VFSL listed in Top 25 Resorts and Safari Camps in Africa

On the eve of its 20th birthday, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge has been voted in the Top 25 Resorts and Safari Camps in Africa by Conde’ Nast Traveler. Set high on a plateau, which forms a natural boundary to the Zambezi National Park, enjoying uninterrupted views of unspoilt bushveld, spectacular African sunsets and an on-site waterhole, the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is ideally positioned to offer the most discerning traveller a taste of Africa at its best.

With 1.3 million votes cast and nearly 80,000 people voting in the 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, the only Zimbabwean property to be listed in the category, has for the third year running, been recognised along with the ‘Best in the World’ by Conde’ Nast Taveler.

Named in conjunction with celebrated names such as Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve, the Singita properties of Sabi Sand, Kruger and Grumeti, Lions Sands and Phinda Private Game Reserve, it is clear that Zimbabwe as a destination is beginning to be thought of by astute, global travellers as a premier destination with Victoria Falls Safari Lodge leading the pack.

Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers superb game viewing opportunities, a range of activities to suit every age, inspired restaurants, unique cultural artefacts and art, banks and ATMs, and a hospital all within a National Park.

Conde’ Nast Traveler predicts that in 2014, more families will choose Africa as their holiday destination of choice. With safaris beginning to grow in popularity amongst families, Zimbabwe, a safe, peaceful, game abundant and beautifully diverse wilderness destination has much to offer. Zimbabwe is renowned for its fantastic National Parks and has a fine tradition of producing outstanding safari guides; eight Zimbabweans were acknowledged by Conde’ Nast Traveler in December 2013, as among the Top 25 Best Safari Guides.

Named by Lonely Planet in the Best Top 10 regions to travel in November and on the back of the success of the United Nations World Tourism Organisation general assembly in Victoria Falls in August – an event attended by representatives of 120 countries and 900 affiliate organisations, Zimbabwe has had an impressive 2013.

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

More from the Zambezi Traveller:
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

December Zambezi Traveller online and across the region

December issue of the Zambezi Traveller is working its way across the region and available online to browse. Watch out for your copy!

View online here.

View full contents listing here

Zambezi Traveller (Issue 15, Dec 2013) Full Content Listing

Zambezi Traveller (Issue 15, Dec 2013) Full Content Listing

Cover Story

© KELLY LANDEN, ELEPHANTS WITHOUT BORDERS

Necks on the line

Feature Story

First wildlife release launches Simalaha

Cahora Bassa & Tete

© GIGI GUIMBEAU
A new national park for Tete
Tete Classic takes off
Challenge and opportunity in Tete
Good food, no frills
Riverside elegance
No kidding about goat farming
An amazing race in Tete
New school block project

Kariba & Middle Zambezi

© CONSERVATION LOWER ZAMBEZI

Elephant Charge raises US$170,000
Baobabs and Zambezi Figs working together
A good year for cheetah project
Drama on the Musango flood plains
The 13-year road trip
Where a guide finds home

© RUSSELL GAMMON

The best time of year
Tiger-time 2013
Msuna contest – the results

Victoria Falls

Chamabondo comes alive
Seasonal jewels of the bush

© TOM VARLEY

Cruising into 2014 with confidence
Vital funds raised for wildlife
Secure that cable!
Farewell ‘dagaboy’ Timot
For the love of forests
Women, property and inheritance
Seventh best in the world
A key returned
The railway and the hotel in history
A shark at Victoria Falls
Elephant's Walk roundup

© AFRICA ALBIDA

Opulent advances at Africa Albida
Cresta Sprayview officially opens
Bidding with intent at the BirdLife Zimbabwe Art Auction
A mountain of a challenge
Bikers support wildlife
The ultimate school challenge
Post-natal clinic is reborn
Playground gets a facelift

Harare

Wetlands – not just for the birds
Meet you at Meikles
Chivero opens for rhino event

Hwange

Hwange Elephants – Securing their future
Water is the key

© MARLEEN POST, SABLE SANDS

Sable Sands one year on
The smiling faces of children
Oh please let it rain!
The tourists who attracted the wildlife
Volunteer dentists help hundreds

Luangwa

© MIKE MYERS, WILDERNESS SAFARIS

A tall story – how the giraffe got its neck
We’re watching you!

Livingstone

Christmas Crackers
Christmas spiders from heaven

© ALI SHENTON

Elephants in trouble
The birth of our city
An epic ride for elephants
Man of many talents
Profits beyond projection
Reflecting on UNWTO
The birth of a sporting dream
Girls building schools

Kafue

© KELLY WOOD

First-hand from Kafue

Okavango

© FAUSTO CARBONE

An African love story
Looking for lion and lechwe
David and Goliath in the wild
Disease threatens domestic dogs

Chobe

© KYLIE McQUALTER

Giraffe in decline
Blisters for sisters
Ele Hills upstages Chobe
Kasane gets to grips with strays
Grow a tree for your country
Try a gourmet safari cruise
Tourism industry meets in Kasane
Peter Comley, the writer

An African love story

FAUSTO CARBONE

Anyone who has spent time with one of Africa’s most successful hunters, the painted or the Cape hunting dog, commonly known as the wild dog, will know its crafty hunting techniques and pure determination, which inevitably result in a successful hunt.

On the other side of the scale, weighing about half as much, is Africa’s toughest, bravest and most fearless mammal, the honey badger or ratel; a tough creature indeed that will stand its ground when attacked or provoked, irrespective of the size of the assailant.

So, when you get a determined attacker twice your weight with four times your numbers, the outcome should be easy to work out, right? Read on...

In a quiet area of the Selinda Concession, not far from Selinda Camp in Botswana, a pack of nine wild dog find a pair of honey badgers unusually walking around during the day.

The pack works quickly as a team, and it’s not long before the badgers are separated.

The attacks are relentless, coming from all sides. It’s only a matter of time before fatigue sets in. The female is the first to show the signs. As the attacks continue, the group surrounding the female are getting closer and closer with more bites successfully reaching the loose skin of the tiring badger.

All seems to be lost for the female as her last energy reserves are sapped out of her body. For the first time, as far as I can remember in my quarter of a century as a guide, I feel a sick feeling in my stomach at the thought that she will be killed and the male will be left without a partner. I don’t normally take sides during hunts, but this time I felt for the badgers.

I am getting ready to accept the inevitable when out of the pack where her partner is also fighting for his life, through the dust, noise and pungent smell, emerges the male - heading toward the other group where his partner was about to become his ex. Now he started fighting with that group of dogs while he still has his own attackers following him. There he was, in the middle of this ever decreasing arena, surrounded by nine dogs and an almost unresponsive partner.

With a burst of energy, he grabs his partner and drags her to the base of a nearby tree. Here at least he is protected on one side and can defend his companion.

The fight continues, and the female begins to regain her strength.

As unexpected as his previous act of bravery, the badger chose the right time to execute his final plan. At a slight lull in the fight, he grabbed the female by the scruff of her neck and dragged her toward and into a hidden hole in the ground. The dust finally settled, the canine sounds stopped and, although the badger’s stink still lingered in the air, the bird sounds could be heard once more. I felt relieved. If there ever was an animal award for bravery, this male deserves it!

ALL IMAGES FAUSTO CARBONE

More from the Zambezi Traveller:
Okavango Destination Profile

Drama on the Musango flood plains

By Adam Jones

Searching for malachite kingfishers by pontoon turned out to be a spectacular afternoon of lion versus buffalo.

Just before entering the river, close to the malachite nesting sight, I noticed two lionesses on the Lake shore, relaxing.

Moving closer for a better look we noticed a lone buffalo not two hundred metres away from the reclining ladies.

Suddenly the lionesses became more active and moved into the bush out of sight. The wind was in their favour, they were moving towards buffalo.

Suddenly the buffalo came running out of the bush followed by one lioness, she tried to take the buffalo down three times, but failed.

The buffalo swam through a shallow gulley hotly pursued now by three lionesses

We quickly maneuvered the boat to the next bay where we found the three lionesses on the buffalo at the waters edge.

With all the commotion, crocodiles had been attracted and the one lioness started growling at an approaching one as can be seen by this image.

We continued to watch this spectacle whilst enjoying our gin and tonic sundowners.

ALL PHOTOS: ADAM JONES MEDIA

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Musango Safari Camp

Zambezi Traveller Destination Guide:
Kariba & Middle Zambezi Profile

More articles:
Kariba & Middle Zambezi

Victoria Falls geared towards multi-generational travel

Image Credit: Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Victoria Falls is the ultimate destination for 2014. Recently named in the ‘Top Ten Best Regions to Travel’ by Lonely Planet, the town on the edge of the Zambezi River in Zimbabwe has much to offer. Combining wildlife experiences with culture, art and adventure, there is something for everyone at one of the Seven Wonders of the World.

The Mecca of adventure travel, those young at heart travelling to the destination have a wealth of activities to choose from. You could find yourself bungee- jumping off one of the most famous bridges in the world, the grand Victoria Falls Bridge or wrestling the mighty Zambezi River waves whilst white-water rafting, or even taking a walk on the very wild side with the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit. If it is adventure that you are searching for, Victoria Falls is the place for you.

However, if it is the quieter side of life that you find most appealing, sipping on a gin and tonic (the drink of African sunsets), exotic cocktail or something a little stronger, on-board a sunset cruise is always a favourite. There are a variety of vessels that cater for all budgets. The Zambezi Explorer, a three-tiered, solar powered boat, floats so silently past that not even the African Skimmers are bothered.

Game drives, elephant interactions, steam train trips, fishing expeditions and of course, wandering through the Victoria Falls Rainforest to emerge drenched by the magnificent Smoke that Thunders, the Victoria Falls are a firm favourite regardless of age. Take the kids to see which of the 1,8 million different colour possibilities is illuminating the Victoria Falls Bridge at night – it truly is a spectacle to behold.

Time may be spent wining and dining at world-class restaurants - the Mukuwa-Kuwa Restaurant, an a la carte dining experience that overlooks a stunning vista and a waterhole frequented by a variety of animals including, Elephant, Buffalo and Impala, serves a fabulous ‘Pumba Fillet’ and carries an extensive, international wine list. Amazulu, a local accapela company, make desert that much sweeter with their melodious Shona and Ndebele music. The town offers a variety of restaurants with spectacular views and varied dining options. For families with young children, The Boma-Place of Eating, is a fun night of interactive drumming, dancing, face-painting, fortune-revealing, story-telling adventure, all with an African flavour and delicious food. Eating a Mopani worm always goes down a storm with the boys!

It is often difficult as a family or small groups travelling together, to find accommodation that provides the space, privacy and pricing options. Families often have difficulties finding an environment that caters adequately for multi-generational travel and the differing needs and wants each member has. However, Victoria Falls has a wide ranging choice of lodgings. Lokuthula Lodges, replete with rustic charm, are a great value-for-money, family friendly option. Kids , parents and grandparents alike love the swimming pool and being entertained by the resident warthogs as they root around the lush garden lawns. Lokuthula Lodges can be booked on a self-catering or bed-and-breakfast basis.

If you are looking for an elegant, luxurious retreat, opening on the 20th December 2013, are 6 Victoria Falls Safari Suites. The Safari Suites, come in 2 or 3 bed-roomed options and are designed with families and close-knit groups in mind. The Victoria Falls Safari Suites are a child-friendly, high-end product that offers the freedom of space and the luxury of intimacy without compromising on comfort. The Suites are spacious enough to enjoy the family holiday without feeling on-top of one another.

Hosting the annual Jameson Vic Falls Carnival in December, the tough but beautiful Vic Falls marathon and 3 day Mountain Bike Challenge in June, the town is a truly multi-faceted destination with something to offer all ages and requirements. Victoria Falls, is certainly the ultimate destination.

Read more from the Zambezi Traveller: Victoria Falls Safarii Lodge Victoria Falls Destination Guide

David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa wins top award

THE DAVID LIVINGSTONE SAFARI LODGE & SPA WINS TOP HOTEL & SPA AWARDS

The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, Livingstone Zambia scooped two prestigious awards for 2013, the most recent being the World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards held on 1 November 2013 at an exclusive red carpet event in Phuket, Thailand.

Named the Global Winner of the Best Luxury Lodge category and the Best Luxury Safari Spa in Zambia, David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa, is also a previous award winner having taken awards in 2010 and 2012 as well.

The World Luxury Hotel and Spa Awards are accepted as the pinnacle of achievement for Luxury Hotels & Spa’s internationally. Established as a celebration of ultimate achievement in service excellence, the highly sought after awards reward and congratulate hotels and spas that have achieved excellence.

The exclusive event was attended by some of the world’s top hoteliers and leading decision-makers and included a 6 course gala dinner followed by top entertainment and presentation of the coveted awards.

David Livingstone Safari Lodge Operations Manager, Keith Rissik was present at the event to receive the award for World’s Best Luxury Lodge. Elated with the announcement, Rissik attributed the lodge’s success to its world class standards and guest relations. “The team at David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa is honoured to have been recognized internationally with this award,” he said. “We endeavor to not only maintain the standards, but to exceed our guests’ expectations in the years to come.”

The safari-styled, five -star Lodge & Spa is situated 5km from Zambia’s tourist hub, Livingstone, and 8km from the splendid Victoria Falls, known as the Smoke that Thunders. With 72 tastefully decorated en-suite luxury rooms and five executive suites, The David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa boasts some of the most spectacular views of the Zambezi from the private balconies.

Zambezi Traveller Directory
David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa

Proflight Zambia launches Mongu route

PROFLIGHT ZAMBIA LAUNCHES MONGU ROUTE

Mongu last week becomes the tenth domestic destination in Proflight Zambia’s expanding schedule of national and international routes.

The service, which was launched today (Wednesday, November 27), is the first new local route for the airline since commencing Mansa and Kasama routes more than two years ago, and means that passengers can now fly to the capitals of all the provinces in Zambia that have designated airports.

“The addition of Mongu to Proflight Zambia’s schedule is long overdue and has been received enthusiastically by travellers,” said Proflight Director of Government and Industry Affairs Capt. Philip Lemba. “We can now say that we cover the length and breadth of the country.”

Dignitaries accompanying Capt. Lemba on the inaugural flight included Mongu Central Member of Parliament and North-Western Province Minister Hon. Nathaniel Mubukwanu, Yichidi Ndhlovu from the Department of Civil Aviation, Western Province Permanent Secretary Amos Malupenga and Zambia Tourism Board Publicity Co-ordinator Caristo Chitamfya.

Proflight’s twice-a-week service from Lusaka to Mongu will run on Wednesdays and Thursdays, leaving Lusaka at 07:45 on Wednesdays and arriving in Mongu at 10:05, before returning at 10:25 and arriving back in Lusaka at 12:45 on the same day. On Thursdays the flight leaves Lusaka at 12:35 and arrives in Mongu at 14:55, returning at 15:15 and touching down in Lusaka at 15:35.

The schedule is designed to fit with both business and leisure itineraries, enabling travellers to spend either a day or a week in Western Province, or indeed for Mongu travellers to travel elsewhere for similar periods.

The service will be operated using a 12-seater Cessna Grand Caravan aircraft. Return fares from Lusaka to Mongu start from around K3,502 including taxes.

Mongu is the capital of Western Province and gateway to the famous Kuomboka traditional ceremony on the Zambezi River floodplains, as well as the renowned annual wildebeest migration on the Liuwa Plains.

Proflight also flies to nine other domestic destinations within Zambia: Lusaka, Livingstone, Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi, Ndola, Solwezi, Chipata, Mansa and Kasama, as well as to Lilongwe in Malawi and Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania.

The airline is now considering services to Harare, Tete and Johannesburg, subject to regulatory approval.

Proflight Zambia celebrates 22 years of operation this year and prides itself in providing a safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service.

About Proflight Zambia

Proflight Zambia was established in 1991 and is Zambia’s only scheduled airline. From its base in Lusaka it flies to Livingstone, Mfuwe, Lower Zambezi, Ndola, Solwezi, Chipata, Mansa, Kasama and Mongu, and to Lilongwe in Malawi and Dar-es-Salaam in Tanzania.

The airline prides itself in providing a safe, reliable, efficient and friendly service, and offering good value to business and leisure travellers locally and internationally.

The airline operates three 29-seater Jetstream 41 aircraft; four 18-seater Jetstream 32; and two 12-seater Cessna Caravan C208 aircraft.

Zambezi Traveller Directory
Proflight Zambia

Baines’ River Camp offers a spacious boardroom

Baines’ River Camp

With seating for up to 16 delegates, air-conditioned and complete with digital projector, canvas screen and flipchart, the venue is ideal for corporate getaways and management meetings. Our green season is the ideal time for corporate groups with great exclusive use packages and a quiet river. Baines offers accommodation for maximum 20 guests and all rooms can be made up in a twin configuration.

Shearwater 2014 bridge activity rates

 

SHEARWATER VICTORIA FALLS - BRIDGE UPDATE 1 DECEMBER 2013

A gentle reminder that the 2014 rates for Bridge activities are coming into effect on the 1st of December 2013, valid till 30 Nov 2014 as follows;

Bungee Jump		US$135
Bridge Swing Solo		US$135
Bridge Swing Tandem		US$205
Bridge Slide Solo		US$40
Bridge Slide Tandem		US$55
Big Air Experience Package		US$170
Historic Tram & Bridge Tour		US$65 (excluding transfers to the station)
Historic Bridge Tour		US$60
Bridge Tour & Lunch		US$75
Bridge Tour with Slide		US$85
Bridge Tour, Slide & Lunch		US$95
Lunch Tour Package		US$30

The Gruesome Twosome (Rafting and Bungee) Combo will remain at US$235.

The free Bungee Bus is available for all transfers from Hotels or Lodges in Victoria Falls to the Zimbabwe border. Please advise all guests to bring passports - no visa or stamps necessary.

Bridge Operating Times:
Low water (August to February) - 09h00 to 17h00 daily
High water (March to July) – 10h00 to 17h00 daily

Thank you for your continued support.
The Shearwater Team

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Shearwater Adventures

Royal Zambezi during the green season

Experience the luxury of The Royal Zambezi during the green season - 4 nights for the price of 3

The Royal Zambezi Lodge is just half an hour flight from Lusaka or a short boat trip from Gwabi, situated on the mighty Zambezi River. It is a magical escape that offers the ultimate in comfort and luxury, at the same time as getting you up close with nature. Where luxury meets the wild.

The green season is a beautiful time to visit the lower Zambezi, the land is lush with plains covered in grasses and the foliage full and green. It’s a time when animals can make the most of abundant food to give birth to their young and the area is its most colourful.

For a limited time only we are offering 4 nights at the lodge for the price of 3 for bookings between 03 Jan to 30 March 2014. Please contact our reservations team today and quote "Zambezi Traveller".

Launch of the HAC Eurocopter

‘The Eagle has landed’

HAC are pleased to announce the launch of the newest addition to their fleet, the Eurocopter B2. Based out of Harare International Airport, the Eurocopter B2 will assist HAC’s already existing fleet of King Air fixed wing aircraft in servicing clients across Southern Africa.

Specifically, helicopters are a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by rotors. This allows the machine to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forward, backward, and laterally. These attributes allow helicopters to accomplish tasks that fixed-wing aircraft and other forms of vertical takeoff and landing aircraft cannot perform.

The addition of this machine to the fleet is key in terms of HAC’s overall business strategy, they understand that their clients have a diverse set of air charter requirements and their objective is to ensure that they can meet these, whatever the set of circumstances.

Chiefly, the Eurocopter B2 will be an invaluable tool within four main areas:
1) Medical air evacuations conducted in collaboration with M.A.R.S.
2) Aerial conservation efforts across the country.
3) Specialised sling transportation requirements.
4) Private and corporate client charters.

We look forward to seeing ‘The Eagle’ take to new heights and become a pivotal part in the positive growth and protection of Zimbabwe, as well as the people that make up Zimbabwe.

Halsted’s Aviation Corporation prides itself on being a Proudly African Air Charter Service. Specialising in the Beechcraft Range of aircraft, HAC manage a portfolio that includes: Private Charters, Corporate Charters, Aircraft Management, Cargo Transportation, Medical Evacuations and Aerial Conservation.

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Halsted Aviation

 

Zimbabwe launches e-visa for China and India

Zimbabwe has launched an e-visa process for Chinese and Indian visitors to encourage increased tourist arrivals and investment from those countries.

Zimbabwe Tourism Authority chief executive Mr Karikoga Kaseke said development was expected to result in a further upsurge in arrivals of tourists from the two countries, which have the largest populations in the world. “India and China have the largest populations in the world... The fact that they are both [large] geographically gave rise to the need for us to have the E-visa so that wherever they are in their countries, they can just apply for visas on the internet,” he said.

Mr Kaseke said while Zimbabwe had embassies in New Delhi, India and Beijing, China, processing of visas manually used to take time forcing some tourists to opt for destinations without cumbersome visa-regimes.

“E-visa is very good for us in the sense that they will apply on line and get the response in time since the Department of Immigration is only taking less than four days to respond.” said Mr Kaseke. Mr Kaseke said Zimbabwe was one of the 8 countries in Africa which had an Approved Destination Status (ADS) from the Chinese government.

He said other countries with the ADS status include Kenya and South Africa adding that these enjoyed thousands of tourists from China. “We expect to receive 20,000 Chinese by the end of the year up, from 9,000 received last year and by 2015 we expect to hit the 50,000 figure. As for India more efforts need to be channeled towards marketing our destination there because last year, we received about 5,000 but we are optimistic that with the e-visa regime, more tourists will come from that country,” said Mr Kaseke.

He applauded the government for committing resources to the promotion of the destination to the world. "We need to put more money in making our presence known out there. It is the only way other countries will know about us,” he said.

Source: The Herald (15 Nov 2013)

Khulu Ivory SADC Special

Khulu Ivory is The Amalinda Collection’s latest gem - an exclusive camp with 6 rooms only including one honeymoon suite, this opportunity is not to be missed.

We have specials for SADC residents:

November, January and February for USD275 per person per night FULLY INCLUSIVE

Excluding Park fees only

Wilderness Safaris Six Countries Summer Special

The Wilderness Safaris Six Countries Summer Special

If you have not already taken advantage of this fabulous special, then the time to act is now! A total of 28 luxury camps were launched on this special offer that spans the six southern Africa countries of Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. Now a further two luxury camps have been included in the Botswana selection: Chitabe and Little Mombo. This brings the total up to 30 luxury camps in a year in which we celebrate our 30th birthday!

(Image credit: Mike Myers)

This special has been so successful in the past that Wilderness Safaris felt it was important to promote again. The summer season has growing appeal, being viewed in a new light as ‘the season of abundance and growth.’

The features that make this special so unique and successful are:

• The price is right – discounted accommodation rates in the top camps included in this special as well as reduced flying and road transfers.

• The minimum number of nights has been reduced to 5 and there is no maximum required.

• Mix and match countries and camps.

• Only Malawi has a single supplement, other countries do not charge a single supplement for accommodation or flying.

• Reduced rates in Namibian and Zimbabwean camps.

• Children 6 to 16 years sharing accommodation in family rooms only pay 50% of the adult rate.

• Special runs from 1 November all the way through to 15 April 2014, only excludes the dates over Christmas and New Year (20 December to 10 January)

• For Cape Town, Wilderness Touring has special rates on touring and transfers for guests travelling on this special.

For Zambezi Traveller readers, the camps included in the Six Country Summer Special through Wilderness Safaris are Toka Leya in Zambia, Little Makalolo and Davisons Camps in Hwange National Park. Full details of all the camps in the Wilderness Safaris portfolio that have been included in this unique special can be obtained via www.wilderness-safaris.com and from your agent.

(Image credit: Mike Myers)

Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe Summer Special

Zimbabwe Summer Special – Vic Falls, Hwange and Kariba (6 nights, 7 days)

This summer season, Wilderness Safaris and Changa Safari Camp in Lake Kariba are offering a special six-night summer package. Called the Zimbabwe Summer Special, this magical trio links Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park and Lake Kariba.

(Image credit: Mike Myers)

Starting with a Wilderness Air flight from Victoria Falls, guests spend three nights at either Little Makalolo or Davisons Camp in Hwange National Park. The package then includes a Wilderness Air flight from Hwange through to Kariba Airport after which a 30-minute road transfer takes guests to the harbour. Once at the harbour a boat transfer that takes about 45 minutes gets guests to Changa camp where they spend three nights. Guests then return to Victoria Falls from Changa, retracing their steps to catch a Wilderness Air flight to Victoria Falls.

(Image credit: Mike Myers)

The Zimbabwe Summer Special is available from 15 November right the way through to the 31 March 2014, except over the festive period from 20 December to 10 January. This is a special time of the year to travel to Zimbabwe, as summer is the time birth and renewal. There is plenty for everyone - predator and prey, as many species give birth to their young, and predators take their opportunities.

(Image credit: Changa Safari Camp)

All the migrant bird species arrive over this time, which adds another dimension to the season of plenty. Many bird species are displaying in their breeding plumage in order to impress the fairer fowl and this makes for a spectacular splash of bright vibrant colours against the glorious lush green of the bush.

Temperatures at this time of the year are warm, but not usually overbearing, which means comfortable early morning game drives and lovely romantic evening sunsets. As this is southern Africa’s rainy season, the traditional African thundershower can be known to strike with great drama to create a spectacular show that is usually quite dramatic, but short lived and the feeling of freshness that it leaves in its wake is rejuvenating for everyone.

For more information contact your agent or the Wilderness Safaris Zimbabwe office at emmah@wilderness.co.zw or joleenr@wilderness.co.za .

Two rhino poached in Matopos, Zimbabwe

Two rhino have been killed by poachers in Matopos National Park, Zimbabwe. The two rhinos, one estimated at over 50 years known as Swazi and another aged 10, were suspected to have been killed last Thursday.

Image credit: David Amyot

The poaching crisis in Zimbabwe has been making international news headlines, after the mass poisoning of elephants in the Hwange National Park.

In response to the incident it has been reported that the Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks) have commandeered crack rangers from Hwange National Park and Matopos National Park in large-scale operation to attempt to catch the poachers involved.

Sources said the two rhink were killed on Thursday. The same sources added that ZimParks officials were unsure whether the culprits were a local, regional or international syndicate. "There is a big follow-up, Parks are on it. Rangers have been brought in from Hwange and Bulawayo," a source close to the incidentr was reported as saying.

Environment Minister Saviour Kasukuwere has not yet commented. However, David Coltart, a former minister in the past coalition government expressed outrage at the poaching. "This is a national outrage." Coltart said. "It would be good if the Tourism minister (Walter Mzembi) flew down with him (Kasukuwere) as our rhinos will increasingly become a magnet for tourists the scarcer they get in the world. My heart goes out to those in national parks and the local community who have worked so hard to rebuild the fence and to protect these magnificent animals. We must all publicise this and express our outrage. Only a stirring of our national conscience will stop these animals from being rendered extinct (in our country)."

The former Cabinet minister said the Zimbabwe government should speak with governments of the countries where the rhino horn is traded "to see what measures they are going to take to prevent this destruction of one of our national assets".

"If countries like China are truly our ‘all weather' friends they will demonstrate their abhorrence by acting to deal with their own nationals involved in this scandal."

Source: Bulawayo24.com (10 November 2013), AllAfrica.com (08 Nov 2013).

Zambezi Traveller November eNewsletter

The latest Zambezi Traveller eNewsletter has been mailed to all our email subscribers. You can view the newsletter here, and sign up for future issues here.

Protea Livingstone hosts 'fatkidonabike'

Protea Hotel Livingstone recently supported Ron Rutland on his epic journey from Cape Town to London on a bike.

His incredible journey named Lettie’s ride – is a tale of a proud South African’s 27 month, 43,000km bicycle expedition through every country on mainland Africa, and onto the 2015 Rugby World Cup in London – celebrating health, vitality, mobility, adventure, life and the #HumanSpirit.

Ron is an inspiration to us all and we wish him the very best on his adventure through Africa.

Website:
www.fatkidonabike.com

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Protea Hotel Livingstone

Update from Pioneer's Camp

An update from Pioneer's Camp, on the banks of the Zambezi above the Victoria Falls.

The recent installation of a solar powered mister in the chill tent has provided respite for our guests from the hottest months of the year.

The river is low with wonderful pools and squeaky sandy beaches. Here we bring our guests to see spectacular Zambezi sunsets while enjoying a sundowner and delicious home-made canapés. Back at camp guests are treated to a three course dinner freshly prepared by our chefs. Before being guided back to their tents guests convene around the fire pit to enjoy the African night skies.

The Mpala Jena spring line has remained green the whole season and is an ideal food source for warthog, waterbuck, baboons and a myriad of birds are regular daily visitors, with elephant, buffalo, kudu and other game on a frequent basis. We have a resident aardvark, a small herd of kudu and even eland.

Game has increased and we have regular visitors in and around the camp with elephant often in camp providing 'intimate' photographic opportunities for guests.

Not only is day time game viewing testimony to this but our new motion sensor camera gives us 'eyes in the dark'! The camera has shown us our resident aardvark, regular hyena and other game as well as ‘lion filming lion’ behind tent 3. Late September the motion sensor camera was ripped off its strap by a large male lion which then 'walked around' carrying the camera and managed to film a younger male companion before dropping the camera and losing interest. Video is on YouTube!

The highlight of a very recent trip was wonderful sighting of a mating pair of leopard. The leopard are seldom seen but they are here, proven by footprints on the sand in the dining and chill tent! A good reason for sandy floors!

More from the Zambezi Traveller:

Introducing Pioneer Camp (Zambezi Traveller Issue 12, March 2013)

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

Email: reservations@pioneerscamp.com, website: www.wildfrontiers.com, tel: +263 13 45139

VFH Livingstone Room voted one of the Best in the World

Victoria Falls Hotel Livingstone Room voted one of the Best in the World

Management of The Victoria Falls Hotel are extremely proud to announce that the new refreshed Livingstone Room has been voted as the 7th best hotel restaurant in the world. This prestigious achievement was awarded by The Daily Meal, which is a highly respected international website, concentrating in the field of culinary excellence.

The achievement is made more spectacular owing to the fact that The Livingstone Room is the highest ranked Restaurant on the African continent. Situated in the heart of the 110 year old Grand Dame, The Livingstone Room strives to offer the best of fresh and exciting cuisine with an old world charm. The atmosphere is charming with a vibrant sense, which comes alive at night. Having recently been lovingly restored to its former glory the new design and feel is the genius work of Graham Viney of Graham Viney Designs, which was responsible for the 1996 hotel refurbishment and has return to bring the look and feel to a modern, yet stately feel.

A recent edition to the family saw the arrival of a full size Grand Concert Piano, at over sixty years old, this beautiful instrument graced many a concert hall and she is perfectly positioned to thrill diner’s nighty as Takesure Mvasa tickles the ivories and sets the mood for romance.

Management of The Victoria Falls Hotel would like to this opportunity to not only congratulate the entire team for their brilliant achievement but also to thank each and every staff member that contributed to this magnificent success. We are extremely proud of entire team, from the dapper front of house ambassadors to the crafted professionals behind the scenes. Without the diligent approach from all members this triumphant success would not have been achievable.

A further cause to be hailed is that The Victoria Falls Hotel has joined forces with a community project, whereby producing most of the fresh vegetables, lettuce and herbs for restaurant. This project is situated right on hotel grounds and ensures daily produce is fresh from the soil to the table.

While the restaurant is trading as normal, the work continues to the exterior walkway, which is expected to be completed in the next few weeks. The Victoria Falls Hotel looks forward to launching this exciting revamped product to the marketplace with much celebrations and to showcase the wealth of talent we have right here in Zimbabwe.

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
The Victoria Falls Hotel

Victoria Falls in Lonely Planet top ten

Africa Albida celebrate Victoria Falls being named 6th on the Lonely Planet list of the top 10 regions to travel.

Victoria falls from the air (Image credit: Tom Varley)

Lonely Planet, the largest travel guide publisher in the world announced its Best Top 10 regions to travel this month, giving Victoria Falls reason to celebrate. As a joint destination shared by Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls was ranked 6th the Lonely Planet list. Lonely Planet has a wide readership with the ever popular travel guides, a globally distributed monthly magazine the Lonely Planet Traveller, the vast online community The Thorn Tree as well as a television production company. From February to April of 2013, Lonely Planet.com had 10.3 million unique visitors and 45.9 million page views. Impressively, Lonely Planet has over 400,000 points of interest throughout the world and Victoria Falls is the 6th best!

Victoria Falls is truly one the world’s great wonders. Standing in a UNESCO World Heritage Site, in front of the mighty Zambezi falling 108m down the first gorge with such exceptional force that you are drenched, is a remarkable experience. As David Livingstone perfectly summarised, “Scenes so lovely must have been gazed upon by Angels in their flight”.

Victoria Falls offers superb game viewing opportunities, a range of activities to suit every age, superb restaurants, unique cultural artefacts and art, banks and ATMs, and a hospital all within a National Park. The completion of the infrastructural developments at the Victoria Falls airport, including a new terminal in 2015 and 4km runways in 2014 to handle long haul wide body jets will be an exciting development for the destination.

Such achievement and recognition comes on the back of the successful co hosting by Zimbabwe and Zambia in August, of the United Nations World Trade Organisation general assembly in Victoria Falls. The event saw representatives of 120 countries and 900 affiliate organisations experience firsthand the splendour of one of the 7 Wonders of the World.

The destination caters to all budgets and tastes, from backpacking lodges to luxurious lodges and hotels. New properties such as Africa Albida Tourism’s lavish butler-service Victoria Falls Safari Club (VFSC) have placed the destination on the discerning travellers radar. The VFSC has earned a reputation as a trend setting and innovative establishment. The first of its kind on the Zimbabwean side, the VFSC has broken the mould offering world class, 5 star luxury clothed in the warmth for which the region is famous. As the destination continues to gain attention from the world, there is little doubt that Victoria Falls is The place to be.

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

More from the Zambezi Traveller:
Victoria Falls Safari Lodge

Ndau nominated for Africa Fashion Award

The Ndau Collection are extremely proud to have been nominated for Accessories Designers of the Year at the prestigious African Fashion Awards, held by African Fashion International recently at the Montecasino Hotel at the close of Mercedes Benz African Fashion Week 2013. Fellow nominees were Anita Quansah London and Pichulik from South Africa. The final judging was done by supermodel Alek Wek, TV personality Diana Opoti, supermodel Sayora Grigorian, ambassador of Azzedine Alaia, with interests in luxury fashion, and South Africa's Chris Viljoen, a renowned fashion director who has been in the local fashion industry for more than 17 years. Whilst the award went to Anita Quansah London on the night, the Ndau team were very honoured to be included in such a prestigious line up of designers from Africa and the diaspora. Watch this space next year!

Read more on the Ndau Collection from the Zambezi Traveller:
Ndau Collection

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
The Ndau Collection

New appointments at Bumi Hills

Home-Coming For Dardley Tafuruka and Catherine Norton

The Bumi team are delighted to welcome both Dardley and Catherine back to the fold. Zimbabwe-born and grown, they both in fact started out at Bumi and in the Kariba area, and have both been out of the country for many years enhancing their skills and learning to really understand the needs of foreign and regional clients.

Dardley Tafuruka, who is a Professional guide, and who has been in the industry for 20 years, who states “leadership, teamwork, training and communications” as vital to him, is a larger than life effervescent personality who creates an immediate impact when he walks into the room. He is well-spoken, and incredibly knowledgeable about wildlife. His passion and knowledge of wildlife and all creatures great and small, and the ability to relate to people from all over the world has been further enhanced in the other countries where he has worked for the past few years (such as Tanzania, Botswana - including the Delta - and Zambia)

Catherine Norton also started her career working at Bumi and in the Kariba area in the early 1980s – and also after being out of the country for several years, and having worked in the hospitality industry for many years, has returned home to Bumi! Catherine is a Food and Beverage specialist and is a personality of her own, she is witty and creative and this comes through in the choice of menus and cuisine creations and displays that come forth from the kitchen. Despite being a real lady (having attended Cheltenham Finishing School!) really knows how to get stuck in and ensure that that despite operating out of a kitchen miles from any shops and town, in the heart of the bush, delicious meals are produced and clients constantly marvel at what is produced and presented to them.

Both Dardley and Catherine are delighted to be home after many years, and we are delighted to have them and all the new ideas and skills they bring!

Zambezi Traveller Directory:
Bumi Hills Safari Lodge