WILD ZAMBEZI NEWS - DECEMBER 2015
 Explore our travel listings & share your own experiences
on our website Wild Zambezi.com.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-NEWSLETTER!
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DRIVERS PLEASE NOTE!
ZIMBABWE AMENDS TRAFFIC FINES – CHANGES EFFECTIVE FROM 1 JANUARY 2016
 Recent changes to the Schedule of Traffic fines were announced in Zimbabwe’s November Budget and have now been approved to take effect from 1st January 2016.
Motorists and self-driving visitors to Zimbabwe should be made aware that the following 4 serious traffic offences will attract a severe penalty of US$100 (as opposed to the previously gazetted US$20):-
• Driving without a valid driver’s licence
• Proceeding against a red traffic light
• Driving a vehicle whose foot brakes are not working
• Overtaking over a solid white line.
The following 5 offences will incur a penalty of US$20 (up from the previous US$10):-
• Failure to signal a slow down, stopping or turning right or left
• Cutting the corner on turning right
• Proceeding against an amber traffic light
• Verbally abusing other road users
• Encroaching white lines at traffic light stops
Some traffic offences previously attracting a fine of US$5 have now been increased to US$10.
For a list of the recent changes see Wild Zambezi’s news item: Changes to Zimbabwe’s traffic fines
For a full list of the Schedule of Traffic Fines (including the new, updated, amounts), see Wild Zambezi’s Blog: Assistance for self-drivers: List of Zimbabwe official fines for road traffic offences
Some advice about traffic police roadblocks in Zimbabwe
Police road blocks are common and should be clearly marked. Remain calm, always be polite, co-operate and follow instructions or requests. You may have your vehicle searched. Show your driver's licence if required. If you are in the wrong, accept it as being your fault and pay a fine. Note that THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS A SPOT FINE WITHOUT A RECEIPT. Insist on an official receipt (i.e.Form Z69 (j) Admission of Guilt). If it is not convenient for you to pay the fine immediately, you should request a "ticket" on Form 265 for payment at a Police Station within 7 days. (Failure to do this will result in prosecution).
If you feel you are being treated unfairly, stand your ground, but don't be rude and whatever you do, do not swear! All Police Officers have a force number, which they should give you, on request. Do not be tempted to get out of a Traffic Offence by buying your way out of the problem. We do not need corruption in Zimbabwe, rather an enforcement of the Rule of Law. Keep your sense of humour - it often helps!
Note that if you are made to pay a fine at a traffic roadblock and are not sure how much you should have paid, you must immediately take the admission of guilt receipt to the nearest police station and get confirmation if you have been rightfully charged. If over-charged you can immediately get your money refunded.
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 LATEST TRAVEL REVIEWS
WILDZAMBEZI.COM
December 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):-
Baobab Bookings – agency for accommodation, houseboats, transfers and activities throughout Zimbabwe, Lake Kariba specialists.
Zim4x4 – self-drive, guided, wilderness tours into the Zambezi Valley and on Lake Kariba.
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.
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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 & Zambezi Life Styles camps, Mana Pools): MANA MADNESS SPECIAL – stay min 3 nights at one of these properties (6 nights altogether at African Bush Camps facilities) and get FREE flights in and out of Mana Pools. (Valid 1 April – 30 June 2016) LONG STAY SPECIAL – at any combo of African Bush Camps – 5% discount for 6+ nights; 10% discount for 9+ nights.
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa (Lake Kariba): 3-night fly-in package from Vic Falls or Harare Valid until 1 April 2016
Changa Safari Camp (Lake Kariba/Matusadona): Various Specials for Internationals. Special local residents rates until March 2016
Dunhu Ramambo - Umbozha Houseboats (Lake Kariba): Reduced rates on all the Lake Kariba houseboats in this luxury fleet (6 Jan – end March)
Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge (Zambezi River upstream from Victoria Falls): Imbabala-Elephant Camp combo special. 3 nights Imbabala, 1 night The Elephant Camp. Includes tour of Vic Falls.
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)
Rhino Safari Camp (Lake Kariba/Matusadona) – Green Season Specials for locals and internationals
Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris) (Mana Pools/Hwange): Special rates for local residents until end June 2016.
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MARINELAND HARBOUR: PLANNING AHEAD FOR LOW KARIBA LAKE LEVELS
The above image at left shows excavator work in progress on the houseboat mooring area at Marineland Harbour in Kariba, as the water level of Lake Kariba continues to recede.
The rains have been late this year, and the harbour is taking pro-active contingency measures in case the El Nino predictions of decreased rainfall for the season are proved correct, and the lake is left with unprecedented low water levels.
There is currently no need for panic, as the rains have just got underway. But, in order to avoid a situation where there might be no safe mooring space for most of the boats in Kariba, the harbour management has warned boat-owners that they may be required to assist with the costs of hiring a specialised drag-line machine (like the one pictured above right) in order to deepen the entrance to Marineland Harbour, and the Harbour itself.
Rains in the upper Zambezi catchment area are slowly bringing more encouraging flows along the Zambezi River and over Victoria Falls, and this will eventually reach Lake Kariba. However, in the meantime, local rainfall within the Kariba basin area is still disappointingly low and the lake levels continue to drop although at a reduced pace to previously.
Marineland management continue to track the water levels carefully as we are grateful to them for keeping everyone informed.
For more information and contact details, see this link: Marineland
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 BUMI HILLS - NEW CONTACT DETAILS
A recent announcement from Bumi Hills Safari Lodge alerts the visiting public that their Avondale office in Harare is closed.
Their new contact details for reservations (within office hours and after hours) are available on Wild Zambezi.com at this link: Bumi Hills
This spectacular, luxury, 40-bed safari lodge and spa is situated on top of a prominent hill overlooking Lake Kariba, with magnificent views to all sides.
If you have visited this lodge and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link (scroll down the page).
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WILD DOGS CAUGHT ON CAMERA IN THE MATUSADONA NATIONAL PARK!
Much to the delight of conservationists working in the Matusadona National Park which forms part of the southern boundary of Lake Kariba, these two wild dogs were photographed in October this year by one of the research camera-traps placed within the Park!
This is very exciting news, because these predators have not been reported in a confirmed sighting in this area for a long time – the last known report was of a pack of 7 wild dogs seen along the Ume River at the Park’s western boundary in 2007! In 1998 researchers attempted to re-introduce the species into the Matusadona by translocating them and holding them in a temporary “boma” before releasing them. Little is known of their fate.
A series of camera traps have been deployed within the Matusadona National Park for several years by The Zambezi Society and the Matusadona Anti-Poaching Project (MAPP) in an attempt to monitor wildlife populations (and any human movement associated with poaching). More recently they have also been providing information to the Matusadona Lion Project being undertaken by researcher, Rae Kokeš, who is based in the Park and is gathering data from the cameras in collaboration with the other organisations.
The conservationists are keen to hear from anyone who may have previous confirmed sightings of wild dogs in the Park between 1998 and now.
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HIGH TEMPERATURES AND GREAT FISHING AT TIGER SAFARIS!
 Tiger Safaris fishing camp and chalets situated on the banks of the Zambezi River just downstream from Chirundu, report sweltering temperatures and some excellent fishing:-
“The Tigerfish have been biting and we have been seeing some awesome catches. Some stats from a boat that went out over 3 days with 2 people fishing: 22 fish caught, 22 released, biggest fish 6kgs followed closely in second by a 5.2kg. Clients were super happy and said they could have caught more with the amount of runs they actually had…. Strike rate was not at its best…. But as we all know, the beers are always cold and tempting…. The ideal combination when visiting the river....
We have just had a group of fly fisherman from SA visiting Tiger Safaris for the first time. As we only practice conventional techniques here at Tiger Safaris, our drivers were super eager to learn a new technique of fishing for the river. They had an awesome time and managed to catch a few Tiger using fly and spinners. Their review on Tiger in a nutshell:
‘Just to let you know that we had a really great time. The setting, accommodation and staff were brilliant. The catering was excellent!. The fly fishing proved to be a bit tough and most of the big fish were taken on live bait and spinners. (Some of the guys converted pretty quickly!). Biggest on fly was 4kg, probably 20 odd fish taken and quite a few good fish dropped! Not too bad considering it was the first time on the section of river and very windy conditions. Thomas and Takesure were the stand out guides by a long way.’
The animals have been in force in the camp, it is always a pleasure to have them visit. From our daily visits from the elephants and hippo to a lone old buffalo behind the camp, a wild dog siting and even to our surprise, leopard spoor right behind chalet ! We have been lucky enough to hear the very vocal lions this week, the perfect background noise to fall asleep to.”
For more information and contact details, see Tiger Safaris
If you have visited Tiger Safaris and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at this link: (scroll down the page)
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RIFA CAMP – EDUCATING A NEW GENERATION OF CONSERVATIONISTS
At RIFA Conservation Education Camp just upstream from the border town of Chirundu, generations of Zimbabwean schoolchildren from all walks of life receive an introduction to the wildlife and wilderness of the Zambezi Valley. For some, this provides excellent fieldwork and forms part of their biology or geography syllabus at school. For others, this is their first ever such experience!
These young children (pictured) from Rutendo School in Chirundu are no strangers to the wild. They live in a wildlife area, but have little chance to appreciate animal behaviour in a natural environment (elephants and baboons are to be found everywhere in the little town and are often regarded as raiders, pests and a menace to residents). RIFA provides an opportunity for local schools, like Rutendo, to visit the camp each year free of charge, and RIFA Education Officer, Freedom Hlongwane, has made it his business to provide a Wildlife Education Class to this school on a voluntary basis, every Friday. His aim is to help educate these young children on the benefits of wildlife conservation. A competition for all the children at the school (Grade 1s through to Form 2s) has been put together. The children enter by writing a story on ‘Why conservation is important’. The younger students are required to draw a picture of an endangered animal in Zimbabwe. The top 5 best entries will win their school fees paid in full for 2016 and a cash prize.
It’s wonderful to see the excitement on the faces of the younger children get when learn more about the animals!
You will find RIFA camp and its contact details, on the Wild Zambezi website at this link: RIFA
If you have visited the camp and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link (scroll down the page)
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 FREE FLIGHTS INTO MANA POOLS WITH AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS!
(April – June 2016)
Don’t miss this great new offer available from African Bush Camps at the start of the safari season next year!
Between 1 April and 30 June, if you plan a stay of at least 6 nights with African Bush Camps in Zimbabwe, and spend 3 of these nights in one of either Kanga Camp or Zambezi Life Styles, then your flights in and out of Mana Pools will be FREE!
For more information and contact details, see this link: African Bush Camps
If you have experienced African Bush Camps in Mana Pools and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at this link (scroll down the page).
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SET ITINERARY DATES FOR WILD HORIZONS MULTI-DAY RAFTING IN 2016
White water rafting on the Zambezi River in the gorges below the falls is probably the most famous of the adrenaline activities available to adventurous holiday-makers in the Victoria Falls area. Many consider it the best one-day white water rafting run in the world.
Even better than the one-day rafting, are multi-day rafting trips, which offer not only thrills and spills but also the chance to camp on sparkling white beaches, see varied scenery and enjoy hearty meals under starlight. In 2016 Wild Horizons has added set departures to their multi-day rafting trips- perfect for solo travellers and couples/small groups.
Set dates and costs for 2016 multi day rafting are as follows:-
27–29 August 2016 - 2 Day, 2 Night - US$572.00 per person
12–16th September 2016 - 5 day, 4 night - U$1188.00 per person
These unique trips let you experience roaring rapids in the midst of narrow canyons and broad valleys with white sandy beaches. Camp is set up on these untouched beaches and hearty dinners are enjoyed around roaring campfires with new friends. A team of world class guides will safely guide you through the rapids on a self supported expedition and explain the geology and fascinating history of this area. Between September and November rafting is at its best with lots of grade 4 and 5 rapids.
These adventures are between two and five days long. The journey snakes through the Songwe and Batoka gorges. Sheer rock walls arise hundreds of meters above the river. It is here where one may catch a glimpse of the threatened Taita falcon as its soars above you. On the longer journeys basalt rocks give way to grassy banks and the grunts of vocal hippopotamus carry across the water. Rapids are interceded by calm stretches of crystal clear water where you can take a relaxing swim and watch the spectacular gorges, thick with vegetation.
If you want to escape on a “real holiday” where there are no phones, computers or stress, this is the perfect vacation!
For more information and contact details, see Wild Horizons
If you have experienced any of the Wild Horizons activities in Victoria Falls and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at this link (scroll down the page).
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 STANLEY & LIVINGSTONE
NOW MANAGED AND MARKETED BY WILD HORIZONS
Victoria Falls-based operator, Wild Horizons, has been awarded the management and marketing contract for The Stanley & Livingstone portfolio of products which includes The Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge & Ursula’s Camp and The Nakavango Conservation Programme all located within the 6000-acre tranquil oasis of the Stanley & Livingstone Private Game Reserve just outside Victoria Falls.
Representing the grandeur of a bygone era, the Stanley & Livingstone Safari Lodge has 16 opulently-appointed private suites overlook the Reserve, and conference facilities for 12 delegates. The more intimate 4-chalet Ursula's Camp is the perfect retreat for families and small groups. All this is set amid green manicured lawns and flowing fountains. Full Board, Half Board, Bed & Breakfast and Self-Catering options are available, complimented by a range of wildlife-based activities as well as all the usual attractions available at the Victoria Falls themselves. The Nakavango Conservation Centre runs conservation and community programmes for interested volunteers and nature-lovers. It can accommodate 20 people in simple single rooms with communal bathrooms, and with en-suite rooms for teachers or facilitators. A further 20 people can also be accommodated in the more rustic bush camp.
Wild Horizons operates a complete range of tours, activities, transfers and lodges including The Elephant Camp and Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge. Besides taking on this new management contract, Wild Horizons this year added the following to its growing list of operations in Victoria Falls: the new Lookout Café, the luxury cruise boat The Zambezi Royal, a Concierge Service for all tours, cruises and transfers on group bookings of over 20 guests, The Elephant Camp West – a family and group-friendly independent extension to the existing Elephant Camp, and a new gift shop in the just-opened Victoria Falls International airport
For more information and contact details, see this link: Wild Horizons.
If you have experienced the Stanley & Livingstone or Wild Horizons properties or services and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at any of the above links (scroll down the page).
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SIDULI HIDE & ZAMBEZI NATIONAL PARK - WONDERFUL WILDLIFE EXPERIENCES
If you want to experience really close-up encounters with wildlife and get some truly incredible photographs safely, a visit to the Siduli Hide next to the waterhole in front of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is an absolute must!
Charles Brightman (pictured centre), who runs Discover Victoria Falls as well as the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) is based at the lodge and will be your guide for this amazing activity. You couldn’t ask for anyone more experienced or knowledgeable.
The Siduli Hide has been cleverly set into the ground and disguised with a low thatch roof amid bushes right next to the waterhole. Seated comfortably and safely inside, with four walls around you and a wide, but narrow, viewing slot looking out at ground level, you are provided with fantastic close-up views of all the comings and goings at the water. There is a shelf in front for your camera lens, and if you sit quietly the animals will not even know you are there, and may come so close that all you can see is their feet!
The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge also offers visitors an extraordinary “Vulture Restaurant” spectacle on a daily basis at 13.00 hrs. Each day leftovers and off-cuts from the acclaimed Boma Restaurant are prepared and laid out especially to attract wild vultures. They descend in their hundreds for the feast. The vultures are fed as part of the lodge’s Vulture Culture Conservation Programme as they are endangered and important to the eco-system as cleaners of the bushveld. In the Victoria Falls area there are few predators and therefore minimal kills. There is a lot less for the vultures to eat than in other wild areas.
Another wonderful wildlife experience with Charles Brightman and Discover Victoria Falls is a game-viewing, birding or walking safari into the Zambezi National Park upstream of the Falls. Advance booking is essential, and Charles’ intimate knowledge of the Park through his years of anti-poaching activities, makes him a superlative guide for this little-explored wildlife gem.
If you have experienced any of the above activities would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at any of the above links (scroll down the page).
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ACE AIR & AMBULANCE - PROVIDING MEDICAL EMERGENCY TRAINING FOR RIVER GUIDES IN VICTORIA FALLS
ACE Air & Ambulance have recently been in Victoria Falls working with Wild Horizons to train guides in first aid and emergency medical care.
Dealing with any accidents or emergencies is a vital part of the rigorous training undertaken by the highly professional guides who operate the “adrenalin” high-wire and river activities in the Gorges of the Zambezi River and elsewhere in and around the resort town.
ACE is on 24-hour alert, offering state-of-the-art emergency ground and air evacuations within Zimbabwe and the region (including from remote, wilderness areas). It has a very active training department and also offers short-term Emergency Medical Insurance Cover for visitors to Zimbabwe. This guarantees payment cover for all medical expenses during emergencies and also provides patient administration for all medical needs until discharge. This includes: Hospital pre-bookings, ambulance services, special diagnostics, hospital care and procedures, inter-hospital transfers and relocation, managing medical aid claim forms, managing discharge and repatriation procedures.
For more information and contact details, see ACE-Air & Ambulance.
If you have something to say about the services offered by ACE Air & Ambulance, and would like to tell us about your experience, submit a Travel Review on Wild Zambezi.com at the above link (scroll down the page).
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TAIL ENDER....
BOTTOMS UP!
Wild Zambezi wishes you joyful and festive New Year celebrations and wild and wonderful experiences in 2016!
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Advertise in our Bulletin Board! Reach the tourism sector through our mailing list.... contact us on info@wildzambezi.com
WILD ZAMBEZI TRAVEL PARTNERS :-
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THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE ZAMBEZI!
PLEASE PASS ON THIS NEWSLETTER!
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