Africa & Beyond June 2015 Newsletter
Welcome to the June edition of our newsletter. This month we focus on the old and the new in Zimbabwe, highlight some interesting new camps and reveal the one-stop shop destina tion of KwaZulu Natal
Inside this month
Zimbabwe, the road ahead
KZN unveiled
What’s new
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ZIMBABWE Back to it’s best!
For years now it seems that whenever you talk to seasoned safari goers about Zimbabwe, they get that nostalgic, misty eyed look and recall the times when ‘things were different’. Well Zimbabwe has had a mixed history for centuries, not just the last 20 years, so in truth, it never really went away. A group of very dedicated lodge and camp owners have worked tirelessly to ensure the survival of safaris in Zimbabwe and more recently the tide seems to have turned and with several new camps opening their doors this year, the future could be very positive. At Africa & Beyond we are passionate about, and love this country, but most of all, are determined to offer inspiring, safe safaris, because despite it’s economic and political turmoil, it cannot be denied that Zimbabwe is one of the best places on earth to safari.
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Zimbabwe - Key areas to visit Mana Pools
Hwange
Mana Pools National Park lies at the heart of the Zambezi Valley, where the Zambezi River meanders for 300km to the Mozambican border. It is a remote, beautiful place with spectacular views of the broad flowing river and floodplains. The best way to experience this watery wilderness is by canoe, trips vary from a few nights to a week. Paddling by day and overnighting on the riverbanks in the finest of mobile camps where you can relax and enjoy a sundowner from dry land. Wildlife viewing is excellent, particularly for elephants. Along with large concentrations of buffalo, these elephant giants often are found along the river's edges, while you paddle by. The area is also home to predators such as lion, wild dog, leopard and cheetah are often sighted, and the grunting of hippo can be heard all day
Located on the border with Botswana, Hwange was proclaimed some 75 years ago and has served as a haven for one of the densest concentrations of game in Africa. In particular, its great herds of Cape buffalo and elephant are a sight to see. Hwange National Park is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe at 14,500 km² with varied habitats and vegetation types.
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The park has some of the highest mammal diversity for any national park in the world. With over 100 species the diversity is incredible and includes various types of mongoose, honey badger, black-backed jackal, bat-eared fox, side-striped jackal, lesser bush baby, baboon, porcupine, aardwolf, spotted hyena, caracal, leopard, African wildcat, lion, southern giraffe, hippo, warthog and Burchell's zebra.
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Matobo
and is over 220 km long and up to 40 km in width. By volume, the lake Matobo National Park offers some- is the largest man-made lake and reservoir in the world. thing a bit different, occupying a total area of 44,500 hectares, the Lake Kariba was filled between park was awarded UNESCO World 1958 and 1963 following the Heritage Status in June 2003, completion of the Kariba Dam at its including the Intensive Protection northeast end, flooding the Kariba Zone where a large population of Gorge on the Zambezi River. The Black and White Rhino are lake now is home to a number of successfully breeding. introduce fish species as well as hippo and nile crocodiles . The park is situated in the magnificent Matobo Hills, a range of domes, spires and balancing rock formations which have been hewn out of the solid granite plateau through millions of years of erosion and weathering. The rugged terrain of the park is a hiker's paradise and the diversity of vegetation supports a wide range of wildlife. Lake Kariba Lake Kariba lies along the border between Zambia and Zimbabwe
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Victoria Falls The Victoria Falls are a spectacular sight of beauty and grandeur on the Zambezi River, bordering Zambia and Zimbabwe. They were described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800s as 'Mosi-oa-Tunya' - 'the Smoke that Thunders' and the columns of spray can be seen from miles away . The Falls are best viewed in full flood between March & August.
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South Africa's Zulu Kingdom, KwaZulu Natal, is often overlooked in favour of its more famous Western Cape counterpart; however due to its diversity, the province is increasing in stature as a destination in its own right, where visitors are invited to share in the rich cultural, sophistication and nature – as well as being home to the historic Battlefields of Isandlwana & Fugitives Drift, site Anglo/Zulu War and Spioenkop, site of the Anglo/Boer War.
Flanked by the warm Indian Ocean, the region also has areas of vast, unspoiled beaches and coastline teeming with nature. In Maputaland, a great number of turtles inhabit the waters and breeds include the Leatherback, Loggerhead, Olive Ridley, Green Turtle and Hawkbill. The Big 5 are all found in the province's Game Reserves, and the largest population of Black and White Rhino is also to be found here. The maximum exposure itinerary:Day 1-3 Depart Durban for Drakensburg Mountains, opportunities to go hiking, walking, horse-riding, fly fishing, mountain biking. Day 4-6 Head to the Battlefields where history is bought to life by eloquent narration and wildlife viewing possible. Day 7-10 Head to the Wetlands and St Lucia regions for Big 5 safari viewing and costal adventure, including turtle tracking, snorkelling and some of the best diving sites in Southern Africa. Day 11 Overnight in Durban and a chance to unwind on the Dolphin Coast.
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One-stop
KwaZulu Natal
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What’s new……..? Khwai Tented Camp, Moremi, Botswana is undergoing some changes. By November 2015, 7 new, sleek and stylish tents will be open, then the old site will transform into a new family friendly camp. This camp is open year round and offers day and night game drives for maximum game viewing experience for families and individuals alike. Rhino Ridge Safari Lodge, KwaZulu Natal, South Africa recently burst onto the KZN safari scene. This is the first private lodge within the Hluhluwe Imfolozi National Park and offers not only luxurious yet low key accommodation but guest will get a Big 5 safari experience including the Rhino Conservation project within the park.
Chiawa Camp, Lower Zambezi, Zambia has undergone a few changes introducing a brand new sparkling swimming pool and Tent 8 was demolished and completely rebuilt with the classic Chiawa style and luxury with indoor & outdoor showers and ball & claw bath! Benguerra Island, Mozambique it up and running. Snorkelling in crystal clear waters, horse riding on the beach, dhow boat trips and of course effortlessly contemporary design. Perfect for relaxation after a safari and a lot closer than Mauritius!
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Linkwasha Camp in Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe is back. Located on the site of the old camp, Linkwasha offers first class luxury accommodation in a completely private concession for exceptionally low impact safaris. There are just 8 tents including one designed for families, the new look is cool and refreshing, an oasis on the hot open plains. Kiota Camp, Serengeti, Tanzania, opened its canvas doors last month offering year round prime safari viewing in the Seronera Valley. Combined with its sister mobile tented camp, Chaka Camp, guests can enjoy a remote ‘far from the crowds’ safari and follow the famous migration.
UPDATE ON IMMIGRATION RULES IN SOUTH AFRICA In a statement issued by the Director General of the Department of Home Affairs, it was announced that an unabridged birth certificate will NOT be required, ‘where both parents are travelling with valid passports & visas’. This is a change to the rules that came into affect on 5th June 2015.
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