person per night thereafter.

For more information and contact details, see this link: Changa 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.

WHAT'S UP WITH THE YABBIES?

RESEARCH INTO THE ALIEN FRESHWATER CRAYFISH IN LAKE KARIBA AND THE ZAMBEZI

A 12-month ecological research initiative to investigate and monitor populations of the Australian red-claw crayfish in Lake Kariba and the Zambezi River has begun via the University of Zimbabwe's Lake Kariba Fisheries Research Institute (LKRI) and the Chinhoyi University of Technology.

Scientists believe the freshwater crayfish which is native to Australia (where it is commonly known as a "Yabby") was imported illegally into Southern Africa as a potential food source and was accidentally introduced into the Zambezi River system. It now appears to be breeding out of control in places like Lake Kariba, devouring the food sources of other fish and potentially putting the aquatic ecosystem of the Middle Zambezi (and other Southern African waterways) at risk.

This crayfish has few natural predators here, although reports indicate that crocodiles, tigerfish, catfish, some waterbirds and even baboons appear to be developing a taste for the species. While there have been some attempts to exploit the crayfish commercially, this has not been very successful as they are not yet popular in the diet of ordinary Zimbabweans (despite food shortages). One of the problems is that very little is currently known about the population distribution and biology of the species. Funds for scientific research are very limited.

The current project will run initially for a year and will have two components. Firstly, crayfish will be sampled by trapping in baited wire cages lowered to the lake bed in the vicinity of the Ume River Basin between the Matusadona National Park and the Omay Communal Land. Additional samples will be obtained elsewhere in the lake by fishermen. Secondly, at the Lake Kariba Fisheries Research Institute (LKRI) in Kariba town, crayfish will be placed in different ponds with different weeds, water temperatures etc. where their growth and breeding will be measured – so as to learn more about their biology.

The study is supported by the African Bush Camps Foundation and is a joint venture between Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa and LKRI. Two students will conduct the fieldwork alternating between Bumi Hills and Kariba - the Safari Lodge providing the students' accommodation, boats and boat-drivers for sampling in the lake, while LKRI provides equipment and facilities to do the experimental work.

For further information about this research initiative, or to contribute towards its continuation or expansion, contact Dr Richard Hoare at African Bush Camps or Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa

ZAMBEZI VALLEY

FAMILY HOLIDAY FUN – SUN, SAND and WATER?

LOOK NO FURTHER THAN THE ZAMBEZI @ JECHA POINT!

It's hard to believe, I know, but this picture of kids enjoying a wonderful time on the beach wasn't taken at the sea.

It was taken at Jecha Point Fishing Lodge near Chirundu on the Zambezi River!

Aaah..... but WHAT ABOUT CROCODILES? you ask (nervously).....

Indeed, it is generally NOT advisable for anyone to swim or paddle (or even stand close to the water) anywhere near the riverbank along the Zambezi.

However, as Jecha report in their latest newsletter......

"October has been a sweltering month with no reprieve from the heat, and November promises to be just as hot if not slightly hotter with temperatures reaching 42 degrees regularly!..

The river level has dropped a bit as Kariba power station regulates its flow. This hasn't affected our fishing at all but it has created several large, shallow sandbanks which are brilliant for cooling off on a hot Zambezi day! Most people would probably be horrified that we 'cool off' in the river that has crocodiles in it, but the sandbanks are lovely and shallow, mostly ankle deep and some of them can stretch for a few hundred metres. Absolute bliss! So what are you waiting for?? Book your sunset sandbank sundowners today!"

(Editor's Note: very large exposed or shallow sandbanks as described above are usually safe from any dangerous crocs. Obviously, with children there has to be VERY careful supervision and no-one should go near the water's edge under any circumstances.)

Jecha Point also report great wildlife sightings in and around their chalets and campsite, including an old lone buffalo "dagga boy" that comes to eat the green grass behind the campsite ablutions at night.

"After a good graze he settles in for the night under the thick bush right behind the laundry room!! Now if you've been to the camp, you'll know that that is REALLY close! It was quite surprising when we drove in late one evening and there he was peacefully grazing unperturbed by our torch beam! We have a guard who bravely walks around at night and who says the old buff is completely relaxed and hasn't yet chased him! We think the old boy knows that the lions don't venture right onto the lawn and so feels very secure there!"

Apparently 4x4 Clubs are finding Jecha Point Campsite a perfect stopover en route to/from Zambia or Mana Pools. Since it is proving so popular, Jecha are planning an upgrade to the site to accommodate the campers more comfortably. We await more news....

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

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

MORE HOLIDAY FUN FOR THE KIDS....FISHING @ TIGER SAFARIS

What are you planning for your kids doing the holidays?

The message (above) is clear from Tiger Safaris, a popular family holiday destination on the Zambezi River at Chirundu.

Look at this magnificent 7kg Tigerfish caught by Jamie during the Schools Half-Term Weekend – ably assisted by one of Tiger Safaris' experienced, friendly (and endlessly patient) fishing guides!

Tiger Safaris offer five comfortable and affordable brick-under-thatch riverside chalets which are ideal for families, on the banks of the Zambezi River near Chirundu. The chalets accommodate 6 in two bedrooms, each with a bathroom, fully-equipped kitchen and outdoor braai (barbeque) facilities.

There is a fenced swimming pool overlooking a waterhole.

Chalet 6 is located about 1 km away, but also right on the river, and is larger, accommodating up to 8 people

Boats are available for hire on a full-day or half-day basis with the services of a skipper/fishing guide.

This is the perfect, safe and sensible way to introduce the family to the joys of fishing on the Zambezi River.

Go on..... take them fishing......!

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

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

RARE SIGHTING AT RUCKOMECHI CAMP, MANA POOLS

Wilderness Safaris' guide, Honest Siyawareva captured this excellent picture of a rare Ground Pangolin (Manis temminckii) scurrying home to its daytime hiding place in an existing burrow, hole or pile of vegetation near Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools.

You have to be extremely lucky to see a pangolin, as they are mainly nocturnal, and only very occasionally see at dawn or dusk.

As can be seen, the short front legs are held off the ground when walking. They have sharp claws which are used primarily for digging out the nests of ants or termites, which are then licked up by the animal's long (25-40cm) sticky tongue. The rounded hind feet are sufficient to support the body weight – balanced by the head and forequarters on the one side and the broad tail on the other.

When threatened, a pangolin rolls up into a neat ball with its head protected by its tail. If accompanied by a youngster when it is confronted, the adult will pull the baby into its belly as it curls up, thus protecting it within the ball. Its prolific scales are made of keratin and have very sharp leading edges that can inflict severe cuts as the pangolin, if continually molested, will slide its tail from side to side across its body in a scything action, cutting or even amputating any paws, noses, tongues or fingers that get in the way.

So..... how do pangolins mate, you ask?? The answer..... VERY carefully!

In fact the male pangolin mounts from the side, moving his tail and genital area underneath the female's. The large and heavy tails are a considerable hindrance. In effect, the two stand side by side, facing in the same direction, with the male resorting to becoming something of a contortionist!

As for predators - lions, leopards, hyaenas, and honeybadgers may have a go at them, but humans are by far their biggest enemy.

Pangolins are hunted and eaten in many parts of Africa and are one of the more popular types of bush meat. They are also in great demand in China and Vietnam because their meat is considered a delicacy and some believe that their ground-up scales have medicinal qualities that can stimulate lactation or cure cancer or asthma. Although pangolin are on the IUCN (International Union for the Conservation of Nature) Red List of Threatened Species and are protected by an international ban on their trade, populations have suffered from illegal trafficking due to these unfounded beliefs.. In the past decade there have been numerous seizures of illegally trafficked pangolin and pangolin meat in Asia.

Find out more about the camp where this rare and threatened creature was photographed, at this link: Wilderness Safaris' Ruckomechi Camp

JEWELS OF THE ZAMBEZI SPRING

If you are a visitor to the Zambezi Valley from another part of the world, it must be difficult to comprehend why we Southern Africans should give the name "Spring" to the hottest, driest, dustiest time of the year (September - October), when the bush is uniformly stark grey and apparently lifeless, with not a leaf on a tree or a blossom to be seen.

But.....Spring it is..... no matter how strange it feels, and some say it's the BEST time of year to go on safari! Why?

- Well... for a start, the absence of inland water during the hottest and driest months of year means that wildlife is forced to congregate near permanent water sources (like the Zambezi River or Lake Kariba) and so you are likely to see larger numbers of animals (and their predators) than at other times

- Most of the hardy plant species in the Zambezi Valley conserve their energy against the blistering heat and harsh conditions at this time of year and hold their new leaf growth until the start of the summer rains later in the year. So during the Zambezi Spring, the almost total absence of leaf cover makes it much easier to spot wild animals, birds, reptiles etc in the bush

- It's more rewarding when game-walking with a professional guide to be able to see through thickets and tread more easily on ground which has been grazed or cropped low – so you are less likely to disturb animals or have unexpected close encounters which may frighten them (and you!)

- If you know where to go and what to look for, there are some wonderful little wildlife "jewels" that are classic signatures of Spring in the Zambezi Valley.

Here are two of them:-

The Zambezi Tail-Flower (or Poison Rope) – pictured above

This extraordinarily delicate and beautiful little flower is usually the first sign of Spring in the hot dry "Jesse Bush" thickets of the Zambezi Valley. Its Latin name is Strophanthus kombe and it is part of a genus which consists of some 38 species. It is actually a shrubby bush-vine which climbs high into trees and is most recognisable by its striking little creamy-yellow-orange flowers which blossom on the bare branches of the vine in October before the rains, and have characteristic "petal tails" up to 17 cm long – from which it derives its name – strophos anthos – "twisted cord flower". It also has the most extraordinary fruit – a pair of large, elongated "woody" pods (15 – 47 cm long) which branch off the previous year's twigs and taper at the ends. When ripe, these pods split lengthways into long "banana-boat"-shapes which contain the seeds, encased in a "cotton-wool" of fine white hairs designed for maximum wind-dispersal efficiency. This plant has a significant cultural and medicinal history. Its seeds and roots have been used traditionally as an arrow poison for thousands of years by many African peoples. Today, the seeds are used pharmaceutically to treat certain heart conditions that affect blood circulation. The plant was inadvertently used as a medical experiment by Sir John Kirk, a nineteenth century plant explorer who brought back specimens of Strophanthus kombe for the Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew in London. Some of the plant's juice accidentally landed on his toothbrush. After brushing his teeth he reported a quick drop in his heart rate. In fact, Strophantus kombe contains a cardiac glycoside which directly affects the heart before influencing any other organ or tissue. It is used to produce the drug Ouabain which is taken as a cardiac stimulant to treat heart failure, and is similar to the drug Digoxin produced from Digitalis purpurea. Strophantus kombe has been used for two extremes: ending a life and saving a life, so proper dosage is crucial when using this plant medicinally.

The Southern Carmine Bee-eater – pictured below

This gorgeous bird migrates from Northern Africa arriving in the Zambezi Valley in the Spring to breed during the summer months before migrating north again. As its name implies, it eats bees and other stinging insects (as well as butterflies and moths), catching them on the wing. To facilitate this, the birds are streamlined with pointed wings and a long, dextrous tail, allowing them to be fast and highly flexible in flight. The bill is curved downwards so that it can see its prey clearly in flight. Once it has caught something, it returns to a nearby perch to squeeze or rub the insect to remove the sting or venom before swallowing it whole. Southern Carmine Bee-eaters roost in colonies in groups of narrow tunnel-nests which are usually about 1.5 metres long, dug into the sand of vertical riverbanks. The tunnels are slanted slightly upwards to prevent rain entering, and end in an oval-shaped nesting chamber separated from the tunnel by a small lip to prevent the eggs rolling out. Once the eggs have hatched, the adult birds feed the chicks in the nest which becomes soiled with faeces and regurgitated pellets. It is possible that the foul smell of the nest serves to deter predators like water-monitors, snakes, rats and mongeese which may try to raid the tunnels. Once free of the nest, the young are taught by example how to de-sting insects. In the Zambezi Valley, huge flocks of breeding Southern Carmine bee-eaters can be spectacularly viewed and photographed near their riverbank nest tunnels, either by boat (from the river), or grouped (sometimes in hundreds) in the branches of nearby trees. The adult birds are truly a magnificent sight with their brilliant scarlet-pink & blue colours – and their arrival at the start of Spring lights up the drabness of the bush and is a sure sign that the heat and the rains are on their way!

.VICTORIA FALLS

DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES?

SURVIVE ON ADRENALIN - BEAR GRYLLS'-STYLE - IN VICTORIA FALLS!

At the end of this November, The Nakavango Conservation Centre located on the Stanley and Livingstone Private Game Reserve just outside the town of Victoria Falls will host two five-day Bear Grylls Academy Survival Skills courses for intrepid adventurers wanting to stretch their physical and mental resilience to the limits.

The Survival in the Falls courses take place 14^th-19^th November and 20^th – 24^th November, set in the challenging environment of Victoria Falls in the heat of summer. They are delivered by a range of hand-picked instructors who have been trained by members of Bear's Man vs Wild and Born Survivor crew. Each instructor is an expert in their chosen fields of African bushcraft, wilderness survival and extreme adventure.

Activities include lessons in survival, knife skills, fitness training, navigation, shelter construction and how to forage for wild food. This is followed by a 36-hour survival exercise where these skills are put to use – with teams leaving camp with just a knife and an empty water canteen and having to fend for themselves until their helicopter pick-up at the Zambezi gorge.

All meals and accommodation are included and a large amount of equipment is on loan for the duration of the course including: Knife, mug, sleeping bag and liner, sleeping mat, rucksack and liner, head torch, water bottle and all technical safety equipment. This means that participants don't need to bring any of the heavy stuff with them. On completion of the course, those who took part receive the coveted Bear Grylls Survival Academy badge and certificate, and their very own Bear Grylls Ultimate knife.

The Academy also offers Ultimate Team-building Courses specifically-tailored to the corporate world.

Bear says, "Everything I have learnt about business was first learnt from the wild – trust, risk management, going that extra mile, dynamic teamwork and honest communication. There is nothing like trying to light a fire or cross a river to force you to re-engage some left brain initiative and right brain 'calm in the storm. This course is aimed to be fun, exciting, bonding and memorable. I also want to empower participants to learn some core skills that not only might save a life, but will undoubtedly help teams gel, get resourcefulness to increase and pride to swell through embracing a little bit of healthy Bear Grylls adrenalin!" He adds, "Oh, and it may hurt a little."

For more information and contact details see this link: Nakavango Conservation Centre and Bear Grylls Academy

If you have taken part in one of these courses and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at one of the above links.

NEW VISITORS IN CAMP AT PIONEERS!

Wild Zambezi was delighted to see these recent images taken at Pioneers Camp in the Zambezi National Park upstream from the Victoria Falls.

This family of lions, thirsty in the high temperatures, decided to use the Mpala Jena springline (which runs through the middle of the camp) as a convenient shortcut to the Zambezi River!

They passed straight through, under the bridge which links the "chill lounge" at the camp to Tent No 4, stopping for a sip or two along the way!

Pioneers Camp provides a truly wild, unfenced, luxury-tented bush experience in the heart of a National Park, yet within convenient reaching distance (17 kms upstream) of all the bustle and activities in and around the Victoria Falls itself. This intimate camp has only six luxury, en-suite tents, nestled under shady trees – each with wonderful views from its private verandah overlooking the Zambezi River. There is a central dining and lounge area to mingle and relax in. The camp is eco-friendly, with modern solar lighting, solar geysers for showers, flushing toilets and efficient and correct waste disposal. Meals are prepared from a selection of fresh produce, and are served either al fresco, or in the shady dining tent overlooking the river. The camp is open all year round.

For more information and contact details see this link: Pioneers Camp

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

TAIL ENDER....

The perfect, bolt-on, "al-fresco" solution... for self-drive adventures...