STO N E SAFA R I G UI DE D BY JA M E S RO BE RT S O N
Z IMBABWE 1 9 th - 2 9 th Au g u s t 2 0 1 9
I T I N E R A R Y
O V E R V I E W
L I T T L E R U K O M E C H I - G O N O R A Z H O U B U S H C A M P - PA M U S H A N A MANA POOLS - GONORAZHOU - MALILANGWE
19th - 22nd August 2019: MANA POOLS
On arrival in Johannesburg you will be met and transferred onto your scheduled �light to Harare. James and Abigail will meet you in the airport. When we get to Harare we will transfer onto our privately chartered aircraft and �ly east along the Zambezi River and over Lake Karibu into Mana Pools. We will have four nights at Little Rukomechi Camp. We will spend our days either walking, game driving or in boats on the Zambezi itself. We can �ish too - Tiger Fish being the biggest prize.
23rd - 25th August 2019: GONORAZHOU
After breakfast we will �ly south to Gonorazhou. Here we will be camped beneath the Chilojo Cliffs - a magni�icent backdrop, for three nights. We will explore on foot this wild National Park. We may follow elephant pathways for many many miles. We can �ly camp in the river bed one night if we wish to. Tracking big game is a huge thrill - nothing beats a good hard hike on the trail of something big - only to �ind it and then sneak away without it ever having known you are there.
26th - 28th August 2019: MALILANGWE
We can drive from Gonorazhou to Malilangwe where we will be staying at the beautiful Pamushana Lodge for three nights. There is so much to explore here, and fabulous wildlife. We may walk up to some ancient rock art sites, or boat on the dam. There are some really important wildlife research projects here which we can learn more about.
2 9 t h A u g u s t 2 0 1 9 : T R A V E L D AY
Greg and Cindy, James and Abigail will charter out early to Harare in order to be on time for their Kenya Airways �light to Nairobi. The rest of the group will �ly by scheduled aircraft direct from Malilangwe to Johannesburg in time to connect to your �light home.
Z I M B A B W E
Zimbabwe is a vibrant country with dramatic landscapes, impressive national parks and welcoming people. After some dif�icult years, it is now returning to its rightful place on Africa’s safari circuit .
Zimbabwe is a landlocked country situated between 2 great rivers: the mighty Zambezi cuts along the Northern Frontier, forming the border with Zambia, while the languid Limpopo forms the southern border with South Africa. In between, the country has a variety of habitats, from the granite hills of the Matopos to the majestic mountains, lush forests and beautiful rivers of the Eastern Highlands. A Zimbabwe safari can be exceedingly varied. You can go on a game drive in Hwange National Park, take a canoe safari or a walking safari in Mana Pools National Park, �ly over Victoria Falls on a Flight of Angels or view the granite boulders and rock art in Matobo Hills National Park. Zimbabwe had all the ingredients for the perfect safari holiday. However, in the decade between 2000 and 2010, its politics caused great damage and distress and the number of tourists plummeted. Today, Zimbabwe is getting back on track. Tourism in particular is recovering and new lodges are opening all over the country, great news
for safari-lovers. In fact, a positive stemming from the political situation is that you can have an up-close-and-personal wildlife experience without the hoards of tourists. Professional guides in Zimbabwe have gone through intense training before qualifying and therefore the standard of guiding in Zimbabwe has always been and is still considered the best in Africa. Attention to detail is of utmost importance to a Zimbabwean guide, and guests can expect to receive personal attention while on safari in here.
ZIMBABWE Namibia Botswana
Swaziland
Lesotho
South Africa
Zimbabweans have an intense pride in their nation and in their people. Even with the political set-backs, they continue to uphold a reputation for being some of the most welcoming people in the world. It’s a beautiful and resilient place of huge, untouched nature.
“A r e b o r n d e s t i n a t i o n ; t h e c o u n t r y ’ s m a d e a s t e a d y r e c o v e r y a n d i s t h e m i d s t o f a t o u r i s m r e n a i s s a n c e .”
WALKING SAFARIS There are many ways to travel,
but only walking gives you the opportunity to move at the pace of nature. A walking safari demands you throw out all the clutter of urban life and tune into the bush, to its sounds and smells, the textures, temperature and colours: it is how animals survive, much like our ancestors did before we invented air conditioning and cars. Go on an active adventure that takes you through some of the wildest, most rugged and scenically beautiful corners of Zimbabwe. Exceptionally high guiding standards due to a rigorous training programme, coupled with a �lexible attitude towards walking in the country's wildlife areas, makes this a top destination for walking safaris. Do not worry, you need not be �it for this. A typical day may include sneaking up to a herd of buffalo, tracking down a pride of lion, tasting the tart fruit of a baobab or beating a hasty retreat from a herd of advancing elephant.
You see, hear and smell so much more than you ever can on game drives. Plus, there’s nothing quite as spine-tingling as being on foot, silently watching a lion or buffalo just ahead of you.
The aim is to provide one of the closest to nature experiences possible on the safari circuit whilst not compromising on basic comforts or safety.
“Open your eyes.
Fe e l t h e s u n o n yo u r fa c e . Hear the soil crunch U N D E R Y O U R F E E T,
and the rustling grass and chirping birds.
And step into nature and truly e x p e r i e n c e h e r p o w e r.”
M A N A
P O O L S
Mana Pools is just one of those places you just have to visit.
Rugged and beautiful, it is home to a wonderful mix of grassy �loodplains, woodlands and riverine forest. Situated in the extreme north of Zimbabwe, Mana Pools is an area, known as Zimbabwe’s Wildlife Riviera with nearly 541,000 acres of unspoiled wilderness. On the southern bank of the Zambezi, Mana is one of southern Africa's �inest walking safari destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site whilst across the river in Zambia is the Lower Zambezi National Park. The park’s biggest attraction is the �loodplain, which, during the winter months, attracts a staggering profusion of big game, including elephant, buffalo, kudu, eland, zebra and waterbuck and a host of smaller game and predators. You also have a very good chance of seeing wild dog, one of Africa’s most endangered predators here. Mana also abounds with birdlife, with over 450 species having been recorded. It is here that the elephant have learnt to raise themselves up onto their back legs to feed on the delicious fruit of the albida trees that grow on the �loodplains – an extraordinary sight!
There can be no other national park in Africa that offers the quality of walking and concentration of game as Mana does and
owing to the relatively open woodland. It is often possible to plan one’s walk to intercept with wildlife, many of the big bulls are very accustomed to humans allowing for some real close up encounters.
For an experience of Africa bereft of the excesses of the 20th century it is almost impossible to �ind anything that will beat canoeing the Zambezi River and you are likely to spend at least 1 or 2 mornings or afternoons on the river. Zambezi River
MANA POOLS N.P
Lake Kariba
Matusadona N.P Zambezi N.P Livingstone Chizarira N.P Kazuma Pan N.P
Victoria Falls
Harare Nyanga N.P
Hwange N.P
Matobo N.P
Chimanimani N.P Malilangwe G.R Gonarezhou N.P
L I T T L E
R U K O M E C H I
Surrounded by the iconic albida trees that characterise the area and in the heart of Mana Pools National Park is the luxury lodge Little Ruckomechi.
Little Ruckomechi is already widely recognized as one of Zimbabwe's most luxurious and productive safari options, thanks to its sister camp, Ruckomechi. Its prime location on the banks of the mighty Zambezi River, overlooking Zambia's Great Rift Mountains, puts it right at the top of the pile of scenically beautiful camps.
The camp displays a sense of simple, re�ined luxury. There are 4 spacious wood and canvas chalets. Large mesh windows ensure your ridiculously awesome view goes uninterrupted, whilst letting in a cool breeze. Each open-plan room is elegantly furnished with wooden wardrobes and desks, king or twin beds, a few comfy chairs and double copper basins. The ensuite shower room continues the open-plan feel, while the toilet is in its own cubicle at the back. There's a tiny veranda out front, just big enough for a couple to sit and enjoy the iconic albida tree surrounds. Canvas covered decks function as the open-sided lounge and dining rooms. There are plenty of comfortable sofas and cushioned armchairs where you can make yourself at home between activities, and a guide book on every subject for you to test your
newfound knowledge. The dining room, with its long wooden table and a well-stocked bar, makes for an intimate relaxed setting for dinner, while lunch is usually served in the shade on the riverbank. Out front, these's a sandy patch home to the camp �ire pit, and to one side, a decent plunge pool on a smaller deck with a few recliners.
Being on a private concession bordering the national park means you can do some things at Little Ruckomechi not otherwise permitted in Mana Pools, like a sunset cruise along the Zambezi on a motorboat or pontoon - providing great hippo and elephant viewing along the river. This is also a top spot for tiger �ishing. The slightly more adventurous can go canoeing down the river too, which will likely get the adrenaline pumping as you and your guide navigate around the aforementioned hippos (and crocs).
“There is stunning scenery a t e v e r y t u r n . . .”
G O N A R E Z H O U
In the southeast corner of Zimbabwe, bordering the Mozambican frontier is a vast wilderness area traversed by wide sweeping sand rivers known as Gonarezhou.
Gonarezhou National Park is 1.24 million acres of remote undeveloped wilderness varying from open pans of tall grass to dense bush. It borders onto South Africa's Kruger National Park and Mozambique's vast Limpopo National Park. Together these 3 huge parks go to make up a truly vast wild area, and what is now known as the The Great Limpopo Transfrontier Park.
It protects beautiful spreads of mahoganies, ironwoods and tall Acacia albida trees, amongst which the birdlife is proli�ic, particularly after the rains. The game-viewing is great, but it is the ambience of unspoilt wilderness that really attracts – and of course the impressive red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs, which can be seen for miles around. The game in Gonarezhou is supported by 3 major rivers, the Mwenezi, Save and Runde, which wind through the semi-arid scrublands attracting large elephant herds and varied plains game.
"Gonarezhou" meaning "The place of many elephants" is estimated to have a population in excess of 11,000 of these gentle and forgiving animals. In addition to a burgeoning elephant population, the park has good numbers of the majority of larger mammal species, as well as many other antelope species and is known for good populations of the beautiful, but often secretive, nyala. Zambezi River Mana Pools N.P
Lake Kariba
Matusadona N.P Zambezi N.P Livingstone Chizarira N.P Kazuma Pan N.P
Victoria Falls
Harare Nyanga N.P
Hwange N.P
Matobo N.P
Chimanimani N.P Malilangwe G.R
GONAREZHOU N.P
G O N A R E Z H O U
B U S H C A M P
This an area steeped in history and legend talks of elephants taller than the trees, warring tribes, and ancient vestiges of the slave trade.
Gonarezhou Bush Camp is just the place for those who are enticed by the safaris of old – a simple mobile tented camp placed in just the right location according to the time of year and game movements. A number of fantastic locations have been sourced by Ant Kashula and his team over the years, which may be a shady spot on the banks of the river, looking out across the sand and gently �lowing towards the red sandstone Chilojo Cliffs.
The bushcamp is operated on an exclusive basis, and can sleep a maximum of 10 guests, in 10 x 10 foot canvas dome tents. The aim is not to provide a luxury hotel in the bush, but a comfortable, private retreat from which to appreciate the true wilderness qualities of Gonarezhou which is one of the park's greatest attractions. Attention to detail ensures your comforts are adequately taken care of and none of the important necessities have been overlooked – comfortable beds, hot showers and clean ablution facilities, freshly prepared wholesome meals and a good selection of hot and cold beverages are all provided.
Each tent has 2 regular size single beds �itted with cotton sheets, duvets and throw pillows, a bedside table and outside a little front veranda with 2 chairs and a hand washbasin. A short distance behind each tent is separate shower and short-drop loo tent. There is LED lighting in the tents and at night hurricane lamps illuminate the pathways between the tents and the main mess area. Dinner is taken by candlelight in the open sided mess tent or out under the stars. The mornings are almost always spent exploring this wonderful wilderness area on foot whilst the afternoons are best spent driving a little further a�ield and �inding somewhere scenic to watch the world go by. A day here may include tracking lion, wild dog, a herd of buffalo or a giant tusker; or quiety watching and old bull stripping a baobab tree or catching a tiger �ish at sunset.
“ Yo u w i l l b e e n c o u r a g e d t o
T O U C H , F E E L , S M E L L a n d TA S T E t h e b u s h , o n f o o t .”
M A L I L A N G W E
Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve is a diverse and beautiful piece of Africa,
with an abundance of endemic wildlife and ancient San Bushmen rock art sites. The Malilangwe Wildlife Reserve, a 124,000 acre private reserve in south-eastern Zimbabwe, just 200 kilometres from the South African border. The Reserve is teeming with birds and wildlife, including rare and endangered species – such as the Roan and Sable antelope, and Black rhino. Famous for its cathedral mopane forests and majestic ‘upside-down’ baobab trees, Malilangwe is an area where you will also �ind over 100 rock sites that date back more than 2,000 years.
Rugged but breathtakingly beautiful sandstone hills, with their deep secret ravines and plateaus are weathered grey, sometimes cracked and sometimes smooth, they are adorned with lime, grey and orange lichen. White �ig tree roots strangle, then split the rock to reveal a myriad of sunset colours. Under the shade of trees, klipspringer and hyrax hide themselves; wild dogs den and black eagles soar.
The hills are studded with fairytale springs and seeps which are favoured watering holes for black rhino, swimming pools for
elephant and mud wallows. As a result of a healthy, functioning ecosystem, game has thrived at Malilangwe. In particular, the rhino population has grown so well over the past 10 years that Malilangwe is now able to restock other parts of Africa with these endangered species.
Tracking rhino is a must here – the terrain is �lat and the soil sandy which makes tracking easier. Nothing makes the heart beat faster than the anticipation of approaching these rare beasts. Zambezi River Mana Pools N.P
Lake Kariba
Matusadona N.P Zambezi N.P Livingstone Chizarira N.P Kazuma Pan N.P
Victoria Falls
Harare Nyanga N.P
Hwange N.P
Matobo N.P
Chimanimani N.P
MALILANGWE G.R Gonarezhou N.P
P A M U S H A N A
L O D G E
An intimate safari retreat set high on the cliff-tops with stunning panoramas across Lake Malilangwe, and there lies Singita Pamushana Lodge.
Singita Pamushana Lodge is set in a lush forest overlooking a spectacular lake in the untouched wilderness of the fantastic 130,000 acre Malilangwe Game Reserve.
It comprises of 4 suites, 2 family suites and 1 villa built high on the cliff-side under a canopy of trees affording gorgeous views of Lake Malilangwe and the striking sandstone hills in the distance - as well as thousands of acacia and baobab trees.
Each of these are traditionally decorated with African style interiors and artefacts throughout; they also each have their own private plunge pool. The 5 bedroom villa is available exclusively; it comes complete with a private in�inity pool and butler. The organic shaped buildings are reminiscent of the ruins of Great Zimbabwe. Thick walls, meticulous thatching and incredibly detailed stonework lay the foundation for bold interiors that are in marked contrast to the surrounding landscape.
Those in need of relaxing spots to unwind can sink into the cool depths of the inviting swimming pools or enjoy soothing soaks in the warm, bubbly waters of the luxurious jacuzzi. An open-air sitting room, well-stocked library, superb spa and private wine cellar all add to guest delight. Adventures include exciting game drives, guided bush walks, rhino tracking, game �ishing, birdwatching, tennis, golf and seasonal canoe trips. There is also an opportunity to visit the local Shangaan community or a walking safari where you will discover ancient rock art.
“A l u x u r i o u s ,
African style lodge with a F R I E N D LY a n d FA M I LY
o r i e n t a t e d a t m o s p h e r e .’
J A M E S
R O B E R T S O N
T h i r t y - � i v e y e a r s a f t e r l e a d i n g h i s � i r s t e x p e d i t i o n , J a m e s i s c h a i r m a n o f t h e b o a r d a t K e r & D o w n e y, and an in�luential leader of the new movement in community-led conservation.
Like the safari industry itself, James Robertson was born and raised in Kenya, where his appetite for adventure has earned him a reputation as one of the modern pioneers of the global safari business.
James’ dependability for never following the same itinerary twice, and for continually searching out new experiences for his clients, has won him admirers across the industry, as well as an army of repeat guests (including two families who have each travelled with him 26 times!). Among his long-standing Kenyan crew, he’s known as “Ndorobo” after the fabled hunter-gathers of northern Kenya – a tribe renowned for their resourceful bushcraft, and their complete absence of fear for wild animals. Although James’ �irst love and main base is Kenya, he is an “all-Africa guide” and just as likely to be found travelling through the game-rich parks, reserves and conservancies of eastern and southern Africa. In recent years, he has been supporting a number of Maasai and Samburu communities that have turned part of their grazing lands over to conservation – giving guests a chance to see some rarer wildlife species, and to experience an absolutely authentic immersion in two of the world’s oldest tribal cultures. In 2001, James was a founder of The Mara Conservancy, a ground-breaking and widely-admired partnership between conservationists and the county government, which established a new public-private template to protect the critical wildlife dispersal areas north of the Maasai Mara Reserve. He sits on the board of the (removed the MMWCT) Kenya Wildlife Trust , and his unrivalled contacts enable his guests to meet some of the leading conservationists and wildlife researchers in the world.
Having been raised on the edge of Kenya's largest National Park, Tsavo is close to James’ heart. His most recent focus is on protecting the last remaining Great Tuskers of which there are around 10 bulls each carrying in excess of 100lbs of ivory per side. He is working closely with the Tsavo Trust to protect these valuable elephants.
James and Abigail live within a wildlife sanctuary on the outskirts of Nairobi, where they host most of their guests personally. They work together as much as possible out on safari where their shared passions are apparent to anyone travelling with them.
TEL: +254 (0)720 911 143
EMAIL: INFO@JAMESROBERTSON.CO.KE S K Y P E : J RS A FA R I S
W W W. K E R D O W N E Y S A FA R I S . C O M