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LATEST TRAVEL REVIEWS ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM 
February 2017  

A "GOOD NEWS" ANIMAL STORY TO COUNTER THE "FAKE NEWS" MYTHS!
The rescue of 'Mr Bones' the hyena !

The internet is awash with animal welfare rescue stories and particularly if they involve charismatic wild creatures like elephants, or lions, which readily appeal to the public imagination.  However, other, equally needy cases where less immediately appealing wild animals are involved are often ignored by the Media.   

We are delighted to report on the successful rescue, rehabilitation and release of a male Spotted Hyena in the Kariba area.  Read the full story at our Blog Link:  The Rescue of Mr Bones, the Hyena.  

All credit must go to the the hard-working volunteers of the Kariba Animal Welfare Fund Trust (KAWFT) and the dedicated veterinarians of the AWARE Trust  for this extraordinary (and heartening) story.  

Hyenas really do, on the whole, get very bad press (if they get any coverage in the media at all).  One doesn't often see a picture of a "beautiful hyena" posted by the many photographers who show off their creativity on Social Media (except of course if the hyenas are busy tearing apart the remains of a lion kill carcass).  Many people find them "ugly" because of their scavenging habits and their eerie "cackling" and whooping calls.  Their hindquarters are less developed than their powerful necks and forequarters, which gives them a rather ungainly gait.  Traditionally, in African farming areas hyenas are considered pests, and the species has a negative reputation in African folklore, in which they are depicted as greedy, gluttonous, stupid, and foolish, yet powerful and potentially dangerous.  The block-buster Disney film "The Lion King" did little to dispel this image, and in fact has caused much damage to the reputation of the species, in the opinion of those working for its future conservation.     

The truth is that hyenas, like vultures, play a vital role in ensuring that the wilderness is kept clean.  They have powerfully-built skulls and jaws specially adapted to crushing bones.  In fact, the jaws of a Spotted Hyena exceed those of the brown bear in bone-crushing ability!  Their digestive systems are adapted to break down all organic components of their prey, including the skin and bone, which is the reason why their dung consists largely of white powder and hair.  There is very little left of a carcass in the wild after the vultures have left and the hyenas have finished it off.  

"Fake News", seems an appropriately topical label to apply to the misleading depiction of hyenas as slobbering, cringing, evil creatures.  They are, in fact, true sanitisers of the wild and a vital link in ensuring the health of natural ecosystems.  They deserve better Press!

KIDS' HEAVEN! - THE FISH-BAIT POND AT SPURWING ISLAND

ROBIN POPE SAFARIS ZIMBABWE LAUNCHES IN MANA POOLS WITH JOHN'S CAMP 

Robin Pope Safaris has expanded its operations into the Zambezi Valley in  Zimbabwe with a new semi-permanent camp in Mana Pools.

John's Camp is due to open on 14th April and will operate until the close of the safari season on 30th November 2017.  The new camp takes its name from renowned African safari guide, John Stevens, whose daughter Sarah and her husband Milo Harrup will be running the show.  (Previously operating as The Mana Pools Safari Company, their new strategic partnership with Robin Pope Safaris has resulted in the change of name.)  All existing bookings will be honoured at contracted rates, and any new bookings confirmed between January and 14th May 2017 will be offered a special opening discount of 15%.

The new 10-bed tented camp is simple in concept, offering guests an intimate experience, exceptional service, great game viewing and top-notch guides. John Stevens, who joined Zimbabwe National Parks over 50 years ago, and has worked in and around Mana Pools ever since, will be available to guide on request.

Ton de Rooy, MD of Robin Pope Safaris says he is thrilled with the addition of John’s Camp.  " We believe we share the same values and vision and we look forward very much to growing the Robin Pope Safaris footprint in this special part of Africa.” 

ANDREW SMITH SAFARIS - GIVING BACK TO THE SAFARI INDUSTRY THROUGH EDUCATION

During the rainy "green season", safaris in Zimbabwe slow down and professional guides like Andrew Smith Safaris at last have some free time to relax and catch up with family and friends.   However, for Andrew Smith and some of the other guides, it hasn't all been down-time.  

They have been involved in sharing their knowledge and actively helping future generations to learn and understand the safari industry.   In addition to assisting with the annual Professional Guides exams,  Andrew and other guides have volunteered to help with a number of educational camps and expeditions.

During November, David Langerman and Andrew accompanied a group of fourteen boys from Peterhouse School and their leader, Penny Raynor, to the Bubye Valley Conservancy. The group was there for a week and the boys were given the most incredible experiences. They left with a huge amount of knowledge that will possibly guide them into safari careers or develop their passion for the bush.  Penny`s enthusiasm has inspired Andrew to be more involved with the schools.  In April this year, he will be canoeing down the Zambezi River with Penny and another group of boys.

The boys' enthusiasm has encouraged Andrew Smith Safaris to develop more educational programmes for schools.  Andrew and his wife Clea have been lucky enough to spend some time with a group of boys from St John's Senior School. The support from hunters and guides has been wonderful and the St John`s pupils have been incredibly enthusiastic.  We hope to encourage their curiosity and provide opportunities for them to spend time in the Zambezi Valley.

Although the St John's Safari Club programme is new, some of the boys came on the Kids Camps that are ran through Wilderness Safaris' Ruckomechi Camp and Kavinga Safari Camp. The boys' experiences on the camps have given them the foundations needed for a lifelong love for the bush.  This love has underlined the importance of introducing junior school children into Zimbabwe’s wild areas in the hopes that they will look after them in the future. As a result, Andrews Smith Safaris plans to run a Kids' Camp at Kavinga Camp in the April holidays. 

The wilderness has an amazing way of reminding people of all ages about what is truly important in life. One child cannot save the world's wildlife, but a week on a Kids' Camp can promote a passion that will never fade.  It could also inspire emotions that will encourage future generations in Africa to preserve our beautiful wild areas.

SAPI AREA TO BE CONSERVED FOR PHOTOGRAPHIC SAFARIS (NO MORE HUNTING)

WILDERNESS SAFARIS STANDS BY IT'S 'DISONNECT TO RECONNECT' POLICY 
"It is our firm belief that we should contribute to keeping some areas of the planet wild and remote!" 

In October 2015, Wilderness Safaris announced their "Disconnect to Re-connect" Policy.  This divided their network of camps into those that include a Wi-Fi connection and those that are ‘off the grid’ and unequivocally disconnected.   Their reason was simple:  It would allow guests the opportunity to genuinely “get away from it all” and truly enjoy their holiday and the natural space around them.  

The results?   It has been a mixed bag, so far, which Wilderness Safaris believe points to the trends themselves being in flux and conflict.  Read their full account, including a list of which of their camps are on or off grid, at this Wild Zambezi Blog link:  Disconnecting on Safari:  Why we do it.

Wilderness Safaris are determined to continue to offer guests the choice.  The idea of disconnecting in order to reconnect has always been a part of Wilderness Safaris’ promise to guests – offering space, intact ecosystems and the opportunity to connect with nature, family and friends and indeed the self....

We regard this as an important part of what we stand for and encourage … in other words, a world where natural ecosystems are valued and appreciated, with some resistance applied to the inexorable advance of man and technology. ”  says Chris Roche, Chief Marketing Officer of Wilderness Safaris.

Ruckomechi Camp and Little Ruckomechi on the Zambezi River in Mana Pools National Park are both "off grid".  Check out their listings page on WildZambezi.com HERE.

JUST A FEW LOVELY IMAGES FROM JECHA CAMP, ZAMBEZI RIVER, CHIRUNDU

VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE TO OPEN EXCLUSIVE ISLAND "TREEHOUSES" IN AUGUST 2017

On 1st August this year, Victoria Falls River Lodge is to launch a new, luxury tourism product - their Exclusive Island Treehouses.  

Located on the private Kandahar Island in the Zambezi River, the new development will feature three twin/king "treehouse suites constructed from timber and glass and built among the trees on raised wooden decks, with panoramic river views.  Each will consist of a bedroom and en-suite bathroom with a free-standing bath and an indoor and outdoor shower, and will have its own private plunge pool and personal butler service.  The suites will be connected by elevated walkways to the main open-plan lounge and dining areas.   There will be complimentary wi-fi. 

Activities will include sunrise and sunset cruises as well as morning and evening game drives. As optional extras guests can enjoy spa treatments, canoe or fishing safaris and guided walks with qualified guides in the Zambezi National Park.
Access to the island will be by boat only.   Transfers will be available from Victoria Falls airport (30 mins) or Livingstone Airport (approx 50 mins subject to Zambian/Zimbabwe border clearance).    

THE ELEPHANT CAMP IS A WINNER (AGAIN)! 

WILD HORIZONS' - HELPFUL ADVICE FOR CROSSING BORDERS 

Victoria Falls tour operators, Wild Horizons,  provide cross-border transfers to and from the resort town and have an experienced representative based at each border post in the area to make going through the border formalities as simple and hassle-free as possible.   However, since the border posts are not under the jurisdiction of Wild Horizons, guests may on occasion experience some of the scenarios laid out below.  Wild Horizons have provided some tips on how best to deal with these:- 


ZIMBABWE – BOTSWANA
•    You will be required to present yourself at Immigration
•    Possible queues at Immigration.
•    When crossing from Zimbabwe to Botswana you will change from a Wild Horizons coach to an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle. This will be branded African Odyssey.
•    You may need to walk a short way with your bags to change vehicles.
•    On the Botswana-side you will be required to step on a treated mat for foot and mouth disease control. The foot & mouth control is a regular occurrence and should be advised to guests as a matter of procedure. Please note that you will be required by Port Health at the Botswana border to disinfect your shoes before entering Botswana. With this in mind, we request that you carry ALL your shoes as hand luggage in a separate bag for the border crossing.
  
ZAMBIA – BOTSWANA
•    You will be required to present yourself at Immigration 
•    Possible queues at immigration
•    On the Zambian side of the river, you will be required to walk a short distance from the transfer vehicle to the boat.
•    You will cross the Zambezi River in a speedboat (approximately 5 minutes). The general public and heavy commercial traffic cross the river on state-operated ferries.
•    On the Botswana side of the river, you will be transferred in an open 4x4 game viewing vehicle branded African Odyssey to the Botswana immigration and customs hall. Every passenger is required to present themselves in person to the officials. Again scanning equipment will be encountered, however you may be required to complete manual declaration forms at either border should the computer systems be offline.
•    On the Botswana-side you will be required to step on a treated mat for foot and mouth disease control. The foot & mouth control is a regular occurrence and should be advised to guests as a matter of procedure. Please note that you will be required by Port Health at the Botswana border to disinfect your shoes before entering Botswana. With this in mind, we request that you carry ALL your shoes as hand luggage in a separate bag for the border crossing
•    Possible delays due to heavy truck congestion.
  
HOW YOU CAN HELP
•    Have your passport and visa (or cash for visa) ready. Botswana does not process visas at the border without prior arrangement and they will only accept Botswana Pula (BWP) as payment
•    The best currency to carry is US Dollars 
•    Have some water and reading material nearby
•    Keep and eye on your belongings as this border is a busy one with a lot of foot traffic
•    When entering Botswana, we request that you carry ALL your shoes as hand luggage in a separate bag for the border crossing for foot & mouth disease control.