Award winning Chongwe River House - your home away from home
- private safari house in the Lower Zambezi - perfect for groups, couples or families - open 1 April - 15 November - activities: canoeing, fishing, boating, driving, walking
www.chongweriverhouse.com reservations@chongweriver.net TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
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Travel & Leisure ZAMBIA / SEPTEMBER 2015
CONTENTS FEATURES
Walking safari South Luangwa National Park
A Zambian success story 06 By Jennifer Coppinger Unsurpassed beauty 08 By Craig Zytkow A river runs through By Yvonne Price
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Walk with giants 12 Challenges and successes of Conservation Lower Zambezi By Eleanor Harvie
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A volunteer’s first experience of Africa 16 By Flora Stratchan The valley of magic By Vicky Austin
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The echoes of the Victoria Falls By Maxwell Zulu
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Your camp with personality By Charl Beukes
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A couple of days at McBrides’s By Chris McBride
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A little bit of Innocent By Vicky Austin
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The Lumangwe & Kabwelume Falls complex By Kelvin C Chanda
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Shhhh....the secret season is upon us By Vicky Austin
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The park that thunders By Andrew Muswala
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Into the Wild 40 By Edjan Van der Heide Flavours of Zambia By Mrs. H N Matafwali
Lake Tanganyika 2
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Busanga Plains
Zambia’s shocking standing in world heritage list By Kelvin C Chanda
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Directors: John Mwanza & Jo Pope
Address: PO Box 33568 Lusaka Zambia, 9 Njoka Road Olympia Tel: +260 211 841 032, Mobile: +260 953 530 320 | +260 974 074 645 Email: info@mojo.co.zm FB: facebook.com/lskmojo Web: mojo.co.zm
Skype: teammojozambia TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
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A word from the MD
Travel & Leisure
Zambia Publisher
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elcome to our first issue of Travel and Leisure Zambia magazine. The magazine showcases the various tourism products found in Zambia. Zambia’s vast tourism potential is considered among the best if not the best in the world and it’s one of the top tourist destinations in Africa. Hence, Zambia is blessed to have some highly desirable natural tourism attractions based on wildlife, waterfalls, scenery and wilderness experiences. Other assets of existing or potential appeal are cultural traditions, historical heritage and recreational water bodies. Visitors to these sites are left spell-bound by what they see. With her warm and welcoming people, Zambia was awarded the country with the friendliest people. There is, therefore, the need to expose various tourism products. The country will greatly benefit from the rich products because of their potential to be a major contributor to socio-economic development as an important source of jobs, prosperity and competitiveness, particularly in rural areas. Zambia has some of the biggest game reserves in the world and one of the richest wildlife resources on the continent. We will be profiling our award winning safari guides who have an extensive knowledge of the flora and fauna. We therefore urge you “the reader” to start planning to visit these beautiful tourism products with your family. Andrew Muswala Managing Director
Kwisano Enterprises Editor Mr Joseph Matafwali
Email: joematafwali@gmail.com
Managing Director Andrew Muswala Layout and Art Director Paula Sachar-Phiri
Email: paulasachar@contentdesignz.net
Subscriptions Email: kwisanoent@gmail.com Mobile: +260 955 108536
Contributors National Heritage Conservation Commission, Norman Carr Safaris, Flora Strachan, Peter Geraerdts, Yvonne Price, Jennifer Coppinger, Craig Zytkow, Eleanor Harvie, Vicky Austin, Maxwell Zulu, Charl Beukes, Kelvin C Chanda, Edjan Van der Heide, Mrs. H.N Matafwali, Francois d’Elbee, Adrian Coley
Printers Impumelelo Print Solutions (pty) Ltd,Unit 7, Kings Court, 52 Mineral Crescent,Crown Ext. 5, Johannesburg, South Africa TEL: +27 11 839 4414, FAX: +27 11 837 3011
Copyright Copyright © All copyright for material appearing in this magazine belongs to Travel & Leisure Zambia and/or the individual contributors. No part of this magazine may be reproduced either without the written consent of the publishers or with due acknowledgment.
On the cover Hippo in green carpet in Luangwa Valley Photo by Peter Geraerdts
Travel & Leisure
Zambia SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER 2015
THE VALLEY OF
MAGIC Towering escarpments, clusters of acacia, wide sand rivers and endless floodplains; it is the most beautiful valley on earth
UNSURPASSED
BEAUTY
Lake Tanganyika and Nsumbu National Park
WALK WITH GIANTS
Norman Carr – Pioneer of Safari guide CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES OF
CONSERVATION LOWER ZAMBEZI
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A Zambian Success Story Jennifer Coppinger Photographs by François d’ Elbee
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pproximately 30% of Zambia’s land mass was declared national park in 1971. Much of this is akin to a sleeping giant – currently not utilised and not benefitting the vast majority of Zambians. Consequently it is hard to fathom and fully appreciate the vision and wisdom of our former leaders in proclaiming these protected areas. In recent times we have become accustomed to certain politicians paying lip service to the development of the tourism industry, but sadly it remains hindered by any number of official obstacles including high taxes and fees around every corner, with little to no incentives. The industry therefore remains in its infancy, but let’s not lose sight of the enormous potential and the gems that we are still so fortunate to have in our country. With visionary leaders and careful management the giant will awaken and all Zambians will benefit from the spoils. The North Luangwa National Park represents just such an area. This remote tract of land, covering over 4,500 square kilometres, offers one of the finest wilderness experiences in Africa. The park was originally declared a wilderness area and remained closed to all other than Game Department rangers for more than thirty years. In the late seventies and early eighties illegal poaching reached unprecedented heights - the elephant population was decimated and the entire black rhino population was exterminated. Then in 1989, two American scientists, Mark and Delia Owens, famous for their book ‘Cry of the Kalahari’, were granted permission to set up a research station in the park. They came with significant financial backing and with the blessing and assistance of National Parks and Wildlife Services (now ZAWA) brought an end to the wholesale slaughter. Through their influence and as a means of helping to curb poaching in the area, the authorities allowed entry to a limited number of safari operators who bring a handful of tourists into the Park for guided walking safaris and game drives. The park lies on the western bank of the Luangwa River bordered further to the west by the dramatic Muchinga Escarpment, which rises over 2000 feet from the valley floor. The crystal-clear Mwaleshi River trickles down the escarpment in a series of small waterfalls and then meanders across the valley floor and this represents the honey pot of the reserve, attracting hordes of animals. Elephant, buffalo, lion, leopard, Cookson’s wildebeest, impala, kudu, waterbuck, puku and eland are all plentiful whilst wild dog
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Guests from Mwaleshi are taken on a walking safari at the Luangwa and Mwaleshi River Confluence
populations are on the increase – all the ingredients for successful tourism development. In the mid-nineties a partnership between ZAWA and the Frankfurt Zoological Society was set up. Together they have nurtured and developed the reserve to the point where it is arguably the best managed and most secure national park in the country. They have successfully re-introduced black rhino, created and implemented a sound management plan, developed and maintained the road network plus continue to encourage and support tourism development. Due to the remoteness and seasonal restrictions of access leading to high input costs, tourism development is still in its early stages and primarily aimed at the upper income bracket. However, low budget travellers are also catered for by the Chifunda Community Bush Camp and Camp Zambia campsites, initiatives which involve and benefit the local communities. North Luangwa National Park is a Zambian success story and potentially on the cusp of boosting tourism, creating jobs and benefitting more rural Zambians from the surrounding communities. All we need to tap the potential is an enabling environment with sensible legislation. TL Z
A lion takes down a Cookson’s wildebeest in front of Mwaleshi Camp
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Unsurpassed beauty Lake Tanganyika and Nsumbu National Park Craig Zytkow Photographs by Ndole Bay Lodge
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ristine beaches kissed by sunshine, cerulean waters teeming with tropical fish, cocktails on the deck at sunset, kayaking towards an endless horizon, catching a fresh fish for dinner and walking in an untouched wilderness…..you could be excused for thinking that somewhere like this might only exist over the rainbow; much less within a landlocked country like Zambia. But this is Zambia’s Lake Tanganyika and Nsumbu National Park. Tanganyika is a mecca for fishermen from all over the world. Nile perch, emperor cichlid and a myriad of other species will keep the avid angler occupied for days or give the not so avid the chance of catching dinner! Nsumbu National Park offers a different wilderness experience from better known parks further south. Walking safaris to isolated rainforests and hidden waterfalls amongst herds of puku, the glimpse of a shy sitatunga or the distant trumpet of an elephant makes the destination unique and unforgettable. While it does not offer the large herds, the wildlife in Nsumbu is on the comeback thanks to a huge effort by Conservation Lake Tanganyika and ZAWA, a collaboration that is determined to bring Nsumbu and its wildlife back to its former glory. Nsumbu National park and Lake Tanganyika is one of Zambia’s best kept secrets and offers and ideal destination to wind down on a beach after a typical hot and dusty safari. Accessibility is not easy, but the improving road network throughout Zambia is making this paradise more accessible as time goes on; but for now it is quite possible that the discerning traveler will have it all to themselves! Ndole Bay Lodge is the only operating lodge in the south eastern corner of Lake Tanganyika. The shallow and gently sloping private beach makes it safe to swim or snorkel right in front of the lodge or take a paddle out into the bay on
GETTING
THERE
one of the kayaks provided. Ndole Bay Lodge is also the first and only PADI dive resort in Zambia offering dive courses from an entry level first experience through to full certification. The fleet of boats operated allows you to choose your own pace, from twin engine speedboats to the classic handcrafted dhow, which lets you appreciate the mystic of this ancient trade route while soaking up the spectacular scenery. The lodge itself is nestled amongst lush tropical gardens against a mountain backdrop, with a lively bar, great food and comfortable thatched chalets. Four deluxe beach front rooms offer private verandas, outdoors waterfall showers and a touch of luxury for those who prefer the finer things in life. The only tough decision you will have to make is whether to stay put in your hammock or venture out over the rainbow! TL Z
By road via the infamous Northern Waterfalls route. By road to Mpulungu then by boat. By air charter. Proflight scheduled flight to Kasama, then by boat from Mpulungu.
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A river runs through Yvonne Price Photograph by Chongwe River Camp
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et in the middle of the Zambezi River, Tsika island grew from the concept of offering guests an authentic and rustic island bush camp experience before embarking on a canoe adventure downstream through the beautiful channels and riverine scenery of the mighty Zambezi River and on to one of our more luxurious main camps. The camp, three rustic chalets and a comfortable lounge area, is situated on the south of the island amongst a mixture of Albida groves and reeded channels, with a sandy plain to the north. With no natural predators on the island the rooms feature open ferro structures under village thatch with simple coco poles securing the windows and large comfortable beds set under full walk in mosquito nets. The beauty of this exclusive experience lies in its simplicity – sunrise and sunset can be spent drifting on the river, game viewing from your motor boat. Fishing can be enjoyed from the boat or by simply casting a rod from the comfort of an armchair set on the river bank. Chalet lights are solar panel. Your dinner table is lit by atmospheric, traditional tilly lamps, set under the stars and close to the crackling camp fire. There is no noisy generator. No other guests. No distractions – just you. You and the nature that surrounds you, slowly enveloping your every sense as you relax into life on an island in the middle of the Zambezi River. TL Z
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Walk with Giants Vicky Austin Photographs by Norman Carr Safaris
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ay back in 1950, a young game ranger called Norman Carr initiated a far-reaching and visionary conservation concept which was to pave the way for modern conservation and tourism. When an African safari was a hunting experience, Norman developed the pioneering idea of taking people to look at and photograph animals rather than shoot them. His dream was to share his passion for this unique wilderness and to secure its future by ensuring that the local population would benefit by conserving the wildlife of the Luangwa Valley. Norman was born on 19th July 1912 in Chinde. At the time, Chinde was a British concession in Portuguese territory in Southern Africa. At a young age, Norman was sent off to school in England before retuning to Nyassaland as a Elephant Control Officer in the Luangwa Valley. He then served with Kings African Rifles attaining the rank of Captain before coming back to the Luangwa in 1944 as a Game Ranger. Norman initiated a far-reaching,
even visionary concept of involving the local people in wildlife conservation, and by their benefiting financially therefrom. He encouraged Senior Chief Nsefu to set aside a portion of his tribal land as a Game Reserve. Nsefu Camp was built, which was the first game camp open to the public in Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia). Revenue from the camp was paid directly to the Kunda Native Authority. This idea of involving the local people in the management of the wildlife was way ahead of its time and proved to be the forerunner to modern conservation policy. In 1956 Norman retired as Chief Ranger for health reasons after a spinal operation resulting from a buffalo injury. His retirement did not last long; he was called to Kafue National Park to establish the park there. It was here he came by Little Boy and Big Boy – two orphaned lion cubs which he raised and returned to the wild some years later. A year after their release, he saw the two mature lions looking healthy and strong proving that it was possible to reintroduce animals to the wild. A wonderful book – “Return to the Wild” tells this story and is a must read for anyone visiting Zambia The concept of walking safaris – called Wilderness Trails at the time,
pioneered by Norman Carr is now emulated all across Africa; Zambia and the Luangwa Valley in particular are regarded as the home of the walking safari. Norman was responsible for either establishing or operating the majority of camps currently seen in the Luangwa Valley. Norman initiated and devoted two years to the “Save the Rhino” campaign in an effort to combat the rampant poaching that was sweeping through the Valley. His last few years were spent largely on welfare and charitable projects. He assisted a great many children in primary, secondary and further education through the Kapani School Fund and devoted himself to awakening in young people an awareness of wildlife conservation and its importance to their future Sixty years on at Norman Carr Safaris, we are still privately owned and run and have some of the best guides in Africa. We share our passion for walking and driving; tracking lions on foot through the early morning mists; the delight in learning something new on every walk or game drive and the chance to meet local people and share experiences about life in the Valley. Norman died on 1st April 1997, aged 84. TL Z
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CHALLENGES AND SUCCESSES OF CONSERVATION LOWER ZAMBEZI
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Story by Eleanor Harvie Photographs by Francois D’Elbee and CLZ staff members
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he Lower Zambezi National Park covers an area of 4092km2, with 120km of river frontage along the Zambezi River. The Lower Zambezi system, covering Zimbabwe, Zambia and Mozambique is home to around 23,000 African elephants. An estimated 2,200 elephants live in the Lower Zambezi National Park and Chiawa Game Management Area (GMA). The park’s positionleaves it vulnerable to wildlife poaching and trafficking, sitting adjacent to the Zimbabwean border post of Chirundu and just a few hours by road from the capital city of Lusaka, a hub for wildlife trafficking and bushmeat demand. The Zambian Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) faces the challenge of protecting the wildlife of the park and securing the potential trafficking routes. Conservation Lower Zambezi (CLZ) is a Zambian NGO who supports ZAWA in their work to protect the wildlife and natural resources of the Lower Zambezi. Started in 1994 by concerned local stakeholders, CLZ have a number of programmes to protect wildlife in the short and long term. CLZ work with ZAWA to deploy and assist to manage wildlife protection patrols across the park and GMA which patrol areas to prevent poaching, detect signs of illegal activity and respond to any suspected incidents of illegal animal killings. CLZ look to support the deployment of 18 long patrols each month. CLZ’s Environmental Education programme focuses on the children of the GMAs around the park to build awareness over the importance of wildlife, ecosystems and build a generation who see the value in conservation and grow up avoiding poaching as an income.
Our community support project monitors human-wildlife conflict (HWC) in the GMA, and looks to find ways to mitigate HWC and protect livelihoods threatened by animals. CLZ not only support the community through their farming efforts, but in 2013 also selected, trained and equipped a Village Scout (VS) unit in collaboration with the Zambian Wildlife Authority and local Community Resource Boards. This 20-man unit is made of up 19 men and one woman from the Chiawa, Rufunsa and Luano GMAs surrounding the National Park. The VS unit provides extra manpower to ZAWA’s wildlife protection patrols, and in 2013’s farming season, CLZ placed a Village Scout team in the community full time to respond to animal crop raids and support farmers to protect their fields. Conservation Lower Zambezi supports the Zambia Wildlife Authority through providing rations, transport, equipment and support to their patrols from their 24 hour communications room. CLZ carries out aerial patrols of the park and GMAs with a Cessna 172 aircraft. These ‘eyes in the skies’ enable CLZ to reach remote and vulnerable areas of the park, support teams in the field and maintain a constant presence where teams may not be able to cover. CLZ is a membership organization, generously supported by tourism operators in the Lower Zambezi whose membership fees are essential for running operations, with international donors generously supporting our programmes and other projects. Thanks to the efforts of the Zambia Wildlife Authority and donors, CLZ are working to protect both wildlife and people and the challenges they both face in this unique and precious area. A list of members are available on our website – www.conservationlowerzambezi.org. TL Z
Opposite page: (top) A CLZ scout team, lead by ZAWA KIPO, begin their ten day wildlife protection patrol in the lower Zambezi; (bottom) CLZ operations manager educates school pupils on how to gather information from an elephant carcass This page: (top L) CLZ staff visit the chilli farmers in the Chiawa GMA to see the crop is growing. CLZ supports farmers to grow chilli as a deterant from hungry elephants; (top R) School pupils on a boat cruise to learn about the wildlife in the Lower Zambezi; (left) School pupils learn about wildlife artefacts
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A volunteers first
experience of Africa Flora Stratchan
Photographs by Flora Stratchan
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n African sunrise seen for the first time is not one to be forgotten. The plane immersed in darkness, slowly window by window lights up. The rays of light finger by finger bathe the morning flyers in gold. The sun streaming through the windows fills one with a sense of wonder and promise. This was my first experience of Africa, just before I landed in Zambia. I was lucky enough to be a volunteer at Croc Valley Camp, South Luangwa, Zambia. I lived for three months in the African bush where safari is the business and tourists can pay up to $1000 a night; a land where happiness is the theme and wild animals roam to their heart’s content. All of this to me, however, at the start of my journey was completely unknown. As far as I knew I was an 18 year old having finish school, on a gap year and with a passion for travel. I had no idea that this valley was one of the best areas in the world for wildlife, let alone how to pronounce the name of the place to which I was actually flying! I simply filled in an application form to work in a camp in Zambia (not one of the more exclusive lodges), and luckily enough I was accepted. The rest was shrouded in a cloud of mystery – literally going in at the deep end. This is why I wanted to go, to experience, and experience I did. Eventually after flights through Ethiopia and Lusaka, I arrived on Proflight to Mfuwe. Immediately when I arrived I knew this was the place for me. It is quite remarkable to think that three months ago, I was a school girl with no concept of the African bush and no pre-empted ideas who simply pitched up at a small airport, in a small area of Zambia. I was met at the airport by the camps manager – a tall, suntanned, bare footed man who immediately hoisted my bag onto his shoulders, as if it weighed no weight at all. 16
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This drive was the moment I realised I had left the UK far behind and any familiar civilisation. My bag was loaded into an open Toyota Land Cruiser and there my journey began. From sunrise to sunset, I had seen it all in one day. We drove wind tearing at our hair and dust amassing in every crevice possible. As we drove the scorching red sunset turned the mountains, rivers and plains to vermillion. On either side communities passed, people on bikes, children running and women carrying wares on their heads. When we arrived at Croc Valley Camp, my home for the next three months, I saw my first elephant. Big and hulking, a lone bull, I was informed this was Hank our resident elephant visitor. The next morning I sat alone on our house’s veranda watching the monkeys play and elephants trudge. I was alone, with no worries to fill my head and overcome with complete freedom. I realised I had left ‘society’ and expectations the minute I set foot on my first flight. This is not a place of pressure, but Africa: a land of happiness, heat and freedom. TL Z
Hippo in fog Kafue National Park Photo by Peter Geraerdts
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The valley of magic Vicky Austin Photographs by Norman Carr Safaris
From its towering escarpments to the spectacular grassy floodplain dappled with thickets and clusters of Africa’s quintessential acacia trees, it’s wide sand rivers and endless flood plains; it is the most beautiful valley on earth
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here really is something magical about the Lower Zambezi National Park. Whether you like waking up to the view of the Zambezi Escarpment, listening to the Zambezi River flowing next to camp, watching elephants strolling past your tent window or knowing you have a fantastic day on safari ahead of you; every day will hold something new. This isn’t your average place to be on safari; there are game drives and Zambia’s famous walking safaris to bring you up close and personal with the ecosystem, but also the Lower Zambezi’s flagship activities of canoe safaris, fishing trips and boat cruises. This truly is Tiger Country! The Lower Zambezi is home to the tiger fish, nicknamed the “water dog,” whose sharp teeth are matched only by its fighting spirit and reputation as one of the world’s top game fish. At camps such as Chongwe River Camp, you are able to head out on the river for a spot of catch-and-release fishing of these amazing fish on both fly and popper. If you fancy dining on what you
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have caught, a limited catch of bream fish can be served up after your day on the water. Then there is the canoe safaris – sit back and relax and let your guide paddle you around the tributaries and channels. You glide through clear shallow water and silently approach wildlife on the banks of the river. You can come close to birds including the carmine bee eater, you can see waterbucks, impala, buffalo and of course the many many elephants who wander the banks of the Zambezi in large herds coming down for an afternoon drink. One of the most humbling events is being so close to a herd of elephants, sitting in your canoe at eye level and watching while the family cross the river in front of you. The perfect way to end your day on safari is of course, sitting with a Gin and Tonic in hand as you float down the mighty Zambezi, watching the sunset behind the mountains, with the sound of hippos, elephants and numerous bird calls as your background symphony. The Lower Zambezi National Park, a wonderful setting for safari and relaxation – one of my ‘happy places’ on earth. TL Z
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Yellow billed stork perches on a tree Lower Zambezi National Park Photo by Peter Geraerdts
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ECHOES OF THE VICTORIA FALLS Maxwell Zulu (N.H.C.C) Photograph by Tongabezi Lodge
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ambia’s waterfalls, what a visual wonder! For the eager eyes which wander in quest of natural wonders, our waterfalls are a fine feat. They have the power to move us. Their majesty impresses us, the flora and fauna around them enthralls us, and their serenity emanating from the soothing ceaseless wafts of sprays relaxes us. Thousands the world over visit our waterfalls every year to enjoy the scenery and uplift their spirits. They are a source of wonder and inspiration for communities and cultures around them since time immemorial. Human hands cannot carve such splendour which is why we say they are a wonder whose fall will fill any visitor with an ecstatic feeling. Zambia’s waterfalls account for about 40% of Southern Africa’s total waters.” No country on this African continent is blessed with such natural beauty of sheer falling water as Zambia, It is the Victoria Falls the “seventh natural wonder of the world” which is not only awesome, but is also one of the few places in the world which frequently feature spray moonbows or lunar rainbows as is commonly known and leaves viewers with mouths open in disbelief. The Victoria Falls is renowned beyond all the borders of the world
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there being nothing with which they can be compared. As the author of Pleasure and Problem in South Africa in a A Tour to South Africa (January 9th 1925:13) well puts it: “Many hands have essayed a description of the Victoria Falls; whether in prose or verse, elaborate and detailed descriptions of great natural phenomena have rarely been successful.” Indeed it is surely an oscar winning star of the natural world. Situated along the border of Zambia and Zimbabwe, at 1708m wide and 108m high, the Victoria Falls – or Mosioa-Tunya, the “Smoke that Thunders”, as described by the Kololo tribe living in the area in the 1800’s – is one of the most enthralling sites on a continent boasting an abundance of heart-stopping highlights. In more modern terms the Victoria Falls is known as the greatest curtain of falling water in the world. Without a doubt it is a spectacular sight of awe-inspiring beauty and grandeur. Mistakenly some sojourners believe it is solely in Zimbabwe, but this amazing natural wonder is shared very amicably by both Zambia and Zimbabwe the co-hosts of the 2013 United Nations World Tourism Organisation General Assembly. Columns of spray can be seen from 30km away as, at the height of the rainy season, more than five hundred million
cubic meters of water per minute tumble over the edge, over a width of nearly two kilometers, into a ravine over one hundred meters below. The wide, basalt cliff over which the falls thunder, transforms the Zambezi from a placid river into a ferocious torrent dramatically zig-zagging through the eight gorges, each one a previous location of the falls. One of the most spectacular aspects of Victoria Falls is the fact that you cannot stand back, look up and survey the entire cascade, rather you glimpse it from different angles only getting a partial view, knowing that there is more, so much more. One special vantage point is across the Knifeedge Bridge. From here a path along the edge of the mist soaked rain forest provides the visitor ready to brave the tremendous spray, with an unparalleled series of views of the Falls. It is here where visitors can have the finest view of the Eastern Cataract and the Main Falls as well as the Boiling Pot, where the river swirls and heads down the Batoka Gorge. Other vantage points include the Falls Bridge, Devils Pool and the Lookout Tree, all of which command panoramic views across the Main Falls. Walk through the rainforest opposite the plunging waters and pop out at the various viewpoints. Catch a rainbow as the rising spray swirls and twirls upwards. If you are truly lucky, and
your visit coincides with a full moon, you could witness the very eerie lunar rainbow. But, come back in the dry season, September to November, and witness a different falls. Far, far less water gushing over the edge so you can wonder at the glistening dark basaltic rock walls, take a trip to Livingstone Island and peer over the edge as the explorer Dr David Livingstone once did in 1855. This is a no less spectacular sight, just a completely changed one. What is there in the dry season is shungu mufu (a dead falls) as the Toka Leya people of Mukuni Chiefdom living around the site call it. Finally, it is beyond reasonable doubt that Zambia is home of the mighty Victoria Falls and a haven of other waterfalls. The echoes of rumbling mighty waterfalls from that distant past can still be clearly heard and seen unto this day beckoning sojourners to the feat of this all inviting nation. Our waterfalls are the cradle of wonder and inspiration. They may be lesser known but are most magnificent and very natural. Due to their numerousness, it is befitting that one of the most important features of Zambia’s coat of arms is a heraldic representation of falling water. TL Z
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get hold of us
Office: +260 216 246 074 Mobile: +260 965 665 823 Email: charl.beukes@crocvalley.com Website: www.crocvalley.com
YOUR CAMP WITH PERSONALITY Charl Beukes Photographs by Croc Valley Camp
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roc Valley Camp has heeded the world’s carbon foot print call and is completely environmentally friendly and built from local natural products on stilts providing a fantastic viewpoint from which to see the wildlife that wanders through the camp while still encapsulating that rustic luxury. Throughout your stay, our chef ’s can provide delicious meals and snacks from original recipes using fresh ingredients for your meticulously prepared meals and for those that wish to self-cater or camp, full kitchen facilities are provided. Our campsite is well catered for campers and overland trucks with parking areas, summer huts, power points, hot showers and ablutions. Our drives are conducted in either Toyota Land Cruisers or for larger groups our 20 seater vehicles designed once again to watch our carbon footprint in the park. Croc Valley Camp is set on the banks of the picturesque Luangwa River. Set in riverine forest the camp is deliberately inconspicuous so as to retain the natural beauty of its surroundings. An abundance of wildlife such as elephants, monkeys, hippos and a wide variety of antelope often pass through the camp and can be seen most days from the safety of our shaded rondavels, the bar and restaurant and our chalets. The “hippo friendly” swimming pool is perfect for sun bathing and cooling off and hammocks are scattered around the camp for lazing around and watching the world go by. The bar and restaurant can be utilized at any time of the day and both offer perfect views of the river and the wildlife that uses it. Set on the banks of the Luangwa River overlooking the South Luangwa National Park nestled under shady Mahogany trees lies the picturesque Croc Valley Camp. “Your camp with personality” We offer a variety of varied accommodation to suit everyone’s pocket, from self contained chalets on platforms, luxury en-suite tents on the river bank, ten dollar per night backpacker/dorm rooms, Family House to the campsite with thatched lapa’s, electrical points and water outlets all on lush green lawns. All tastefully segregated but still part of the overall experience.
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Our chalets are completely environmentally friendly and in order to experience the nomadic night wonders at eye level our chalets are raised on platforms providing a fantastic safe viewpoint from which to see the wildlife that wanders through the camp. Throughout your stay, our chef ’s can provide delicious meals and snacks from original recipes using fresh ingredients for your meticulously prepared meals and for those that wish to self-cater or camp, full kitchen facilities are provided. Our campsite is well catered for campers and overland trucks with parking areas, fire places, power points, hot showers and ablutions. Between safaris, in the midday heat, our hippo friendly swimming pool provides the perfect place to relax and cool off. Hammocks are also scattered around the camp overseeing the river and the swimming pool. The bar is always open and serves ice cold drinks throughout the day, whether you prefer to relax by the pool, in a hammock or catch up with the news on our satellite TV. Please note we have a 72-hour cancellation policy We have three self contained Chalets on platforms. Each ensuite with over head fans. Our spacious popular Luxury tents are set on the banks of the river with attached completely safe open air abolitions so you get to appreciate and experience the full African experience Our Family house is divided into two separate apartments, one with two bedrooms sleeping four and the other with three sleeping eight. For the thriftier traveler we have our Back Packers Dorms each sleeping five weary travelers and an outside open air private abolition
A COUPLE OF DAY’S AT McBRIDE’S WILL TRANSPORT YOU DEEP INTO PRIMEVAL BUSH Chris McBride
Photographs by McBride’s Camp
get hold of us
Chris +260 977 767 404, Charlotte +260 977 414 871 Email: Mcbrides.camp@uuplus.net Website: www.mcbridescamp.com
‘M
cBride’s Bush Camp in the north of Kafue National Park is not the sort of place you visit on the spur of the moment, but if real character, true remoteness and a love of walking with lions are what you are after, it’s hard to beat.’ (Getaway 2004). Run and managed by Chris and Charlotte McBride, McBride’s Camp is Lion Country, plain and simple. The Lions are why Chris and Charlotte moved to this untamed stamp of Kafue, and it’s why the world comes to visit. It’s a special wild and beautiful part of the Kafue National Park, the camp lies on the confluence of the beautiful Mushingashi River. Our rooms are rustic-simple and comfortably furnished, a sofa, drawers, with hot and cold showers, flushing toilets, basins, mirrors and a small veranda where guests can sit and enjoy their privacy whilst watching birds and passing animals like the resident bushbuck and her young, and the enchanting little elephant shrew!! Meals are simple and wholesome, using as much free range and organic ingredients as we can.... afternoon coffee/ tea and cakes, three course dinners cooked over an open fire.... and of course sitting around campfire listening to the night sounds. Our activities are game walks, sunset boat drifts and game drives... the ambience is very relaxed, and guests are free to choose their day, which usually fits around the bush. If lions roar, we go and look for them, if an elephant is in camp we sit around and watch them. Birds are a huge attraction, as we have many species and an excellent bird list too. Transfers can be arranged, either directly with transfer companies, or we can contact them for you, (drive takes about 5 to 5.5 hours) and we do have a good air strip 2.5 kms from camp for either private planes or for people who prefer to charter ( flights are about 1.5 hours). TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
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A LITTE BIT OF
INNOCENT Vicky Austin
Photographs by Norman Carr Safaris
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C
alm, gentle, passionate and with a wickedly quiet sense of humour; that’s how I would sum up Innocent Tembo, one of Norman Carr Safaris’ guides in the South Luangwa National Park. I’ve been privileged enough to spend time with him in the bush and it’s no wonder he and the rest of the team at Norman Carr Safaris have been awarded the prestigious Best Safari Experience in Africa Award 2015. Born in Mfuwe, on the border of the South Luangwa National Park, Innocent has grown up with wildlife in his garden..... quite literally. Passionate about creatures great and small, from a tiny age, Innocent has grown from leader of the local Chongololo Club, which teaches children about conservation, to guiding people from all over the world. He started his career in the heart of the park as a driver and storesman, going on game drives, acting as spotter on nights drives and carrying tea and drinks for guests so that he had a good excuse to be out in the park at every possible moment. There are very few people who explain that their professional exams, while hard, are “interesting and enjoyable”. To Innocent, it is more than just passing the exams, guiding is a profession in which you learn and build upon over a lifetime. He sat his exams in 2003 and is still learning to this day. Like so many guides, Innocent has got what we call the 6th sense! He can read animal and bird behaviour, he thinks ahead and positions the game viewer or the guests on a walking safari to allow for the action to unfurl in front of their very eyes. He says it’s about patience and reading the mood of the animals and explains that if you position yourself in the wrong spot, the animals won’t come. “It’s about thinking 20 minutes ahead and being ready”. And he has had some spectacular sightings – we have the photographic evidence. From 14 lions attacking a young elephant bull (who used the Luangwa River as his escape route) to a hippo sharing a meal with some lions - none other than the remains of a puku. No two sightings are the same, which is why he could never get bored. And he does take amazing photos – he’s guided some of the worlds leading wildlife photographers and has picked up a few tricks of the trade. Humble as ever “ People learn from me, but I learn a lot from them”.
It’s not all about the big animals for Innocent. He also loves birds and insects and how intertwined our ecosystem is; from the bird to the nest – how it is built and why it is built in that particular location, to why the tree was chosen, and to the soil that tree’s roots are in, and the weather which affects the soil… it’s the circle of life. He’s visited the Lower Zambezi and Kasanka National Parks and was even invited to Canada – his first experience away from Zambia. It clearly blew him away as he talks so enthusiastically about what he learnt, what he saw and who he met. But his heart is in Zambia – he loves this place and as he’ll never stop learning here. Innocent will be spending some of 2015 guiding Norman Carr Safaris guests in Liuwa Plain National Park. And he’s excited. He’s going to learn and see so much and he sees it as a privilege which will only make him a better guide. He’s already studying the various birdlife and vegetation and animals which you won’t find in the South Luangwa. He and the team epitomize Norman Carr’s legacy of guiding and conservation and it’s safe to say that Innocent’s passion is infectious. I challenge anyone to come off a safari with him without feeling awe inspired by what you have just witnessed and what he has taught you about nature. TL Z
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The Lumangwe falls
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Kelvin C Chanda (N.H.C.C) Photos by Kwisano Media
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umangwe Falls National Monument is located on the Kalungwishi River on the boundary between Kawambwa and Mporokoso Districts. However, the access and best views of the Falls are in Mporokoso District. The site is in Katuna Village in the area of Chief Mporokoso on the east and Mutagala Village in the area of Chief Kabanda in Kawambwa. This implies that this geomorphological feature is a shared resource, between Mporokoso and Kawambwa. Lumangwe is about 84 kms from Mporokoso Boma and some 13 kms west of Chimpempe Bridge. The geographical location of the main falls is 09o 32’ 504’’ South and 29o 23’ 274’’ East. The monument which is on State land is at an altitude of 1180 metres above mean sea level. The Lumangwe Falls are a grandeur of 30 meters high of falling water and about 103 meters in width. These falling waters nourish a Mushitu forest which is relatively thicker than the one at the Victoria Falls, making the site a perfect botanical haven. Within the monument area, on the Kalungwishi River, are actually found three successive Falls making it a complex comprising Lumangwe, Kabwelume and Chimpempe in addition to several rapids. It is so far the only complex in Zambia with three waterfalls within a 5 kms stretch. TL Z
The Kabwelume falls
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side from the Lumangwe and Kabwelume, is the Chimpempe waterfall, which spans over an 80-90m distance across the Kalungwishi River, with a fall of about 4-5m. The people of the Lumangwe falls area derive from the monument site area benefits such as leisure, cultural value (sacred), aesthetic value, generational bequest (traditionally) and a sense of belonging and ownership. While the local community is involved in small scale fishing using hooks, fishing baskets made from reeds and nets, they also live out of subsistence farming in the form of chitemene and dambo gardening. They also produce charcoal at small scale for sale and consumption. Common vegetation types around the Lumangwe/ Kabwelume and Chimpempe area are grassland, miombo woodland and riparian. Although the Chimpempe has been documented by NHCC as “rapids� this heritage resource deserves the status of a waterfall, spaning over an 80-90m distance across the Kalungwishi River (see pictures below), with a fall of about 4-5m. The Chimpempe are located on UTM 767146E, 8944676N, about 0.8km from Cascades Farm/Tourist Cottage. TL Z
Crocnest at Flatdogs Camp South Luangwa National Park TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
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Hamerkops South Luangwa National Park Photograph by Peter Geraerdts
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Return
to the
ild
Luangwa Valley, Zambia
2014
for reservations, visit normancarrsafaris.com TRAVEL & LEISURE ZAMBIA
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Photograph by Peter Geraerdts
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Photograph by Norman Carr Safaris
Shhhh..
the Secret Season is upon us Vicky Austin
J Photograph by Norman Carr Safaris Photograph by Peter Geraerdts
anuary to March is a magical time of year in the South Luangwa National Park which few people know about. Imagine a park packed full of zebra, lion, wild dog, buffalo and elephant. Imagine herbivores tending their young and migrant and resident birds in full breeding plumage and in full song. And imagine the feeling of having this all to yourself. Contrary to popular belief, the wildlife doesn’t vanish during the emerald season…. just the homo sapiens. With only a handful of camps open, guests are few and far between so you can sit back and relax while the leopard lazes on a tree, the lions meander along the river bank, the wild dogs chase impala in the green grass and the baby elephants play fight in the Luangwa River While walking safaris and game drives do still take place, guests are in for a special treat at this time of year; the mighty Luangwa River becomes a central feature. Boating safaris are able to take you into the heart of the park. You explore new and untouched territories inaccessible by game viewers and walking safaris, float through the ebony groves and glide up the river channels. Nothing beats watching animals at eye level as they congregate along the banks of the river, except maybe the sundowner from your boat as you drift along river with the sounds of the hippos laughing and frogs chiming. So where is the catch? That’s the magic there isn’t….. Yes, there is rain, and thunderstorms, but this is a photographers dream: storms are dramatic and huge. As quickly as the impressive cloud formations appear, the blue skies take over – leaving the air clear, and bush in its most lush and verdant. Photographic opportunities are excellent. Game viewing activities may occasionally be delayed or interrupted (what better excuse for another G&T) but they are rarely cancelled…… Norman Carr Safaris operate three camps during this time – Chinzombo, Kakuli Bush Camp and Kapani. And the best part of it all? It’s the best value time of year to be venturing on safari. So don’t let Zambia’s best kept secret pass you by. TL Z
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The park that thunders Andrew Muswala
C
Photograph by Peter Geraerdts
overing an area of 66,000km, Mosioa-tunya National Park is the second smallest national park. Declared a national park in 1972, it was created to protect not only the wildlife but also one of the seven wonders of the world- the Victoria Falls. Mosi-oa-tunya national Park is a wilderness which stretches from the Victoria Falls up the zambezi river for about 12kms. Ten kms of the park is fenced and set aside as a zoological park where animals are seen. A game drive in the park is well-worth the visit as it gives
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guests an opportunity to see different animals as you drive around in a safari vehicle. Safaris on horseback and rhino walks are also a common feature in Mosi-oa-tunya National Park. Wildlife to be seen here includes elephant, zebra, giraffe, buffalo, wildebeest, antelope, warthog, impala, eland and the only white rhinos in Zambia. The park also boasts of varied bird life, particularly the population of birds of prey such as the falcons, the rare taita falcon and peregrines and different types of eagles that nest in the gorges. Take a closer look at the endangered and formidable wild animals of the african bush by visiting Mosi-oa-tunya National Park. TL Z
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Elephants crossing the Luangwa River at Flatdogs Camp Photograph by Adrian Coley
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KAREN BLIXEN
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“If there was one thing I could do again, it would be to go on Safari”
INTO THE WILD A
lthough the park has a lot to offer, relatively few people visit this Zambian treasure. The Kafue is close to Lusaka and Livingstone. Most camps can be reached within four hours via a good road network or on Proflight which offers scheduled flights into the Kafue National Park. The Kafue National Park is named after the Kafue River that runs through the park for over 250 kms. It enters the park in the north east and forms in the south of the park into Lake Itezhi-Tezhi, a beautiful dam with big herds of wildlife on its shores. Other well known rivers in the Kafue are the Lunga and Lufupa River, which both feed into the Kafue River. The rivers and lake dominate the landscape in the northern and eastern part of the Kafue National Park and the majority of the safari camps are located around them. Although the Kafue has many interesting areas, we will describe the best known areas. The famous Busanga Plains are in the northern part of the park. It is an extensive floodplain that falls dry after the rainy season, attracting huge numbers of game and stunning birdlife. One Fig, a huge fig tree in the middle of the plains is a famous landmark. The well known documentary swamp lions, often broadcasted on National Geographic, was filmed exclusively on the Busanga Plains. It is no surprise that Getaway magazine mentioned Busanga as one of the ‘top 10
Kafue National Park is a unique area. The enormous size (the biggest national park in Africa), the many different habitats and a huge variety of mammals and birds make it a unique area to explore. It is Zambia’s biggest and oldest national park and is easily accessed from both Lusaka and Livingstone. But the best of all is the untouched wilderness of the park, mass tourism does not exist and the bush is still pure and unexplored. This is how a real safari should be, excellent game viewing with a rich diversity of wildlife and stunning landscapes. Edjan Van der Heide Photograph by Edjan Van der Heide secret gems of Africa’. The plains are seasonal because of the flooding in the wet season. Small safari camps operate in this area in the dry season. The Kafue River itself has spectacular riverine forests on its banks and flows throughout the year changing from a wide slow flowing river. Over 300 meters in several areas the river is broken up by clusters of small islands with fast flowing water. The river attracts a wide variety of animals and birds and is filled with hippos and crocodiles. Boat cruises and fishing trips are a must for guests visiting the river. Most safari lodges and camps are based on the Kafue River The Kafue flows into the Itezhi-Tezhi dam, Zambia’s second biggest dam after Kariba. The lake has a surface of 370 square kilometres which offers opportunities for boating and fishing. The shores differ from grassy plains to rocky bays. The plains around the lake attract a large diversity of animals and birds. The Nanzhila Plains in the south of the park are relatively seldom visited, but deserve exploring. The grass plains with large quantities of game and spectacular bird viewing is well worth a visit. You won’t be disappointed! The writer of Out of Africa, Karen Blixen’s famous last words were ‘if there was one thing I could do again, it would be to go on Safari’...... You can at Kafue National Park, a park that is amongst the best wilderness areas in the world, with remoteness and incredible rivers, open plains, woodlands, silence, birds and wildlife. And best of all, nearby!!!!! TL Z
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Clockwise from left: David with his latest equipment, a wood stove pizza oven. It is David’s new challenge to make the best pizza’s in Zambia; David with part of his team with on the background Mukambi Safari Lodge; David Kateula, Mukambi’s head chef
David Kateula Head Chef Mukambi Safari Lodge Edjan Van der Heide
Photograph by Edjan Van der Heide
I
n addition to Mukambi’s world-class safari adventures, Mukambi prides itself to offer delicious meals to her guests in the heart of Kafue National Park. This is owed to a talented culinary team headed by David Kateula, Mukambi’s head chef. David has been with Mukambi for almost eight years and is well in tune with international trends in food and dietary needs of its guests. Over the years he has honed his skills and is able to create absolute master pieces in accordance with the tastes and likes of many. David was born in Lusaka in 1980. He completed his high school at St. Marks boarding school in Choma. After secondary school David attended Greenwood Institute where he studied hotel management. He graduated successfully and went on to explore the hospitality industry. David’s first job as a chef was with Mukambi. He started as an assistant chef and worked himself up as the head chef. Now David is leading a team of eight chefs who cook for Mukambi Safari Lodge and its two bush camps. To get new ideas and more insight of new trends and menus David visited and worked at different international hotels and restaurants with excellent reputation. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe is one of them. David trained there for over a month and brought back a whole lot of new ideas and techniques back to Mukambi. His latest attachment was at the Intercontinental Hotel in Lusaka. David is also a family man and has two lovely daughters he loves and visits often in Lusaka. Both his daughters, Ferristus and Sally, live with their mother, Priscilla, and visit the lodge whenever they can. Some of David’s hobbies include travelling, listening to music and most important, cooking. David attributes his love for working in the bush to the pleasure he gets from meeting international clients and making delicious meals for them. He feels that the quality of cooking in safari lodges is at a high international level and that gives him the opportunity to further develop his cooking skills. He always gets to try new creations. The menus are evolving over the years. TL Z
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bour for La vailable a s e g a ck Fly in Pa
nd Day a
m eedo an Fr
! k Now
oo Day. B
Afric
Work, Play or Romance!
Unique by nature KAFUE NATIONAL PARK, ZAMBIA
Call 0211 5111 48 or email lakesafari@gmail.com www.lakesafari.com
Mukambi Safari Lodge, overlooking the Kafue River, is surrounded by one of the world始s largest areas of unspoilt wilderness. Mukambi Safaris also operates two 8-bed bush camps deep in the heart of the Kafue National Park, Plains Camp on the Busanga Plains and, from June 2015, Fig Tree Bush Camp. Ask about our attractive multi-camp packages.
+260 (0)974 424013 | reservations@mukambi.com | mukambi.com
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SHARING THE FLAVOUR OF ZAMBIA
fresh kalembula cooked by Mrs. H N Matafwali
Ingredients: 1 handful bunch of fresh kalembula / 200 grams 2 medium tomatoes 1 medium onion 1 small green pepper (optional) 1 level teaspoon salt 4 tablespoon cooking oil Method: Cut off kalembula leaves from the stock. Wash the leaves in salt water to remove any insects, rinse, and drain in a colander. Cut the onions and green pepper in rings / cubes. Scald tomatoes in hot water, peel off the skin and cut into cubes. Heat the oil in a saucepan and fry the onions, green pepper lightly to bring out the favour for 3 minutes. Add in tomatoes and salt, cook for 2 minutes. Add in kalembula leaves, cover with lid and cook for 3 minutes. Mix, cover with lid and cook for 3 – 4 minutes. Serve with nshima / rice/ potatoes as a vegetable.
Buffalo herds at dusk Luangwa National Park
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Sacred ibis Luangwa National Park Photo by Peter Geraerdts
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WORD
ABOUT
TOWN
ZAMBIA’S SHOCKING STANDING ON THE WORLD HERITAGE LIST KELVIN C. CHANDA
Senior Conservation Officer (Natural)
Cultures, the world over, tend to be shaped and indeed evolve in accordance with ambient environments and their inherent natural resources. The Victoria Falls World Heritage site, for example, is millions of years old. This geomorphological structure has shaped the traditions and cultural life of the surrounding tribes. This is also true for the Barotse Cultural Landscape in western Zambia which has been proposed for declaration as a World Heritage. The Barotse Cultural Landscape is home to Zambia’s biggest and most popular traditional ceremony; the mighty ‘Kuomboka’. By and large, the African continent has a lot of mystical sites that can easily be listed as World Heritage; alas, the continent has undoubtedly the least number of World Heritage resources declared as such (13%). This scenario contrasts sharply with the continent’s hosting of numerous spectacular cultural and natural heritage resources/sites “of Outstanding Universal Value”. It is not surprising therefore, that Zambia only has one World Heritage site; the Victoria Falls World Heritage site which also happens to be a shared property. This lachrymose state of affairs is completely or partly due to a multitude of challenges such as: • Not much research work has been undertaken to come up with relevant detailed information on cultural and/or natural significance for the purpose of declaration of most of these resources as World Heritage sites. • Lack of human resource development, training and capacity building in specialized areas has greatly hampered the nomination competence of most African countries. Despite being home to some very old universities and colleges, most African countries do not provide specialized training in the area of heritage studies. • The National Policy on Environment (NPE 2007) for Zambia also cites “lack of awareness about the value of heritage and recognition of its significance”, stating further that “there are no adequate heritage conservation and monitoring programs and associated laws are poorly enforced”. • Lack of direct benefits accruing to the local 46
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community populations resulting in them frustrating conservation efforts as they tend to frequently exhibit animosity and hostility. According to NPE, Zambia (2007) “heritage resources are seldom well conserved since local communities have no tangible benefits from the existence and use of most of these resources”. • Lastly, though not the least, most heritage management institutions have failed to integrate indigenous knowledge in their conservation realms. THE NEED FOR RECOGNITION AND INTEGRATION OF INDIGENOUS KNOWLEDGE AND MODERN SCIENCE Richly endowed with a great diversity of flora and fauna, most waterfalls are a source of livelihood for most local communities. Indeed the world over, waterfalls provide the only source of livelihood to millions of people who live near them as sources of fibre, traditional medicines, income from tourism activities and as cultural bequest. Increasing or providing benefits derived from inherent natural [and cultural] resources to ambient communities, therefore, should be expected to improve eagerness for local participation in conservation programs by providing indigenous or traditional knowledge which may well be a critical ingredient in the nomination process. BUT then, is there need to recognize and formalize traditional management systems in the custodianship of heritage resources? If the answer is in the affirmative, then documentation and infusion of both modern method and traditional systems becomes cardinal. Traditional knowledge therefore, becomes fundamental in the generation of a “new knowledge base”, thus qualifying the need to harness and formalize it. Thus, it is axiomatic that a holistic approach is developed as a way of dealing with documentation issues, for instance. It is simple ‘common sense’ that, if a particular World Heritage resource has been in existence for millions of years, during which time its outstanding universal value has NOT been compromised, then theremust
have been a form of knowledge among the indigenous peoples; the knowledge which facilitated or fostered the perpetual existence of this particular resource or property. This statement affirms the apparent need for States Parties “to prepare their Tentative Lists with the participation of a wide variety of stakeholders, including site managers, local and regional governments, local communities, NGO’s and other interested parties and partners”, (WHC 2005) and consequently the timely proposed recognition, formalization and documentation of traditional management systems. In line with the above, Community Based Natural Resources Management (CBNRM) can be exploited as a tool for formalization, documentation and incorporating of traditional knowledge within accepted modern scientific norms in the nomination and management of World Heritage in Zambia. Indigenous communities are custodians of traditional knowledge on spiritual, social and ecological issues unlike where only the academic ‘cream of the crops’ take the front role on the conservation arena. Thus, to encourage local community stewardship in modern Zambia, some form of CBNRM programs could be adopted. This, it is hoped, can increase community concern for resources and improve benefits sharing mechanisms thus affirming the need for CBNRM to grow to the management of all cultural and natural resources in accordance with the Ecosystem Approach principles. CONCLUSION The greater bulk of indigenous knowledge particularly in rural Zambia has not been documented; a situation that leaves heritage managers with no option, but to device mechanisms that could tap into the rich information that has been passed on from generation to generation in the absence of ball pens and papers. Thus, recognition, documentation and formalization of indigenous knowledge cannot be over emphasized. Exclusionary management methods have usually failed to integrate traditional or indigenous conservation knowledge with modern science which has usually led to conflict and failure to have heritage sites declared as World Heritage. TL Z
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