March 9, 2010
The winner of Best Documentary Short Category, is Music by Prudence, directed by Roger Ross Williams, and starring Prudence Mabhena.
The 33 minute documentary, focuses around a gifted young woman Prudence, who suffers from arthrogryphosis, a rare disorder which severely deforms the joints of the body.
Music by Prudence
Prudence who has had to face many odds in her young life, although this has not stopped her from living. Prudence sings in an amazing five languages, and shares her talents with the world.
Typically people with disabilities in Africa, are seen as the result of witchcraft, and they are even sometimes killed, to remove the curse from the family.
But Prudence, born in Victoria Falls did not face the same fate. When she was born, it was soon obvious that there was something not right. Her arms and legs were soon to found useless, as well as being twisted and limp.
Her paternal grandmother, told her daughter in law to refrain from breastfeeding Prudence, which would inevitably mean death for the baby. But Prudences mothed did not listen, and was soon ostracized. She ended up taking Prudence to her own mothers rural home, and when Prudence turned 4, she was left in her Grandmothers care.
But Prudences life did not get easy from here, she had to endure things that would be too much for most people. To be viewed by the community and being treated like a disease. Prudence also had to face, not being able to be schooled by her grandmother, after she had only just started at King George VI School and Centre with Physical Disabilities, which is privately funded. Read more at the official “Music by Prudence website“
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March 4, 2010
Hello there!
This is our first newsletter of the year, and it’s in a clearer cleaner format that reflects our re-designed, more user-friendly website, we hope you like! We’d love to hear from you if you have any constructive criticism or suggestions (taking care not to bruise our web designer’s fragile ego 
)
There is a lot to catch up on!
History of Flights to the Falls – I have always been interested in the history of our area, and was recently sent the URL for a very interesting article posted by a person by the name of Raymond Critchell. Critchell is an Englishman who found himself a job as the Fireman for the British Oversees Airways Company (BOAC) Victoria Falls flying boat base. For those of you that are not aware the first commercial flights to land in Victoria Falls were flown by this company in large four engine “Flying Boats”.
I recommend a visit to Raymond Cretchell’s article (http://gnr.niner.net/boma/Fireman_in_Africa) if you would like to hear some interesting tales about Livingstone Town and the early Victoria Falls settlement back in 1948. These photos and more on Raymond Cretchell’s page.
Update on Victoria Falls – We have entered the final stretch of our rainy season and it has been an excellent one if you like having duck feet! We have already received over 650mm and I think Livingstone is over this by some way. The average annual rainfall in the Falls is 650mm so we will be way over that by the end of March when things should start to dry out. Isn’t it amazing how much we look forward to the rains each year and then by this time we begin to look forward to the dry cool weather of April.
You will all be delighted to hear that numbers of visitors to the Falls (Zimside) are up in 2010 to date, and the forward bookings are looking good at all of the main Hotels. Numbers are down in Livingstone but this is no different to most tourist destinations around the globe at the moment as people ponder what is left of their bank accounts. The Zimside numbers are increasing off a much lower base caused by totally different reasons.
On this note the dollarisation of the economy in Zimbabwe has certainly brought with it stability and confidence. Unfortunately the recent utterings on the indigenisation of companies has dampened some spirits but we are confident that the momentum is in favour of Zimbabwe’s recovery now and the good people in this country who are by far in the majority, are looking ahead to good times.
At the risk of repeating myself, it should be added that the people of this region really need the support now of the global tourist market. We all know that there are bad elements in the society of all countries and if we were to boycott travel to all of these countries we may be left to play with our friends next door or worse. Take the time out to come and visit the country and you will be surprised at how good the product is here and how friendly the people are.
The Victoria Falls Green Fund – Of special interest in Victoria Falls town is the recent launch of the Victoria Falls Green Fund (see Robin’s speech). This is an initiative that includes private business, parastatals and local government together with a number of local NGO’s. The objective is to see the Greening up of the Tourism Industry and the town as a whole. It is heartening to see projects already in place; such as the one at The Victoria Falls Hotel who are recycling all of their precooked waste through a Vermiculture scheme (An earthworm farm).
The fund was recently launched in the presence of leaders in the Tourism community, National Parks and our Minister of Environment and National Resources right on the edge of the Victoria Falls overlooking the Devil’s Cataract, under the eagle eye of David Livingstone himself.
Update on Livingstone – A new shopping centre has recently been opened in the middle of Livingstone town, and some good news for those of you that visited last year and were made to bump and shake all over the road works, work has been completed between the town and the falls. What a pleasure it is to see this town develop in a professional well planned way!
Although numbers are down at the Sun International resorts the standards are as high as ever and we have enjoyed the attentions of Mr Giulio Togni the GM at the Royal Livingstone, who has come in with an amazingly refreshing “hands on” and practical approach. He has already been there for a year now and we look forward to many more ahead!
The David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spar has recently experienced some bad luck with a lightning strike to the roof of the Hotel and then barely a month later, a powerful storm. Fortunately the thatch is well protected by a fire prevention chemical and the staff have handled the situations exceptionally well, keeping hotel guests virtually unaffected.
On a recent group we housed the flight crew of a charter company at the New Livingstone Protea for 5 nights. Their report on the state of the rooms, meals, service and facilities was good.
Looking beyond 2010 – I think for us at least the 2010 SWC is going to be a bit of a difficult period. It seems that most international regional inbound travel has been strangled by the demand for flights by the soccer fans. This has seen forward bookings for many of us drop off dramatically in comparison to previous years. So if you are in SA and looking to go North in this period or around it please let us know. We have hotel rooms and flights as well as a lot of activity space available. Lets hope Wayne Rooney can help the poms this year, at least get close!
Cansaf at Indaba this year – We will be exhibiting at Indaba this year so please make an appointment and come and see us. We will be on stand no. ICCK011 in the ICC. We plan to take part in the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Cricket Day which is held on the Friday before Indaba. If you have time on this day or in the evening on Friday please come down and support this excellent cause. Charles Brightman the founder and CEO of VFAPU will be there and can give you an update on the positive results his team have achieved this last year. If you would like to read more about VFAPU or to donate to this worthy cause now please go to the web site (http://www.vfapu.org/).
A new Creative Teaming Team Build – Cansaf has been a ground breaker and leader in the Team Build arena in the Victoria Falls / Chobe region for over eight years now. We have run Team Builds on the river above the Falls involving treasure islands and river races, down beneath the Falls in white water challenges, Nature trails with map reading and GPS awareness, Bush Olympics and amazing races through Victoria Falls, Livingstone and Kasane. We are continually on the look out for new fun and imaginative programs to offer our clients. Recently we put together a Murder Mystery program that is run through one of the Hotels in the area, if you would like to hear more about the programs we offer please contact us or go to our website’s team build page.
Update on Andrew – For those of you that keep asking after Andrew. He is doing very well in Western Australia where he and his wife have settled with their three children, Harriet, Drew and Holly. You can contact him at “andrew [at] cansaf [dot] com” – I believe that supporting the Western Force has been his biggest problem to date!
If you managed to read this far, have a successful second quarter and remember to get in touch if you have any questions or enquiries!
Best Regards,
Robin Brown
Posted in Anti Poaching, Latest News, Livingstone, Victoria Falls Green Fund, Wildlife Conservation No Comments »
February 19, 2010
Robin Brown’s speech at the launch of the Victoria Falls Green Fund, an exciting new initiative which Cansaf is proud to be a part of!
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Thank you Charlie Hewitt and may I take this opportunity before saying another word to ask you all present to join me in thanking Charlie, Namo and the Environment Africa team for all their hard work Environment Africa have been integral in setting up the Victoria Falls Green Fund and indeed form the secretariat for our board of trustees, and through Namo Chuma, who leads the EA team here in Victoria Falls, they chair the implementation body of the Green Fund via the Green Fund Projects Committee.
As I sit with Namo on this projects committee, I have experienced first hand the dynamics of this new but energetic team, which forms a parternship of private sector and local government. The projects committee will work with 14 action teams through the various council wards of Victoria Falls and these teams will form the implementation arm of the Green Fund. They will also be encouraged to bring foward proposals for recycling plants, waste management systems, clean ups and so forth, for which the runds raised in our Green Fund trst will be utilised. These action teams are currently being set up by our councillors and I would encourage our residents, business owners and stakeholders in Victoria Falls to please give these teams the support they need.
We will be looking at each area separately to encourage a level of light competitiveness and look forward to nice clean results ! The timing of the set up of this Victoria Falls Green Fund is no coincidence. We have come through hard times and I am afraid it is apparent in the state of our town. We need to gather our resolve and stop further deterioration in the environmental state of Victoria Falls. We realise that we cannot just solve the smaller issues such as rubbish dumping, drains and so forth – albeit that they are not small issues and we absolutely must solve them. However it is vital for us to work together and tackle the larger problems as well.
We have sewage collection, transfer and management problems; road maintenance; rubbish collection, transport and management issues, amongst many more. In order to resolve these large issues, we need buy in across all sectors. The Victoria Falls Green Fund will in 2010 be looking at a large scale solar development plan, whereby we will seek assistance from government and World Bank through various regional NGO’s to sournce funding in excess of $ 150 million. We will be looking carefully at our local schools and see how we can encourage more environmental awareness and education Ladies and gentlemen, the next few days will see the signing into implementation the KAZA documents. This will result in the linking up of an enormous wildlife dominated area.
The Victoria Falls will form a natural centre in this exciting development. With the formation of the Victoria Falls Green Fund I will as you, the stakeholders, to join us in setting an example to the larger KAZA area, and the world, that we are going to maintain our town and its beautiful environs for future generations.
The Tin Can Kids
The “Tin Can Kids”, pictured above are all street kids who have formed a band in Victoria Falls. They play amazing tunes on the tins and springs and other home-made instruments you see in the picture. We hope to use them to entertain groups in the future!
Posted in KAZA, Latest News, Victoria Falls Community, Victoria Falls Green Fund, Victoria Falls Tourism, Wildlife Conservation 1 Comment »
November 9, 2009
The Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit (VFAPU) has been fighting the menace of poaching within the Victoria Falls region for the last ten years. Through this time, VFAPU has experienced many ups and downs regarding poaching and we continue to remain committed to doing the best we can to deter all forms of poaching. Working with the appropriate authorities, we have been able to achieve many positive results, thanks to past and present support from the private sector.
As a community that relies on tourism for our own survival, it is essential for us all to play a part in conserving Zimbabwe’s wildlife.
You are invited to attend an informative presentation on the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit by Charles Brightman and this talk will bring you all up to date with VFAPU, it’s operations, successes, hardships faced etc. Everybody is welcome to attend and to play your part.
VENUE: VICTORIA FALLS SAFARI LODGE – CONFERENCE ROOM
DATE: WEDNESDAY 11TH NOVEMBER 2009
TIME: 4:00 PM
$ CASH BAR AVAILABLE $
We look forward to seeing you there. Thank you.
Posted in Anti Poaching, Latest News, Victoria Falls Community No Comments »
September 10, 2009
1TIME has announced that it will launch its flights from Johannesburg to Livingstone on November 26. The flights will initially operate four times a week on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. All flights will be operated using a new MD87 aircraft with 130 available seats. In February 2010, 1time will add a fifth-weekly flight, expected to operate on Saturdays.
1time will launch with airfares starting from R897 one-way, all inclusive of taxes. In addition to the airline promoting the destination, 1time Holidays will also be promoting packages to this destination. These packages should be live in the next couple of weeks. (thank you http://www.tourismupdate.co.za/)
Posted in Flights, Latest News, Livingstone, Political Situation No Comments »
September 3, 2009
Visa credit cards are again accepted in Zimbabwe. Meikles Hotel and the Victoria Falls Hotel have received the go-ahead from Standard Chartered Bank and Visa credit card machines were installed on August 31 at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
Posted in Victoria Falls Tourism No Comments »
September 2, 2009
Zim Team visits the Falls!
Mutare and Harare social teams come down too for the Inaugural Vic Falls Cricket Festival - Slogout 2009 –
The Zimbabwe Cricket Team recently visited the Vic Falls for a 4 day retreat before they were scheduled to play an in-form Bangladesh Team. The Zim boys all did the Gorge-swing and met the Elephants. They stayed three nights at the Elephant Hills Hotel, where on their last day they undertook a Team Building Session with Cansaf before meeting the children and staff of a local community school.
Doug Marillier talking at the Festival
Late that afternoon the Zim Team played a social Game against the Vic Falls Cricket Club.
Players at the Inaugural "Slogout"
Also on the cricket front Vic Falls hosted the Inaugural Vic Falls Cricket Festival – Slogout 2009. This was held over the long weekend of the 7th to the 9th of August and saw social teams from as far as Mutare and Harare travelling for the event. A star studded Harare team beat Mutare in the finals with Douglas Marillier showing off his “Marillier Shot” in fine style.
The Captains
Posted in Cricket, Victoria Falls Community No Comments »
September 1, 2009
In August’s Newsletter
The Falls “Moonbow” Experience | Latest News | Golf Special | Recent Testimonials | Victoria Falls Marathon
Greetings to you all from Victoria Falls!
It seems that our winter is on its last legs, with daily temperatures reaching the early 30s for the first time in a while. The August winds have been kind to us and the sunsets are stunning, accentuated by the dust and smoke from seasonal bush fires – although we’re holding thumbs that the combination of dry winds and tinder like bush does not result in the same terrible fires that burnt across the Kazuma and Matetsi Safari areas last year!
Although Cansaf focuses on the whole Livingstone, Vic Falls and Chobe region, it has been heartening to see a definite upturn in the tourists visiting the Victoria Falls Village.
The fact that the global press has been showing Zimbabwe in a more positive light has helped too, not forgetting that the US$ and Rand are now easily and legally interchangeable – a major plus for visitors!
As the press and general public experiencing our country realise that we are a safe destination with heaps to offer, the numbers will snowball.
From a political perspective we are certainly not out of the woods but it is without doubt that support for the Zimbabwean people who are doing positive things is now required.
Kind regards,
Robin
Come and experience the Lunar Rainbow (Moonbow) at Vic Falls!
According to Bob Downing, writing for the
Akron Beacon Journal, moonbows only occur regularly in two places in the World: ( this is probably incorrect, but we’re happy to go with it )
Victoria Falls and Cumberland Falls in Kentucky, USA. Perhaps he means the only existing places where clear skies and a stupendous waterfall can be found within a stones throw of luxury accommodation and a wealth of activities…
… In which case we come out ahead of Cumberland! Check out our information on the Moonbow night time tours and book now to come and see it for yourself – there is still time – with a crisp Winter sky and enough Zambezi spray to cause the Moonbow magic!
News
Flight Issues and Access – Travel to the region of Vic Falls, Livingstone and Chobe is very dependent on air travel options, frequencies and costs. We are very aware of the facts – there are very often a lack of seats, prices are high (not aided by the taxes) We are, together with a local body lobbying airlines both current and others, as well as the relevant authorities to increase access to the area. We would greatly appreciate all input on this from our clients. If you are struggling with access for a specific group please let us know and we will take up the battle with you. As we are continually looking at options we have come up with quite a few medium and short term solutions for specific cases.
Rafting and Water Levels – Low water Rafting started at the end of Last week. The water is wild! Robin Brown was part of a team of Old River Guides who undertook a much shortened Raft race against a team sponsored by the Lucozade Brand, they recently raced a short distance between Rapids 11 and 13 “the Mother” The water was warm, the rapids were fun and the company excellent!
Rovos Rail sightings – We recently collected some clients off Rovos Rail when they arrived in the Falls. The couple were brimming with stories. They had seen Lion from the train as they passed through Hwange National Park the day before. Apparently the train ride as a whole was World Class… Congratulations Rovos!
Recent Canoe Trips up in the Zambezi National Park – Cansaf still runs some Upper Zambezi Canoe Trails. Out of the five safaris we have run this season with over 6 clients, it was the Evert Family and friends (13 guests) that seemed to have seen the best wildlife. A herd of 150 Buffalo, 12 Giraffe, Lion calling near the camp at night, Sable antelope on their morning walk. It seems that National Parks commitment to slow down the poaching in our Parks may be paying off!
Cansaf Speakers - Cansaf Now has three Official Group Speakers. These three gentlemen whom we cannot name for various reasons offer Immensely Interesting presentations on historical, geographical and wildlife issues. Their inclusion is a must for any group that is looking to educate their delegates on the area. The speakers may be combined with a number of venues and activities.
Possible examples could be at the look out points in both Zambia and Zimbabwe, during a picnic lunch in the Chobe National Park or Livingstone’s Island, or even an Island in the middle of a Raft float! Other options are The Old Ford (settlers crossing point) and the cemetery in the Mosi oa Tunya National park?
VFAPU – We should never forget to remind you all of the amazing work that Charles Brightman and his VFAPU (Vic Falls Anti Poaching) team do to protect our wildlife in the area. As developments continue for the Peace Park that will encompass the Vic Falls area of both Zambia and Zimbabwe as well as the Chobe region, VFAPU’s efforts are being recognised more and more. If you would like to join the donors who help to fund VFAPU please follow the link above.
Golf Special
Our current “Golf Tournament” special has been very well received, check out the details here if you would like to find out more…
Testimonials such as the ones below are a pleasure to receive! Here are some comments from our latest canoe safari:
Frankie – “The staff was very hospitable. The food was amazing. We saw many animals. We were spoiled the entire time.”
Julie – “I had an awesome time! Exceeded all my expectations!!”
Emily – “It was a good surprise! Everything was wonderful!”
Vanessa – “Everything was incredible, surpassed my expectations. I especially enjoyed hearing the stories from the Staff! Thank you so much!”
Rohan – “Very very happy. Would recommend highly to all!”
Andrea – “Everything was more amazing than expected. We did not have to worry about much. Everything was perfect”
Victoria Falls Marathon
The third Victoria Falls Marathon has come and gone. The event saw the inclusion of the Inaugural “Zambezi Man” event included under the same umbrella. The Zam-man as it is termed included a 65km Raft Paddle from rapid One just beneath the Falls to the Dam Site which is at the end of the Batoka Gorge, an overnight is then taken in a camp at the top of the gorge.
The next day saw the Zam-man competitors head off on a 105km mountain bike stretch along the edge of the gorge back to the Falls. For more info on both these events please go to www.vicfallsmarathon.com
Robin and Jo from Cansaf ran the 1/2 marathon and managed to beat their previous times from 2007, finishing in under 2 hours. We would love for some of you to come and run this with us next year!
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
Posted in Anti Poaching, Cricket, Golf Holidays, Latest News, Livingstone, Political Situation, Upper Zambezi, Victoria Falls Community, Wildlife Conservation 1 Comment »
