June 19, 2009

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June Newsletter

June 15, 2009

In June’s Newsletter

Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Chobe continues to add to its stature as the Adventure Capital of Africa with yet another product that has taken off - walking through the natural bush with tame Lions!

Operations are now established on the Zambian and Zimbabwean side and the product is already a big hit. Further down in this mail see our views on the “to do or not to do” of this rather controversial product.

We have made our decision to support the product and as such have been working closely with both operations to see how best it can be taylor made for the use of groups. The proximity of the operation on the Zambian side to the Elephant Operation means that there are some exciting combinations to be had.

The weather at this time of year in the Falls is magnificent with blue skies being the norm most days, cool evenings and temperate to warm daylight hours. Our winters are a great time to visit the region.

Indaba 2009 and THE cricket match!

To those of you I met up with at Indaba I am sure you will agree it was another positive event with some fun had by all and some good business getting done for those of you that went the extra mile to support the region and attended the 3rd Annual VFAPU ( Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit ) Cricket match.

It was held on the Friday before Indaba between the Falls Tourism team and the Durban Tourism representative team sponsored by SATIB. Thank you for your support and I hope you enjoyed some of the highlights of the Day such as Karl Snater ( GM of the Vic Falls Hotel ) scoring 30 excellent runs and Blessing Munyenyiwa’s (Wilderness Safaris ) match winning knock at the end.

Over 100 000.00 ZAR was raised from this years efforts at Indaba for VFAPU - a huge thank you to all that have donated and pledged money to this important cause. I would not have believed it was my 10th Indaba this year until I looked in the mirror on Tuesday morning before my 0830 am flight home to the Falls… we all love the industry! Kind regards to you all and keep us posted if we can help with options in our area.

African Air Charter provided the Douglas DC3 (Wikipedia lists it as one of the most significant transport aircraft ever made) that whisked our latest group up from Joburg! They went on to have an exceptional few days around the Falls and then flew back in the same manner. See the details of it on this page (including all the other aircraft they have available!)

Kylie and Lee Anne visit our suppliers in Zambia…

On the 24th of April, Lee-anne & Kylie visited the Lion Encounter operation in Zambia. It was absolutely fantastic and we were very well looked after. Nikki, David, Friday and their team introduced us to 3 of their older lionesses, Kela, Kwandi & Loma who are now aged between a year old and 13 months.

We did a short walk with them in the bush where impala was spotted and one of the lionesses showed an already keen hunting instinct. After walking with the older lionesses we were taken to the cub pens (where the cubs are now too old for guests to enter at the moment). Temi & Tswana were very entertaining. Temi the more placid, calm one of the two was constantly being harassed by Tswana who was extremely playful.

All in all, we believe it is a fantastic product and the flexibility of the company is very much appreciated and will be valuable when dealing with larger groups. Safety is paramount to their operation and at no stage did we feel threatened, it was always foremost on our interaction with the lions.

After our Lion Encounter we visited the newly established David Livingstone Safari Lodge & Spa – the Spa being the highlight of the Lodge visit. The Spa is part of the Camelot group of companies and very well known. You have to try and get a suite at the Lodge when you stay there – the Jacuzzi overlooking the Zambezi is a great way to have a sundowner in your own room!

We then visited several different dinner venues, The Royal Livingstone Golf & Country Club which is ideal for smaller groups, the Gwembe Village (and the Croc Farm next door), the Clay Pigeon Boma with it’s awesome views (this one is especially amazing for larger groups and ideal in rainy season), the Batoka Gorge Site above rapid #7 which is also great for larger groups. We also had a look at the Abseil Site but didn’t have time to try out any of the activities there.

Dinner venues in town itself are proving to be more popular, and we visited Ngomazanga, ZigZag, Rhapsodies, and Fez Bar (which has very recently been refurbished).

Lions & Leadership, notes on ALERT

It is our view at Cansaf that African Encounter, and their closely affiliated Non Government Organisation ALERT, have fully researched the business of lion utilisation, its positive and negative impact on the individual lions livelihood, their perceived place in the balance of nature and the effects of the process that the African Encounter and ALERT program is following will have on lion populations in “Wild” Africa.

There is no doubting the facts that point towards a massive reduction in wild lion numbers in Africa over the past 100 years, and any clear thinking person who listens to the plans of these organisations will appreciate the positive effect that the program may have. We say “may” as they are still in the early stages of the process and so results will take time. So if we believe that this effort should be given a full opportunity to succeed, as long as they stay within the boundaries that they have promised us, the public, then we need to judge whether we believe the product of “Walking with Lions” is worth the value put on it for our clients. This has been answered many times already and the result a very very positive one.

Let us reiterate as long as this product does not belittle the huge esteem the average human has for wild African Lion, as long as no lions are badly treated in these programs and as long as the program remains on track to try and increase wild African numbers, We at Cansaf will give it the thumbs up and will sell the product to our clientele.

Please find all the info on this amazing product here and the rehabilitation process at http://www.lionalert.org.

Crocodile Dundee at Gwembe Castle Crocodile Farm?

The first impression one gets of the diminutive Scotsman Joe Brookes is one of true Celtic toughness, that belies his age. Jo has been in Africa for over 50 years, and has worked with crocodiles for around 20 of these remarkable, action packed years. He calmly enters the pen containing several 12 foot sleeping monsters, the feared Crocodylus niloticus, armed only with a stick, quick reflexes and a deep understanding of these prehistoric creatures.

Groups gasp in awe as he meanders amongst the hissing bodies, explaining the fascinating physiology and remarkable survival techniques. There is still extensive medicinal research in progress on the crocodile - so much to learn on a creature that has survived for centuries, it can only benefit mankind.

Just as the group starts to relax, Jo reaches down and touches the tail of the biggest croc in the pen, all the while reeling off more and more interesting facts. Clients are holding their breath, some hardly daring to look, not quite comprehending what they are witnessing. Jo then goes up to a bridge above the pen, and swings a large hunk of meat above the passive bodies.

Suddenly the pen erupts into a swirling mass of raw power and smashing jaws, and the meat disappears in seconds. This is repeated until Jo is sure each of his crocs has had “a bit of a snack”. People leave the croc farm feeling enlightened, terrified and utterly in awe of a fearless Scotsman and his powerful predators he loves so much.

Specials a plenty for corporate and incentive groups looking to visit the Victoria Falls! - I suggest that you get hold of us immediately if you would like to take advantage of the special offers available for such great properties such as Elephant Hills and the Victoria Falls Hotel.

You will also be surprised by the excellent rates on activities and off site dinners.

Flight of the Angels

A special mention for the Heli Pilots of Batoka Sky - Lesley, Andre and Kevin. These guys are amazing with their ability to make every flight over the Falls seem so special for our guests. As you climb aboard one of the three Helis they indicate for you to put on a head set, using some nifty sign language. With these on and the wash of the blades drowned out, you enter the “Flight of the Angels Zone”.

Take off is a little breathtaking as you swoop forwards lifting slowly into the air, moving fast down the open Batoka Sky runway a couple of meters above the ground. It’s not long before you are making circuits of the Falls at 1000 m above the spray and the full spectacle of the 1.7km wide basalt crevice that form the Falls beneath you. The delight is enhanced by the knowledge of these pilots as they talk you through how the Falls were formed and are still moving back across the Basalt Rock bed. 15 minutes of your life well used!!

Latest News - There is a new Village Dinner Venue in Victoria Falls “The Monde Village Dinner” - Its only 10 minutes drive out of the Falls and enjoys one of the most amazing views right over the Valley of the Falls. This great venue has similarities to the Gwembe Village in Zambia which has proved to be a great product for groups looking for an ethnic group dinner option.

Contact us for other exciting group and incentive options and take us up on our Group “Sito” Option for the Falls asap..

Kind regards,

Cansaf

Category Posted in Botswana, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cricket, Employment Opportunities, Fundraising, Latest News, Livingstone, Political Situation, Specials, Victoria Falls Community, Victoria Falls Tourism No Comments »

VICTORIA FALLS WELCOMES USA, JAPAN, GERMAN TRAVEL BAN LIFTS

May 13, 2009

As Zimbabwe slowly but surely returns to the international fold, demonstrated by lifting of travel warnings on Zimbabwe by the US, Japanese and German governments this month, other countries are expected to follow suit, says a representative of the destination marketing campaign GoToVictoriaFalls.com

Germany’s ambassador to Zimbabwe Albrecht Cronze said the prevailing situation in Zimbabwe no longer justified the travel warnings.

The Australian Embassy in Harare has recommended to its home Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) in Canberra that Victoria Falls be taken out of its travel advisory against Zimbabwe, and it is hoped that they too will lift the entire travel warning.

Ross Kennedy, spokesman of GoToVictoriaFalls.com said as this happened, Victoria Falls would “start to tap into pent-up demand from the UK, EU and other markets” which were holding back from travel to Zimbabwe. He added that Victoria Falls expected an upturn in arrivals towards year-end.

“Whilst it’s clear that the global financial crisis has certainly taken its toll on regional tourism and therefore done some damage to arrivals in Victoria Falls between November 2008 and March this year, it’s evident that between April and the year end, forward bookings are on the increase and we are confident that 2009 will end on a positive note.”

GoToVictoriaFalls.com, an alliance of the key operators in Victoria Falls was launched at Indaba 2006, and has been hugely successful at keeping Victoria Falls, one of the Seven natural Wonders of the World on the international tourist map. Its strategy uses a vigorous combination of new media and traditional marketing and PR methods.

“The campaign has played a large part in correcting the image of the destination, and is now viewed as the natural point of referral on anything to do with Victoria Falls.”

The campaign had proved Victoria Falls to be a very safe and outstanding, multi-faceted destination catering to most pockets, from 5-star to luxury. The campaign has also achieved remarkable levels of awareness regarding Victoria Falls’ cholera-free status in a long-running and continuing drive.

So successful was GoToVictoriaFalls.com in helping to lift Victoria Falls’ overall occupancies that there was little reason to change the campaign’s course whose principle modus operandi are “exposing our markets to the truth, constant education of the trade and honest, constant communications with the travel trade and media and between members”.

Going forward, Mr Kennedy said solidarity amongst members, individual innovation and smart alliances to place competitive packages on the world market would ensure the growth of business operators in Victoria Falls. “Companies must make and take the decisions they must to survive these tough times.”

Already several airlines, hotels, lodges, tour and ground operators were teaming up to offer promotions whose impact on regional and international markets was already being felt.

As a collective, GoToVictoriaFalls would work to maintain the standards of Victoria Falls’ assets, including the environment, flora and fauna, services and amenities, said Mr Kennedy. “We must embrace looking to each other to pull through what’s going on around us and to work for an even better destination.”

“GoToVictoriaFalls will certainly continue with renewed energy, some new members and innovative ideas to re-engineer Victoria Falls as one of Africa’s key hubs.”

For further information, please contact:
Ross Kennedy at www.gotovictoriafalls.com

Category Posted in Latest News, Political Situation, Victoria Falls Tourism No Comments »

Zimbabwe Tourism Growth Spurt

May 12, 2009

From TravelHub (www.travelhub.co.za)

AFTER a long period of distress, Zimbabwe’s tourism industry is encouraged by four months of positive growth that have shown there is still great interest in the destination.

Givemore Chidzidzi, chief operating office at the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority (ZTA), says that the industry has seen great growth in recent months following the formation of a coalition government and the lifting of travel advisories from major source markets such as the USA and Germany.

“The travel advisory breakthrough is a great development that happened just in time for Indaba,” he says. “All those markets that were not serious about Zimbabwe before, are now considering it as a destination to visit.”

He furthered that there had been a definite increase in enquiries and a renewed interest in the destination on the whole.

Last year saw a 22% drop in arrival numbers into the country in comparison to 2007 for various political and social reasons and Chidzidzi believes that despite the global economic crisis the country will soon experience a significant influx of tourists.

African Sun Limited group ceo, Shingi Munyeza, affirms Chidzidzi’s sentiment noting that business to the portfolio’s Zimbabwe business-orientated properties has increased recently.

Munyeza confirmed that while the group had experienced a lower number of leisure travellers, plans would still be carried out to develop numerous properties. He added that areas in the region with development potential were being investigated.

Category Posted in Latest News, Political Situation, Victoria Falls Tourism No Comments »

Cansaf / Creative Teaming April Newsletter

May 5, 2009

Hi Tourism Partner!

Cansaf has played a central role in putting together a Cricket side that is made up of our Hotel Managers, Operators and Transfer companies based in the Victoria Falls.

We all realise how worthy the cause is of the protection of the Wild Life in our Home area - The Victoria Falls. Over recent years the “Bad Press” has painted a very sad picture of our amazing country and although we have our problems we are still a much more attractive destination than this press would have you believe.

One of our strong points is the fact that our Tourism Industry is run by Zimbabweans and we are proud of the Team. We ask those of you coming to Indaba this year to take a little time on the Friday ( The Day before Indaba Starts ) afternoon to join us at the following venue, for an afternoon and evening of humour. Details here http://www.cansaf.com/indabacricket

Meet the Vic Falls Team and help us to raise support for the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit. The Team will be made up with the following people and we need your support!

Robin Brown - Cansaf - Creative Teaming
Ross Kennedy - African Albida Group - VFSL
Karl Snater - GM. Victoria Falls Hotel Emille Muller - GM. Elephant Hills Hotel
Sid Hayes - MD. Exclusive Touch Africa
Blessing Munyenyiwa - Director. Wilderness Safaris
Bruno De Leo - MD. Wild Horizons Charles Brightman - VFAPU
Shane White - Director Wild Horizons Garth Pritchard - MD. Africa Travel Co.
Angus Pumpe - Acacia
Brent Williamson - MD. Safari Par Excellence
Luke Brown - GM. Into Africa
Gavin Rennie - Marketing - The Hide
Mike Davis - Shearwater Adventures
Barry Wolhuter - GM - The Hide Rob Davis - Tokkie Lodge First Quarter Update

We find ourselves in the middle of a rather Luke Warm corporate season. Many hotels in the region including Livingstone, Chobe and Victoria Falls have seen cancellations and a slow down in enquiries since October last year, so the proverbial “Credit Crunch” has certainly taken some toll on our numbers.

However on the brighter side there have been some amazing groups that have travelled and the enjoyment that the delegates have got out of these trips is as evident as ever. We recently hosted a group of 95 pax on a three night incentive that included a Chobe Day trip. The wildlife seen was simply spectacular! A pride of Lion on a kill, herd of 12 giraffe, zebra and buffalo meandering amongst a breeding herd of Elephant.. brought this european group back to the Mowana buffet brimming with stories they just could not wait to show us the pictures. This all in the middle of February and the rainy season so the chobe does it again!! Just WOWS us!!

We have run our third group on the Jet extreme now down in the batoka gorge and it has combined so well with a picnic lunch and heli flights back to town, swooping over the falls on the way.. As I write this from a desk at the Royal Livingstone ( the amazing property on the banks of the Zambezi a stones throw from the Falls ) the river is literally flooding past the Sun Deck. We have just checked in a VIP family and they are checking in to the sounds of an African Choir!!

So to the groups that have travelled and the agents involved well done and keep it up..

To end this brief note may I just mention that Zimbabwe is showing very good signs. The economy has firmly dollarised, basically freeing up a completely hamstrung economy and allowing for trade to normalise and in so doing for Tourism operators to supply the levels of service Zimbabwe is renowned for… so for those of you that have waited for so long call us for a complimentary Site inspection soon..

Look forward to seeing you at Indaba!! and dont forget the cricket on the Friday before to raise funds for the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching unit and sponsored by our friends SATIB!!

Category Posted in Botswana, Chobe River, Cricket, Fundraising, Latest News, Victoria Falls Community, Victoria Falls Tourism No Comments »

Indaba 2009 Satib/Cansaf Invitational Cricket Match

May 5, 2009

Cansaf has played a central role in putting together a Cricket side that is made up of our Hotel Managers, Operators and Transfer companies based in the Victoria Falls. We all realise how worthy the cause is of the protection of the Wild Life in our Home area. Over recent years the “Bad Press” has painted a very sad picture of our amazing country and although we have our problems we are still a much more attractive destination than this press would have you believe.

One of our strong points is the fact that our Tourism Industry is run by Zimbabweans and we are proud of the Team.

We ask those of you coming to Indaba this year to take a little time on the Friday ( The Day before Indaba Starts ) afternoon to join us at the following venue, for an afternoon and evening of humour. Meet the Vic Falls Team and help us to raise support for the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.

Category Posted in Cricket, Fundraising, Victoria Falls Community, Victoria Falls Tourism No Comments »

Desert & Delta News / Special Offer

April 24, 2009

(from Desert & Delta Newsletter)

Chobe Savanna Lodge Camp Closure - The Zambezi’s widely reported flood has necessitated the closure of Chobe Savanna Lodge and the transfer of all bookings to Chobe Game Lodge.

This is a consequence of the annual rainfall cycle and brings essential nutrients for the revitalization of the flood plains. We look forward to the increased bird and animal life the receding flood waters bring.

We shall provide further updates on the development of the flood, and advise on the re-opening of the lodge.

Botswana Luxury Accommodated Guided Mobile Safari

In co-operation with our sister company, Chobe Explorations, Desert & Delta Safaris is pleased to announce the launch of a new 11 Day Botswana Luxury Accommodated Guided Mobile Safari. This outstanding mobile safari will give guests the opportunity to gain an insight into areas and wildlife not necessarily available on a typical fly-in safari, whilst still enjoying the luxury and comfort of Desert & Delta Safaris’ strategically located lodges within Botswana’s famous Okavango Delta, Game Reserves and National Parks. Each departure is accompanied by a selected professional safari guide, providing a unique and personal insight into the wonders of these wilderness destinations. With a minimum of two and maximum of six participants per departure guests will travel in fully equipped and customised luxury safari vehicles owned and operated by Chobe Explorations.

This safari will take in the highlights of the Chobe River, Savute, the Moremi Game Reserve, the Okavango Delta and the Makgadikgadi National Park. Scheduled departures begin in Victoria Falls or Livingstone and end in Maun as well as operating in reverse depending on scheduled departure dates.

Private activities are provided throughout by the accompanying guide and are tailored in consultation with the group allowing the flexibility to meet the group’s needs and interests. The safari can also be booked by private small groups or individuals. This guided mobile safari is fully inclusive of all services.

Please contact us if you would like would like further updates and information on this great new product.

Category Posted in Botswana, Chobe River, Latest News, Specials No Comments »

A Recent Trip to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe

April 23, 2009

Catching the flight from Harare to Hwange always provides much entertainment, since only one airline flies this route, it is really up to them to decide how and when you will arrive –it seems to have nothing to do with the date and time printed on your ticket. We boarded our beloved Zimbabwe Airways, with much apprehension; with its rickety food trolleys with no breaks, and chairs that go into recline mode and never stop reclining, it was hard to relax into the holiday mode.

Upon touch down, you are greeted with a stifling hot breeze and the absolute silence of the bush (and the semi abandoned airport). The awaiting car from the Hyde camp is a great relief, offering shade and cold drinks to placate us on the dusty ride.

The dense bush on either side makes you realise how isolated you really are in this wondrous place. Hwange is Zimbabwe’s largest park and holds the largest number of animal species in the world. It really is a place to go and see what Africa must have looked like 200 years ago. Hwange is well known for its multitude of animals- and holds possibly the largest populations of elephant and wild dog in Africa, as well as the rare Gemsbok and brown hyena.
Driving through the park you can only catch a glimpse of the expanse of this haven, the landscape is so diverse, you can be passing through desert and sparse scrubland in one section and thick forest the next. Despite the good news on the large animal population, the drive to camp was relatively uneventful, with just a few sightings of buffalo and impala.

The Hide, was our camp for two nights, and was so aptly named, beside a small watering hole, nestled between the Mopani trees, our camp lay camouflaged in the dusty foliage. Each separate chalet was semi-circled around a muddy watering hole- which we were assured attracted numerous animals at sunset. Having showered and unpacked we decided to refresh ourselves at the bar, armed with a drink we headed up to the balcony above, allowing ourselves the best view of the bush and water below.

As dusk fell and the last splashes of pink and red were draining from the horizon, we began to see the first shadowy movements of warthog descending on the water. It was the most spectacular thing to sit in absolute silence, hidden in our space of civilisation and watch the animal world come to life at our feet. The lights from the camp created a semi circle of light off which we could see the hogs drinking, then slowly as promised an elephant and her baby lumbered into view.

As we ate our dinner, the sounds of animals drinking filled the air,
We woke the next morning to a crisp sunrise and hot cup of tea, it was time to walk. Game walking is one of the most popular activities that is on offer, for the avid botanist or bird watcher this is an excellent opportunity to get hands on experience and see the African bush face to face.

Despite the obvious size of any African animal it is surprising how camouflaged they actually are. It’s a terrifying type of exhilaration one gets walking up to a wild animal on foot - knowing the damage that these animals could do makes it all the more exciting. Watching a herd of buffalo 50 strong move past and the long legs of a giraffe lumber through the trees makes you really respect their space and right to this land.

Hwange can be enjoyed in a variety of ways - horse back safari, land rover rides, or viewing the animals from a secluded viewing platform, strategically situated at a water hole.

After a day of adventures, with much knowledge gained, we returned exhausted to the camp –welcomed by a cheery fire and delicious dinner, then to bed listening to the quite scratches of a squirrel out side only to be silenced by the sounds of lions moaning in the distance, and the harsh bark of a hyena. To dreams and the anticipation of another day in paradise.

As we departed in our small airplane, looking out of the window you really grasp the expanse of this place. Spread over land the size of Belgium the park occupies a variety of climate and vegetative zones, from the fossilized desert dunes linking to the Kalahari to the long savannah grasslands. With over 105 animals species and 400 bird species this place is really part of a era gone by - a reminder of a time when animals roamed freely.

Category Posted in Hwange National Park, Safari No Comments »

VICTORIA FALLS WELCOMES US, JAPAN, GERMAN TRAVEL BAN LIFTS, BULLISH ON BUSINESS UPTURN

April 22, 2009