Kariba Moon Row

In August 2014 a combined Zambian/UK team will row the length of Lake Kariba, the world’s largest man-made lake, nonstop through the day and night under the light of a full moon dodging crocs, hippos and forests of dead trees finishing at Siavonga. They will then row from Kariba to Luangwa Boma through the Lower Zambezi game Reserve covering 500km in total in 7 days.

The 12 person team of athletes include Zambia’s top rower Desmond Nanchengwa as well as Iza Nalondwa and Wonga Silondwa from the Zambian Amateur Rowing and Canoing Association (ZARCA). Also in the team are international athletes from Great Britain’s rowing squad, including the head of Women’s rowing at Oxford University, Anastasia Chitty, and Alex Wood who has raced several times in the Oxford and Cambridge Boat Race. The team includes members of the successful 2011 Row Zambezi Expedition which took rowing boats 1000km along the Upper Zambezi from Chavuma to Livingstone, including 300km through the Barotse during which time they were granted an audience with the Litunga.

The Moon Row is a charity event that will raise money for two Zambian charities: Village Water has put fresh water into 650 Zambian villages so far and wants to do much more; Conservation Lower Zambezi is raising awareness and funds to deal with anti-poaching activities on the Lower Zambezi. The Moon Row is being done in 2014 to coincide with Zambia’s Jubilee celebrations, and is an official event in the Jubilee Calendar.

The Moon Row is a very tough event, with rowers swopping over every 90 minutes for up to 36 hours and only a short time to rest, drink, stretch and grab some food before starting again. The boats will carry GPS transmitters that will show in real time their exact location via the www.karibamoonrow.com website.

The Moon Row will be the world’s longest non-stop rowing event. The Moon Row is sponsored by exclusive Swiss watch maker Parmigiani Fleurier, and supported by several high quality operators in Zambia including Lake Kariba Inns; Kariba Bush Club; Tamarind Camp; Kanyemba Lodge; Kasaka River Lodge; Anabezi and Redcliff Lodge. In addition ZAWA and ZTB are providing advice and guidance for an adventure that will help promote the “Let’s Explore Zambia” initiative.

The Moon Row has three specially made rowing boats which are painted in Zambian colours, these beautiful boats will arrive in Siavonga on the 11th August after rowing across Lake Kariba.

Moon Row Expedition Leader Tim Cook said: “This is a very exciting challenge with a fantastic young joint Zambian and UK rowing team. Our motto is “Time For Water”. We are doing this On Water… For Water. Without water there are no sports like rowing and without clean water there is no hope for the children in these villages”

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

Spectacle and theatre in Mana

Shelly Cox, African Bush Camps
PHOTOS: Tammy Smith, African Bush Camps

The dry season in Africa provides a harsh environment,demonstrating the survival of the fittest for all species including birdlife, which flourishes in Mana Pools National Park.

Kanga Pan, located inland of the Zambezi River, is the only water source in the area year round, providing a formidable stage for travellers,wildlife fanatics and birdwatchers to experience up-close-and-personal encounters with species battling to survive the dry months of August through to November.

In September 2013, our team at Kanga Camp captured incredible photographic footage of the daily spectacles which can be experienced inland of the Zambezi River.

Two resident fish eagles had been living off the smaller catfish species inhabiting the pan in front of camp. Equipped with powerful talons to enable the eagle to grasp slippery aquatic prey, these eagles had been successful in their hunting over the previous months.

Whilst this species mainly subsists on fish, the fish eagle is opportunistic and may take a wider variety of prey, such as waterbirds. As the water in Kanga Pan slowly began to recede and marabou storks depleted the catfish numbers, leaving only the larger fish which the eagles battled to carry in their talons, the competition for food increased.

Maribou Stork

With only the largest of the catfish left in the pan’s muddy waters, and after several unsuccessful fishing attempts, the two eagles resorted to feeding on doves that would frequent the pan in the early mornings to drink

Fish eagle in water

On the morning in question, guests were having breakfast looking out over the pan watching the two fish eagles sitting up in a nearby tree. Suddenly in a swoop of feathers and talons, the two eagles fell upon a juvenile sparrow hawk which had been drinking from a small puddle

The resident eagles

A battle between the two eagles ensued over the impending meal and guests watched in awe as the two majestic birds fought for the day’s sustenance

The battle begins

Finally one of the fish eagles made a break and took off with the sparrow hawk securely in its talons. Resting in the safety of a tree on the outskirts of the pan, the successful predator was left to feed on its prey

Factfile

- Despite only one in every seven or eight fishing attempts being successful, the African fish eagle rarely spends more than ten minutes per day actively hunting.

- Calling and duetting, whilst perched or soaring, is an integral part of the breeding display, and is combined with dramatic aerial dives and falls, with pairs interlocking talons in mid air.

- The female normally lays one to three eggs, which are incubated for around 44 days before hatching.

- In the wild those fish eagle young that are fortunate to survive the first year have an estimated life expectancy of 12 to 24 years.

- The estimated current population size is 300,000. The species remains widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa in suitable habitat and is not considered to be threatened.

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

Kiambi Safari Special

Kiambi Safaris, Kariba & Middle Zambezi, Zambia

From 1st December to the 28th of February below.

Luxury air-conditioned chalets:
K560 per person per night sharing
K690 per person per night single
K370 per child per night for Children between 5 and 15.

Children 4 years and below visit for free.

Luxury thatched en-suite chalet:
K560 per person per night sharing
K690 per person per night single
K370 per child per night for Children between 5 and 15.

Children 4 years and below visit for free.

Rates quoted include 3 Meals per person per day that is breakfast, lunch and dinner from the clients day of arrival . There is a complimentary sunset cruise included in a two nights visit with us. Kindly note that for a three or more nights visit a complimentary sunset cruise as well as a three hour canoe excursion is included.

Zambezi Traveller Directory
Kiambi Safaris

David Rogers Photography at Baines’ River Camp

Baines River Camp offers anyone interested in photography an opportunity to learn from world renowned professional wildlife photographer David Rogers. Whilst improving their photography skills participants will enjoy a top class safari.

Details:
• David Rogers Photography @ Baines’ River Camp
• 15-19 September 2014
• 4 nights’
• US$ 2,678 per person
• Includes return flights Lusaka to Baines, photographic workshop, all meals, drinks, Lower Zambezi National Park entry fees, community and conservation levies.
• For full details, contact david: david@davidrogers.co.za

September is without a doubt the best time to visit the Lower Zambezi Valley and Baines’ River Camp offers superb workshop facilities.

Zambezi Traveller Directory
Baines River Camp

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

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.

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 .

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

Congratulations Winners of KITFT 2013

Congratulations

Winners of KITFT 2013

“CHARTER AFRICOM”

FINAL LEADERBOARD 2012 LEADERBOARD

POS - TEAM NAME (FISH - TOTAL WEIGHT (kg))

1 - CHARTER AFRICOM (58 - 130.6)
2 - CHARTER B HINO SWIFT (46 - 128.53)
3 - TEAM NISSAN (60 - 125.5)
4 - ST ELMO’S YAMAHA (55 - 121.22)
5 - REMMINGTIB CHARTER X (50 - 109.91)
6 - MEGA (46 - 106.98)
7 - TEAM SAKUNDA (51 - 106.83)
8 - CHARLES HIGH (54 - 98.2)
9 - FISHEAGLES (60 - 97.2)
10 - LAC BUSHCATS (46 - 92.95)

TOP 3 INDIVIDUAL/TEAM POSITIONS

1 - RODNEY MACKAY/TEAM NISSAN (23 - 52.6)

2 - ANDREW BAILEY/CHARTER AFRICOM (21 - 50.61)

3 - DEANE LE ROUX/REMMINGTON CHARTER X (22 - 49.45)

LARGEST FISH OF THE TOURNAMENT

IAN WHEELER - 10.42kg
Winning a NISSAN NP 200, thanks to NISSAN

CATCH & RELEASE LEADERBOARD

1 - TRIPLE ‘F’ (58 - 84.10)
2 - HAMBA BAMBA ‘A’ (46 - 45.19)
3 - NISSAN CAREULLY (60 - 37.38)
4 - HAMBA BAMBA ‘B’ (55 - 19.83)
5 - EAGLE (50 - 4.57)

Please visit our Web Site www.kitft.co.zw for all the results and photographs

Silver Sponsors
THI Insurance, Schweppes, Minute Maid Pulpy

Bronze Sponsors
APC Printers, Fuchs Oils, Nicholas Scale Company, MEDGEN, iWayAfrica, Crystal Candy, Pharmanova, Generator Services, Dzines, Rapala, The Directory, Jim Perry Transport

Support Sponsors
Brands Africa, Suzuki Outboard Motors, BURN, Doves, AMC Kariba

Schweppes Water - Official water suppliers to KITFT

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