October 14, 2009 360 degree views on the web are nothing new, but it’s great seeing it put to such good use! What an amazing way to showcase your Okavango Views! (if you have them 
)
Posted in Botswana, Okavango 
1 Comment »
October 13, 2009 Posted in Zimbabwe 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!
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.
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”
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 »
August 16, 2009 Coming up next weekend is the Victoria Falls Marathon! This includes a half marathon and fun run (5km) This is an annual, keenly anticipated event in the Falls.
Registration at the Kingdom Hotel, Victoria Falls. 21 and 22 August from 10.00 to 17.30, bring a valid passport (Zimbabweans may bring valid ID)
It’s not too late to Contact us to work out a customised package for the marathon!
Posted in Latest News, Victoria Falls Community, Victoria Falls Tourism No Comments »
August 16, 2009 Flights and Three nights accommodation with a 36 Hole Golf competition for ZAR 5000.00
This Includes:
Return Johannesburg/Livingstone Flights
(Excluding all airport taxes and surcharges).
Return Livingstone Airport Transfers
3 Nights Accommodation at Elephant Hills Hotel (Bed & Breakfast),
36 Holes of Golf, split up over two days. (caddy fees excluded – these are to be covered by the players).
Rand Rate
Sharing : R 5 000.00 per person Single : R 5 800.00 Travel Dates:
Friday 04th – Monday 7th September 2009
Proposed Itinerary
Friday: Arrive Livingstone Airport BA – 12h50 Transfer to Airport to Hotel Check Into Hotel Evening at Leisure (Optional Activities)
Saturday: Breakfast, Morning at Leisure (Optional Activities) Golf (18 Holes) from 14h00 Dinner at Leisure
Sunday: Early Morning Breakfast Golf (18 Holes) from 08h00 Afternoon and Evening at Leisure (Optional Activities)
Monday: Breakfast and Morning at Leisure (Optional Activities) Check Out of Hotel Airport Transfer – BA 6292 – 10h30
Please be advised that we would need a minimum of 6 pax to confirm the above Tournament. However, we are able to offer a similar package for individual clients (1 or 2 pax).
If the dates mentioned above do not suit your clients, I am sure we will be able to offer alternative dates later in the month, however, this is dependant on flight
availability.
Contact Lee-Anne to take advantage of this great offer!
Posted in Golf Holidays, Latest News, Specials 1 Comment »
August 3, 2009 As we near the end of July, we are well and truly into the dry season in Hwange National Park. Although we had a good rainy season, surface water in the South of the park dried up quickly, and the big game returned to the North of the park early this year. As a result there has been heavy demand on waterholes and pans in the Park since April, necessitating pumping of water from then.
For those who have never visited Hwange in the dry season, or have not witnessed the desperation of animals during a drought, let me try to describe the scene at a waterhole that contains inadequate water. Highest up in the chain of animals are the elephants (of which Hwange has an estimated 20 thousand) which due to their size are able to dominate all available water at a pan and prevent any other animals from drinking. Elephants will stay around a pan that has water until their thirst is assuaged. If the pan has been totally depleted, and all that is available is the water coming out of the pipe supplying the pan, an elephant will stand with the end of his trunk over the pipe, and suck up every drop that comes out of the ground. As one animal takes his trunk away from the pipe to pour what he has collected down his throat, another will immediately take his place and there are all the while multiple trunks searching and feeling for each drop that might escape.
Since a big bull elephant requires about 200 litres of water a day, the chaos reigning when multiple herds come in to a pan to drink is hard to describe, the scene is hugely upsetting to witness. It is bad enough to watch animals pushing and shoving, trampling on and screaming at one another around the water pipe, but worse still is when there is no water at all, when the drone of the Lister engine fades away, and hundreds of animals of all species stand patiently waiting for the engine to start up and if it doesn’t, simply lie down and die where they stand. It is absolutely tragic to witness a large herd of buffalo walk in from many miles away to an empty pan. Desperately thirsty, their only option is to rest for a while, then unrewarded, trudge on to the next pan, a long distance away, in the faint hope of finding water. One of the most heart rending sights during the drought in 2005 was to watch the scene when an engine that had been silent for a time was re-supplied with fuel and was started up. Animals of all sizes and species started pouring out of the surrounding bush knowing that the key to their survival lay in the noise of that engine.
At times when there is enough water available in the pans, there are none of these problems.
Thus we, the trustees of FOH are determined that no matter what the odds, we cannot let these animals down. We will do whatever we can to keep them going until the onset of the rains in November.
Due to the world recession, and the inability of our major donors from previous years being able to support us, we have had difficulty finding the necessary resources to keep pumping water to the pans. We have found ourselves appealing to anyone and everyone to support our cause by donating whatever they feel they can. However, if we are to avert a major disaster this year, and avoid the deaths of thousands of animals, there is still great need for adequate funds to see us through the next four months.
Our major requirement is for diesel to run the Lister engines which are responsible for driving the mono pumps that supply water to the pans.
Each engine uses about 500 litres of diesel a month, and one litre of diesel costs about USD 1. We try to supply water to 10 pans spread through the Northern section of Hwange, this gives an idea of our requirements. USD 20 will keep one pump running for 24 hours. Our five windmills do a wonderful job, and we are exploring ways to go more “green” and install more eco friendly systems, but at present these simply cannot keep up with the demand for water during the height of the dry season, and we are forced to use Lister engines.
To this end, we are appealing for any donations at all to help us. Dave Dell has put together a photographic CD of Zimbabwe, photos of wildlife, birds and scenic Zim which he is selling for USD 20. Proceeds from the sale of the CD will go towards funds for FOH. The feedback we have had from people who have bought the CD so far has been tremendously positive and uplifting. Contact him on the above email address for details if you would like a CD.
Since the withdrawal of the Zimbabwean local currency, and it’s subsequent replacement with South African Rand and US dollars, problems associated with receiving monies into Zim have disappeared. We have thus set up a local bank account and are now able to accept donations directly into Zim. Details are as follows:
Friends of Hwange Trust
Stanbic Bank
Borrowdale Branch
Account number 01400 92243201
Swift Code: SBICZWHX
Corresponding details if required. Bankers Trust New York
Swift Code:
BKTRUS33
There are many people in Zimbabwe and abroad too numerous to mention individually, who have supported our cause, and we extend to them our heartfelt appreciation. The following people and organisations deserve special mention for their contribution in recent months:
Duncan Paul of Dunadventures (RSA) for his ongoing support in cash and kind.
Elizabeth Swain and Chris Ayres (USA)
Thorsten Schafer and the Four Wheel Drive Club of South Africa not only for their material support, but also for encouraging their members to visit Hwange National Park
Dave St Quinton (RSA)
Our web address has changed in recent weeks, and is now www.friendsofhwange.org. Our thanks to YoAfrica in Zimbabwe for hosting the site free of charge. We will post any interesting developments as and when appropriate.
Finally, may we extend appreciation for reading our newsletter, and for your interest in our cause.
The Trustees
Friends of Hwange Trust.
Posted in Botswana, Corporate Social Responsibility, Cricket, Employment Opportunities, Fundraising, Hwange National Park, Latest News, Political Situation, Uncategorized, Victoria Falls Community, Victoria Falls Tourism, Wildlife Conservation No Comments »
August 3, 2009 RHINO AND CONSERVATION
As many of you may well know we have been expecting our two female rhino Buster and Bambi to be visited by the stork and guess what, finally, last week Bambi was spotted fussing around her new bouncy baby girl. We decided we would provisionally name her Lindani which means the “long awaited one” in one of the local languages Ndebele, and goodness knows we’ve waited long enough.
A few days later, Buster not to be outdone, dropped her own little baby. We are yet to determine the sex of the baby because as you can imagine nobody is going to be getting too close uninvited, but the chosen name is provisionally Chippy which is derived from the word Chipembere meaning rhino in the local language Shona.
Proud daddy Shungu has been busy doing his rounds protectively checking on his family and ensuring that we all know he’s the man of the house.
We invite all our guests to the Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve to come on a Morning or Evening Game Drive and you may be lucky enough to experience this once in a lifetime opportunity to see the latest additions to the Shearwater safari family.
The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve, formerly a hunting concession, is owned of Rani Africa and managed by Shearwater Victoria Falls. Over the past 10 years, Rani and Shearwater have worked very hard to reintroduce wildlife into the area with a special focus on conservation and preservation of the natural environment of the area. In 2007 Shearwater introduced the Black Rhino into the Reserve, this amazing creature has evolved very little from prehistoric times and with only about …..Black and ……White Rhino left in the Africa is gravely endangered. The rhinos were kept in bomas in order to habituate them to their surroundings and to ensure that all protective measures against poachers were solidly in place. After their subsequent release, they took to their new home and are under 24 hour watch by the Zimbabwe Republic Police and game scouts from the Victoria Falls Anti-Poaching Unit.
The simultaneous birth of the two rhino babies marks the beginning of an exciting new stride towards our conservational goals, of which a rhino breeding programme is a big part of. The Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve is the only place within a 150km radius that is privileged enough to have rhino and the bigger picture sees us releasing rhino into other areas with the success of the breeding programme. It is a fact that most Africans go through their entire lives without ever having seen a rhino let alone the average tourist – well this is your chance.
Shearwater Victoria Falls and Rani Africa are proud to be part of this noble cause and with your valued support, know we can take it to greater heights. Join us in saving the rhino and restoring our beautiful Africa to what it was.
Posted in Latest News, Wildlife Conservation No Comments »
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