Africa & Beyond July 2015 Newsletter
Welcome to the July edition of our newsletter. We hear from Jamie on his travels to Zambia, see where we’d really love to go and catch up on the latest news.
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Inside this month
Jamie’s Zambia Adventure
Zambia’s ‘Best of’ lists
Bucket lists according to the Africa & Beyond team
Latest news
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Jamie Taylor Zambia Trip Report
giraffe the lion were contented
Having worked previously in Zimbabwe I was more than excited to embark on my first trip to the Wilds of South Luangwa and the Lower Zambezi, a true wilderness adventure.
Kakuli Bush Camp, was the plac leopard on a mission bound pas guests enjoying some downtim commonplace in these lovely sim camps. Was it the very same leo they can be in a real mission wh
Courtesy of Norman Carr Safaris I was able to enjoy and appreciate the Luangwa River with its many oxbow lagoons and experience a true walking safari – synonymous with this country. By walking you always get to look for something new, the little things. So each day in Luangwa didn`t disappoint, from the smallest and most camouflaged, seeing day old “Three Banded Courser” chicks hidden on a dirt track to the most inquisitive “Tower” of Giraffe moving ever closer to a pride of Lion on a hapless Hippo kill, thankfully for the
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You never seem to get away tra of Buffalo blocking the way. It’ switched off, it was pitch black, and munching and stirring as th shuffling along.
African Wild Dog are always a t you appreciate how endangere
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Question? How does an elephant cool down? Answer! It digs a hole in a dry river bed and happily plonks his derriere into a refreshing water reserve!
and full.
work trying to grow their numbers, I have been so lucky to watched them many times, whilst for some in our group this ce to be during siesta time as a was a first. So a chance to see 13 plus in Mfuwe was real st the feet of two female bonus and something very special, albeit a short time as they me from yet another food fest, can be in a real hurry when hunting! mple and well managed bush opard we short time later as Finally, a shout out has to go to the extremely luxurious hen hunting? Chinzombo Camp in Mfuwe, a flagship camp of Normal Carr Safaris which recently opened. The camp commands a affic jams! A 200 strong heard tranquil setting overlooking the Luangwa River. Such a ’s dusk, the lights were stunning place to unwind and chill, a great massage can be , we listened to the grunting had after bumping around on the numerous game drives and hey swarm the vehicle, if you are looking for air conditioned mosquito nets, this is the place for it !
tremendous spot and make ed they are and the amount of
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Jamie also visited the Lower Zambezi, more to come next issue!
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Zambia is one of the best safari destinations in Africa and here’s why… Best for walking safari….. Back in the 1950’s when it was still sadly fashionable to ‘go hunting’, Normal Carr pioneered the Walking Safari down in the Luangwa Valley. Getting out of the vehicle and on with your boots is uniquely possible in this area, unlike many other national parks, where visitors get a chance to move slowly and observe the little things. Today Norman Carr Safaris & Robin Pope Safaris excel in this field and offer the most thrilling experience including guided walks and sleep outs!
Best for Remoteness….. If your looking for a safari that truly takes you away from the crowds then Zambia is the place. Lesser known and visited regions such as North Luangwa, Kafue National Park and Bangweulu are wildlife rich with delights such as mass black lechwe herds, the rare and wonderful Shoebill stork and endless pristine plains and wetlands to explore. Lodge numbers are few and accessibility is fairly easy making these remote destinations a real find.
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Best for fishing….. Between late August and mid November the Zambezi becomes the main attraction for those tiger fishing enthusiasts.
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There’s a strict catch & release policy, but these wily creatures prove to be a great test for even the keenest anglers
Best for leopard….. The South Luangwa National Park is one of the best destinations by far for safaris due to its high animal concentrations around the Luangwa River and many oxbows. However, it is the leopard that steals the show every time. This region is naturally home for huge leopard numbers, the terrain, water suppliers and abundance of food mean that they thrive, making chances of seeing leopard very high indeed!
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Best for Adrenaline Sports….. Thrill seekers look no further. Livingstone and around Victoria Falls is the perfect place to get your heart pumping with adventures like bungee jumping, canyon swinging, microlight flights, white water rafting to name a few.
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At Africa & Beyond Even we have a bucket list! Richard, the Big Boss! There aren’t many places on this fabulous continent that Richard hasn't been to, but so far those pesky Lemurs of Madagascar have escaped him! Hopefully this will be rectified soon! This intriguing island is full of unique sights and sound its should be on everyone’s list. From numerous lemurs species, countless endemic reptiles & amphibians, gigantic baobabs avenues of Kirindy to the pristine beaches and coastline, Madagascar really does have it all.
Jamie, a man of many talents! Stepping away from the safari vehicle and getting his getting his walking boots on is Jamie’s want! High up in the Laikipia Hills, Kenya, there is a unique take on getting closer to nature, a camel safari! This dry, rugged region is perfect for walking alongside these curious creatures. There are several lodging choices; stay in a permanent camp and walk each day or head from point to point, letting the camels take the strain, carrying the camping kit and set up each night in a new spot. Certainly a very different safari experience.
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Rob, looney marathon runner For Rob it has to be Botswana, but more specifically taking a mokoro through the Okavango Delta. When water levels are good, post floods, the reed lined channels open up and create a mesmerising labyrinth full of hippos, marabou storks, fish eagles, the elusive Pel’s fishing owl. many tiny amphibians, even an elephant or two.
Sue, chief bean counter Namibia holds a special place in Sue’s heart due to a certain proposal on top of ‘Big Daddy’, however, an opportunity to return to this remarkable country is high on the list especially if it involves tracking rhinos. Up on the Palmwag Concession, at the beautiful Desert Rhino Camp, these desert adapted creatures roam freely but under the protective eye of the team at Wilderness Safaris and Save the Rhino Trust. To view these black rhino at such close quarters in such a tranquil, safe setting is a rare treat indeed.
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Kate, she keeps us organised One thing that would make Kate very happy is to take her family to South Africa but in particular a chance to walk with elephants. Over in KwaZulu Natal on the Bayete Zulu Private Reserve, visitors can experience a respectful, no gimmicks interaction with their resident elephants, learning about they’re habits, family life and the struggles they face by poachers.
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What’s new……..? Ubuntu Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania, will be settling into its new location when if moves into the southern Serengeti in December. Ubuntu Camp is a prime example of a mobile camp, which is moved bi-annually so guests get the best, ringside seats for the migration herds across the Serengeti.
Ruzizi Camp, Akagera National Park, Rwanda A cute little camp with just 9 tented rooms built by local people with locally sourced natural resources. A tranquil setting on the banks of Lake Ihema, attracting abundant birdlife and mammals such at African Fish Eagles & hippos. Our very own Rob stayed recently and loves it. Angama Mara Camp, Masai Mara, Kenya is set high up on the Great Rift Valley escarpment. This newly opened luxury camp, from it’s lofty position, has set itself away from other camps down on the plains and aims to offer luxury family friendly accommodation with one of the best vantage points in the Mara.
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UPDATE ON NEW RULES FOR FOREIGN VISITORS Botswana no longer requires visitors from Zambia to have a valid Yellow Fever Certificate. From 1st September, you will need to apply for and receive your Kenya Visa in advance of arriving in the country. This could take over a week so be prepared. Zanzibar has introduced a raft of increased and new taxes, these will apply with immediate effect to all visitors. *please contact us for more information
Lions on the move! Last week saw the journey for 7 lions from South Africa to Akagera National Park, Rwanda begin as part of the re-introduction programme led by the Rwanda Development Board in partnership with African Parks. Akagera is a wonderful park where visitors could see Sitatunga, the rare Shoebill Stork, elephants, zebra, olive baboons and the elusive blue monkey. Combining perfectly with your gorilla experience in Volcanoes National Park.
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