ZIMBABWE'S TOURISM MINISTER BIDS FOR TOP UNWTO POST

INDABA CHANGES TRAVEL SHOW DATES  
NOW 16-18 MAY 2017

LATEST TRAVEL REVIEWS ON WILDZAMBEZI.COM 
Aug-Sept 2016  

DON'T MISS OUT ON THIS YEAR'S KARIBA TIGER-FISHING TOURNAMENT - Charara, Kariba, 26TH-28TH OCT 2016.  E-mail kitft@iwayafrica.co.zw

WILDERNESS SAFARIS OPEN LITTLE RUCKOMECHI TENTED CAMP IN MANA POOLS!

Here are some of the first images taken of the brand new 8-bedded Little Ruckomechi Tented Camp just opened on Wilderness Safaris' private concession in Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park.  

This intimate and authentic safari experience in a remarkable wilderness area opened its doors in August.  It is ideal for sole-use bookings and family groups or small parties travelling together with a private guide. 

Set amongst the iconic albida trees that characterise the area, the Camp comprises just three elegant and airy tented suites built on wooden decks (with a fourth tent for the accompanying guide). The living spaces include a dining and lounge area, as well as a plunge pool, all overlooking the majestic Zambezi River.

“We are delighted to welcome our guests to this piece of paradise; one that epitomises the personal service, intimacy and warmth that our tented camps are renowned for”, says Little Ruckomechi Camp Manager, Ishmael Nzara. “Together with professional guide, Honest Siyawareva, we are looking forward to tailor-making each guest’s stay to suit their exact needs and to ensure that they experience a truly exclusive safari in our private concession”.  
 
Little Ruckomechi’s elegant interiors offer an understated luxury to embrace the natural beauty of its exteriors. “The warm ‘red’ and brown/grey colour scheme for the interiors was drawn from the hues of the beautiful carmine bee-eater that is famous in this area, enhanced by the blues of the sky and river frontage that can be seen in the glassware and old painted kists in the tents”, said Interior Designer, Mandy Langebrink. 
 
“The deeper red in the wing of the carmine bee-eater is picked up in various scatter cushions and floor mats in the tents, with elements of copper and rose used throughout the camp, including the lamps, utensils and napkin rings. Old-fashioned leather armchairs, ottomans and rough wooden coffee tables enhance the rough textures of the natural exteriors, with the warmer, layered look of a nostalgic tented camp created indoors. We also used locally-sourced Lozi drums and bowls to add an authentic Zimbabwe feel”, she added.  
 
All activities at Little Ruckomechi are led by a private guide who will ensure that guests are able to choose the tempo of their day, whether enjoying day and night game drives, birding, nature walks or a range of water-based adventures such as canoeing, river cruises or 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 & Little Ruckomechi

RUCKOMECHI THEN AND NOW.... WILDERNESS SAFARIS LOOK BACK...

To mark the occasion of the complete refurbishment of Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools, with its new addition, Little Ruckomechi Tented Camp, Wilderness Safaris have written a delightful Historical Blog outlining the history of the Camp.  

The text pays tribute to all those who have contributed to the development of this iconic camp over the years and is liberally sprinkled with wonderful archive photographs of the camp itself and the people who made it happen from 1982 onwards.  

Wild Zambezi has re-produced an abbreviated version of the Wilderness Safaris Blog on our website, with a link to the original version which shows all the old photos.   Read it here: History of Ruckomechi Camp, as told by Wilderness Safaris.

BUSHLIFE SAFARIS - WORKING WITH TOUR OPERATORS AND CONSERVATIONISTS TO HELP ANTI-POACHING IN MANA POOLS

Bushlife Safaris, operators of Vundu Camp, Little Vundu and Ruwesi Canoe Trails in Mana Pools, have recently established the Bushlife Support Unit (BSU), an organization committed to eradicating poaching in the Mana Pools National Park.   They are working in collaboration with other conservation organisations to strengthen the capacity of the Zimbabwe National Parks Authority to protect this important World Heritage Site. 

"We are very excited to announce that a considerable number of the tour operators in Mana have recently pledged their support for BSU and have offered to assist in any way possible. 

BSU is currently working on new roads to improve access for anti-poaching teams. We have a gang of men working on the road, and have sent a tractor and trailer, drinking water, food and wages for the team.  Mana Pools Safari Company and Mwinilunga Safaris have generously contributed fuel, food and tools. African Bush Camps has also offered to make monthly contributions towards BSU's efforts.  Goliath Safaris have sold us a Land-Rover at a very reduced price to help with anti-poaching and have also given a donation of $1000 towards operational costs.

In the last month we have also received generous donations from Vundu Camp guests, without whose help we would simply not have been able to carry on!...   The necessary work on the new roads will take a few months and any further contributions would be gratefully accepted."

In addition, several artists have offered to donate a portion of the proceeds from the sale of their works to BSU:
•         Leigh Hunt has made 10 statues of the famous elephant, Boswell (who stands on his hind legs to reach the highest tree branches).  He is selling these for 1000 Pounds sterling each, 30% of which he will donate towards the anti-poaching efforts.
•         James Maberly, a UK based sculptor, has done some limited-edition bronze statues of this same classic Mana elephant icon standing on his back legs, one of which is on display at Vundu Camp.  James is charging 3500 Pound Sterling for each bronze and will donate 25% of the proceeds towards the antipoaching effort. He is willing to ship anywhere at an additional charge. 
•         Will Maberly (James’ brother) is a very talented artist and passionate conservationist. He has kindly offered to contribute 30% of the selling price of his paintings at Vundu Camp towards BSU.  

For more information and contact details, see Bushlife Safaris

AFRICAN BUSH CAMPS' NEW ONLINE INFORMATION RESOURCE FOR AGENTS

Tour Operators, African Bush Camps, have introduced a new online information resource and marketing tool specifically designed for travel professionals.  The Agent's Reserve  provides a one-stop-shop of valuable tools for travel agents and tour operators in putting together itineraries which include the various African Bush Camps properties in Zimbabwe, Botswana & Zambia.

The resource, which is still being developed, so far includes:- availability calendars, images and brochures, virtual tours, media coverage, video links,  blogs, news about the African Bush Camps Foundation, safari specials, TripAdvisor reviews, guest reviews & feedback, seasonal and sightings info and maps.  

African Bush Camps in currently working on building a resource into the Agent's Reserve that will allow individual travel professionals to access rates sheets, bookings and documents for their specific organisations.

In the Zambezi Valley within Zimbabwe, African Bush Camps operate  Kanga Camp and Zambezi Expeditions tented camp in Mana Pools National Park.

16-BED SHAMASHANGA FISHING CAMP AVAILABLE FOR SELF-CATERING

Shamashanga Fishing Camp,  (pictured above) situated in the Sapi Safari Area near the old "G-Camp" site, is now for hire to groups of up to 16 people on a self-catering basis.

The camp has eight large, en-suite East African-style tents and a central, thatched living area incorporating a dining room, bar and lounge, with an open fire pit and a small pool.  Electricity is solar-powered and the camp is fully-equipped with several staff on hand to assist.  

You can bring your own boats (maximum 5 allowed at one time), or hire the camp's two pontoon-type boats with drivers (with prior notice).  Fuel and extra drinks are available if required.

This is a great opportunity for avid groups of fishermen or families who would like exclusive use of a prime piece of Zambezi River frontage in a remote area, for their fishing experience.

If you are looking for something a bit more up-market  in the same area, Tafika Zambezi (see below), which is located a little way downstream from Shamashanga, offers all-inclusive rates for individuals and small groups.  Fly-in packages are available via Safari Air Services.


For more information and contact details, see Tafika and Shamashanga Zambezi

JOHN STEVENS SAFARIS - FUNDRAISING IN THE USA FOR THE ZAMBEZI ELEPHANT FUND

John Stevens (above left), ex National Parks warden, veteran private guide and owner of John Stevens Guided Safaris Africa, is visiting the United States in September on an important fundraising mission to help save the elephants of the Zambezi Valley. 

Poaching remains an enormous problem in this area and the Zambezi Elephant Fund, with the help of kind donors and active partners, has made some progress with various supportive and protective measures. 

Everyone in the world has a stake in conserving elephants and if you or anyone you know lives in or near Jackson, Chicago, Austin, Westport or New York – or if you know of people who love elephants as much as we do -  please pass on this invitation and go along to hear John’s talks and presentations about the Zambezi Valley elephants  and his important message about their future.
 
The first talk took place on Sunday 11th Sept in Jackson.  The rest of the programme is as follows:-

Sunday 18 September - CHICAGO:  5.30p.m. for Cocktails, hors d'oeuvres and conversation at The Field Museum, Founders Room, 1400 S Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL. 60605.  Contact:  Temp Keller:  tempkeller@gmail.com

Tuesday 20 September - AUSTIN, TEXAS:  6.30 pm – 8.30 pm at  
1510 Wooldridge Drive, Austin, TX. 78703.  Contact: Temp Keller tempkeller@gmail.com

Friday 23 September - NEW YORK CITY:  5.30 pm – 7.30 pm  at Dedee Shattuck Gallery, 1 Partners Lane, Westport, MA. 02790.  Contact:  Gabrielle Ferreira, Gallery Manager  gabrielle@dedeeshattuckgallery.com

Please support this very worthwhile cause.

For more information and contact details, see
Zambezi Elephant Fund and
John Stevens Guided Safaris Africa

WILD ZAMBEZI WELCOMES BAYETE GUEST LODGE!

This month, we are proud to welcome Bayete Guest Lodge in Victoria Falls to our Wild Zambezi listings network.

This delightful, quiet oasis is situated in a residential area of Victoria Falls, and offers a tranquil and comfortable escape from the hustle and bustle of the town.  

The lodge is family-run and has 25 en-suite rooms set in a lush tropical garden with a large teardrop swimming pool as a central focus surrounded by a thatched dining and bar area and a spacious outdoor living area.  There is free wi-fi and all Falls activities can be arranged through the lodge management.

Bayete Guest Lodge's rates are on a Bed and Full English Breakfast basis, with lunch and dinner options also available by prior arrangement.

For more information and contact details, see Bayete Guest Lodge.

NEW PRODUCT: ELEPHANT ART WITH WILD HORIZONS

Wild Horizons and Art of Africa have teamed up to create a unique elephant experience that is brought to life by the artistic strokes of your fingertips, while surrounded by the African bush. 

The Manager at “The Wallow” (situated near The Elephant Camp on a private concession just outside Victoria Falls ) will meet guests on arrival to chat to them about the elephants and their history.

After interacting with the “models”, guests will make their way down to the adjacent waterhole and mud wallow where, under the shade of an enormous Mopane tree they will find a chair and easel - each set up with a fresh sheet of paper.  Brightly coloured aprons and palettes with bright splotches of paint will also be handed out.  

Soon the guests’ white sheets of paper will be transformed into a canvas with a glorious blue sky, sunshine, yellow, brown or green grass and of course elephants.

Once finished, guests will go back to “The Wallow” for a delicious two-course buffet lunch accompanied by a cold beverage rounding off a perfect morning’s experience. After lunch guests will be transferred back to their lodgings in Victoria Falls by Wild Horizons.

For more information and contact details, see:- Wild Horizons 

VICTORIA FALLS RIVER LODGE ADDS PRIVATE PLUNGE POOLS FOR EACH TENT

CHARITY GOLF DAY SUPPORTS VIC FALLS ANTI-POACHING (16 SEPT 2016)

The 2016 annual Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU) Golf Day Fundraiser, is to be held at Borrowdale Brooke Golf Club, Harare on Friday September 16.  

This promises to be a well-organised and fun-filled event in aid of a very worthy cause.  It is expected that up to 144 players will take part, making up to 36 teams altogether.  

The annual event is hosted by hospitality group Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) (owners of the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club and Victoria Falls Safari Suites, as well as the self-catering Lokuthula Lodges and The Boma - Dinner and Drum Show.)    The occasion includes lunch, entertainment, an exciting array of prizes, as well as a charity auction.

Among the prizes up for grabs are return air tickets to the United States, sponsored by Delta Air Lines, a safari package in Tanzania, donated by Escape Tanzania, as well accommodation at The Hide in Hwange and at Victoria Falls Hotel. 

AAT chief executive Ross Kennedy said: “The upcoming Golf Day is once again proving to be highly regarded, and viewed as one of THE charity golf days of the year in Zimbabwe..... What is particularly pleasing is to see the number of golfers and sponsors who are returning for their tenth-plus event, and add such fun and energy to the day. This yet again displays the remarkable spirit and generosity of Zimbabwean society”. 

AAT covers the costs of the charity golf tournament, so every cent raised goes directly to VFAPU. The event, which is integral to the survival of VFAPU raised an unprecedented $ 30,000 in 2015. 

Options to assist VFAPU include sponsoring a scout at $307 a month, contributing to vehicle maintenance costs, scout uniforms – which may be branded with a sponsor’s logo - or donating equipment, such as flashlights, sleeping bags and backpacks. 

VFAPU scouts have arrested nearly 700 hardened poachers, removed over 22, 000 snares and rescued 183 mammals from snares since the Unit was established in 1999 by Charles Brightman, a local safari operator and conservationist, (Discover Victoria Falls) and Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, AAT’s flagship property. 

VFAPU, which was established in an effort to fight the alarming levels of poaching, operates in a 50km sq area around Victoria Falls, and has 17 scouts patrolling seven days/nights a week. The unit tackles all forms of poaching, including wood, bush meat and ivory.