August Newsletter

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