Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
15 Day Zambezi Valley and Beyond
A small-group lodge safari, non-participation, from Victoria Falls to Harare through Zimbabwe and Zambia
Group size minimum: 4* Group size maximum: 12 *Guaranteed departures with no minimum pax available, please see below
Contents : Highlights Departure Dates Itinerary
Highlights Victoria Falls, Hwange National Park, Visit to an African homestead, Painted Dogs Conservation Centre, Sunset cruise on Zambezi River, Game drive & guided walk in Kafue National Park, Lower Zambezi Valley Game Drives, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools National Park, Chinhoyi Caves & Harare.
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Departure Dates 2015 Month Tour Start Tour End Type Month Tour Start Tour End Type May 09/05/2015 23/05/2015 GD September 05/09/2015 19/09/2015 GD June 12/06/2015 26/06/2015 12/09/2015 26/09/2015 F 29/06/2015 13/07/2015 October 04/10/2015 18/10/2015
July 16/07/2015 30/07/2015 F 14/10/2015 28/10/2015 D 23/07/2015 06/08/2015 November 09/11/2015 23/11/2015 August 08/08/2015 22/08/2015 D
D - German guided departures / GD - Guaranteed departures F - Bilingual departures (French & English)
* Please note that a 3-day add-on package in Kariba featuring the Matusadona National Park is available on this tour. You are welcome to enquire with our reservations office.
Itinerary Meal Key B = Breakfast L = Lunch D = Dinner
Day 1: Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe On arrival at Victoria Falls Airport in Zimbabwe you will be met and transferred to your lodge. Meet your guide and the rest of the group at the hotel at 14h00 for a guided tour of the mighty Victoria Falls, known as “Mosi-Oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). Upon your return to the lodge a pre-departure meeting will be held at 18h00.
Accommodation: A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool, bar & restaurant) Meals: Lunch: For your own account Dinner: For your own account
Day 2 & 3: Victoria Falls to Hwange National Park, Zimbabwe BLD, BLD After breakfast we make our way to Hwange National Park, one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra as well as a very large concentration of giraffe. Many predators and endangered species are also found here including a large and varied birdlife. We spend two nights at our lodge in a private concession, enjoying a view over an ever abundant waterhole. Upon arrival we have the opportunity to visit an African homestead to catch a glimpse of the local lifestyle. The next day is spent exploring Hwange National Park on a full day game drive in search of the Big 5.
Distance: 190 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Sable Sands or similar (chalets with en-suite bathroom, swimming pool & bar area)
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Meals: Day 2 Breakfast: At A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide Dinner: At Sable Sands or similar
Day 3 Breakfast: At Sable Sands or similar Lunch: Lunch pack on game drive Dinner: At Sable Sands or similar
Day 4: Hwange National Park to Livingstone, Zambia BL Before continuing our journey, we visit the Painted Dogs Conservation Centre to learn about the efforts made to protect the endangered African Wild Dog. We leave the beauty of the Hwange National Park behind us and cross the border to Livingstone, also referred to as the tourist heart of Zambia. The town offers an appealing combination of colonial character, African charm and incredible scenery. We will stay at the Zambezi Waterfront which offers magnificent views over the Zambezi River. In the late afternoon we embark on a cruise up the river to enjoy sundowners and the magnificent sunset.
Distance: 200 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Zambezi Waterfront or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, & swimming pool) Meals: Breakfast: At Sable Sands or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide en-route Dinner: For your own account
Day 5: Livingstone to Kafue National Park, Zambia BLD This morning we head off to the Kafue National Park, which is not only the oldest and largest national park in Zambia but also one of the largest parks in the whole of Africa. It remains largely unexplored and therefore offers authentic game viewing possibilities. Due to its size as well as a variety of habitat types it offers a great diversity of mammals and bird species. Our accommodation is located on the banks of Lake Itezhi Tezhi and flanking the Kafue River, offering you a truly unique African wildlife experience.
Distance: 320 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: New Kalala Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, & bar) Meals: Breakfast: At Zambezi Waterfront or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide en-route Dinner: At New Kalala Camp or similar
Day 6 & 7: Kafue National Park, Zambia BLD, BLD Today we continue our journey and travel to the northern region of the Kafue National Park where we will spend the next two nights. On the morning of day 7 we embark on a guided game walk in the Kafue National Park where you will have the opportunity to
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
spot lions, leopards, antelopes, zebras and other game by foot. After this incredible wildlife experience we have lunch at the lodge and head off to a natural sand bottomed hot spring for a relaxing and rejuvenating dip in the pool, game driving in the national park en-route.
Distance: 290 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Hippo Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar & swimming pool) Day 6 Breakfast: At New Kalala Camp or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide Dinner: At Hippo Lodge or similar
Day 7 Breakfast: At Hippo Lodge or similar Lunch: At Hippo Lodge or similar Dinner: At Hippo Lodge or similar
Day 8: Kafue National Park to Lusaka, Zambia BLD On this day we drive west to Lusaka, Zambia’s busy capital and largest city with around 3 million inhabitants. Our camp is located on the outskirts of the city and is secluded from the hustle and bustle and instead offers you the possibility to take a short walk on the property or relax at the swimming pool.
Distance: 280 km Departure: 08h00
Accommodation: Pioneer Camp or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar & swimming pool) Meals: Breakfast: At Hippo Lodge or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide Dinner: Prepared by guide
Day 9 & 10: Lusaka to Lower Zambezi Valley, Zambia BLD, BLD This morning we drive towards the Lower Zambezi region where we will stay for the following two nights. Our lodge offers breathtaking views over the Zambezi River and is located within the Chiawa Game Management area which is well-known for its elephants, hippos, zebras, buffalos, crocodiles and zebras. The next day will be a long day spent on a full day game drive in the Lower Zambezi National Park experiencing the sights and sounds of this magnificent location.
Distance: 120 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Kiambi Safari Lodge or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, bar, gym & swimming pool) Meals: Day 9 Breakfast: At Pioneer Camp or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Dinner: At Kiambi Safari Lodge or similar
Day 10 Distance: 170 km Departure: 07h00
Breakfast: At Kiambi Safari Lodge or similar Lunch: Lunch pack from Kiambi Safari Lodge or similar Dinner: At Kiambi Safari Lodge or similar
Day 11: Lower Zambezi Valley to Siavonga, Zambia BLD Our journey today brings us to the shores of Lake Kariba. It is one of the world’s largest man-made lakes and a place of outstanding beauty. At over 220 km long and 30 km at its widest point it is no wonder it is referred to as an inland sea! Our accommodation is located on the shores of Lake Kariba and the afternoon is yours at leisure.
Distance: 110 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Eagles Rest or similar (chalets with en-suite bathrooms, restaurant, beach bar & swimming pool) Meals: Day 11 Breakfast: At Kiambi Safari Lodge or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide Dinner: For your own account
Day 12 & 13: Lake Kariba to Mana Pools National Park, Zimbabwe BLD, BLD After breakfast at the lodge we cross the border back into Zimbabwe and continue our journey to one of the country’s greatest national parks - Mana Pools. Upon arrival we will have the opportunity to embark on an afternoon game activity. We have the whole of the next day available to search for African wildlife in the park on game drives and canoe excursions. Mana means ‘four’ in Shona, in reference to the four large permanent pools formed by the meandering Zambezi River. This World Heritage site has the country's biggest concentration of hippos and crocodiles as well as large populations of elephant and buffalo.
Distance: 190 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Nyamepi Camp or similar (walk-in tents, communal ablutions with hot water) Meals: Day 12 Breakfast: At Eagles Rest or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide Dinner: At Nyamepi Camp or similar
Day 13 Breakfast: At Nyamepi Camp or similar Lunch: At Nyamepi Camp or similar Dinner: At Nyamepi Camp or similar
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Day 14: Mana Pools National Park to Harare, Zimbabwe BLD This day is a long driving day as we travel towards our final destination and the nation’s capital, Harare. En-route we stop at Chinhoyi Caves for lunch. The caves are composed of limestone and dolomite and it is the most extensive cave and tunnel system in Zimbabwe accessible to tourists. We overnight at Bushman Rock Estate, one of the few estate wineries in the country and which has been operational since the mid 1900’s. On arrival we explore the estate and have the opportunity to take part in optional activities.
Distance: 390 km Departure: 07h00
Accommodation: Bushman Rock or similar (rooms with en-suite bathrooms, swimming pool and tea garden) Meals: Breakfast: At Nyamepi Camp or similar Lunch: Prepared by guide Dinner: At Bushman Rock or similar
Day 15: End of tour B Our safari ends after breakfast and you will be transferred to Harare International Airport in time for your departure flight. We hope to welcome you again one day on another of our African adventures.
Meals: Breakfast: At Bushman Rock or similar
*OPTIONAL Matusadona Package Add-on Experience the splendour of the Matusadona National Park and Lake Kariba with 3 nights at Musango Safari Camp, watching wildlife from the water’s edge and experiencing a host of activities including walking safaris, game drives, fishing and canoeing.
Day 1: Leave the rest of the group on Day 14, transfer from Makuti to Kariba. Speedboat transfer from Kariba harbour to Musango Safari Camp. Afternoon activity. Day 2-3: Explore the Matusadona National Park on various activities. Overnight: Musango Safari Camp. Day 4: Boat transfer to Kariba harbour. Road transfer to Harare with a stop at Chinhoyi Caves on the way. Overnight: Bushman Rock Estate Day 5: Airport transfer after breakfast. Tour ends.
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Pre-departure Information
Contents : Departure Transport Travelling times Accommodation Spending Money Meals First Aid Luggage Insurance Packing Participation Visas Info on areas visited
Departure: The Zambezi Valley and Beyond tour departs from the A’Zambezi River Lodge or similar in Victoria Falls.
Please note that the daily departure times are a guideline only and are subject to change due to seasonal variations, as well as unforeseen circumstances. The final decision rests with your guide who will advise you at what time you will be departing each day.
On the evening of Day 1, there will be a meeting presented by your guide, at 18h00, at the lodge. It is imperative that all clients attend this meeting so as not to miss out on any critical information.
Whilst it is our every intention to adhere to the above mentioned itinerary, there may on occasion be a necessity to make alterations in order to make the tour more enjoyable or practical. Therefore please treat the itinerary as a guide only.
Transport: Jenman Safaris uses fully equipped Toyota Land Cruisers, 12-seater 4x4 safari vehicles or other appropriate vehicles with comfortable seating, large windows for game viewing, a music- and PA-system and air-conditioning. All luggage, besides hand luggage and photo equipment, is carried on the vehicle, trailer or roof racks to ensure maximum comfort in the vehicle. For transfers between Victoria Falls and Hwange (or vice versa), 2x4 vehicles may be utilised.
Travelling Times and Distances: All travelling times are affected by road conditions, border crossings, detours and weather conditions, therefore on certain days travelling times may be longer than anticipated especially where there is a lot of distance to be covered. Please keep in mind that the time it takes to travel 100 km in your home country is not equivalent to the time it takes to travel 100 km on African roads , therefore we encourage you to sit back and enjoy the spectacular scenery Africa has to offer. Where possible additional stops will be made to ensure your travelling comfort at all times.
Accommodation: On 12 nights of this safari, you will be accommodated in typical mid-range African lodge establishments, situated either in the National Parks, on the banks of a river, or other place of interest. Lodge Safaris offer accommodation with a mix of lodges, chalets and tented camps. All of them have a private bathroom with a shower or bath and a toilet. Some properties are equipped with swimming pools and/or bar areas. The remaining two nights of this safari will be in a basic tented camp with communal ablution facilities.
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Spending money: Clients are advised to bring enough money to cover the purchase of curios, tips, alcoholic drinks and additional entertainment. US Dollars and South African Rands are the most practical and convenient currencies.
Meals: Where included most breakfasts and dinners will be enjoyed in the restaurants of the various accommodation establishments, however on certain nights the guide will provide an authentic meal for the group, which will be enjoyed together in the evening, often around a camp fire. Please advise us of any special dietary requirements in advance.
First Aid: Our guides are trained in basic first aid and the vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive medical aid kit. Preventative Malaria medication should be taken before the trip and throughout its duration. Please note that a valid Yellow Fever certificate is required upon entry to Zambia. It is advisable to consult a doctor prior to departure .
Luggage: Maximum baggage allowance: 15 kg. Jenman Safaris stipulates this luggage allowance, as an overloaded vehicle is a danger to both the clients and the guide. This does not include photographic equipment and a small daypack. Please bring a backpack or soft barrel bag, not a suitcase. Don't bring too much clothing, as there are washing opportunities along the way. Please adhere to the allowance specified as space for luggage is limited.
Insurance: It is compulsory for all travellers to have insurance covering their personal requirements, medical expenses and personal possessions. This is to be arranged before leaving your home country. Jenman Safaris has comprehensive public liability insurance. For an instant quote on travel insurance, please click the following link to our website: http://www.jenmansafaris.com/travel-info/travel-insurance.html
Packing: Shorts camera walking shoes Light trousers/jeans swimming costume sandals T-shirts sun hat windbreaker Warm clothes (May – August) long-sleeved shirts towel Torch & spare batteries water bottle mosquito protection UV protection
Participation: The Zambezi Valley and Beyond tour is a non-participation safari.
Visas: The onus is on the client to organize all visas required to visit Zimbabwe and Zambia prior to departure.
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Information on areas visited
Contents : Zimbabwe Victoria Falls Hwange National Park Mana Pools Chinhoyi Caves Zambia Livingstone Kafue National Park Lusaka Lower Zambezi National Park Lake Kariba
ZIMBABWE This is a country blessed with great natural beauty, game reserves and mineral wealth. The diverse landscape changes from mountainous to wilderness to typical Bushveld. The country is also home to large animals and a large bird population. Zimbabwe is a country located in the southern part of the continent of Africa, between the Victoria Falls, Zambezi River, Kariba Dam and the Limpopo River. Zimbabwe is bordered by South Africa to the south, Botswana to the west, Zambia to the north and Mozambique to the east.
Victoria Falls ‘So lovely it must have been gazed upon by angels in their flight’ said David Livingstone of the supreme Mosi-oa-Tunya (‘The smoke that thunders’). This legendary traveller first saw the waterfalls from the Zambian side and his memory is enshrined in the nearby town of Livingstone. The views from the Zimbabwean & Zambian side are quite different, varying dramatically depending on the season and water flow. The Victoria Falls are over a mile in length and boast the largest curtain of water in the world - over 500 million litres of water per minute cascade over the falls and drop 100 m at Rainbow Falls on the Zambian side. Not surprisingly is it the seventh natural wonder of the world and fast becoming one of the top adventure destinations in the world. The river is divided into a series of braided channels that descend in many separate falls. Below the falls the river enters a narrow series of gorges, which represent locations successively occupied by the falls earlier in their history. Since the uplifting of the Makgadikgadi Pan area some two million years ago, the Zambezi River has been cutting through the basalt base rock, exploiting weak fissures, and forming a series of retreating gorges. Seven previous waterfalls occupied the seven gorges below the present falls, and Devil's Cataract in Zimbabwe is where the next cut back will form a new waterfall that will eventually leave the present falls lip high above the river in the gorge below.
Hwange National Park Hwange National Park is one of Africa's finest havens for wildlife and is home to vast herds of elephant, buffalo, and zebra and has a very large concentration of giraffe. It is also home to many predators and endangered species plus very large and varied birdlife. The park is situated on the main road between Bulawayo and the world famous Victoria Falls. Hwange National Park covers just over 14 600 square kilometres. The Park carries 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. Elephant make up the largest proportion of the biomass. All Zimbabwe's specially protected animals are to be found in Hwange and it is the only protected area where gemsbok and brown hyena occur in reasonable numbers. The population of wild dog to be found in Hwange is thought to be of one of the largest surviving groups in Africa today. The landscape includes desert sand to sparse woodland as well as grasslands and
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
granite outcrops. Due to the lack of water, man-made waterholes were introduced to sustain the animals through the dry season. The park has an interesting variety of landscapes with one part running alongside the North-eastern end of the Kalahari Desert. The south is sandy with extensive forests and open grassland. A feature of the area is ancient fossil dunes - ancient sand dunes held together by vegetation.
Mana Pools Mana Pools is a wildlife conservation area in Northern Zimbabwe constituting a National Park. It is a region of the lower Zambezi River in Zimbabwe where the flood plain turns into a broad expanse of lakes after each rainy season. As the lakes gradually dry up and recede, the region attracts many large animals in search of water, making it one of Africa's most renowned game-viewing regions. Mana means ‘four’ in Shona, in reference to the four large permanent pools formed by the meanderings of the middle Zambezi. These 2,500 square kilometres of river frontage, islands, sandbanks and pools, flanked by forests of mahogany, wild figs, ebonies and baobabs, is one of the least developed National Parks in Southern Africa. It was saved from a hydro-electric scheme in the early eighties which would have seen the flooding of this subsequent World Heritage site. It has the country’s biggest concentration of hippopotamuses and crocodiles and large dry season mammal populations of elephant and buffalo.
Chinhoyi Caves The Chinhoyi Caves are a group of caves near the town of Chinhoyi, Zimbabwe. They are located approximately 8 km north of the town and 128 km north-west of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The Chinhoyi Caves are the most extensive cave system in Zimbabwe that the public can access, and were designated a National Park in 1955. The caves are named after a local chief who used them as a refuge from Ndebele raiders and until a few years ago the remains of Chief Chinhoyi's grain bins could be seen in some of the underground passages. Excavations in and near the caves have revealed that people have stayed in and near the caves from early times. Pottery and human remains were unearthed from the area which radio-carbon dated around AD 650. The Chinhoyi Caves are composed of limestone and dolomite, and consist of a system of tunnels and caverns, the extent of which is still unknown. With time and erosion, it is clear that this system is slowly collapsing. This can be witnessed by the sink holes and depressions within the surrounding areas. The main feature of the Chinhoyi Caves is known as “The Wonder Hole”, which is in fact a large cavern with a collapsed roof. The walls (or sides) of the Wonder Hole drop vertically down for 150 feet to “The Sleeping Pool” or Chirorodzira (Pool of the Fallen). The descent to this pool, with its sparkling cobalt surface is very impressive. Research has revealed that the depth of the water in the Sleeping Pool varies between 80 metres and 91 metres. This fluctuation in depths is attributable to the amount of rainfall received in a particular season. Several under water passages have been found leading from the Bat Cave, a sub-chamber of the Dark Cave, to another room known as the Blind Cave, but all of these so far explored lead back into the Sleeping Pool. Diving is fantastic in the Chinhoyi Caves all year round, with temperatures never below or above 22 - 24 Degrees Celsius, with zero thermocline. Visibility is incredibly good; 50 metres and above is not unusual.
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
ZAMBIA Zambia is one of Southern Africa’s landlocked countries, sharing its borders with the Democratic Republic of Congo, Tanzania, Malawi, Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Namibia and Angola. The landscape can be described as flat terrain that rises to a plateau of 8,000 ft. in the east and the climate of Zambia is generally very pleasant. The capital of Zambia is Lusaka and other cities include Kitwe, Ndola, Livingstone and Kabwe. At the border between Livingstone, Zambia, and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, visitors enjoy the sights of the incredible Victoria Falls and the beauty of the great Zambezi River. The river is Africa’s greatest waterway, with extensive rapids and long streams which sustain hundreds of species of wildlife. Zambia is rich in culture and the population is made up of more than 70 different ethnic groups. Some of the ethnic groups are small and only two of these groups are big enough to constitute at least 10% of the population. The majority of the Zambian population is made up of the Bantu-speaking clan. Zambia’s cultural diversity is another reason that makes Zambia one of the great African destinations to be visited.
Livingstone Originally known as the Old Drift, Livingstone owes its existence primarily to the Victoria Falls and was established as a staging point across the Zambezi River. The town is named after Dr David Livingstone, the first European to see, name and publicise the waterfalls. The Scottish explorer's journey and first sight of the falls in 1855 opened up Central Africa to other missionaries, hunters, and traders. History lovers will find Livingstone alive. Many buildings from the first decade of the 20 th century are still in use. It was one of the first white settlements in Northern Rhodesia (Zambia) and for quite a while it was the only urban centre in the territory and the gateway to the north. The town has preserved much of its colonial character, but is a typical African town with a busy charm. Rich in scenery and heritage, Livingstone today has become the tourist heart of Zambia. Now Livingstone is a world class destination with stylish lodges, and the ubiquitous modern shopping centres. What really sets Livingstone apart is the combination of a truly African experience, with those close-up-and-powerful views of the Victoria Falls and the surrounding area’s wildlife, all in the context of the widest range of accommodation and activities.
Kafue National Park Kafue National Park is the oldest and largest park in Zambia, and is the second largest national park in the world. It covers 22,440 km 2 of land and offers an excellent collection of game and birds. Visitors travel to Kafue to enjoy the many fishing opportunities, as well as the vast and varying landscapes and beautiful scenery. These wonderful views can be seen from the marvellous and untouched Busanga Plains in the north, to the lush southern region that gets fed by the sustaining Kafue River. Kafue National Park supports a diverse and immense number of wildlife. Animal species in this area include: lion, leopard, cheetah, puku, roan, oribi, duiker, tsessebe, kudu, grysbok, zebra, red lechwe, reedbuck, impala, buffalo and hartebeest, as well as warthog, bush pig, serval, hyena, jackal, baboon, vervet monkey, civet, genet, porcupine and mongoose.
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected] Version: 2015 Tour Code: ZVE
Lusaka Lusaka is the capital and largest city of Zambia. It is a fast-growing commercial centre and has around 3 million inhabitants. English and Nyanja are the main languages spoken in Lusaka.
Lower Zambezi National Park The Lower Zambezi National Park is the country's youngest park. It covers almost 5000 km 2 in area and it remains undeveloped compared to Zambia's older and larger parks. The diversity of animals is less extensive, compared to some of Zambia's other parks. But, game viewing is terrific in this park because there is a great chance that visitors can get really close to the animals! The Park is situated adjacent to Zimbabwe's Mana Pools Reserve, and the areas on both sides of the river hold an enormous number of wildlife species. The many varieties of game include: lion, leopard, elephant, hippo, buffalo, kudu, zebra, waterbuck, impala, roan, eland, warthog, crocodile, samango monkey, hyena, porcupine, civet, genet and honey badger. The bird species include fish eagle, red winged pratincole, crested guinea fowl, black eagle, hornbill, Meyers parrot, Lilian's lovebird, quelea, carmine bee-eaters and narina trogon.
Lake Kariba Having cascaded over the Victoria Falls, and tumbled and swirled through the Batoka gorges, the old Zambezi River then flowed gently across a flat valley floor to the Kariba gorge. This was the home of the BaTonka people who believed there was a god of the river – Nyaminyami. Enter technological man and his desire to put a dam wall across the Kariba gorge to harness the river’s flow to generate hydroelectric power. The dream became a fact in December 1958, and the man-made Lake Kariba began to fill, and reached its capacity four years later. In the meantime, about 57 000 tribes’ people had to be resettled, and “Operation Noah” led by Rupert Fothergill, had rescued and translocated 5000 animals. Kariba dam wall has a height of 128 m and produces a lake of 5200 km² in area at full capacity. Then the water surface is at an altitude of 484 m above sea level. On the Zimbabwean side, the water became the Lake Kariba Recreational Park, with an area of 2830 km². During its life so far, the lake has had its share of ecological incidents, and three should be mentioned. In its early eutrophic days, the lake witnessed an invasion of a water fern (Salvinia molesta), named the Kariba weed, but over the ensuing years the weed has greatly declined. In the 1960s several introductions of the Lake Tanganyika sardine (Limnothrissa miodon) were made, and eventually the ‘kapenta’ fishery has developed to great productivity. Finally, being a ‘sink’, the lake has accumulated pesticides and pollution from agriculture and tsetse fly control in its catchment. Fortunately, surveys have shown that the early dire predictions, for example, of Fish Eagles going extinct, have not been realised. Kariba town is one of the hottest places in Zimbabwe, with temperatures sometimes exceeding 40ºC. The average rainfall along the lake is 650-700 mm, occurring mainly in November to March. The main habitats are mopane woodland and grassland in the shore, with shelving or rocky slopes. There are many islands (previously hill-tops) in the lake. The Zambezi water is rather clean and poor in nutrients, having filtered through Barotseland in Zambia, which puts a severe limit on the numbers of water birds that can be accommodated. Nevertheless along the shore one seems never to be out of earshot of a vociferous Fish Eagle, and this bird can surely serve as the emblem for the lake.
Jenman African Safaris • po box 36146 • glosderry • 7702 • Cape Town phone: +27 (0) 21 683 7826 • fax: +27 (0) 86 634 6697 • mail: [email protected]