Nzira 51 RIFA Conservation Education Camp emphasis is on practical activities
52 October/November 2018 Part of the programme is an impala dissection followed by a vulture watch. The ZPWMA gives Rifa a quota of impala that may be harvested annually and the students can participate in a dissection. This is a rare opportunity for students to physically study the internal organs of a mammal and the ruminant digestive system. The meat may then be utilised for catering and the remains of the carcass is placed in front of the camp. Invariably a number of vultures will come in to devour the offerings which is a spectacular sight. These vultures are also monitored by camp staff for research value. This exercise gives the students a practical experience of the ‘cycle of life’ – from the soil, to vegetation, herbivores, predators, scavengers, decomposers and 昀椀nally back to the soil. The ‘Reference Block’ contains a small museum, library and laboratory. The museum has various skulls, bones, skins, head mounts, a full leopard mount, models of 昀椀sh and snakes and local artefacts. This provides a wealth of material that can be used for practical lessons. The library has reference books and recent donations allowed the purchase of numerous up to date bird and tree books. The laboratory has two electronic microscopes and various types of equipment for the practical 昀椀eld exercises. RIFA is not a commercial safari destination but it is possible for people to stay at the camp in between the school bookings. This is on a self-catering basis with basic equipment available. The charge is $10 pppn. Bookings are also taken for interest groups such as Birdlife Zimbabwe. Our goal is to ensure that Zimbabwe’s valuable wildlife and natural resources are here for future generations. In order to achieve this, ongoing conservation education is absolutely vital. Anyone who may be interested in assisting Rifa Conservation Education Camp can contact us on the information given below. With the primary students, the emphasis is on practical activities such as learning about termites, bush craft, 昀椀re lighting and making string from baobab bark. The 昀椀eld activities are mainly guided walks to various places of interest, including the Zambezi River, during which, spoor, vegetation and all aspects of wildlife are discussed. RIFA Conservation Education Camp Of昀椀ce: Zimbabwe Hunters’ Association (ZHA) Mukuvisi Woodlands, Hillside Road Ext, Hillside, Harare P. O Box HG 548, Highlands, Harare Phone: (+263) 024 2747215 / 6 Cell: (+263) 0772 329434 Web Site: www.rifaconservation.org Facebook: Rifa Conservation Education Camp, Zimbabwe Impala Dissection Vulture Watch and Survey Camp Visitor
Nzira 53 DICOMM McCANN 116867
54 October/November 2018 Victoria Falls Article Bruno De Leo Images Melissa Wynn
Nzira 55 he Zambezi River snakes its way through 2700 kms of mesmerizing countryside, passing through seven countries before 昀椀nally reaching the Indian Ocean. A lifeline to wildlife and humans alike throughout its course, there is also a natural beauty that attracts tourists from all over the world. At the point where the Zambezi river plunges more than 100 meters into the gorge below, forming one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Victoria Falls, is what sets the backdrop for the Zambezi Cycle Challenge. (ZCC) T The primary objective of ZCC is to raise funds by hosting a unique mountain bike event that will take the riders through the scenic natural forest areas close to Victoria Falls. All the funds raised will be channelled into conservation areas through reputable organizations that are dedicated in their efforts to conserve wildlife. The format of the event will seek to provide something for the social mountain bike rider as well as the nature loving wildlife enthusiast and competitive rider. Teams will be required to have at least two members but race organizers will consider single applicants as long as they agree to be grouped with other cyclists of a similar ability. It is a three day stage event covering a distance of between 50 to 80 kms each day. Day one starts about 50km south of Victoria Falls along the Bulawayo road. A combination of old hunting tracks, well trodden elephant paths and winding single track along the banks of the Matetsi River, 昀椀nally ends up back at Victoria Falls. Day two will start about 40 kms towards the Kazungula border post near Botswana and takes riders back to Victoria Falls along the Westwood Vlei, through the scenic Zambezi National Park and along the Zambezi River. This day is not a timed stage as it is all about enjoying the National Park. There are compulsory stops at two particularly scenic points along the river where refreshments are served and the rider has an opportunity to rest and soak up the tranquil scenery. Day three begins about 30 kms downstream of Victoria Falls. The route on this 昀椀nal day will be mostly single track and technically challenging as it takes riders back towards Victoria Falls along the Batoka Gorge, with spectacular views of the Zambezi River way below and 昀椀nally, awe inspiring views of the Victoria Falls as you approach the 昀椀nish. You will literally be riding on the edge of the gorge on several occasions.
56 October/November 2018 Community outreach and training. Wildlife research through its veterinary laboratory. Human and wildlife con昀氀ict issues. Wildlife rehabilitation. VFWT is a boots on the ground organization that focuses on Children in the Wilderness Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit CITW is a non‐pro昀椀t organization supported by ecotourism company, Wilderness Safaris, that aims to facilitate sustainable conservation through leadership development and education of rural children in Africa. VFAPU is dedicated to curtailing poaching in and around the Victoria Falls area. They are responsible for the removal of thousands of snares and the apprehension of numerous poachers. Animal encounters are very possible on all three days but riders are offered protection with the assistance of armed professional guides, marshals and park personnel dotted along the route. Refreshments are provided at strategic points as days can be long depending on individual 昀椀tness. This is an event that is perfect for the family and supporters to join in due to it’s location. Many different activities are available, ranging from cultural village tours, game drives, bars and restaurants to adrenalin 昀椀lled gorge swings or white water rafting. There is something for everyone to enjoy a memorable and fun 昀椀lled few days. Dates for the 2019 Zambezi Cycle Challenge are 12th to 14th July. The bene昀椀ciaries of the funds raised will be: 525 Reynard Rd P.O.Box 162 Victoria Falls Zimbabwe Tel: +263 13 41207 Cell: +263 772 144 778 Email: [email protected] Skype: brunodeleo4 Contact Bruno De Leo (Pictured Right)
Nzira 57 Lodges Boating ZIMPARKS DAISSIE 1V $49 PER MONTH MATOPOS $49 per month x 4 instalments A 3 bed lodge For 2 nights at DAISSIE 11 A 1 bed lodge for 2 nights at MATOPOS $37 per month x 4 instalments $37 PER MONTH Activities not to miss... Activities not to miss... T & Cs apply. Note: Facilities are self catering and rate is bed only. T & Cs apply. Note: Facilities are self catering and rate is bed only. BeddingHistorical Sites Rhino Tracking Hiking Kitchen RESERVATIONS +263718 659 833 | +263292 74000 or 65592 [email protected] ZIMPARKS ZIMP MATOPO NATIONAL PARK ZIMPARKS ZIMP NYANGA NATIONAL PARK DAISSIE 1V MATOPOS $49 per month x 4 instalments A 3 bed lodge For 2 nights at UDU CAMP A 4 bed lodge For 2 nights at $ 41 per month x 4 instalments DAISSIE 11 A 1 bed lodge for 2 nights at MATOPOS $37 per month x 4 instalments $37 PER MONTH $28 PER MONTH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - CONFERENCE | WEDDINGS | ACCOMMODATION EDUCATIONAL TRIPS | GAME VIEWING TEAM BUILDING | SWIMMING | HISTORICAL SITES CONFERENCE | WEDDINGS | ACCOMMODATION EDUCATIONAL TRIPS | GAME VIEWING TEAM BUILDING | SWIMMING | HISTORICAL SITES CONFERENCE | WEDDINGS | ACCOMMODATION EDUCATIONAL TRIPS | GAME VIEWING TEAM BUILDING | SWIMMING | HISTORICAL SITES CONFERENCE | WEDDINGS | ACCOMMODATION EDUCATIONAL TRIPS | GAME VIEWING TEAM BUILDING | SWIMMING | HISTORICAL SITES NYANGANI 11 NYANGANI 1V RESERVATIONS +263773 500 399 | +263773 500 398 [email protected] Kitchen Canoeing Sky walksZipline Trout Fishing Bedding A 2 bed lodge for 2 nights at RHODES CAMP $28 per month x 4 instalments PAY NOW AND STAY LATER PACKAGES PAY NOW AND STAY LATER PACKAGES 1V HOLIDAY PACKAGES WITH PAYMENT PLAN A 3 bed lodge For 2 nights at $49 PER MONTH - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - Lodges HOLIDAY PACKAGES WITH PAYMENT PLAN A 4 bed lodge For 2 nights at $41 PER MONTH
58 October/November 2018 CARGO UPLIFTS re you planning to import a vehicle via Dar es Salaam direct to Harare at minimum risk and hassles while saving on time? Contact our cargo section for a quote, we 昀氀y HRE/DAR/HRE every Tuesday and Saturday. Or is it repatriation of the remains of a dearly beloved from Johannesburg, South Africa? Freight rates range from ZAR5000.00 to ZAR10 000.00 (昀氀at rate), including an additional free uplift of 20kgs of the deceased’s personal effects which must be consigned under the same airway bill. We 昀氀y HRE/JNB/HRE every day of the week and JNB/BUQ/JNB every Sunday, Monday, Wednesday and Friday. Air Zimbabwe Cargo section offers you quality, safe and affordable movement of your cargo on any of our routes. With capacity to uplift general cargo (mail, courier materials, household goods, hunting trophies etc) as well as special cargo which includes valuables, live animals, perishables, dangerous goods, human remains and pharmaceuticals. All cargo is carried in accordance with the current IATA Tact Rules, IATA Perishable Cargo Regulations, IATA Live Animals Regulations and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. A shipper (sender) must be informed of and adhere to all regulations pertaining to the nature of their cargo whilst the consignee (receiver) must be able to pay for collection of the goods on arrival to avoid accumulation of warehouse storage charges before clearance with customs. For domestic carriage, no charges accrue to the receiver. There are existing partnerships and agreements with Freight Agents, Ground Handling Agents (GHA) and General Sales & Services Agents (GSSA) in both local, regional and international destinations to assist with clearance of goods. Our highly skilled and experienced staff with capacity to handle all cargo ensuring movement within stipulated timeframes, rules and regulations. Part of their training includes Elementary and Advanced Cargo as well as Dangerous Goods Handling courses. Our B737 uses its belly hold for cargo with a capacity of +3000kgs depending on the passenger load. The B767 uses both the belly hold and unitized equipment called Unit Loading Devices (ULDs), with a capacity 15000kgs. Contact our cargo section for a quote today and enjoy a wholesome experience of Zimbabwean Hospitality in the Skies. Visit our website on www.airzimbabwe.aero Email [email protected] [email protected] Cell +263 712 875 369 | Direct +263 242 58202626 General +263 242 575111 ext 2626 Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram: @FlyAirZimbabwe A
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60 October/November 2018 Explore, Experience & Enjoy Let us take care of your travels in Zimbabwe 0772347897 | 0772265774 [email protected] [email protected] Mazari is made from the finest cottons, all garments are manufactured in Zimbabwe. Our range is perfect for everyday safari or for everday work attire. Mazari has a beautiful range of natural color tones to suit everyone. Mazari has become a supporting partner to the Bumi Hills Anti Poaching Unit, for every MAZARI garment sold we donate 50 cents to BHAPU. So why wait around, come on down to see us. N. Tselentis Pvt Ltd 62 Mutare Road Msasa Harare 0867 700 7066-69 [email protected] www.tselentisgroup.com
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62 October/November 2018 Article and Images Nick Fawcett An EQUATORIAL Adventure
Nzira 63 alk of Uganda and images of the despotic regimes of Idi Amin and Milton Obote come drifting across the mind. What could possibly attract one to this hot, steamy, landlocked country in the middle of Africa? Anxious to see for ourselves, we arrived at Entebbe International Airport at 2.30am on 3 July 2018 to meet up with the other members of what became known as “Team U-gan-do-it.” Six young, 昀椀t and fun-loving thirtysomething year olds and us two old codgers, on the wrong side of seventy, made up the team. Travelling in a Toyota minibus, quickly dubbed the “Mean Green Machine,” we took in the mountain gorillas before arriving at Ruboni Camp in the Rwenzori foothills. That evening, in the subdued, solar-powered lighting, our mountain guide warned us of the rigours that awaited us; of the cold, the effects of altitude, the possibility of rain, the privation and the sheer physical demands of the expedition. Undeterred, we 昀椀tted ourselves out the next day with our mountaineering equipment and set off; eight unprepared but eager adventurers, supported by 昀椀ve guides and thirty porters. On entering the Rwenzori National Park, the banana plantations and cultivated lands immediately gave way to forest and boulder-strewn rivers, and by evening we had climbed 1000m to reach the rudimentary Nyabitaba Hut (2600m). Day 2 revealed the Portal Peaks in all their spectacular glory and we began an arduous climb through the bamboo and giant heather zones. Every tree was festooned with moss and old man’s beard; their ethereal appearance heightening the mystique. Our lunch stop gave us our 昀椀rst, intimidating view of Mount Stanley with one of its glaciers clearly visible. The magnitude and the dif昀椀culty of the task ahead was beginning to sink in! Another few hours of steady climbing brought us to the John Matte Hut (3420m). Not even the sunlight could warm the crisp mountain air but our hardy youngsters braved a dip in the icy, glacier-fed river! t
64 October/November 2018 Every day, Enock the cook, would serve up delicious pancakes, fritters, samosas, soups, casseroles and all manner of egg dishes, followed by hot chocolate, tea or coffee. Our evenings were spent organising kit, chatting and playing cards, punctuated by the ritual of the guides’ daily brie昀椀ng. Starting out on Day 3, we were soon confronted by the alien landscape of the Lower Bigo Bog – Giant Lobelias and Tree Groundsels thrust themselves up from the mass of sedges, grasses and xerophytes that 昀氀ourish in the dark, peaty bog. Snaking across the bog was a simple boardwalk serving to protect the fragile treasures and reducing the risk of injury to trekkers. We toiled up the valley, crossing several small streams cascading down from the ramparts above, and in the late afternoon we reached Bujuku Lake surrounded by the towering walls of Mounts Speke, Stanley and Baker. At close to 4000m, Bujuku Hut is the point beyond which no one suffering from symptoms of Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) should proceed. Duly warned, we faced Day 4’s formidable ascent to Elena Hut with some trepidation. The arduous climb, in cold, windy conditions, through bogs, forests and over boulders, turned the previous three days into a collective walk in the park and we only reached Elena Hut (4562m) in the mid-afternoon. Small, dark and cramped, Elena is the springboard for Margherita Peak, but our expectation of some training that evening on our equipment did not materialize, leaving us with the mistaken impression that it would all be plain sailing! After a 昀椀tful sleep in our summit gear we rose at 2am to a delicious bowl of Enock’s oats porridge. Outside, it was snowing lightly; the tiny 昀氀akes drifting in front of our head torches. It was a surreal experience as we set off, with laboured breathing and adrenaline pumping. Before long we arrived at the 昀椀rst 昀椀xed rope with which we had to climb a 40m rock face. From the top of the rope ascent we climbed steadily for about an hour, before reaching a ravine at the edge of a snow昀椀eld. We donned our crampons which crunched into the icy crust as we continued our climb. A Giant Lobelia in the Bigo Bog The Towering Ramparts of Mount Stanley Start of the gruelling Icefall Climb
Nzira 65 A grey dawn saw us scrambling over the boulders until we reached a 40-degree icefall, broken by large horizontal 昀椀ssures and crevasses. Roping up seemed to take forever and we struggled up the icefall, our ill-昀椀tting crampons skidding off the rock-hard ice. Midway up the icefall we reached the end of the 60m ropes anchored with ice screws. There, we clipped onto tethers, while the guides rigged the next pitch. It was a gruelling 150 vertical metres of height gain. After plodding up an extensive snow昀椀eld we rounded a cornice and found ourselves climbing through a glittering tunnel of ice and stalactites before another 20m rope climb brought us, gasping for breath, to a sheltered spot and our 昀椀rst rest. Psyching ourselves up for the 昀椀nal push, we summited (5109m) at 11.45am to emotional celebrations. Outside the beam of our head torches there was nothing but inky blackness and swirling sleet. After another rocky pitch, we were dismayed to arrive at more 昀椀xed ropes with which we had to descend the rock face, losing over 70m of hard fought altitude! With the weather deteriorating, the descent was slow and arduous, but 15 hours after we started, we reached Elena. It had been a highly technical and gruelling climb in some extremely harsh conditions. We were utterly spent but euphoric that we had all made it. Descending the next day, my wife was undoubtedly suffering from the combined effects of altitude, exhaustion and exposure, so progress down to John Matte Hut was painstakingly slow. That evening hip 昀氀asks were produced and promptly 昀氀attened in exuberant celebrations. Overnight rain made for treacherous going on Day 7 but we managed the last 1800m descent unscathed. For us, our Rwenzori adventure was life changing and our advice is - bucket list it. If we can do it, u-gan-do-it too! Plodding the Snow昀椀eld at 5050m Roping down below the summit Team ‘U gan do it’ on Margherita Summit 5109m The Descent Towards Bujuku Lake
66 October/November 2018 TRADE & TRAVEL SNIPPETS KITFT - “It’s Tiger Time!” The 57th Kariba Invitation Tiger Fishing Tournament is approaching held at Charara, Lake Kariba. 10th, 11th and 12th October 2018 Wilderness Safaris is due to open the revamped Chikwenya camp, Mana Pools in October 2018. Currently it is a sixtented camp but to be increased in 2019. The camp is open seasonally, being closed in the wetter season from around mid-November and re-opening in April. a non-pro昀椀t trust which operates in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park region, will increase conservation levies for 2019. The increase in levies, which will only apply when new bookings are made, will allow CWF to improve anti-poaching efforts and to fund lion and elephant conservation projects. In 2019 the levy will be increased to US$15 per person per night and this will be increased further to US$20 per person per night in 2020. It is planning on launching set scheduled 昀氀ights between Victoria Falls, Kariba, Mana Pools, Hwange and Harare in 2019 and these 昀氀ights will be available on a daily basis. The company will also offer a ‘meet and greet’ service for guests. Chikwenya Sanganai/Hlanganani World Tourism Expo Safari Logistics The Conservation & Wildlife Fund (CWF) It was held over 6th to 8th September 2018. This is an annual Tourism Trade Fair organized by the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority, showcasing the widest variety of Africa’s best tourism products and attracting international visitors, exhibitors and media from around the world. Nzira is honoured to have an article in this issue from one of the winners; The Matopos Mud Hut Competition. (See the Editors page for details) The Zimbabwe Council for Tourism (ZCT), which is the voice of the business operators in the country’s travel and tourism sector, has changed its name to the Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe. The rebranding came about as a result of a need to differentiate the Council from other tourism organisations and to stress its role as that of the business operators in the sector. The rebranding was marked by a celebratory dinner in Harare, attended by about 120 operators from across the country. Tribute was paid to founding Chairman and CEO, David Chapman. He is perhaps the person who can lay claim to being Zimbabwe’s ‘longest-serving’ personality in travel and tourism, having started in the business back in the late 1950s and retiring only a few years ago. The TBCZ is headquartered at 129 Baines Avenue, between S Muzenda and Fifth Streets. The CEO is Paul Matamisa and the current President is Tich Hwingwiri of the Rainbow Tourism Group. Held their 25th Annual Awards ceremony, for the travel and tourism sector, on 1 September 2018 at The Jam Tree in Harare. The reasoning behind the awards, presented by AZTA Chairperson Ignatius Matungamire, is to give accolades to airlines, lodges, agents and companies certi昀椀cates for outstanding service, voted by the Zimbabwe travel industry. Some of the top awards included: The Environmental Award was received by Africa Albida Tourism (AAT) after launching a major recycling project in Victoria Falls. Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Africa Albida Tourism’s (AAT) 昀氀agship property, took out the top award ahead of Victoria Falls Hotel, which was 昀椀rst runner-up, and second runner-up Elephant Hills Resort. Victoria Falls Safari Club was named Best Boutique Hotel, with Stanley & Livingstone and Pamushana Lodge in south eastern Zimbabwe taking second and third places. Lokuthula Lodges won the award in the Best Self-Catering category, followed by Nyanga’s Blue Swallow Lodges and Gweru’s Antelope Park. Tourism Business Council of Zimbabwe. (TBCZ) EVENTS The Association of Zimbabwe Travel Agents. (AZTA) © Gregg Robinson AZTA Awards. Some of the winners pictured above.
Nzira 67 LOCAL SNIPPETS According to statistics, tourist arrivals to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, increased by 11% in 2017 and Victoria Falls rain forest has recorded a 50% increase in international visitors in two years (2015 to 2017). Local and regional self drives to Zimbabwe have also increased due to con昀椀dence being restored by the removal of the inordinate police roadblocks around the country. REGIONAL SNIPPET Kenya Elephant Man in Zimbabwe Jim Justus Nyamu, known as the “Kenya Elephant Man”, (due to his many walking campaigns dubbed “IvoryBelongstoElephants”) arrived on foot in Zimbabwe on 10th September 2018 having begun his journey in Kenya on 14th July 2018. He and his team crossed over the border from Zambia at Victoria Falls and will then walk to the Plumtree border post, via Bulawayo, before completing his journey in Gabarone, Botswana. The objective of this East Africa to South Africa elephant walk is to create awareness on the plight of African elephants. The two regions enjoy the cross-border elephant population from Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Zimbabwe and Botswana and their is a dire need to identify an integrated conservation approach. Secondly the two regions have continued losing elephants due to poaching as well as habitat loss caused by land use changes. This is Jim’s 14th elephant campaign walk since 2013 and it is the longest. The second longest being a journey through East Africa from Kenya to Tanzania and Uganda in 2016, which took 126 days covering 3480km. Check out www.elephantcenter.org for more information and Jim’s detailed pro昀椀le or contact him directly via email [email protected] or WhatsApp on +254 723 398190 Victoria Falls ' The Great Zimbabwe Experience' What can you expect from Ancient City Lodge? Award Winning Resort 1 Shepherd's Plot,Great Zimbabwe Masvingo Zimbabwe. Call 039 265 120 Email [email protected] The Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (Zimparks) Marketing Manager, Aaron Chingombe and Victoria Falls Tourism Manager, Kelvin Mudawariwo con昀椀rmed that due to the increasing number of tourists in the area, Zimparks has extended viewing hours at the Victoria Falls Rainforest from 18h00 to 22h00. Other activities have also been introduced including private bush dinners next to the statue of David Livingstone and tour operators, under permit from Zimparks, may now offer night drives into the Zambezi National Park, including Chamabonda vlei. Also a designated picnic site, on the banks of the Zambezi River, is currently being constructed with running water and electricity, ablution blocks. Fun activities will be introduced for the picnickers including swimming in a protected area in the Zambezi River. For further information contact: [email protected]. Victoria Falls Rainforest VIEWING HOURS EXTENDED.
68 October/November 2018 have spent many a night at the Elephant Hills Resort in Victoria Falls: sometimes it was just for a weekend away from the big city; on others to attend a week long, work related conference. The most enjoyable times were, however, when we came up to play golf in our annual Nomads National tournament with some 200 fellow golfers, taking time out to chill and catch up with old or new business colleagues. The one thing that I love to do here is wake up early and take a walk or run around the golf course situated right in front of the hotel. I did just that this morning, taking photos of the sunrise as well as the impala, waterbuck, warthog and kudu scattered all around the estate. The wildlife here is used to humans walking nearby, yet they always keep a wary eye, pausing every so often from their morning meal to see who or what is approaching. The eighteen-hole golf course was originally designed by Gary Player to be the hardest in Africa. When the hotel was rebuilt in 1989, Roger Bayliss redesigned the course, together with Roy Jennings and Jumbo Thompson, to be more suitable for the social golfer. Grass was imported for the fairways and the greens, blending in very effectively with the natural 昀氀ora and fauna. Local rules allow for the golf ball to be dropped out of piles of animal dung or sunken hoof marks. Retrieving the ball from water holes is not recommended due to the occasional crocodile taking up temporary residence every now and again! The Elephant Hills has established itself as the conference centre of 昀椀rst choice, amongst larger companies around the country, wanting to take their employees away from the daily of昀椀ce grind to educate them on the latest information on their particular type of business. On the way back from my morning stroll, I came across four gentlemen out on the tennis court having a fun game whilst the temperature was still fairly cool (22ºC at 7am). Adrian Landry is the current General Manager at Elephant Hills and he has been tasked by the Legacy Group of Hotels to bring the hotel back to its former glorious position in the Zimbabwe Travel arena. On my way out of the Hotel at 6am, I was pleasantly surprised to see all the waiters being spoken to by their superior, giving them their daily advice on how best to deal with guests at the dinner table. Over the past two years, I have noticed a huge improvement overall in most aspects of the hotel and Adrian assures me that there is a lot more included in next year’s budget. There are 267 rooms in the Hotel so the eating area is particularly large. The buffet breakfast was very appealing with an enormous spread that included all sorts of fruit along with a selection of choice croissants to satisfy the Continental tastes as well as the mouth-watering English breakfast. I sat on the window side where one can view the ever daunting Zambezi River 昀氀owing towards the largest waterfall in the world. The Victoria Falls are known locally as the Mosioa-Tunya, (“The Smoke that Thunders”) and even though they are 4km away, one can view their seemingly ever present clouds of spray comfortably from the lounge alongside the upstairs bar. Victoria Falls is well known for the entertainment supplied at most hotels every evening and Elephant Hills is no exception to this with energetic drummers and dancers giving an excellent display whilst you are having your evening meal. There is a specially laid out casino room with a dozen gaming tables which is opened up whenever there is a large conference or golf tournament taking place at the hotel. A free shuttle service travels into the town centre every hour allowing guests to see the Falls or go out to dinner at one of the numerous dining places all within ten minutes of Elephant Hills. Article and Images Mike Garden I Elephant Hills RESORT Victoria Falls
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70 October/November 2018 Africa’s greatest natural wonder Zimbabwe by Legacy THE KINGDOM AT VICTORIA FALLS | ELEPHANT HILLS RESORT | MONOMOTAPA HARARE | TROUTBECK RESORT | HWANGE SAFARI LODGE CENTRAL RESERVATIONS: | 0800 HOTELS / 0800 468357 (SA ONLY) | [email protected] | www.LegacyHotels.com Nzira Magazines - Advert Zimbabwe V2.indd 2 2018/07/24 10:44
Nzira 71 Tent Cadac Carri Chef Combo Braai Fan Light Cadac King Chair Coleman Instant Cabin 4 man with rain昀氀y. Wind and rain testted – 600mm . Pre attached Hub and Poles for faster set up. Fire Retardant. Durable 600D Polyester with pvc coating Fine mesh storage Pocket Sturdy arm rest Carry bag Included Max weight 140kg Coleman Lighted tent fan with stand. 10h runtime on High. 30h Runtime on low. Multispeed. Attaches with included magnetic plate or carabiner clip. Fan and light operate separately. High and low settings. Heat-resistant dome handle BBQ grid made from aluminium for even heat & maximum cooking Porcelain enamelled dome with stainless steel heat de昀氀ector Dome clips on back and acts as a windsheild & splash-back protector Light-weight anodised aluminium legs High tech lantern 190 Lumens 475 hours runtime on low with 3m range distance 67 hours on High 7m range Rugged Lantern Coleman 400 lumens Rechargeable Save money on disposable batteries. Our Travel Gear Picks Available at The Outdoor Store, Kensington and Borrowdale Village Walk, Harare
72 October/November 2018 Image Kensington Shopping Centre & Borrowdale Village Walk [email protected] (+263) 784 312 218 Follow Us Auto Torque (Pvt) Ltd 8 Craster Road Southerton Harare Contact +2638677175208
Nzira 73 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 16 19 20 22 21 23 24 25 26 27 28 9 178 Crossword Puzzle Sudoku By Mary-Anne Di昀昀iculty - Medium ACROSS 1. Echo spice shows a place of shelter for travellers (7) 5. Elephants love to wallow in this (7) 9. Collectively they count for approximately 50% of everyone (9) 10. Does a solarium provide exposure to the sun (5) 11. We sing ‘... in excelsis Deo’ every Christmas (6) 12. Le heart once tanned is a flexible skin (7) 14. This small restaurant is probably inexpensive (4) 15. A yellow substance used as jam and not related to whey (6,4) 18. The successors of Mohammed ruled in this (9) 19. Heat can turn to this (4) 22. You are allowed to give someone the right to a name (7) 23. Is this sufficient to satisfy a need (6) 25. A child’s toy which mother uses for chopping (5) 26. Some shirt shows temperature on a map (9) 27. A sin or a virtue provides an Italian footballer (7) 28. This body of water doesn’t seem to be alive (4,3) DOWN 1. Show lions how to sound like a wolf (4) 2. Easy parts of a sum (6,9) 3. A region will fail to notice (6) 4. The Queen (9,6) 5. Not extreme but moderate political views (6,2,3,4) 6. Disect an intervening space (8) 7. Every genuine woman become a romantic drama (3,3,4,5) 8. The hare contain an artist in the capital (5,3) 13. It’s what a thespian does best (3) 16. Wrong judgement, in error (8) 17. A nice cuppa (3) 20. A leg or arm in parliament (6) 21. Moses’ successor blew his trumpet at Jericho (6) 24. India is part of this continent (4) 6 7 2 1 8 1 3 6 5 3 4 2 6 5 3 6 7 1 2 8 6 4 9 7 8 4 8 9 7 7 2 1 8 3 ACROSS 1. Hospice 5. Mudbath 9. Womankind 10. Solar 11. Gloria 12. Leather 14. Cafe 15. Lemon curd 18. Caliphate 19. Hate 22. Entitle 23. Enough 25. Block 26. Isotherms 27. Rosania 28. Dead Sea DOWN 1. Howl 2. Simple fractions 3. Ignore 4. Elizabeth Regina 5. Middle of the road 6. Distance 7. All the real girls 8. Harare 13. Act 16. Mistaken 17. Tea 20. Member 21. Joshua 24. Asia
74 October/November 2018 hey say an elephant never forgets. Recently we visited a large ranch near the town of Shangani and discovered a fascinating story about these large pachyderms that is little known outside of a group of wildlife enthusiasts and ranchers that live in that area. From around 1994 onwards, elephant started making the long trek from Hwange National Park and following a well-treed area through the Gwampa Forest, they cut the Shangani River near Nkayi and then head south to these ranches where they over-winter from April until November. They then trudge all the way back to Hwange National Park. Their return to the Park coincides with the start of the rains and obviously there is ample grazing and browse for all the elephant populations once more. This route was probably an ancient one followed by elephant over millennia, but the intervention of man cutting up wilderness areas into small farms and ranches, effectively stopped the age-old tradition. That is until the provision of numerous watering points and the control of poaching led to a massive explosion of the elephant population in the Park. Too many for the carrying capacity of the land. Far too many. So the elephant sagely discussed the problem in their low rumbling sub-liminal way and agreed that the most expendable members of their society would do the honours and leave the safety of Hwange for the cows and calves and the breeding males. So a steady increase over the last quartercentury has seen the number of elephant making the trek reach more than 240 animals. Every single one a male. Not a single cow or calf amongst them! A few even stay year-round now and some 7 to 10 are totally resident. Emboldened by their successful home-grown range management strategy, some even cross the main Gweru/ Bulawayo road and sometimes from the high points you can see elephant watering at farm dams or browsing through the miombo woodlands. Nalatale Ruins is one such high point. Man has helped and hindered this wonderful story. Of course there will be collateral damage if the elephant chance upon juicy grain or vegetable crops still standing in the 昀椀elds along the way. The ranchers have developed fences that can drop down when the elephant meet them and spring upright after their passage. Cattle are not as clever. The elephant help to keep open the veld which can otherwise become overwhelmed by scrubby thornbush. Humans however have little capacity for such sagacity. There is evidence all over southern Africa of great civilisations that once existed and then collapsed either due to the greed of competing tribes or colonisers and often, more likely, just the exhaustion of the natural resources as the human population rose and became unsustainable. In our nuclear family we have the existence of a third-born daughter of a third-born daughter. This is considered very auspicious in some cultures. However we realised how tenuous is our existence and the risk of the selfful昀椀lling prophecy of the Darwin Award when our youngest set off for Kariba one festive season. Newly licensed and raring to go off in pursuit of boxer-shorted male members of the human race, we were a little perplexed to get a phone call some three hours after she left home. “Is Kwe Kwe on the way to Kariba?” she asked expectantly. To sort this little problem out we had to go to Chinhoyi meet the errant car-load of bimbos, refuel and re昀椀nance them and point them in the right direction. Success did not come easy and the boxer-shorted members of humanity were in short supply. A repeat journey the following New Year was required on the Testosterone Trail. This time the phone call came only two hours after they left home. “Is Kadoma on the way to Kariba?” This time the question was asked rather nervously. Once again, Chinhoyi called for a meeting of relatives and the exchange of expletives and friendly advice. Well I guess it was progress of sorts, they did know that one of the towns along the way to Kariba began with the letter K and almost anyone could innocently mistake Kadoma or Kwe Kwe for Karoi! So if you ever travel down late at night from Harare to Bulawayo, watch out for the grey ghosts that may 昀氀oat across the shiny new tarmacadam road as they search wider and wider a昀椀eld for the elusive green grass. Be sure that these pachyderms will not mistake Shurugwi for Shangani. That’s an all-too-human error. Just be very wary of bimbos doing u-turns on the busy highway as they re-programme their homing devices on the Testosterone Trail! The Bark of the Urban Baboon Article and Images MAFUNGI Trails well trodden t
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