March 9th, 2010
Zambia – Luangwa Highlights
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Mchenja Camp:
Mchenja – meaning ebony – is one of the Norman Carr luxury bush camps, and is located on the banks of the Luangwa River in the most amazing setting beneath a grove of Ebony trees.
The five thatch-roofed tents each have a deck overlooking the Luangwa River, as well as a gorgeous outside shower room, while inside you can relax in your bath while overlooking the River. There is a very refreshing small pool in the main thatched area, where you will also find the bar, where the guests flock to cool down after the morning’s activities.
You can choose to view your wildlife on foot or from a safari vehicle; both day and night game drives are an option. Game viewing in this area is excellent. On our afternoon game drive we were lucky enough to see the elusive leopard, as well as enjoy excellent sightings of hippo, elephant, bushbuck, and puku. We returned to camp at dark after enjoying our sundowners over the plain amongst the bushbuck and puku!
Mchenja is the ideal place to do a walking safari from, particularly when combining it with the other Norman Carr camps. From Mchenja it is a short morning walk – all walks are done first thing in the morning before it gets too warm – to Kakuli Bush Camp.
Our morning call came at 5am, giving us enough time to have some breakfast and get our energy levels up before our approx 2 hour bush walk to Kakuli. The bush walks are so different to what you would see and experience on a safari vehicle; you see things in a completely different perspective. Towards the end of our walk, we came across a buffalo carcass, right next to Kakuli Camp, which had vultures feeding off it. It was a very thrilling experience seeing the vultures swirling above and not knowing what we were going to stumble upon.
At Kakuli Camp we were met by the Mchenja vehicle for our transfer to Luwi Camp – we had had enough walking for one day!!
Luwi Bush Camp:
Luwi Bush Camp – another Norman Carr camp – is a seasonal bush camp which gets completely rebuilt from scratch each season and is set under massive mahogany trees on the banks of a permanent lagoon.
As Luwi is set in such a remote location, with very few roads to traverse on, the activities are centered on walking. The wildlife in this area is in abundance which makes the bush walks very memorable.
There are only 4 huts which are all made of thatch and grass, and utilize the natural vegetation and surroundings wherever possible, offering a true rustic bush experience. All meals are served outside under the shade of the trees during the day, and under the starry African sky at night.
On the afternoon of our arrival – already quite exhausted from our morning activities (keeping in mind the temperatures in October average around 40 degrees centigrade) – we had a much needed siesta, followed by our afternoon tea, before heading off for a short bush walk around the camp. Luwi have a fantastic buffalo hide overlooking the lagoon, where we ended up after our walk. Bryony, the camp manager, and staff were waiting for us, all set up for our sundowners; pimms, popcorn and lots of little yummy snacks!
We then enjoyed a brief night game drive enroute back to the camp, where we saw hundreds of hippos and glowing croc eyes along the river banks.
A typical day at Luwi will start early, discussing the noises and animals heard through the night around the camp fire area, whilst eating breakfast before you set off on your morning bush walk which on average takes between three and fours hours. In our case our next stop, also sadly our last, was on to Nsolo Bush Camp.
Luwi was one of my favourite camps; the setting is absolutely amazing and you really feel you are in the middle of nowhere. The only `downside’ is there is no plunge pool, which we definitely could’ve done with.
Nsolo Bush Camp:
After our 5am wake up and breakfast, we set off on foot for our 8km walk to Nsolo. It was exceptionally hot, even at 6am! We walked at a fast but steady pace, stopping for a couple Zebra, Bushbuck and Impala photo opportunities. About 30 minutes before the camp we stopped for a rest under some shady trees where we enjoyed some biscuits and tea. We made excellent time arriving at Nsolo just before 9am, in time for a hearty brunch.
When traveling from Nsolo to Luwi, you pack your bags in the morning and set off on foot finishing at Nsolo. When you arrive you are welcomed with a refreshing cool drink, brunch on the table and your bags already waiting for you in your room.
The Norman Carr Nsolo Bush Camp, is situated on a bend in the Luwi Sands River, and I’m told is one of the more historic camps in Zambia. It was sited by Norman Carr in 1987 and Shaddy – who is the Camp Manager and Guide – has been studying the wildlife and conducting the walks from here for over 10 years now!
There are 4 thatched and very spacious chalets, with outdoor bathrooms, all raised on wooden decks with private verandahs, overlooking the dry river-bed in front of the camp. There is amazing game to be seen right from the comfort of your own deck.
After enjoying our hearty brunch, we had a couple hours to enjoy a siesta or just sit back and relax. With temperatures reaching into the early 40’s (degrees centigrade) with a warm and humid wind, it was almost impossible to have a nap. We all gathered around the main area enjoying cool drink after cool drink, until all of sudden a family of elephants entered the camp. They were literally about 10 metres away from us playing around in the overflow from the camp’s water tank.
After our afternoon `ellie’ excitement we headed off for our last game drive, where we stopped and set off on a brief bush walk to enjoy our last sunset.
The following morning we left just after 6am. Although early it was just as well; we encountered a flat tyre soon into our drive back to Mfuwe, which set us back about 30 minutes!
The last stop before our departure was Tribal Textiles, which produces unique hand-painted traditional and contemporary fabrics in Zambia. Based on the edge of the South Luangwa National Park and established in 1991, Tribal Textiles currently has a team of over 150 local staff. The objective here is to promote fair trade, generate local employment and develop creative skills. Tribal Textiles also actively supports the local community school, Malimba, which currently has over 160 children.
We were fortunate enough to have enough time for a brief stop enroute to the airport and were given a tour of how things operated and were then let loose in the curio shop! If time permits in your itinerary, this is one project definitely worth your attention, besides supporting the local community, you can get some of your Christmas shopping done early!
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Zambia – home of the Victoria Falls
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Posted in AFRICA, ZAMBIA | No Comments »
March 9th, 2010
Zambia – Lower Zambezi Highlights
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Sausage Tree Lodge
Sausage Tree Lodge is set in a stunning location right on the banks of the Zambezi River, in the Lower Zambezi National Park. This is in the heart of the best game viewing area. The camp – and very welcoming pool – overlooks many narrow channels teeming with game, offering the amazing Zambezi escarpment as the backdrop.
We enjoyed boat cruises, sundowners, day and night game drives, an early morning canoe amongst hippos and crocs, tiger fishing and even a surprise lunch in the Zambezi River!
Sausage Tree also offers walks with highly skilled and trained rangers. Elephants are seen in camp on a daily basis. Game viewing is excellent with an extremely high chance of spotting wild dog, leopard, lion, hippo and buffalo, to name but a few, during their stay.
After returning from our morning canoe excursion on our first morning – hot and exhausted – we were told we would be “going out” for lunch. Obviously we were all a bit dumb-struck, as where does one “go out” for lunch in the Lower Zambezi? So we all boarded our boat and as we turned the first bend, we couldn’t believe what we saw.a table, chairs, barbeque, drinks table and shaded thatch enclosure all set up IN the Zambezi River. The camp crew were all standing ankle-deep waiting for us, cocktails in hand. And so we sat ankle-deep in the Zambezi and enjoyed our delicious barbeque and cocktails. This was most definitely one of the highlights of my trip, one which I will remember forever!
Sausage Tree Camp is an ideal family as well as Honeymoon destination, there is something here for everyone.
Old Mondoro
From Sausage Tree to Old Mondoro it is an approx. 45 minute boat ride.although that definitely depends how many times you stop to take pictures!
Old Mondoro (the Shona word for lion is Mondoro and the name Old Mondoro derives from the local legend of an old, white lion that used to frequent the area) is the most intimate and private safari camp in the Lower Zambezi, offering only 8 beds.
On our afternoon arrival at the camp we soon embarked on a game drive which quickly turned into a night drive after we had stopped on the banks to enjoy our sundowners. We were extremely lucky with our sightings, having spotted two young male lions, three porcupines (my first ever sighting), hippos running amok, buffalo, five genets, as well as a bush baby which we were told was the first sighting in two seasons!!
Other activities on offer include canoeing, game viewing by motorboat, tigerfishing (catch and release), as well as bush walks – there are some excellent walking areas right from the camp, and I’ve been told this is the best walking area in the Lower Zambezi.
It is a very rustic camp – quite different from the likes of Sausage Tree where we had just come from – with no electricity (paraffin lamps bring the camp alive after dark), offering a fantastic “back to basics” experience. If you need your hairdryer then perhaps this is not the camp for you.
Zambia Accommodation
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Zambia – home of the Victoria Falls
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Posted in AFRICA, ZAMBIA | No Comments »
March 9th, 2010
Zambia – Victoria Falls Highlights
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Tongabezi Lodge:
Tongabezi Lodge is a privately owned and run lodge located in the most amazing and tranquil setting further upstream on the Zambian side of the Victoria Falls.
Accommodation consists of a selection of houses and cottages, each beautifully furnished using local materials. An added touch is that guests can choose to dine beside the river or on their private terrace.
You can choose to just relax or make the most of the many activities that will keep you busy for several days. Inclusive activities are sunrise and sunset boating, a guided walking tour of the Zambian side of the Falls, fishing, a game drive in Mosi-oa-Tunya Game Park, guided museum tours, a visit to the colourful markets and Simonga village. For the romantics out there, a must is the private candlelit dinner which you can enjoy whilst floating under the stars on the Zambezi.
Watch out for those hippos! We were warned not to venture outside alone after dark because of the resident hippos, which had slipped my mind until I heard the scuffling in the bushes right next to my chalet. It seems I was located at their favourite sundowner hole! Tregger, my valet, eventually came to my rescue so I could enjoy my delicious dinner.
One of the highlights of my stay at Tongabezi Lodge was the Livingstone Island Excursion, where you are given the opportunity to swim on the edge of the Victoria Falls (Zambian side). This is definitely “bucket-list” material and something everyone should try and do at least once in their lifetime.
After signing what seemed like our lives’ away – there is an indemnity form you are required to sign, but at the end of the day if you listen to your expert guides you will be fine – we were taken on a short boat ride from the Royal Livingstone Hotel to the banks just near Devil’s Pool. You are guided across the river, which involved a short burst of a swim to the rocks, where you then have to jump into this tiny pool – Devil’s Pool – which sends all the adrenaline soaring through your body.
You are only allowed about 15 minutes in the pool before you return to the shore and sit down to a delicious eggs benedict brunch!
Sindabezi Island Lodge:
Sindabezi Island – Tongabezi’s sister camp – is located a private island about a 20 minute boat ride from Tongabezi. Accommodation consists of five open-sided thatched cottages offering uninterrupted views across the flood plains of the Zambezi, and into the nearby National Park.
In the late afternoon after our arrival we enjoyed a very relaxing sundowner boat cruise before returning to our al fresco dining experience under the stars!
Sindabezi is the ideal getaway for small groups or families traveling together, but also very popular with Honeymooners and couples alike. Sindabezi offers such a relaxing setting, making it the perfect destination for those looking for a quiet getaway. Very popular – and highly suggested – is combining Sindabezi with a stay at Tongabezi Lodge.
Before we left Victoria Falls and made our way into the Lower Zambezi, we were taken on a visit to the Tongabezi Trust School, which was set up by Vanessa Parker (the wife of Ben Parker, who owns Tongabezi) previously a volunteer teacher in Livingstone.
The school opened on the 1st May 1996 and provides education to the Tongabezi staff children, as well as children from the local community, in an area where educational funding and materials are scarce. The school has also recently attained charity status and is completely funded on donations, is currently supporting over 160 students. I highly recommend popping in to the school for a visit, which Tongabezi Lodge will gladly help arrange.
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Zambia – home of the Victoria Falls
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Posted in AFRICA, ZAMBIA | No Comments »
March 9th, 2010
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Zambia was the destination for Senior Consultant Nicky Searle on an educational trip late last year. Read on to hear about her experiences.
The Victoria Falls and Tongabezi Lodge was first on the itinerary. After half a day of traveling, we were welcomed with very refreshing warm towels and an ice cold beverage, which was quickly followed by a scrumptious lunch of tikka chicken, an assortment of crisp salads, and topped off with the most divine guava sorbet.
After a brief siesta to let the food settle it was time for our afternoon sunset boat cruise. Our guide expertly navigated us through the channels and away from the hippos, where we continued cruising on the Zambezi River until we arrived for our sundowners. They had set up a table on the banks of the river, with gin & tonics, wine and some snacks. What bliss.
When we returned to our rooms, they had all been prepared for our arrival; mosquito nets, lights dimmed and a very welcoming bubble bath with petals and candles.
Victoria Falls Highlights
From Livingstone Airport we caught a very bumpy 18-seater Proflight into Lusaka. Not being the biggest fan of flying, you can imagine my state after we were told we had to circle Lusaka airport for about 30 minutes as the airstrip was closed temporarily due the Presidents arrival!
After a quick transit, from Lusaka we then boarded a much smaller 8-seater Islander plane which took us to Royal Airstrip in the Lower Zambezi, a flight of approx 30 minutes. (You would normally fly into Jeki Airstrip, but it is currently closed due to poor runway conditions.)
The Sausage Tree Lodge Vehicle was waiting for us on the dusty runway to take us on our 10 minute transfer to the boat. From there it about a 30 minute boat ride, with plenty of cool refreshments, to the camp.
Lower Zambezi Highlights
From the Lower Zambezi we had an early start leaving the camp just after 7:30am to get the airstrip for our Proflight to South Luangwa. The flight was departing at 8:20am. Generally `check in’ is around 30 minutes prior to departure for bush flights.
The flight to Mfuwe – in the tiny Beechcraft planes – took about a 1 ½ in very hot and bumpy conditions. We were met by a very happy and excited Levy – Mchenja Camp’s very knowledgeable and skilled guide who just couldn’t wait to get us into camp!
Luangwa Highlights
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Zambia – home of the Victoria Falls
Part 1: Zambia | Part 2: Victoria Falls | Part 3: Lower Zambezi | Part 4: Luangwa
Posted in AFRICA, ZAMBIA | No Comments »
November 18th, 2009
Uyaphi directors, Verity and James Bester recently took 4 year old Xavier Bester along with them on a Kruger area site inspection. Xavier put all the child facilities to good use and the Bester clan returned with plenty of stories and pics. Read their firsthand impressions of the Kruger Family Safari scene in Verity’s blog report.
Posted in AFRICA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA | No Comments »
November 14th, 2009
 1. Ride an Elephant
The Addo Elephant back Safari allows you to interact with elephants in their natural habitat bordering the Greater Addo Elephant National Park. Trained elephant handlers share their special knowledge about the animals on this leisurely 3 hour walk-and-talk. Children to be accompanied by a parent.
2. Fly over Victoria Falls
What better way to see Africa’s greatest waterfall than by air: a 15 or 30 minute flip in a helicopter or microlight guarantees fun for the whole family. The Zambezi Sun is located on the banks of the Zambezi River, within strolling distance of the eastern cataract of the Victoria Falls. Their Kamp Kwena Kiddies Centre offers various activities to keep your child entertained. View game by river boat or take the older kids white water rafting.
3. Paddle a Dugout Canoe
On the Young Explorer’s Safari highlights include a chance to explore the Okavango Delta in a traditional mokoro dugout canoe … then learn secrets of the bush from one of the Kalahari desert’s last surviving bushmen. There is ample opportunity for adults to siesta while the kids are kept busy by experienced child-friendly guides.
4. Safari in the Ngorogoro Crater
The Junior Ranger Safari is a family friendly opportunity to experience Tanzania’s famed Ngorogoro Crater. Explore the bush, visit farms, hear the folklore, meet Maasai tribesmen and camp in one of Africa’s greatest wilderness areas. Activities tailor-made to match children’s ages, interests and levels of concentration.
5. Castaway on an Indian Ocean Island
Indigo Bay Island Resort offers an idyllic island getaway for the whole family. The resort has all the convenience you could ask for, together with activities to keep you amused – tropical beaches, pristine coral reefs for snorkelling, traditional Dhow excursions, duneboarding and any watersport imaginable.
Posted in AFRICA, BOTSWANA, KRUGER NATIONAL PARK, SOUTH AFRICA, ZAMBIA | 3 Comments »
November 8th, 2009
 Four seasons in one day and three cities in one … Cape Town is captivating, entertaining and a definite “must-see before you die”. Whether you’re after the iconic sights, city delights, hanging with the in-crowd or just a laid-back beach vibe on the tip of Africa, there is something for everyone in Cape Town.
The City Bowl
Catch the cableway and a view of this beautiful city from the top of Table Mountain. Watch the hustle and bustle of Cape Town harbour from the Waterfront; shop/drop/wine&dine in the trendy Cape Quarter before hitting the Long Street nightspots.
Accommodation
Mount Nelson – Cape Town’s Grande Dame
Commodore – At the heart of the Waterfront
Urban Chic – Boutique hotel in the centre of the action
Atlantic Seaboard
Stroll along the Sea Point promenade, and then join the bronzed bodies on the Clifton beaches before sundowners with the beautiful people at one of the seafront cafes on the palm-lined Camps Bay strip. Further down the coast are the delights of Llandudno beach and its millionaire’s hideaways, or bare all at nearby Sandy Bay nudist beach.
Accommodation
O on Kloof – Boutique hotel near the trendy beaches
Twelve Apostles – Stunning location on the Atlantic coastal drive
Tintswalo Atlantic – Exclusive luxury right beside the ocean
False Bay Coast
At the other end of the Cape Peninsula, the False Bay coastline promises the laid-back Cape Town beach experience. Close to Cape Point, historical Simon’s Town oozes with naval history and the Boulder’s Beach penguin colony. Take the local train that hugs the coastline, or enjoy the selection of sheltered beaches, bohemian shopping and relaxed dining at this end of Cape Town.
Accommodation
Colona Castle – An elegant base with panoramic False Bay views
The St James – Luxury seaside boutique hotel
Boulders Beach Lodge – Seaside hideaway and restaurant near the famous penguin colony.
Posted in AFRICA, CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA | No Comments »
November 3rd, 2009
 The coastline of Africa offers a wealth of dive opportunities and there is no shortage of well-equipped operations to ensure that every diving holiday is one to remember. Let’s take a look at two spectacular dive locations off the usual tourist circuit. Northern Mozambique
The huge expanse of Pemba Bay and the 27 islands of the Querimba Archipelago in northern Mozambique are an undiscovered jewel. Coral reefs boast a breathtaking array of hard and soft corals and shallow dives (up to 15 metres) will bring you into contact with resident seahorses and 140 species of sea shell, while beautiful reef fish dart amongst the anemones. This is an underwater photographer’s paradise!
Deeper you will find the largest giant fan coral in Africa. Vertical reef walls promise dramatic deep dives up to 40 metres; into the domain of reef sharks, sunfish, moray eels, 4 species of dolphin, barracuda and other pelagic game fish. Humpback whales are frequent visitors to these shores between August and October and, if you’re lucky, you’ll meet turtles making their way out to sea: leatherbacks, loggerheads and green turtles lay their eggs on the sandy shores of the Querimba islands.
Northern Mozambique Accommodation
Londo Lodge
Matemo Island Resort
Lake Malawi
Lake Malawi is one of the world’s most noteworthy freshwater dive locations. The lake reaches depths of 700 metres and is home to over 1,000 species of tropical fish, 350 of which are cyclids found nowhere else on earth. Dives are only down to 20 metres – there is not much life deeper than this and the closest decompression chamber is located in far off Johannesburg!
Diving the lake is like exploring a giant aquarium. Nearly three-quarters of the world’s freshwater aquarium fish come from Lake Malawi … you will encounter teeming clouds of rainbow coloured cyclids darting around dramatic lunar-like rock formations. Giant catfish hide between the rocks while huge freshwater crabs scurry along the bottom. If you are lucky you will be joined by a cormorant diving for fish, or a friendly otter coming to play. Diving the lake is not technically challenging, so it is perfect for first-time divers … and the array of tropical fish is well worth the effort.
Lake Malawi Accommodation
Mumbo Island Camp
Domwe Island Lodge
Posted in AFRICA, MOZAMBIQUE | 3 Comments »
October 28th, 2009
Apart from the many pages of information crammed onto Uyaphi.com, the Africa Travel Forum was created as the interactive side of our Africa Travel website offerings.
The Africa Travel forum is an open online forum to discuss all things Africa. This is the ideal vehicle for people interested in travel to Africa to get ideas on the best destinations, ask advice and share information on the best operators and travel offerings. Through the forum, people who have already been to the continent are able to share their opinions with future fellow travellers.
Click here to explore the Africa Travel Forum.
We would love you to share your questions or suggestions on the forum.
Posted in AFRICA | No Comments »
October 26th, 2009
 Springtime brings a miracle to the rugged Western and Northern Cape region. Wildflowers sprout out of the dusty earth after the winter rains, covering otherwise barren landscapes with magnificent carpets of flowers in the most virulent colours … yellows, oranges, pinks and reds.
Insiders will tell you that late August/September is the best time to visit the Cape; not only is it whale season, but this coincides with flower season – truly a sight to behold as an incredible 4,000 species of desert daisies spring into flower from Cape Town up to the far northern reaches.
The flower region is vast, so it is also advisable to stay in a few locations to explore each region for the best blooms. Be sure to consult the wild-flower hotline that advises visitors where they are most likely to see the finest displays, though locals in each district will know best.
Our pick of flower season accommodation:
Paternoster Cottages
Picturesque seaside cottages in a rustic west coast fishing village.
Bartholomeus Klip Farmhouse
A 10,000-acre fynbos nature reserve abuts this working wheat and sheep farm. Limited accommodation and superb dining is on offer on this large private estate with a spectacular mountain backdrop.
Bushmans Kloof
A privately owned wilderness reserve situated between the rugged foothills of the Cederberg Mountains and the plains of the Great Karoo. World renowned for its 130 rock art sites.
Naries Namakwaland Retreat
A romantic hideaway in the heart of the remote Namaqualand, diamond and copper region of the Northern Cape. The region also features unique semi-desert fauna and flora.
Posted in SOUTH AFRICA | 1 Comment »
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