WILD ZAMBEZI NEWS - MARCH 2016
Explore our travel listings & share your own experiences on our website Wild Zambezi.com.
PLEASE FORWARD THIS E-NEWSLETTER!
|
|
|
ZIMBABWE'S NEW DIASPORA TOURISM REPRESENTATIVE - CONRAD MWANZA
 Wild Zambezi congratulates Zimbabwe Achievers Awards founder, Conrad Mwanza (pictured), who has been appointed by Zimbabwe's Tourism minister, Walter Mzembi, as the country's key representative for tourism in the diaspora.
Mzembi has mandated Mwanza to assist him with various programmes and assignments, including the following:-
- a diaspora "Visit Home" campaign,
- a UNWTO campaign programme and mobilisation,
- identifying potential investors to Zimbabwe in the tourism sector,
- organising events and platforms to market Zimbabwe as a preferred destination for both investment and travel business
One of the projects Mwanza has been working on is a diaspora deal with Rainbow Tourism Group and African Bush Camps that gives Zimbabweans in the diaspora preferential rates in destinations such as Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park.
Mwanza is a Zimbabwean based in the UK where he founded the Zimbabwe Achievers Awards more than five years ago. The programme recognises Zimbabwean diaspora talent in all sectors.
Wild Zambezi is extremely proud to have won the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award in 2012 - see Wild Zambezi.com is a Winner!
This year's nominees for the Zimbabwe Achievers Tourism Award include Wild Zambezi network partners, Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge. You can vote for this wonderful, unpretentious little safari camp offering a truly wild "African Safari Experience" HERE
|
|
FOR VISITORS TRAVELLING WITH CHILDREN INTO (OR VIA) SOUTH AFRICA
South Africa's recently-introduced and controversial regulations for children under 18 travelling into or out of the country are currently under review, after extremely negative reactions from the tourism industry worldwide.
However, until such time as any changes occur - here is a useful infographic which makes the current requirements very clear. Our thanks to Wild Zambezi network partners, Premier Travel & Tours for producing this as a service to their clients.
Premier Travel & Tours and its associated Premier Holidays & Destination Management are among Zimbabwe's top, award-winning, travel, tour & holiday agencies. Harare-based, they offer a one-stop in-bound and out-bound travel service to local, regional and international travel clients.
For more information and contact details, see Premier Travel & Tours/Premier Holidays & Destination Management.
Please feel free to share your experiences of Premier's travel services by submitting a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
WE WELCOME THE NEW "AFRICAN ADVENTURER - TRAVEL & LEISURE"
Wild Zambezi is advertising part of its travel network in the brand new African Adventurer Magazine to be published quarterly, in print and online, from early April onwards.
This new Zimbabwean travel and leisure publication is from the same stable as the popular African Fisherman which is read all around the world.
The African Adventurer will showcase different countries, historical sites, natural features and activities throughout Zimbabwe and Africa at large. The print version will be 50-80 pages, perfect bound, in A4 high quality gloss finish and is aimed at those who not only love travel, but adventure too.
Says Ant Williams - editor in chief - “Africa’s wilderness with all it encompasses, and especially the way visitors and tourists experience it, has changed. Today’s traveller wants to take more than a memory-stick of photographs home. Fully experiencing every aspect of their wilderness adventure, discerning visitors prefer to feel connected to the places they visit, the people they meet, and even the animals they see. It is not enough to be driven around like a herd of sheep anymore. Through our pages, we hope to bring those connections to our readers, enhancing every aspect of their African adventure."
The African Adventurer is to be distributed widely throughout Zimbabwe and the region, targeting growing tourism traffic to Southern Africa. In addition to the print magazine, the publication will be available as a digital magazine through online newsstands worldwide, and will be fully backed up by a content-driven website updated twice monthly with new and exciting content.
|
|
SEE YOU AT INDABA 2016 - WILD ZAMBEZI STAND DEC2B19
A reminder that if you are attending this year's INDABA travel showcase in Durban, South Africa 7th-9th May 2016, you will find WILD ZAMBEZI in the DEC Hall at Stand Number DEC2B19.
 We will be representing our entire travel network of companies offering different travel opportunities and services within the wild areas of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe. We look forward very much to meeting representatives of the international and regional travel trade and travel media at this important show.
Ten of our travel network partners will also be exhibiting on the stand with us, as follows:-
Dzimbabwe Lodge & houseboats - Kariba self-catering or full board accommodation, and houseboats
Executive Air - private, professional air charters and medical rescue in remote areas
Experience Africa Safaris - specialist operator for exclusive tailor-made safaris
Kavinga Safari Camp - new 16-bed wilderness camp in southern Mana Pools
Musango Island Safari Camp - owner-operated safari camp on its own island on Lake Kariba with top professional guiding
Natureways - guided canoe and walking safaris with mobile tented camps along the Zambezi River and in Mana Pools
Rhino Safari Camp - authentic, natural, unfenced bush camp in the Matusadona National Park on the shores of Lake Kariba.
Safaris 4 Africa - experienced tour company for intimate, personalized holidays & safaris.
Tafika Zambezi - specialised, luxury fishing camps on the Zambezi River downstream from Mana Pools
Zambezi Cruise Safaris - luxury houseboat cruises on Lake Kariba combined with various land-based safari lodge options.
Please contact us on info@wildzambezi.com to arrange an appointment to meet - or just pop by at the stand and see what's on offer. We look forward to seeing you!
|
|
 LATEST TRAVEL REVIEWS WILDZAMBEZI.COM
March 2016
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.
Kavinga Safari Camp: new 16-bed wilderness camp in southern Mana Pools near Chitake Spring
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 & 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.
Caribbea Bay Resort (Kariba): Holiday Special - pay for 2 x nights get a 3rd night free. Valid March-April 2016
Changa Safari Camp (Lake Kariba/Matusadona): Various Specials for Internationals. Special local residents rates until end April 2016
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) – Teenagers April Holidays Special - half price for a 12-18-year old sharing with parents or two teens sharing a room.
Ruckomechi Camp (Wilderness Safaris) (Mana Pools/Hwange): Special rates for local residents until end June 2016.
Wild Dog Tours (Kariba) - Various discount specials on Kariba houseboat charters and self-catering accommodation.
Wild Horizons (Victoria Falls) - 2016 lodge combo special - 3 x nights Imbabala Zambezi Safari Lodge, Vic Falls tour & 1 x night Elephant Camp. Also "Zim Specials Promotion" for Zimbabwean residents.
|
|
BUMI HILLS UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT
AHA Hotels & Lodges, the property management business of Tourvest’s Accommodation and Activities division, has taken over the management and marketing of Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa on Lake Kariba.
AHA MD, Neil Bald, says: “We look forward to adding considerable value to the lodge through our years of experience in the field, our sophisticated booking system and our hands-on management approach."
 Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa has 20 luxurious rooms set on top of a hill with magnificent views over Lake Kariba. Situated adjacent to the Matusadona National Park, activities include game viewing by vehicle and boat, fishing, sunset cruises and cultural encounters with the people of the local fishing village. The spa offers hot stone massages, a sauna, a private plunge pool and a health bar, overlooking elephants on the shoreline below with fish eagles soaring above. Bumi Hills is a favourite and romantic venue for weddings and special occasions.
Access is via air charter to the lodge's private airstrip, or across the lake by transfer boat from Kariba.
For more information and contact details, see Bumi Hills Safari Lodge & Spa .
If you have stayed at this lodge and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
FAMILY-FRIENDLY SPURWING OFFERS FUN FOR EVERYONE...
It's holiday time in Southern Africa and when it comes to choosing a getaway place that will keep everyone happy and safe, you really can't do better than Spurwing Island on Lake Kariba.
This family-friendly holiday and safari resort is situated just off the Matusadona National Park on the southern shore of Lake Kariba. Sometimes the little tree-covered island is cut off from the mainland by the rising waters of the lake; sometimes it is joined. But always, the views from its main terrace across the lake towards the Matusadona escarpment mountains are awesome.
There's something for everyone here. The island's semi-separation from the mainland ensures that wild animals stay away from the confines of the camp during the day, so the shady green lawns and swimming pool are a focal point for young kids to play and parents to relax. The bar and dining room are centrally and conveniently located right next to the pool. There are board games for the kids and plenty of space on the lawns for volley ball and badminton.
Excellent fishing trips and cruises on the lake or up the Sanyati Gorge are standard activities as is game viewing by boat along the shores of the Matusadona National Park . You can bring your own boat or hire one with an experienced skipper/fishing guide - or the kids can simply enjoy fishing from the safety of the newly-refurbished covered jetty in the harbour . All the Spurwing guides are wonderfully patient and experienced with youngsters.
The island can accommodate up to 40 people in 11 tents with en suite bathrooms, 6 cabins and 3 chalets (stone under thatch rooms with en suite bathrooms). For weddings and special events more guests can be accommodated with prior arrangement.
Access is via a short half-hour transfer boat-ride from Marineland Harbour in Kariba (where you can safely leave your parked car for the duration of your trip) , or by air with Altair Charters into nearby Fothergill airstrip, followed by a short boat trip back to Spurwing.
.....AND SOME INTERESTING NIGHT VISITORS 
While animal visitors to Spurwing Island during the daytime are generally seen at a safe distance out on the lakeshore (elephant, crocodile and hippos), grazing hippos are frequent night visitors. However, with the Matusadona National Park right on the doorstep, and the lake levels being so low, there are occasionally some more unusual visitors. The staff at Spurwing recently noticed the tracks of a leopard that had been visiting the island, along with a couple of hyenas. They managed to capture these sneaky guys on a trail camera.
Close-up wildlife encounters during the day can be experienced by visitors to Spurwing of all ages, with a guided game drive in the Matusadona National Park in the company of an experienced professional guide. For more adventurous clients, guided walks and walking safaris are on offer, although these are obviously not suitable for young children.
For more information and contact details, see Spurwing Island
If you have stayed at this camp and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
A "SPROUT" OF ELEPHANTLETS AT RHINO SAFARI CAMP
Jenny from Rhino Safari Camp on the shores of Lake Kariba, tells us that with the late arrival of the rains, more plentiful supply of food and cooler temperatures, the camp has suddenly had an "outbreak" of elephant calves in their area of the Matusadona National Park
"Mother nature always seems to know best...." she says.
It is such a privilege to watch these little ones learning about the world around them under close supervision of the breeding herd. And such a delight watching them play and explore. The gentle sloping shorelines close to camp are the ideal spot for the whole herd to take a dip, and the babies keep us entertained for hours. Many of the smaller ones who have yet to be weaned haven't quite worked out what to do with their trunks... they wiggle them about randomly in the most comical fashion. They act like all boisterous youngsters, mock-charging the water, creating bow waves and splashing the others. The patient mothers and aunties keep a close eye on them and let them play and cavort. But if it all gets out of hand, or if danger threatens, they will bring them straight back into line with a gentle nudge or sometimes a shrill trumpet.
....And after their cooling dip, no more nonsense... it's time to learn to behave just like the big elephants."
Rhino Safari Camp is an intimate, old-fashioned, close-to-nature safari camp, combining the water-based adventures of Lake Kariba with the wildlife thrills of the Matusadona National Park. Here there are no fences, few luxuries - just simple, comfortable accommodation, home cooking, excellent guiding and an incredibly authentic experience in the wild.
For more information and contact details, including fly-in and Green Season specials, see Rhino Safari Camp.
If you have stayed at this camp and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
TIGER SAFARIS: FAMILY FISHING, A NEW KITCHEN FACILITY AND CATCH & RELEASE TIPS
Tiger Safaris, located right on the banks of the Zambezi River only 2 kms downstream from Chirundu, reports that its camp has been a hive of activity recently.
This family-friendly and relaxed fishing camp with self-catering accommodation in comfortable, two-bedroom thatched chalets, each with bathroom and kitchen, is a popular location for a weekend away, or a few days' holiday with the kids. Boats and experienced skippers/fishing guides are available for hire.
The camp (which can sleep up to 38 people in total) is becoming an increasingly popular venue for weddings and group gatherings. In order to assist with the catering for these, a new kitchen facility is under construction. This will be an an exciting new addition and extremely convenient for everyone staying at Tiger Safaris.
This camp prides itself on being a member of The Lower Zambezi Catch and Release Initiative, and insists that their guests Catch and Release 100% of all Tigerfish, Vundu other game-fishing species caught on the river. The founder of this initiative, Sven Vrdoljak, recently visited the camp from Zambia, to give a presentation to the camp staff and boat drivers on Catch and Release. Says Hayley from Tiger Safaris:- "It was an extremely informative and interesting day. We learned a great deal from this presentation.
- What hooks to use
- How to minimize injury to the fish
- How to insure the fish is released as quickly and efficiently as possible
- How to get that memento picture
- The importance of Catch and Release.
Meanwhile, the camp reports that the fishing has been much improved this year, with bigger (7 - 9kg) fish being caught than previously. This, they believe, is due to their insistence on Catch and Release. Says Hayley: "We are more than happy to send out all the information we have learned about Catch and Release to anyone interested in learning more . Drop us an email"
For more info and contact details, see Tiger Safaris.
If you have stayed at this camp and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
LIVE BAIT, STAIRWAYS & PEL'S FISHING OWLS - NEWS FROM JECHA POINT
We hear from the folks at Jecha Point Fishing Lodge and Camp on the banks of the Zambezi 5 kms downstream of Chirundu, that drifting with "livies" (live bait) has become the most popular method for catching Tigerfish in the river.
So, to make things easier for their guests, they have built their own live bait pond at the camp (pictured below left) and can now provide the "freshest, feistiest livies" to give keen fishermen & women the best opportunity to catch that monster Tigerfish!
They have also been working to improve their campsite by building a new set of steps down to the river (centre). This will make life much more convenient for their camping gusts who previously had to trek across to the 'jetty' at the lodge in order to hop onto a boat. They also realise that this is going to make it much easier when they host weddings, as gorgeous brides who arrive from the river by boat can now easily and conveniently drift up to the reception area in their beautiful wedding dresses!
In the meantime, some guests at Jecha Point were woken up a few weeks ago to an eerie sound in the tree outside their chalet! On investigating, they were surprised to spot a rare Pels Fishing Owl (see picture above right)! The staff at Jecha are delighted. This is the first time that they have seen this particular species at their camp. Pels Fishing Owl is one of the birding "Specials" of the Zambezi. More common in the Okavango Delta, it is considered to be vulnerable as a species because of widespread destruction of its riverine woodland habitat. It is extremely shy and more often heard than seen.
For more information and contact details, see Jecha Point Fishing Lodge & Camp
If you have stayed at this place and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
SEASONAL VARIATION - A MARKETING OPPORTUNITY....
At this time of year in the Zambezi Valley, the hot, cloudy, humid, summer (Dec-April) "Green Season" which provides plentiful water supplies, tall grass and thick vegetation cover for wildlife, starts gradually drying out and evolving into the traditional dry, dusty-brown-hues of the "Safari Season".
This process takes a long time - a good six months - involving a gradual slide into the cold nights and sunny, dry days of winter (May-June-July - when vegetation dies down, water sources dry up and animals start to emerge from woodland cover) to the leafless, dry, dusty full-on heat of August-November, the prime time for wildlife -viewing.
Most wildlife enthusiasts tend to focus their safari plans on this hot and dusty prime-time period, and safari camps and lodges tend to be packed to capacity during these popular months. If you are a late holiday planner, you will be unlikely to find a booking available.
However, some creative marketing can do a lot to change this.
While visitors may not experience quite such large concentrations of wild animals around water points, or quite so many adrenalin-pumping predator sightings as during the prime-time, the Green (rainy) and Winter seasons of the African bush have their own unique and wonderful natural treasures to share.
Birdlife is its spectacular best between November and March, boosted by the arrival of a host of summer migratory species from North Africa, Europe or Asia. All manner of fascinating insect and frog species emerge during the green season rains to mate and reproduce. Gorgeous butterflies are to be found everywhere in the "mid-season" months of March-May. Vegetation of all types is abundant, luxuriant, green (and often flower-covered) in the summer months. December-January produces the cutest new-born impala lambs and baby warthogs. There are magnificent skyscapes during the Green Season - spectacular (and sometimes violent) thunderstorms followed by steaming, sunny days where the landscape is so crystal clear and you can see for miles and miles.
Some camps and lodges are closed because of difficulties of access due to muddy, impassable roads or swollen rivers. However, those with all-year-round access are able to offer some extraordinarily variable seasonal experiences. If you've already experienced the heat, dust and adrenalin of a prime-time African wildlife season, it's definitely worth exploring the alternatives.
AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS LEAD THE WAY
African Bush Camps have made this easier for their clients by launching an innovative and useful Month by Month Seasonal Calendar on their website.
For each ecological area in which their various camps in Zimbabwe and Botswana are situated, they provide a photograph and description of what the area looks like in each month of the year. Alongside this are pictorial indications of the weather conditions, minimum and maximum temperatures, vegetation and examples of the animals you are likely to see at that time of year.
They also provide details of which (if any) months of the year their camps are closed due to inaccessibility. For example, Kanga Camp and Zambezi Life Styles mobile camps in Mana Pools National Park are closed December - March.
For more information, a website link and contact details, see African Bush Camps
If you have stayed with African Bush Camps in Mana Pools and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
BUSHLIFE SAFARIS - BUSY FILMING WILD DOGS WITH THE BBC
Bushlife Safaris who run Vundu Camp in Mana Pools have had an unusually busy Green Season. Their tourism operations are normally closed to visitors during this period, because most of the National Park is inaccessible because of the rains. However, they have continued to host a BBC crew who, for the past year, have been filming Mana's wild dogs.
This has meant that Bushlife Safaris have also been on hand to provide much-needed assistance and transport to the Zimbabwe Parks & Wildlife Management Authority with anti-poaching activities in the Park.
Mana Pools received late rains in February and March, so the vegetation has recovered well and the inland pans are now full. It is not easy to move around by vehicle, but Bushlife report that the BBC film crew brought a helicopter into the park for about 10 days in order to film the wild dogs from the air.
"The dogs pay no attention to the chopper and continue with their activities. The crew have been able to film some very interesting stuff. At one stage the Nyakasanga and Nyamatusi packs were only 150m apart on the ground but they did not meet! Both packs went off chasing impala, which took them in separate directions. It would have been amazing to get that meeting from the air. We filmed them hunting baboons and impala from the air also harassing zebra, buffalo and even a hippo still out grazing in the marshy floodplain."
The crew also filmed for about 10 days with the aerial camera mounted to a vehicle (see picture right). This gave a completely different perspective as they were able to move with the dogs and film at the same time. These cameras are quite large and need to be static tripod mounted to shoot.
Vundu Camp and Bushlife open this year's safari season to visitors later in April.
For more information and contact details, see Vundu Camp and Bushlife Safaris
If you have stayed with Bushlife in Mana Pools and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
WILDERNESS SAFARIS REBUILDS RUCKOMECHI CAMP IN MANA POOLS & LAUNCHES "LITTLE RUCKOMECHI"
Wilderness Safaris is rebuilding its much-loved Ruckomechi Camp at the western edge of Mana Pools National Park overlooking the Zambezi River. It is set to re-open on 1 May 2016. At the same time, the company is also creating another small, intimate camp a few kilometres downstream in the same concession. "Little Ruckomechi" tented camp will open in July 2016.
“We are extremely proud of our continued commitment to pioneering sustainable ecotourism in Zimbabwe and are equally excited to announce our plans for Ruckomechi and Little Ruckomechi in order to promote this incredible destination to more guests. says Wilderness Safaris Zambezi MD, Ron Goatley. Our private concession in Mana Pools offers a truly extraordinary wilderness experience and we are looking forward to building the camps in an understated way to ensure they retain the authentic and nostalgic safari feel that is synonymous with Ruckomechi”.
The completely rebuilt and revamped Ruckomechi Camp will maintain all the best traits of the previous camp, yet with a fresh new feel. The camp will comprise 10 tented suites, with eight tents opening on 1 May, and a further two family suites opening in August 2016. “Ruckomechi will remain the favourite of many, still boasting the same wide-angled views of the Zambezi River and the dramatic purple-hued escarpment of Zambia in the distance”, added Ron Goatley. All the tents as well as the central dining, bar, library and lounge areas face this evocative scene, often with elephant obstructing the view. The pool, hammocks, star-gazing deck and outdoor ‘bath with a view’ stay too.
Just downstream from its sister camp, Little Ruckomechi will be just that - small and intimate, with only three tented suites offering an exclusive safari experience - close to nature amongst the iconic albida trees that characterise the area. Built on wooden decks, the simple, en-suite tents (see artist's impression above centre and right) will be airy and elegant and reminiscent of a bygone explorer era. The living spaces will include a dining room and lounge (see above left) as well as a plunge pool all overlooking the Zambezi River. An additional tent will be available for private guide accommodation that can also be used for sole-use bookings.
 “The warm and friendly service offering at Little Ruckomechi will be driven by the personal touch of the private guide and hostess managing the camp”, says newly-appointed Ruckomechi GM, Solly Tevera. “The camp will be ideal for sole-use bookings and family groups or small parties travelling together with a private guide, looking for a true Mana Pools safari”.
Both camps have a prime location within the only private-use concession in Mana Pools National Park, offering exclusive access to a spectacular stretch of the Zambezi River. All safari activities are led by highly skilled guides, and include game drives, boating, nature walks, canoeing and catch-and-release fishing.
The wildlife-rich area is home to large numbers of elephant, buffalo, hippo and eland. Predators such as lion, leopard and wild dog are all found in the area and birdlife is abundant.
For more information and contact details, see Wilderness Safaris - Ruckomechi Camp
We would be delighted to receive first impressions from visitors to these camps. Please tell us about your experience by submitting a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
WILDERNESS INTRODUCES ENVIRO-FRIENDLY BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS
 Wilderness Safaris have recently introduced a range of simple, plant-based biodegradable products for use in their Zimbabwe camps. These products have been approved by the ultra-strict standards of the company's Environmental Manager, Map Ives, in terms of where they originate from and their future effect on the environment.
Wilderness staff are being trained in the reasons for the use of enviro products, how to use them correctly, responsible and effective cleaning methods and HACCP Practices (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point). The products will be used in all the company's camps, and staff are being urged to use them in their own homes too.
It is hoped that all safari companies operating within the wild areas of the Zambezi Valley and elsewhere in Southern Africa will follow the lead of Wilderness Safaris in the use of such products.
STOP PRESS! Wilderness Safaris has been nominated as one of 24 finalists for the 2016 African Responsible Tourism Awards, the winners of which will be announced on Thursday 7th April 2016 as part of the responsible tourism programme at WTM Africa at the Cape Town International Convention Centre, Cape Town.
|
|
LOOK HOW FAR THE VICTORIA FALLS HAS COME SINCE DECEMBER!
Thank you to Africa Albida Tourism, owners of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge properties for these awesome pictures showing the difference in flow levels of the Zambezi River at Victoria Falls - from December 2015 to March 2016.
Since the picture on the left was taken the river levels have risen even higher. In fact the Zambezi River flows in western Zambia upstream from Victoria Falls are showing higher than average levels due to heavy rains in the upper catchment. This water will ultimately reach the Victoria Falls and it is also good news for areas downstream, including Lake Kariba, which, until recently has been at its lowest recorded level since 1996.
Africa Albida Tourism's Victoria Falls properties include the award-winning Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club, Victoria Falls Safari Suites, the self-catering Lokuthula Lodges and The Boma - Place of Eating.
If you would like to tell us about your experience at any of the above properties, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
WILD HORIZONS OFFERS VIC FALLS FOREIGN LANGUAGE GUIDED TOURS
 Tour Operator Wild Horizons has just introduced daily tours of the Victoria Falls with full-time Spanish and French-speaking guides.
Normal Tour of the Falls rates apply i.e. there are no additional costs for the foreign language tours. They are conducted in the mornings only and depart from Victoria Falls hotels between 08h00 and 08h30 daily and last approximately two hours. It is essential to book in advance.
Visitors are accompanied through the Victoria Falls rainforest by a qualified foreign language guide who will give a brief history of the Falls as well as detailing the flora, fauna, bird & wildlife and other points of interest. A visit to the famous "Big Tree" baobab may also be included in the tour.
Guides are happy to assist clients with photographs whilst visiting. Raincoats are provided when needed.
Italian and German guides can also be arranged upon request, but subject to availability.
For more information and contact details, see this listings page - Wild Horizons.
If you have experienced activities or tours run by Wild Horizons, and would like to tell us about your experience, please submit a Wild Zambezi Travel Review at the above link (scroll down the page to the Reviews Section).
|
|
A PERSPECTIVE ON THE AFRICAN WILD - BY A VISITOR FROM HAWAII
Visitors from all over the world are attracted to the Zambezi River's wonderful wildernesses. Hawaii, is about as far away from the Zambezi as you can get..... but that's exactly where travel agent Kimberly Krusell comes from.
Her company, Honu Travels LLC specialises in connecting travellers to amazing wildlife encounters in exceptional places all around the planet. Last year, Kimberly visited the Victoria Falls and Hwange National Park, hosted by local tour operator, Experience Africa Safaris, which puts together exclusive, tailormade safaris to wild places in Zimbabwe and the region.
Here's what she has to say..... "There is so much to absorb from the landscape, the wildlife and everyone you meet along the way. These are the memories that endure throughout your lifetime. Yet this is just a tiny drop of what Zimbabwe has to offer. We can’t wait to return."
Kimberly is an active SCUBA diver, hiker, kayaker and passionate wildlife enthusiast. Her home environment is centered on the incredible marine wildlife of the seas around Hawaii. So it is not surprising that she relates her African wildlife experience to water - "one of our planet’s most essential and inspiring elements".
Wild Zambezi.com has included her impressions as a Guest Blog on our website. Read the whole thing here.... Water and the Wild
|
|
Have a pictorial advert relevant to travel in the Zambezi Valley?
Like to distribute it through our mailing list?
Advertise on our shared advertising platform, the BULLETIN BOARD.
Contact us on info@wildzambezi.com
WILD ZAMBEZI TRAVEL ASSOCIATES :-
|
|
|
THERE'S SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE ON THE BANKS OF THE
ZAMBEZI!
PLEASE PASS ON THIS NEWSLETTER!
|
|
|
|
|
