Zambezi Safaris Blog

…scribblings from Africa by the Zambezi Safari & Travel Company

Migration Safari with Zambezi

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Are you thinking of planning a visit to Kenya or taking a safari to Tanzania? Here’re some solutions for catching the migration as well.

Wildebeast Migration

• do some research and plan well in advance

• if destination is first priority then you’re going to have travel at specific times

• if you’re flexible time-wise then choose destination based on what other add-ons you’re keen to do so the logistics don’t get too complicated

• if you’ve left things a bit too late or if you can’t get the right space for this season then rather postpone your trip for next year than take second best now

To get you thinking, here are some migration safaris we recommend….

Watch this space for more handy hints and useful information!

 

Africa, highlight of my round the world trip

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African Fish Eagle being bounced by baboons

Yet again my time in Africa was a highlight of my round the world trip – I’ve finally managed to get to the point where I’ve got a manageable number of “best of pictures” selected from the hundreds, if not thousands, I took while in Africa uploaded.

The Hospitality at Muchenje (Botswana) was up to the high quality set by The Hide (Hwange) – and both The Hide  and Muchenje provided exceptional game viewing – I can highly recommend both lodges to any one seeking an informal and welcoming location to experience the wild life.

You and your colleagues where yet again provide a great service. Thanks for your assistance with selecting and booking my stay in Africa – I hope it won’t be too long before I return.

Photos from Muchenje:   http://j.mp/12wAh6S

Regards,

James

 

Battle at Serengeti, Tanzania

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Liz Ferreira, (one of our Africa Specialists) has been staying at Lamai Camp, Tanzania. Here is a clip of a lion defending his kill. It was taken by Chloe, one of the Camp managers

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPXrJwQ5lqQ

Whale watching with Zambezi Safaris

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Humpback whales visit the waters of Bom Bom Island between July and September.

Humpback whales visit the waters of Bom Bom Island between July and September

Visit the Island of Bom Bom, which is located in the the Principe Island, in São Tomé and Principe to whale watch and see these magnificent creatures as they migrate from their summer feeding grounds in low latitudes to more tropical mating and calving areas.

The humpback whale (Megaptera novaeangliae) is a Baleen whale ranging in size from about 40–50 ft and weighing approximately 79,000 lbs and is greyish in colour. Behold this amazing sight on one of our boats. If you haven’t had a chance to see one of the biggest mammals of the water world, you will hopefully get the opportunity to gaze at the wondrous humpback whales here.

5 Nights accommodation based on Half board in a Garden View Bungalow

Breakfast and dinner daily – 1 Whale Watching by Pirogue boat ( Max 3 hours )

Free Airport Transfers

Price from 580 euros per person sharing

This is one of the most unique activities that visitors will get to experience on the island. You also have the option to extend your stay and join marine biologists from the Organisation for the Protection of Sea Turtles on Sao Tome and Principe for conservation work with turtles and whales from the Island Resort.

Amazing canoe trip!

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Dear Liz,

The canoe safaris was an amazing trip! Actually it was a great adventure! The staff and guides were not only extraordinary professionals but also so passionate with their job that made us excited during the canoeing.

The most interesting moment was the overnight in Vundu Island. It is priceless sleeping amid the noises of animals and the forest, especially knowing that elephants, hippos and crocodiles are by around the tent. The camp at Camp Zambezi was another great moment because of the luxurious dining under the starry sky and the company of the guides Marc and Jennie.

There was a moment of true stress: during the third day a hippo emerged from the water at the exact moment when our fellow’s canoe was passing. The canoe did not turn, but became full of water. Good thing no one was hurt. But we were very frightened. Cloud, our guide, was very calm and was able to handle the situation well. He said that now and then it happens: canoes turn because of hippos, even with all the care taken in these safaris. It was a real adventure, as I said! hehhe

We really appreciate your help.

Best regards

Bruno and Pedro.

World Oceans Day celebrated in Watamu

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World Oceans Day celebrated in Watamu and with the A Rocha Kenya marine team on Saturday 8th June 2013 – exploring the rock pools!

Parrotfish run on the Zambezi River

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Parrotfish

Parrotfish caught on the Zambezi

It’s a fishy affair on the Zambezi river every year between June and August. The star of this fascinating event is none other than the Parrotfish belonging to the elephant fish family – Mormyridae.

Just upstream from the Victoria Falls, where the river marks the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe, marking the end of the long rains, millions of fish from the floodplains get pulled down stream by the main river current. Once in the smaller rapids they are easy catch for the fishermen who gather there every year with their hand woven fish baskets. Families set up camp to take advantage of this annual event.

The Parrotfish are bottom feeders and between the months of June to August they swim down stream in large numbers and generally tend to make an appearance on the darkest nights. As well as a good source of food they are a great source of cooking fat, and we know a fantastic spot in Zambia  where you can witness this awesome event!

From Zambezi and Sao Tome with love….

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A little known island, Sao Tome is in the middle of the world! Breath-taking scenery, waterfalls, black and white sand beaches, rainforests along with extensive cocoa plantations are some of the charms of this west African destination.

The Portuguese colonised Sao Tome and Principe Islands in 1470 and carved massive sugar plantations out of the rainforests. Slaves were brought over from the mainland in vast numbers once it was realised this was a more lucrative industry than the sugar itself. As time passed and slavery was banned, coffee and cocoa became the main products.

Today this tropical island has a diverse combination of African cultures and Portuguese traditions. With over 700 species of flora including 100 orchids and many birds and turtles, many of which are endemic.

Over the next six months Chef Ljubomir Stanisic will be on the island, creating a fusion of exciting local products and contemporary cuisine.

Discover this unspoilt island spot for 7 nights for just £428.00 per person.

 

Filed under Offers, Scribblings

Zambezi and the ‘Best of Namibia Wing Safari’

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Dear Mark

You said we would enjoy, but I have to say you greatly understated the tour. It was magnificent. I have been working through my ‘bucket list’, which included Galapagos Islands, Easter Island, Iguazu Falls, Antarctica and Africa

Antarctica was and always will be the top of the list . Whilst the others were very, very enjoyable, Namibia is the only area that was almost up there.

My congratulations to Zambezi and Wilderness for the arrangement. I guess we were lucky, because a convention is there in October for 6-800 travel agents and I imagine tourism will take over- good for the Namibians.

Again many thanks

Sincerely

 

Rodney Barkman

 

 

Chewore, the rescued Rhino….a happy tale!

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Chewore

Chewore takes to upsetting the table at Maronga Camp, Matusadona

“Chewore” was rescued as a calf from an area called Tunsa Springs in the Chewore area of the lower Zambezi in the mid 1990′s. Her mother had been wounded by poachers. Both were translocated to Tashinga, Chewore by helicopter, mom in the back of a truck. One of the Musango guests fell in love with the youngster gave up her day job in Switzerland to take care and “mother” this rescued rhino.

Well she grew up big and strong! Also very tame. She became a local at Maronga Tented Camp where she’d regularly sleep in the kitchen tent and join guests for a sundowner.

Chewore was relocated to Sinamatella in Hwange and then went walkabout into Botswana. She’s known to have worked in cahoots with guides aware of her habit of joining sundown parties for a taster from the cooler box. There have to be some excellent accounts of her antics about.

The story ends happily. Chewore is now in the safe protection of the Khame Rhino Sanctuary near Gaberone, Botswana. Fully rehabilitated, has had two calves and “will run away when you approach her”. More at http://www.facebook.com/zambezifans

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