African Bush Camps – The Safari Act Special

 

Three exceptional packages offering travellers a once in a lifetime safari experience of two unique Destinations – Botswana and Zimbabwe. Book your preferred package now for travel between 1st November and 30th November 2014 and receive an unbelievable 20% discount.

Zimbabwe in 3 Acts
ONLY: USD 3 823*

Enjoy 8 nights in Zimbabwe exploring Hwange National Park and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Mana Pools.

Includes: 3 nights at Somalisa Camp in Hwange National Park, 2 nights at Zambezi Life Styles and 3 nights at Kanga Camp in Mana Pools

Botswana in 3 Acts
ONLY: USD 4 347*

Enjoy 8 nights in Botswana exploring the remote areas of Khwai, and Linyanti. Includes: 3 nights Khwai Tented Camp, 2 nights Saile Tented Camp and 3 nights Linyanti Bush Camp

The Double Act
ONLY: USD 8 825*

Enjoy 16 nights combining both Botswana and Zimbabwe and get two nights for FREE in Victoria Falls.

Includes: Zimbabwe in 3 Acts, Botswana in 3 Acts and two free nights in Victoria Falls at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge.

The 20% discount applies to the African Bush Camps properties included in the package. Transfers included in the package are not discounted. Each safari has to be booked in its entirety for the discounted rates to apply and cannot be separated or substituted for alternative options. The packages are subject to availability at all camps incorporated.

Standard Terms and Conditions apply.

For further enquiries please enquire direct at info@africanbushcamps.com

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
African Bush Camps

A tour of the Batoka Gorge canopy

The Batoka Gorge from Platfrom 8 of the Wild Horizons Batoka Gorge Canopy Tour (Image credit: Wild Horizons Facebook Page)

The concept of the ‘canopy tour’ is a relatively new product in the tourism industry, with the first canopy tour operation opening around 5 years ago in South America. Since then there have been several other operations launched in various parts of the world, including quite a number across South Africa.

Wikipedia describes a canopy tour as “an established route through a wooded and often mountainous landscape making primary use of zip-lines and aerial bridges between platforms built in trees”.

In our case, the Vic Falls Canopy Tour is a series of 9 zip-lines, or ‘slides’, which zigzags across the Batoka Gorge in amongst the thick vegetation which grows on the edges of this spectacular natural canyon. The tour is operated from the Wild Horizons Lookout, and takes place within the cove that is formed by the first bend in the river below the Falls – directly beneath the Victoria Falls Hotel. Apart from the 9 cable slides, (or ‘foofy’ slides), the route also comprises a series of boarded walkways and rope bridges, all of which have safety lines to which guests are fastened at all times. The course from start to finish will take around 60 – 90 minutes, depending on the size of the group.

Of-course one of the factors that makes this activity so popular is the breathtaking views of the Batoka Gorge, the Zambezi River and it’s turbulent rapids, and the Victoria Falls Bridge! This is not to mention the awe-inspiring flora and fauna which thrives in the canopy of the Batoka Gorge! It is also a treat for bird watchers, as they are likely to spot Trumpeter Hornbill, Schalow's Turaco and Peregrine Falcon - and if you are extremely lucky, the rare Taita Falcon.

The slides vary in speed and length, but are all relatively low-speed and are more than suitable for those who don’t consider themselves as adrenalin junkies. The activity is perfect for families with young kids who are looking for that little bit of excitement, but might be too young to take part in the more adrenalin-demanding activities such as the gorge swing or bungee jump. (The same goes for the parents, who on the contrary might be “a little too old” for the bigger adrenalin-demanders!). It is the perfect ‘in-between’ activity, which there is not much choice for when it comes to the plethora of Victoria Falls activities on offer by the many various tour operators. The tour is also suitable for those who don’t like heights as for the most part the slides traverse through trees and thick vegetation.

The canopy tour is growing in popularity when it comes to adventure tourism around the world because of its mild, safe and family-friendly nature. The Vic Falls Canopy Tour is undoubtedly one of the world’s most spectacular courses and is an industry leader when it comes to safety and equipment, as well the training of their staff and guides. The Vic Falls Canopy Tour is a highly recommended activity, which has repeatedly been described as excellent value for money.

The Vic Falls Canopy Tour sells for USD$50 per person, and can be booked by contacting the Wild Horizons reservations team through their website, www.wildhorizons.co.za - or through the main booking office located at 310 Parkway Drive, Victoria Falls.

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Wild Horizons Activities

Green season special at the Elephant's Eye

Elephant’s Eye, Hwange – Green Season Special – ends 15 June.

The rate is USD255 per person sharing per night and includes accommodation, all meals, water, soft drinks, beers, ciders, mixers and house wine, 2 game drives per day on private concession or 1 full‐day game drive in Hwange National Park, village visit, transfers from and to Hwange Airport, laundry.

Blue Cross 2014

Blue Cross 2014

The Blue Cross is an annual charity event that raises money for the ZNSPCA. It requires that participants get from the lowest point of Zimbabwe – where the Save River leaves the country – to Nyangani Mountain – the highest point. Some people walk, some have ridden horses, but the majority ride a bicycle. https://www.facebook.com/zimbabwebluecross?fref=ts

Many people see this as a grueling challenge, limited to those who are superbly fit and have extraordinary stamina. In order to extend participation we have come up with variations that allow relatively ordinary bicycle riders the opportunity to participate in this wonderful event. It truly is a life changing experience so we ask you to read on and see if we can persuade you to join us in 2014.

The notes below focus on the Traditional Blue Cross (not the off road Brown Cross or walking) and outline three significant options

Relay – you don’t have to be fit and tough if you share the load with a friend or two
Extended time – split the difficult first and last day to make the ride so much more pleasant
Accommodation – either camping (for a budget Blue X) or comfort in lodges/B-and-B’s

Bicycle Options

For the bike riders there are two routes (the Traditional Blue Cross and the Brown Cross), each 500kms.

The Brown Cross (as it has become known) is the MTB route, with virtually no riding on tar roads, and the bulk on small tracks. This option really is limited to folk who are in a good state of fitness and who can deal with some serious riding challenges. These notes are NOT intended for Brown Cross participants.

The Traditional is a combination of gravel road and tar, with about one quarter on gravel. More serious riders in this option will use two bikes – an MTB for the gravel and a road bike for the tar, but those who are not intent on racing, and want to focus on enjoying the event can do the event on a typical MTB or hybrid.

Bikes are ridden from the Save River to the Nyangani Car Park, and then one walks up to the top of the mountain to sign the famous Blue Book at the beacon.

Relay

Last year two pairs did the Blue Cross as relay teams. This meant that it was possible to break the day up into easily done 10-20 km stretches with a reasonable break in between. The relay option allows riders to take part in this wonderful event even if they are not that strong or fit, and yet enjoy the experience. One of the participants, a fifty-plus lady, had only been riding a bicycle for 3 months and coped admirably.

The rules for relay teams are more relaxed than they used to be – just as long as the whole ride is covered by at least one member of the team. We would suggest that teams can be two to four riders. Last year some of the sections were ridden by both member s of the teams because some of the route is just “too good” to miss, but then spilt up the rest of the journey.

Extended time

Previously, the Traditional option started on a Monday and riding was completed on the Thursday – four days. In 2013 we tried a new format which we called the Extended Time or XT option. This option uses exactly the same route – so the same distance is covered - but the riding time is spread out a bit. The first 42kms of what used to be Day 1 is ridden on the Sunday, thus breaking up the long 158km ride from Chilo to Chipinge into two stages – one of 42kms and the other of 116kms. The Tuesday and Wednesday rides stay as they were. Then on the Thursday, instead of riding all the way from Vumba to Nyangani car park, the XT ride stops at Rhodes Hotel, and on the Friday morning, prior to the walk up the mountain, the 15kms of steep gravel from Rhodes Hotel to the Nyangani car park is done with a fresh body, getting to the car park by 8:30am – when the walk up the mountain starts.

These two changes have made the ride much much easier and allowed the XT riders more time to enjoy the scenery. It means that weaker and/or older riders can take part in the event without undue pain and stress.

Accommodation

In years past (pre-2008) many of the riders and their backup crews camped. We want to make this option available again for 2014. We believe that we will be able to get camping for $10 a night or less at spots where it will be safe and comfortable - hot showers etc. Of course campers will have to make their own arrangements for food.

If you’d prefer to have more comfort then there are the usual options of staying at the self-catering chalets at Chilo, the Chimanimani Hotel or Frog and Fern in Chimanimani, Inn on the Vumba and Rhodes Hotel , and a number of other places. In Chipinge we have located a B-and-B just a couple of kilometers behind the polo ground so there would be no need to “rough it” that night.

Dates

For the extended option participants need to be at Chilo Lodge by late afternoon on Saturday 2nd August and the prize giving lunch will be over at about 4pm on Friday 8th. If you do the ordinary Traditional you will need to be at Chilo on Sunday 3rd August. Entrance fee and charity contribution

The no frills entrance fee will be $50 and each participant (whether entering as an individual or as a member of a relay team) is required to raise a minimum donation of $100. This donation will entitle you to a Bronze medal. Donations in excess of $400 entitle one to a Silver medal and those raising over $600 will receive a Gold medal.

The cost of the prize giving lunch will probably be $25 and supper/breakfast at Fiddlers Green will be around $15. These amounts still need to be confirmed.

Contact

If you are interested in more information on the Traditional bike ride, either as an individual or as a relay team, please send an email to: bluextrad@gmail.com, or see us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/zimbabwebluecross

If you want to find out about the Brown Cross or other options such as walking, horse riding then go to the web page www.bluecross.co.zw

Description of the Ride – Extended Time

Sat Aug 2nd: Drive to Chilo Lodge which is on Save River, just a few kms before it leaves the country. Chilo is on the north bank of the river, and Gona re Zhou is the national park on the south bank, stretching to the SA/Moz border. Either stay in full board in the lodge, or self-catering cottages at the lodge or camp in the lodge grounds.

Sun 3rd: Starting at about 6:30am ride from the Save River bed to the tar road, a distance of just 42kms. This is a gravel road on which sedan cars can easily drive, albeit slower than a pickup or 4x4. It usually takes something under 3 hours for an average rider. Riders are collected at the tar road and get back to Chilo for an early lunch and then perhaps a game drive in Gona re Zhou for a few hours. This is still a wild park, good game concentrations, amazing birds.

Mon 4th: Drive to the tar road and start riding about 7am. There is a fairly boring stretch of flat tar next to the Save River for about 75kms, but this can be quite sociable as there is not much traffic and the friendly locals give one quite a bit of encouragement. One then leaves the tar and climbs up a long gravel hill called Barbara - about 15kms. This is definitely one of the biggest challenges of the event, but if you are in a relay team it is not bad as one can break it into 3km stages. Some walking is likely! At the top of Barbara there is about 28kms tar road to the Chipinge Polo Club – called Fiddlers Green. Most people will camp here, or sleep inside the very large clubhouse. The club provides supper and breakfast. It’s always a festive evening as the Brown Cross riders are there that night as well, and stories are shared. There are other accommodation options.

Tue 5th: This is the easiest day - about 68kms all on tar from Chipinge to Chimanimani. It is hilly and there are some longish climbs, but also some stunning downhills. Chimanimani is picturesque. There are several options when it comes to lodging or camping.

Wed 6th: This is the hardest day of the Traditional Blue Cross. The day starts with a dramatic 20km drop into the Martin Forest valley, and then the tough 20km climb to the top of Tanks Nek. Stunning scenery all along this old gravel road helps to overcome the tiredness. The ride is not that tough if you are in a relay team. Next comes one of the best sections of the Blue Cross - the 20km descent to Cashel. Sedan cars cannot do the Tanks Nek stretch from Chimanimani to Cashel but there is a good tar road via Biriwiri. From Cashel there is a pleasant downhill stretch of 20kms through the Umvumvumvu River valley to the junction of the Chipinge/Mutare road. The 60kms from this junction to Mutare is the probably the least enjoyable section of the whole ride. There is always some traffic and may be a bit of a headwind. But again, doing 10km spells in a relay team will make it fly by quite easily.

Thur 7th: This is an all tar day of just over 100kms with lovely mountains all around, and usually very little traffic. Starting at 7am after a good breakfast one is usually finished by mid-afternoon, even allowing for a coffee and snack break at the Montclair Hotel. That night one can stay at National Parks cottages, Rhodes Hotel or camp at Nyangombe nearby. Riders opting to do the original format would not stop at Rhodes but continue all the way to the Nyangani car park.

Fri 8th: An earliesh start to the ride of 15kms to the base of Nyangani Mountain makes it easy to get to the car park by 8:30am. The route is all gravel and there are some steep sections so most folk take it slowly - two hours - and enjoy the magnificent views. Around 8:30am the entire Blue Cross group, including most of the backup crews, then hike up to the top of Nyangani - about an hour and a half or so for most normal people, although the odd show-off will do it in 45 mins! After a good rest at the beacon, photo shoots, signing the Blue Book, hugs, sighs and all that sort of stuff – everyone heads back down the mountain and off to Rhodes Hotel for a fine lunch, medal presentations etc. Some leave for home that afternoon but most will stay on and go home on Saturday.

Wilderness Safaris April update

ZIMBABWE

HWANGE NATIONAL PARKS AND OUR CONCESSIONS

At Wilderness Safaris we love maps and facts, so we have put together a comprehensive map of Hwange which showcases the vast tracts of land that make up the National Park, where we are and what you can see in our abundant concessions. All this along with useful information about what makes our people and our camps so special and why you should certainly include them in a Zimbabwe itinerary! Pick up a copy at a trade show or contact your Sales Representative.

Hwange lions (Image credit: Mike Myers)

THE NEW “OLD FAVOURITE” – LINKWASHA CAMP

This year Wilderness Safaris are undertaking the exciting project of rebuilding Linkwasha Camp and opening our doors for FIT bookings as of early 2015. An old favourite for many who have been lucky enough to visit the location, Linkwasha will be a fabulous new addition to our Hwange portfolio. The camp will be classified a Classic 1 camp (the highest rating of Classic Camps) with eight tents, including a family room, and will raise the bar with respect to the accommodation offerings in Hwange National Park. The private Linkwasha Concession and the adjacent Makalolo Concession share exceptional wildlife concentrations, ensuring outstanding year-round wildlife numbers.

Linkwasha (Image credit Mike Myers)

ENHANCING THE WILDERNESS AIR SCHEDULE

Wilderness Air Zimbabwe’s flying schedule has been amended to ensure we maximise our guests’ time in the country. Here are some more details:

• The timing of inter-camp transfers now allow for more activities. For example, Ruckomechi Camp guests are able to enjoy an activity on both the day of arrival and the day of departure.
• Flights from Hwange to Victoria Falls will take place in the morning; guests no longer have to wait until the afternoon to fly.
• The Hwange inter-camp transfers allow for connections between third party camps and the Wilderness Air schedule.
• Harare flights allow for British Airways and South African Airways connections to and from Harare as well as other international flights departing Harare such as Emirates and KLM. Find the updated schedule on our Information Centre.

Over the Falls (Image credit Mark Mansfield)

WHAT’S NEW AT OUR HWANGE CAMPS?

Davison’s Camp has an impressive new main area, offering more space, a new roof and a fabulous wooden deck stretching out around the fire pit. There is also a small upper deck to view the waterhole by day and gaze at the stars by night! Meanwhile at Little Makalolo, a new deck near the main area, pool deck and walkways have been built. The walkways dip to the ground in areas where wildlife have created paths, so that they are not impeded in reaching the waterhole.

New Deck at Davissons (Image credit Derreck Sanyahumbi)

ZAMBIA

FISHING AT TOKA LEYA

Guests are able to do fishing when they stay at Toka Leya. The cost of fishing is included in the FI rate, but the park fees are paid for separately. These can conveniently be settled directly at the camp and are US$5 per person per fishing trip.

GUIDED NATURE WALKS AND RHINO TRACKING AT TOKA LEYA

It is possible to go rhino tracking while staying at Toka Leya. ZAWA scouts monitor the rhinos 24/7 and track them each morning from where they were seen the previous evening. Once the rhinos have been found, the scouts report back to base and stay with the rhinos until late, camping in the area to start tracking early next morning. Guests travel to the area by vehicle and then track the rhino on foot, accompanied by the ZAWA scout - our guides are not allowed to carry weapons. The total duration of the rhino tracking is about 2 hours (combination of drive and walk). Guided nature walks and hino tracking are included in our FI rate, however, the park fee is a separate amount that must be settled direct. Note that all walks are subject to the availability of a ZAWA scout – the request can be put into WISH or made in camp, but cannot be confirmed or guaranteed in advance. Note that the minimum age for walking is 13. The cost is US$10 per person per excursion and can be settled directly at the camp.

Rhino walks (Image credit Mike Myers)

BUSANGA PLAINS OF PLENTY

The lion prides of the Busanga Plains are major drawcards for guests. They are often celebrated for their impressive stocky physiques as well as their unusual tree-climbing skills. Time and again these normally terrestrial cats are spotted catching the cooling breeze in the fig trees of the plains. Another spectacular feature of the Plains is the open terrain, which means that lion hunts can often be watched from start to finish.

Last year’s peak season saw a 90%+ chance of daily lion sightings, with more than 20% of these sightings including lions in tree s and over 30% of them lions on kills. Other predators that can be seen are cheetah, leopard, spotted hyaena and serval. The spectacular herbivore diversity includes puku, lechwe and wildebeest in large numbers, while the rarities include the stately roan, nimble oribi, secretive sitatunga and unusual Lichtenstein’s hartebeest.

Rhino walks (Image credit Mike Myers)

Gorges Lodge refurbishment

Our refurbishment program at Gorges Lodge is well underway and our first four rooms are complete. We hope to complete the remaining 6 rooms over the course of this year.

In our refurbisheded rooms we have removed the multiple small glass pane frames on the windows and sliding doors and replaced them with large single glass panes, as well as mosquito gauze, so the doors and windows can now be opened to allow cool air in and the gauze will keep out any bugs! The rooms themselves have been enlarged, and the beds now face the gorge. The rooms have new overhead fans within feature mosquito net canopies and all the furniture and soft furnishings are new.

The bathrooms have been made bigger and we have taken out the old baths and replaced them with a big feature double shower complete with seating area, twin shower heads plus a third hand held shower unit. The bathrooms now have twin vanities, new floors, new toilets and new light fittings.

Journalists who stayed at Gorges Lodge recently did a write up in the Cape Times newspaper:

Cape Times - 17 July - River of dreams - Gorges lodge saves the day.

Zambezi Traveller Directory
Imvelo Safari Lodges

HAC launches Air Safari service

Do you want to explore Africa in a way like never before? Do you long for adventure and experiences that don’t come every day? Do you want to take off into the sunset (or at sunrise) and venture to the most extraordinary corners of the continent Africa has to offer? Well then we invite you to join us on an Air Safaris with HAC. This is a tailor made Air Safaris service offering where we attend to every detail of your travel.

Our Air Safaris service offering includes the arrangement of return Private Charter flights to the destination of your choice as well as all transfers, accommodation, meals and activities once on location. Our Air Safaris service offering includes the professional accompaniement of HAC hosts. Expect unparallelled levels of service and stress free travel where every detail is taken care of allowing you, our guests, to simply sit back and enjoy the experience of being on an Air Safaris with HAC.

Air Safaris destinations include Vilanculos, Chirundu, Kariba and Victoria Falls, but where in Africa do you want to go?

For all inquiries, contact us on marketing@haczim.com. We look forward to showing you Africa in a way like never before.

Zambezi Traveller Directory
Halsted’s Aviation Corporation

Four new suites at The Elephant Camp

Wild Horizons and The Elephant Camp are pleased to announce the introduction of four new tented suites to be constructed to the west of the current 12 room facility.

The requirement for rooms at The Elephant Camp continues to exceed availability and in addition we see an increased demand from small groups and families requiring an “exclusive” lodge experience.

The new suites will act as a hybrid between an extension of the current camp, as well as a stand-alone facility offering an exclusive experience for up to 12 people. The new facility will offer its own central lounge, bar and dining area with a main deck and pool, as well as its own curio shop and kitchen. The new suites will have their own duty manager and team of guides and staff, who will fall under the general management of The Elephant Camp, and utilize some of the main camp’s back-of-house services.

The new facility will offer cuisine of the same high standard as that offered by The Elephant Camp, with catering staff being managed and overseen by the Executive Chef at the main Elephant Camp.

The four new tented suites will be the same size, style and design as the current rooms – with each consisting of it’s own bedroom area (interchangeable between double & twin), lounge, bathroom with indoor and outside shower, and private deck and plunge pool overlooking a waterhole and the Victoria Falls National Park, with views of the spray of the Fall in the distance. Each suite will also be equipped with a fold out sleeper-couch to cater for small families.

Bush clearing will be kept to a bare minimum during the development of the new suites in accordance with Wild Horizons’ environmental policy. The suites have been sited so as to utilize the existing trees and vegetation to create as much natural privacy as possible. Other green initiatives being implemented include utilizing ‘grey water’ systems and solar water heaters where possible. Along with the construction of the four suites and main facility, there will be a small admin office/curio shop/public washroom tent as well as extra staff accommodation and staff canteen incorporated into the blueprints.

The opening date for the extension of the Elephant Camp is January 2015.

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Wild Horizons Accommodation

Gorges and Bomani Combo

Gorges and Bomani Combo - Stay for 6 pay for 4

Usual package rate (Rack): US$1890 per person sharing

Special package rate (Rack): US$1430 per person sharing – a saving of US$460

This special package rate includes 3 nights at Gorges Lodge in Victoria Falls and 3 nights at Bomani Tented Lodge in Hwange National Park.

Includes:
- Return airport transfers to Victoria Falls Airport
- Return road transfers between Gorges and Bomani lodges
- Accommodation, all meals, drinks and laundry at both camps
- Usual activities whilst at Gorges, choose from black eagle viewing with - sundowners, traditional dancing display, a visit to see the mighty Victoria Falls or a local village and school visit
- Return transfers to Victoria Falls town for each night of your stay at Gorges Lodge
- All safari activities at Bomani, choose from morning and afternoon game drives, game walks, ‘pump runs’ (a full day out in Hwange National Park) or village and school visits all with the service of a qualified guide whilst on safari
- Hwange National Parks entry fee at Bomani and Victoria Falls Park entrance fee

Valid until end 2014

Zambezi Traveller Directory
Imvelo Safari Lodges

The story of a lion called Goose

By Julian Brookstein,
Camp Hwange, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe.

With thanks to Julian Brookstein and Camp Hwange for allowing us to repost this story.

The story as I know it of Goose….

Anybody that stayed with us at Camp Hwange last season would have surely heard of or been lucky enough to see Goose. Goose is a male lion that was resident on our concession for much of last season. He was named Goose when he was first darted and collared by the Hwange Lion research team in 2005 at around age five. He was darted at Dwarf Goose pan which happens to be on our concession. After this he more or less took up residence in the Nehimba area which is to the east of Camp Hwange.

Goose....this photo was taken end of last year behind Camp Hwange Zimbabwe. He was over thirteen years old here. A pensioner in the lion world.

Hwange is blessed with a very healthy lion population. Almost at its carrying capacity, so with this in mind it tells us that all the good lion “real-estate” is taken. Goose held this Nehimba area for around seven years on his own as far as I know. This is a massive achievement considering that there are always other lions looking to take over your area. He was still holding that area at age thirteen which is basically very seldom done in the lion world. Generally a male lion has around three years between the ages of five and eight to make the most of things as this is when he is in his prime. There are cases whereby older lions are kicked out and may become nomadic and them team up with other males possible younger than them and try and hold a territory again.

Goose in his time as King of the Nehimba area sired many cubs. The ones that are most known to us at Camp Hwange are Daniel, Day and Lewis. Of which we now have Day and Lewis left after Daniel was shot. He is also the father of a lion called Vusi.

Last year in August two new lions that we had never seen before appeared on our concession. One looked much older than other and had a collar. We contacted lion research and they told us these two were called Naxha and Vusi and had come from an area about fifty kilometers away.

Naxha and Vusi when they first came onto the Camp Hwange concession.

Those of you that have read my stories will know the circumstances of how Daniel was shot. After Daniel was shot his two Brothers Day and Lewis stopped coming into our area and moved towards Masuma. I believe that this is what opened the door for Naxha and Vusi to enter our area. They soon realized that there were no dominant male lions in this area patrolling and calling so moved in. They spent a bit of time here and I think realised that to go west meant to go where Day and Lewis were and that going east was to where Goose was. They went east and after a big dust up chased Goose from the area that he had held for all that time.

From left to right...Day, Lewis and Daniel.

After this Goose came to our concession, when we first saw him he was in bad shape after the fight and we were not sure if he would make it. He pulled through though. Then not long after that we found him again looking thin and in a very bad way after he had decided to kill a porcupine and had lots of quills in his chest and face. We though he would not make it. Luckily for him at the time it was the dry season so there were elephants dying from lack of water. He managed to find some of these dead elephants and put weight back on and the quills worked loose and again he bounced back.

We were very happy to have Goose on the concession as we could just about find him daily within a few kilometers of the camp. He hung around for some months and all the time acted like he owned the place. Defiantly roaring and scent marking as if to remind the two that kicked him out that he was still around. He was always known as an angry lion. Lions have personalities as do most things. His was just plain angry. Despite having seen vehicle for most of his life he would still charge the car, sometimes after you had been sitting with him for half an hour already!

At the end of the year Naxha and Vusi again came into our area and this is when Goose left our area for good. Obvioulsy not wanting another fight as by now he was basically a pensioner in the lion world. He left and ended up heading towards the main camp area. However he was constantly on the move as wherever he went there were younger fitter stronger lions that he had to stay out of the way of.

Sadly Africa is not what it once was and these magical animals don’t have the territory that they need to roam in. Recently Goose left the park and went into the communal areas that border on the park. The lion research team made the surrounding villages aware that there was a lion in the area. He was I am sure looking for an easy meal in the way of a cow or donkey.

Very sadly a child was sent in the night to get some matches and Goose killed the child. He was shot at the site.

What a very sad way for a child to lose a life and for the story of such a magnificent animal to end.

By Julian Brookstein,

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Camp Hwange

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Conservation fundraiser for Birdlife Zimbabwe

Zambezi Traveller Directory:

Birdlife Zimbabwe

The Victoria Falls Big Tree

The Victoria Falls Big Tree, 2011 (Image credit: Peter Roberts)

The Big Tree of Victoria Falls is one of the important heritage sites in the area. This massive baobab (Adansonia digitata) stands proud just off Zambezi River Drive. It is known throughout Zimbabwe and indeed across the globe, for over the last century thousands of visitors have seen this giant of the veld.

Early visitors to the Big Tree, 1915 (Image credit: Percy Clark)

Along with photographs of the Falls themselves, there are countless historical images of the Big Tree. Those in my collection show surprisingly little change over the last century, other than the two stems towards the Zambezi. This suggests that on the whole the tree is no longer actively growing and expanding outward. There is a possibility that the main trunk actually consists of several fused stems, a not uncommon feature of baobabs.

The Big Tree, 1950s

The tree is just under 17m in diameter. Some have suggested, on the basis of data collected from growing baobabs, that this equates to an age of 1,500 to 2,000 years. Indeed this may be so, but for how long has this tree been in stasis, expanding no further? We will probably never know and all respect is due to this grand old lady of Victoria Falls.

While by no means the largest baobab in Zimbabwe, the Big Tree of Victoria Falls has been silent witness to centuries of human change. It was there when the first farmers started to till the soil in this area. It has seen shifting tribal groups and political alliances – Tonga, Leya, Lozi, Nambya and Ndebele.

The Victoria Falls, painted by Thomas Baines, 1863.

Being near to the Falls it was a popular camping spot for European travellers in the precolonial period. Not however David Livingstone. His travels were on the north bank of the Zambezi when he first documented the Falls, but others have camped here, like hunter James Chapman, artist Thomas Baines, trader George Westbeach and Czech traveller and collector Emil Holub. Could the large baobab illustrated in one of Baines’ paintings on the far left distance be the big tree? Dated to 1863 it probably is. It certainly appears on Holub’s 1870 map of the Falls.

It was near here that Albert Geise, the man who first pegged coal at Hwange, had a trading store long before the town of Victoria Falls existed. Also nearby was one of two south bank crossing points for those wanting to go north. Later the Victoria Falls Hotel used the spot when it had its own launches for early Zambezi Cruises. The now abandoned jetty was linked to the hotel by a narrow gauge rail track on which trolleys were pushed by human effort.

Sadly the Big Tree was scarred by many of its early visitors, as well as some more recent. What pride can one take in spoiling a tree like this? There is also concern that elephants, that have damaged this area that was once a thick forest, could smash it. Some years ago, no one can tell me just when, the local authorities fenced in the tree. This has never really worked for long and the fence is periodically replaced. It is an unfortunate visual scar spoiling modern photographs, while I see that it still doesn’t exclude humans.

The Big Tree, 2009 (Image credit: Rob Burrett)

When next you get to pay homage to this old lady, remember her age and treat her with respect. Even the slightest scar can get infected and cause death. We will all be losers should we lose the Big Tree so that she cannot also be gazed upon by our children’s children’s children.

Read more articles from this issue:
Zambezi Traveller (Issue 13, June 2013)

Read more about baobabs:
The Big Tree (ZT, Issue 13, June 2013)
Succulent folds of grey (ZT, Issue 13, June 2013)
The baobab’s secret (ZT, Issue 13, June 2013)
In love with baobabs (ZT, Issue 09, Sept 2012)

Read more about the region in our destination guide:
Victoria Falls

Victoria Falls Fun Enduro

In aid of Victoria Falls Wildlife Trust

For more information visit www.facebook.com/VictoriaFallsWildlifeTrustFunEnduro

African Bush Camps - Continuing to deliver on excellence

African Bush Camps are delighted to announce that they have been awarded the position of Highly Commended for Best Community Focused Safari Property in Africa in the recent Safari Awards 2014.

Formed in an effort to recognise the top 3% of Safari Operators in Africa, The Safari Awards, now in their sixth year, have gone from strength to strength. With nominations from over a thousand luxury travel professionals, hundreds of readers of Conde Nast Traveller, Tatler, Brides and Travel Africa Magazine - any safari business nominated for a Safari Award is recognised as amongst the best in its genre.

A Panel of industry professionals at the head of the Good Safari Guide sit as the judges for the final Safari Awards, ensuring that the lodges, camps and operations presented both in the guides and in the Awards really are the best on offer in Africa. Finalists selected in the Safari Awards have their reputation earned through excellence recognised by people who know what they are talking about.

African Bush Camps was also nominated as a finalist in the below categories in previous Safari Awards:-

- Best Safari Accommodation Group in 2013 - Finalist
- Best Personal Contribution to Safari Tourism 2013 - Beks Ndlovu - Runner Up
- Best Safari Accommodation Group in 2011 - Finalist
- Best New Safari Camp in Africa 2008 - Somalisa Camp - Finalist

To experience the excellence which African Bush Camps ascribes to, contact us on info@africanbushcamps.com for authentic safari experiences in Botswana and Zimbabwe.

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
African Bush Camps

20 things you may not know about Victoria Falls

This year marks the 20th Birthday of Africa Albida Tourism’s flagship property, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, one of Zimbabwe’s most iconic hotels. Famous for the wide, expansive vistas and its on-site waterhole, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has developed into an internationally acclaimed, award-winning hotel.

Kicking off the countdown for Victoria Falls Safari Lodge’s 20th birthday celebrations in December 2014, here are 20 things you may not know about Victoria Falls:

• Devil’s Cataract, on the Zimbabwe side of the Victoria Falls, has a drop of 60m, making it the lowest of the five Falls. Re-opened in August 2013, the Devil’s Cataract view point is a great vantage point from which to view the Falls. Be careful though, the steps are often wet and slippery!

• Because of the spray from the falls, the Rain Forest at Victoria Falls is the only place on earth where it rains 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, making it well and truly a ‘rainforest’.

• During a full moon, if the conditions are ideal, one can see a ‘moonbow’ also known as a lunar rainbow at Victoria Falls. Seen through the spray at night instead of during the day as a solar rainbow, the colour scheme and the shape of the curvature of the moonbow, are exactly the same as the beautiful rainbow seen in the day time.

• One can take a walk in the Zambezi National Park with the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit (VFAPU), and support efforts to protect the wildlife and environment of Victoria Falls. Charles Brightman, a local safari operator and conservationist, together with the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, established the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit (VFAPU), in January 1999. VFAPU has worked in close co-operation with the National Parks and Wildlife Management Authority and the Zimbabwe Republic Police, to achieve many successes.

• Described as an unforgettable African experience infused with mouth watering local cuisine, spirited dance performances and traditional storytelling. Baxton Mashuku and Joseph Nyangani, have been selling curios at the Boma since 2001. Caught wood-poaching by the VFAPU scouts in 2001, the gentlemen were offered the option of sourcing their wood sustainably and in exchange, would be able to sell their hand-crafted curios at The Boma - Place of Eating. They have been legally and sustainably selling curios for the past twelve years! These gentlemen are an amazing example of creating sustainable solutions that benefit the environment and the local community. You can find them every evening, come rain or shine at The Boma – Place of Eating.

• For the next 15 years, powered by Telecel, one of 1,8 million different colour possibilities will illuminate the Victoria Falls Bridge each night – it truly is a spectacle to behold!

• Victoria Falls is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Spanning all corners of the Earth, the Grand Canyon, the Great Barrier Reef, the Harbour of Rio de Janeiro, Mount Everest, the Polar Aurora and the Paricutin volcano make up the remaining 6.

• In 1989, Victoria Falls was inscribed as a World Heritage Site. This means that Victoria Falls, as a World Heritage site, belongs to all peoples of the world.

• Taita falcons, one of the world’s rarest raptors, have been recorded nesting in the Victoria Falls gorge. Victoria Falls is home to other threatened bird species such as African Skimmers, rock pratincole, grey-headed parrot, Lilian's Llvebird, lappet-faced, hooded and white-backed vultures – so keep an eye-out and you may spot one of these threatened species.

• Stone artefacts from the hominin Homo habilis have been identified near the Falls and show that early humans may have lived here two million years ago.

• Victoria Falls Airport will be able to accommodate wide-body jets by mid 2014, thanks to the new 4 km runway currently being built. Catch sight of it as you come in for landing!

• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Victoria Falls Safari Club and the new Victoria Falls Safari Suites are all western facing, allowing guests the opportunity to enjoy splendid vistas of African sunsets.

• Victoria Falls hosts the annual Jameson Victoria Falls Carnival in December, the tough but inspiring, Econet Victoria Falls Marathon and 3 day Mountain Bike Challenge in June.

• The Zambezi River is the fourth longest river in Africa, after the Nile, Congo, and Niger Rivers.

• The Zambezi River flows through six countries, Zambia, Angola, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Mozambique.

• Victoria Falls lies almost half way along the Zambezi River in its 1677 mile stretch from its source to the Indian Ocean.

• The Africa Albida Tourism properties are the only properties in the area to have a no-fly zone above them.

• Victoria Falls is one and a half times wider and twice as high as Niagara.

• The Victoria Falls Bridge, completed in 1905 measures 650 feet in total length and stands 400 feet above the river, nearly 3,000 feet above sea level. Constructed by building anchored cantilevers from the edges of the gorge toward the centre, the bridge was considered a feat of engineering in its day.

• Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has recently been voted in the Top 25 Resorts and Safari Camps in Africa by Conde’ Nast Traveler – the only Zimbabwean property to be listed in this category.

>The Africa Albida Tourism collection also includes the chic, butler service Victoria Falls Safari Club, the RCI Gold Crown Resort, Lokuthula Lodges, the luxury Ngoma Safari Lodge in Chobe, Botswana, the a la carte MaKuwa-Kuwa restaurant and the enthralling Boma- Place of Eating. A new addition to the Africa Albida Tourism portfolio in December 2013, are the spacious Victoria Falls Safari Suites.

Congratulations and Happy 20th Birthday Victoria Falls Safari Lodge!

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Wilderness Safaris Zambia & Zimbabwe Specials

Wilderness Safaris offers superb wildlife and cultural encounters in both Zambia and Zimbabwe - true gems in the African wilderness. Divided by the great Zambezi River, both countries allow for unspoilt journeys through impressive National Parks, where a variety of habitats are home to multiple mammal and bird species. In addition to the world-renowned Victoria Falls, where your journey may begin or end, you can expect thrilling safaris, adrenaline adventures and encounters with some of the friendliest people to host you.

2014 NEW YEAR SPECIALS

Discounted Flying Rates 2014

 

Davison's Camp Wilderness Safaris, Hwange National Park, Zambia (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

On a stay of three consecutive nights (or longer) at Davison’s Camp, Little Makalolo or Ruckomechi Camp in Zimbabwe, receive a discount of 50% on the scheduled Wilderness Air flying seat rates between these camps and/or Victoria Falls/Harare as the points of origin or departure.

We have also reduced our Zambia flying rates by 20% for the 2014 season. No minimum stay is required at Busanga Bush Camp or Shumba Camp, and these lower rates apply to bookings between Lusaka and Kafue as well as Livingstone and Kafue.

Private Guides accommodated FREE in Zimbabwe camps

On a minimum stay of two nights at Little Makalolo, Davison’s and Ruckomechi camps, private guides will be hosted free of charge in guide accommodation from 11 January 2014 to 10 January 2015. Please do note that only one complimentary guide can be accommodated at any one time.

FREE Hot Air Ballooning in the Kafue

 

Balloning Busanga Plains, Wilderness Safaris, Kafue National Park, Zambia (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

Stay for three nights in one of our stunning camps on the Busanga Plains – Shumba or Busanga Bush Camp – in August, September or October and be treated to the most exclusive hot air ballooning in Africa on a complimentary basis. This breathtaking activity takes in the pristine scenery and wildlife of the plains before concluding with a champagne breakfast.

Ruckomechi Camp Introduces Unique ‘Sleep-out’ Experience in Mana Pools

Wilderness Safaris Ruckomechi Camp in Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe has introduced a unique, sleep-out option for adventurous guests on an outdoor deck overlooking the wildlife-rich Parachute Pan. Situated about 400m from the main camp, the Parachute Pan ‘sleep-out’ deck offers guests a truly intimate, up-close-and-personal wilderness experience and the unique opportunity of sleeping under the stars in the Zambezi Valley.

SUGGESTED ITINERARIES:

DISTINCTIVE ZAMBEZI AND KAFUE (7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS)

 

Busanga Plains, Wilderness Safaris, Kafue National Park, Zambia (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

Experience the great wildlife spectacle of Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, a World Heritage Site, followed by the expansive and diverse Busanga Plains of Zambia’s Kafue National Park where herds of antelope are followed closely by lion prides. The trip’s grand finale is the impressive and mesmerising Victoria Falls.

Days 1, 2, 3: Fly from Victoria Falls Airport to Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe
Days 4, 5, 6: Transfer by boat, road and air to Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue National Park, Zambia
Day 7: Fly to Toka Leya Camp, Livingstone, Zambia
Day 8: Road transfer to Livingstone International Airport

(Operating 01 June to 31 October 2014. Departs on a Monday from Victoria Falls and ends in Livingstone on a Monday.)

ZIMBABWE HIGHLIGHTS (7 NIGHTS / 8 DAYS)

 

Ruckomechi Camp, Wilderness Safaris, Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

This exciting safari combines three of the most diverse and spectacular areas in Zimbabwe including Hwange National Park, Lake Kariba and Mana Pools National Park, each celebrated for fascinating wildlife and magnificent scenery. Your journey begins and ends at Victoria Falls, where you can extend your trip and enjoy this natural wonder of the world.

Days 1, 2: Fly from Victoria Falls Airport to Davison’s Camp, Hwange National Park
Days 3, 4: Fly to Changa Camp, Lake Kariba
Days 5, 6, 7: Fly to Ruckomechi Camp, Mana Pools National Park
Day 8: Return to Victoria Falls Airport by light aircraft for your onward arrangements

(Operating 1 April through to 15 November 2014. Daily departures from and returning to Victoria Falls, with the option of flying to Harare from Ruckomechi.)

ZIMBABWE SUMMER SPECIAL (6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS)

Little Makalolo Camp, Wilderness Safaris, Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

We begin this safari in Hwange National Park where summer rainfall brings the surrounding plains to life, displaying incredible concentrations of wildlife. We then continue on to Changa Safari Camp, built on the shores of Lake Kariba, with stunning views of the mysterious Matusadona Mountains. Your journey begins and ends at Victoria Falls, where you can extend your trip and enjoy this natural wonder of the world.

Days 1, 2 & 3: Fly from Victoria Falls Airport to Little Makalolo Camp or Davison’s Camp, Hwange National Park
Days 4, 5 & 6: Fly to Changa Camp, Lake Kariba
Day 7: Return to Victoria Falls Airport by light aircraft for onward arrangements

(Valid from 11 January to 31 March 2014. Daily departures from and returning to Victoria Falls.)

BEST OF ZAMBIA (6 NIGHTS / 7 DAYS)

 

Cheetah (Photo credit: Mike Myers)

As one of the most rewarding African wildlife destinations, this safari offers the best of Zambia. Landlocked, this country is a land of large rivers: the Zambezi, Kafue, Lufupa and Luangwa Rivers are all the centrepieces of some of the wildest and most remote game areas on the continent.

Days 1, 2 & 3: Fly from Lusaka Airport to Busanga Bush Camp, Kafue National Park, Zambia
Days 4, 5 & 6: Fly back to Lusaka for a scheduled flight to Mfuwe and onward connection to Puku Ridge, Kapamba Bush Camp or Nkwali Camp, South Luangwa National Park
Day 7: Return to Lusaka Airport for onward arrangements

Add-on: Extend your stay and discover the wildlife and spectacular scenery of the legendary Zambezi River:
Days 7, 8 & 9: Chiawa Camp or Chongwe River Camp or Kasaka River Lodge, Lower Zambezi National Park.

(Operating 01 June to 31 October 2014.)

Note: These are suggested itineraries only – please contact your Journey Specialist for pricing as a variety of options are possible, including points of arrival and departure.

For more information and pricing on the suggested itineraries, contact your journey specialist or email emmah@wilderness.co.zw or joleenr@wilderness.co.zw.

Community and conservation news from African Bush Camps

Hwange H20 Campaign Update - Umkawuzaan Solar Project up and running

In partnership with Elefence International, the installation of a solar panel and pump was completed in December 2013 at Umkawazaan Pan within the Somalisa Concession. Elefence International Director, Dick Houston was in Zimbabwe and on site when the installation was done. The pan is looking spectacular, the water is pumping, aiding the already good rains Hwange is experiencing, and the wildlife is already frequenting the waterhole.

In 2014 we look forward to further developing our partnership with Elefence International as we embark on developing more solar boreholes in the most desperate areas of Hwange National Park.

Mambanje Community Development and Solar Project

Mambanje Community is one of the most remote communities in the greater Hwange area but also in very close proximity to the National Park, making it a very vulnerable community with regards to human/animal conflict. We embarked on a large range of grassroots development projects with the community in 2013 including improving the grade 7 pass rate of the school (which went from 0% in 2012 to 15% in 2013), building adequate accommodation for teachers, building another classroom block so that each grade has its own classroom, and building a road to the community and school.

In 2014 African Bush Camps Foundation will continue with these developments and in addition have embarked on a new project in collaboration with Elefence International, to install a solar pump for the borehole and at the same time providing the school with solar power for the classrooms and the teachers accommodation. African Bush Camps Foundation is focused on sustainable development to ensure that the communities surrounding the National Parks are benefiting from the Tourism Dollar so as to preserve the area and its wildlife for future generations.

African Bush Camps Foundation - New Partnership

Thank you Pam Goosen and Mawabeni Designs for their support. The first round of new products using the Vukani Projects recycled beads are now ready for sale.

Vukani is a Ndebele word meaning 'to get up and do it for yourself.' This is a group of 14 men and women who are unemployed and have teamed up to engage in self-help income generating projects. The group is based in the village of Dete, just outside Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. They started with an organic gardening project and now also makes beads using recycled paper and fashions jewlery including bracelets, earrings and necklaces from these beautiful beads. The money they raise is used to help disadvantaged people in the group such as the widows and orphans who are under the care of the members. Beside the welfare of its members, the group is targeting to take care of two widows and 14 orphans and four disabled under the care of the group.

THE VUCHE VUCHE CRAFT PROJECT 

The Vuche Vuche Basket Weaving Co-operative began in January 2011. The group was started by Maggie Zambo and a few other ladies and aimed to create employment for women who were either not employed or only employed on a part time basis, but who had financial obligations to their families, for example, educating their children. The group now consists of twenty ladies, some of whom are widows and having to take care of their families solely and others who are taking care of orphaned children or their elderly parents. The money earned helps with the building of their craft shop and the surplus is used for food and education for the ladies’ families.

Their materials are harvested from the bush around the nearby village of Satau and all dyes used are natural. By collecting these reeds it helps the growth of the plant, making it sustainable for the environment. It can take anywhere from three days to a month to create the baskets. At the moment, the ladies’ only market is self-drives who visit Chobe National Park or people who know about the group. They are hoping to expand this with the building of their craft shop and by selling their wares through African Bush Camps accommodations in Botswana & Zimbabwe.

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
African Bush Camps

Musango Valentine Special

Musangano Lodge Valentines Special valid till 24 February

$172 per couple per night for Dinner, bed and breakfast

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Musango Safari Camp

Rediscover the history of Bulwayo

Just published three booklets that cover places and matters of historical interest with associations with Bulawayo.

Khami, Captal of the Torwa State - by Rob Burrett and Paul Hubbard
Iron Spine & Ribs - A brief history of the foundation of the railways of Zimbabwe and Zambia - by Rob Burrett and Gordon Murray
Malindidzimu - by Terance Ranger

Profusely illustrated, these booklets are available at US$5.00 each at the Natural History Museum, the Railway Museum, Middy’s Restaurant and Tandele Craft. Income goes to Natural History Museum Khami project or Railway Museum.

If you cannot find a copy please email: ksf@khami.co.zw

Mambanje Community Development and Solar Project

Mambanje Community is one of the most remote communities in the greater Hwange area but also in very close proximity to the National Park, making it a very vulnerable community with regards to human/animal conflict. We embarked on a large range of grassroots development projects with the community in 2013 including improving the grade 7 pass rate of the school (which went from 0% in 2012 to 15% in 2013), building adequate accommodation for teachers, building another classroom block so that each grade has its own classroom, and building a road to the community and school.

In 2014 African Bush Camps Foundation will continue with these developments and in addition have embarked on a new project in collaboration with Elefence International, to install a solar pump for the borehole and at the same time providing the school with solar power for the classrooms and the teachers accommodation. African Bush Camps Foundation is focused on sustainable development to ensure that the communities surrounding the National Parks are benefiting from the Tourism Dollar so as to preserve the area and its wildlife for future generations.

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
African Bush Camps