Leopard hunting effectively banned in SA

The Department of Environmental Affairs has set provincial leopard hunting quotas at zero for 2016, Department of Environmental Affairs Chief Director Communications, Albi Modise has confirmed.

While Modise would not go into detail about the motivation for the decision, he said it followed a report led by South African National Biodiversity Institute (SANBI).

However, in a Government Gazette published last year, the department suggested that leopard hunting might be unsustainable.

“Recent research suggests that trophy hunting may be unsustainable in Limpopo, KwaZulu Natal and possibly North West. This is due mainly to excessive quotas, clumping of hunting effort, poor trophy selection, and the additive effects of DCA [damage-causing-animal] control combined with other forms of illegal off-take,” the notice reads.

According to Modise, the decision, which effectively bans leopard hunting, applies throughout South Africa.

Seven Wonders of Botswana

What are the Wonders of Botswana?  

 Botswana is home to one of Africa's Seven Wonders of Nature, but that is only a start to the wonders this country offers. Botswana is truly an African gem for encounters with nature, but the country is also rich in culture and heritage.

Okovango Delta 

Okovango Delta is the largest inland delta in the world formed from the Okavango River’s tectonic drain. The delta has almost 11 cubic kilometers of water spreading over its area of almost 15,000 square kilometers. Okavango Delta is rich in wildlife and provides an opportunity to see the Big 5. 

 

Kubu Island

 

 Kubu Island is made up of dry granite rocks situated in Botswana’s Makgadikgadi Pan. Kubu Island is a national monument and a consecrated place for the indigenous people. Kubu actually means large rock, but can also mean hippopotamus in Tswana.

 Moremi Game Reserve

Moremi Game Reserve is one of Botswana’s national parks. The park’s name was taken from the BaTawana tribe’s chief, Chief Moremi. It is one of Botswana's wildlife viewing gems.

Tuli Block

This narrow border of Botswana lies in between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Tuli Block is known because of its geographical features such as the Solomon’s Wall and Lepokoe Hills. This piece of land features beautiful rock formations, abundant wildlife, strange vegetation and of course, a rich archaeological heritage.

Tsodilo Hills

The Tsodilo Hills, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has exceptional spiritual and religious connection to locals. Tsodilo Hills traces human settlement over hundreds of decades. The hills features rock paintings of more than 4,500 within its 10 square kilometer area.

Footsteps Across the Delta

 

If you're keen to do some walking in Botswana, then Footsteps Across the Delta should be at the top of your wish list! These are opportunities to explore the environment and wildlife with an expert guide.

 

Footsteps is a very simple and rustic camp, currently located on the edge of a beautiful hippo-filled lagoon (the camp is fully portable and tends to be moved to a new location every couple of years). The tents are set up in the shade of a lovely forested area. 

The main area at Footsteps is a simple open-sided canvas tent which has a nice view over the lagoon. As well as a dining table, There is also a mini-library.

Each evening, a fire is lit in front of the main tent, and everyone sits round to discuss the day's sightings and events. There is even a small viewing mound with a couple of comfortable chairs, also overlooking the lagoon.

A few nights' stay here will give you an authentic taste of the bush – the area is notable for the diversity of wildlife present. Both wild dog and lion are often seen in the area and also a variety of plains game including kudu, tsessebe, zebra, giraffe and impala. If you wish, you can also go on game drives, and mokoro, depending on water levels.

For more information please contact us at

 res@botswana-reservations.com

 www.botswana-reservations.com

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat

 

Staggering mystical beauty, wind sculpted, jagged rock formations, crystal clear rock pools, lush green lawns and indigenous gardens with never ending views of the magnificent Cederberg mountain range define the unique character of Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve & Retreat.

 

The nomadic Bushman shared this paradise and left a legacy of mystical paintings on rocky overhangs. These depict their myths, rituals and the abundance of life that surrounded them.

Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains lies an ecological oasis within a roughly hewn and magical land which offers a distinctive wilderness experience among open plains and ancient sandstone formations.

Accommodation

 It consists of 16 luxurious guest rooms and suites, as well as Koro Lodge, a private, fully-catered villa close to the main lodge.
 

 Activities

Hike & Bike

Canoeing & Swimming

Spa

 

For more information please contact us at

info@southern-africa-travel.com
www.southern-africa-travel.com

Leopard Walk Lodge

Leopard Walk Lodge is a Private Game Lodge situated in Hluhluwe, KZN. Safe and romantic luxurious accommodation in a magnificent wildlife reserve.
 

Unwind in your luxurious accommodation, on a romantic weekend, with glass wrapped rooms and relax in your own private outdoor Jacuzzi.  Enjoy the private “secret” setting of your suite in a unique sand forest in the midst of the wildlife reserve, with over 350 bird species and abundant wildlife.
 

Leopard Walk Lodge is pleased to offer wonderful options of Body Health & Wellness Therapy & Reflexology: “Enjoy relaxing with a wide selection of body and health treatments provided by a professional beauty therapist”

You will love being in the midst of South Africa’s world famous Elephant Coast, near to Hluhluwe Game Reserve and in the environs of the World Natural Heritage Site, “A  place of wonders” – The Isimangaliso (St Lucia) Wetland Park. Enjoy the ambiance of your African Safari  in luxurious accommodation in a spectacular natural wildlife Setting.

For more information please contact us at 

 info@southern-africa-travel.com
www.southern-africa-travel.com

Fun Facts about Botswana

The Okavango Delta is one of the largest inland deltas in the world, spanning 17,000km2 – an area almost the size of Wales. Okavango is often considered to be the biggest inland delta in the world.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

None of the water in the Okavango Delta reaches the sea – the large majority of it is either evaporated or transpired, with a remaining 2% estimated to discharge into Lake Ngami.

All that remains of the once immense Makgadikgadi Lake, the Makgadikgadi Pans are the largest salt pans in the world, with an area of about 12,000km2. The area is an important habitat for meerkats, and also for wildebeest, zebra, pelicans and flamingos following periods of rain. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The border between Botswana and Zambia is, at 700m, known as the shortest border between two fully independent countries. It is a riverine border sandwiched between the Zambia-Namibia and Zambia-Zimbabwe borders, all of which run through the middle of the Zambezi River.

 

For more information please contact us at 

res@botswana-reservations.com

www.botswana-reservations.com

Adventure in Harare

 Domboshava Rocks

Domboshava Rocks is located approximately thirty five kilometers north east of Harare.  It is an easy and interesting drive as you pass through a village with lots of stalls and produce on sale.

 

 

Domboshava Rocks is located approximately thirty five kilometres north east of Harare.  It is an easy and interesting drive as you pass through a village with lots of stalls and produce on sale.  Proceeding through the village you will start to see massive granite formations of rock which is the popular Domboshava rocks that attracts many locals and tourists alike, it is a natural history site.It is a great outing for the whole family, either take a picnic breakfast or snacks up for sunset and enjoy a sundowner while admiring the spectacular three hundred and sixty degree surrounding views.
 

Harare Gardens

The Harare Gardens is the main garden in the City. The gardens are very beautiful and they are an ideal place for  leisure. There is a restaurant where people are offered take away and seated service, and can enjoy the surrounding view while eating their meal. Harare Gardens has a stage for performances such as musical and dramatics, every year the Harare International Festival of Arts is held there and attracts many visitors to this popular event.

Mukuvisi Woodlands

Mukuvisi Woodlands is situated in Harare making it a very convenient place to visit for a day, look at the animals, go for a bird walk or a walking safari with a guide, horseback safaris  or alternatively go for a bike ride or walk without a guide.There is beautiful scenery, giving you the out of town feel and perfect choice of a Sunday morning walk, animals you can expect to see include a variety of buck, giraffe, zebra and an amazing diversity of bird life.

Shumba Bush Camp

Shumba Bush Camp is one of the two Wilderness Safaris high end luxury Zambian camps. It is located in the Busunga Plains lying in the north of the Kafue National Park; a massive flat area which stretches far and wide and also happens to be one of Zambia's most significant wetland resources.

Shumba Camp comprises six spacious luxury safari tents on raised platforms with spectacular views of the surrounding plains. A large focus at the camp is to involve you in the safari way of life and many of the meals are prepared and cooked in front of you.

This camp is perfectly situated to take advantage of the plains game and predator concentrations of the Busanga Plains, being situated as it is within close proximity to permanent water and having easy access to a mix of seasonal and permanent floodplains.
 

Shumba is named after a favourite species in the area - prides of lion sometimes up to 20 strong! Viewing of species like puku, lechwe and hippo is possible for much of the day from the comfort of your tent or the main deck, while the camp's fig trees ensure both shade and constant bird activity in the canopy above.

For more information please contact us at 

res@zambia-reservation.com

www.zambia-reservations.com

!Xaus Lodge

!Xaus Lodge provides luxury Kgalagadi accommodation in Kgalagadi Transfrontier Park for eco-tourists and visitors to the Kalahari.

Kgalagadi accommodation comprises of a central lodge building which consists of a welcoming reception area, lounge and dining area. and 12 individual chalets, each with its own deck overlooking a vast saltpan and waterhole fed with fresh water. It is truly a unique living space. Pronounced ‘kaus’, this is a place to experience a unique desert environment.

The cosy lounge has a fireplace and a library of selected books for paging through before dinner. Our dining area overlooks the pan, with furniture hand-made in Upington and images burnt by Bushmen artists.

Your visit to the Kalahari can be accompanied with a selection of great activities:

 

    Game drives - enjoy a fantastic sunset game drive on the pan or an after- dinner drive to explore some of the night creatures the Kalahari has to offer. A complimentary six to seven hour drive through the dunes is available to guests staying four nights or longer.

    Guided walks - An early start with the guides and bushman trackers will take you through the dunes as you learn all about your natural surroundings.
    Cultural village - Take a walk to our recreated cultural village and see the Busman crafters at work.

    Star gazing - Clean air and no light pollution makes for a wonderful opportunity to gaze at the night sky. The best night- sky viewing is during the new moon when the sky is at its darkest.
 

For more information contact us at 

info@southern-africa-travel.com

www.southern-africa-travel.com

Style,Sophistication and Scenery

Places to see in Zambia

The Taita Falcon Lodge

Located just 11km from the world-famous Victoria Falls and perched on the edge of the Batoka Gorge, high above the mighty Zambezi River, 230 metres below, the exclusive Taita Falcon Lodge provides a unique location and offers its guests a wonderful bush experience, amidst beautiful surroundings. A unique departure from typical hotel fare, the lodge’s focus is on quality and providing guests with a unique and unforgettable African experience. An ideal beginning or ending to your African Safari. 

Accommodation:

Taita Falcon Lodge offers delightful en-suite chalets, constructed using naturally occurring materials from the surrounding area, giving a taste of authenticity without compromising on comfort.

Taita Falcon Lodge provides a perfect haven for relaxing in a luxurious, yet friendly environment.

Things to do:

white-water rafting, scenic flights over the Falls, elephant-back, horse-back, walking or riverboat safaris, abseiling, bungee-jumping.
You can simply relax, with your feet up beside our pool, on the viewing deck or in your own private sun garden.

Enjoy fine dining at the Restaurant while enjoying the view of the natural surrounds.

For more information please conatct us at 

res@zambia-reservations.com

www.zambia-reservations.com

Zambia Hotspots

Some of the must see places in Zambia!!!!!

Zambia is a country in the southern part of Africa. It lies South West of Tanzania. With plenty opportunities to see amazing natural beauty, go on thrilling wildlife safaris, and experience Africa's unique culture.

1. Victoria Falls /Mosi-oa-Tunya 

 Arguably the world’s largest waterfall, Victoria Falls in Southern Province never ceases to amaze visitors. This is Zambia’s — and Zimbabwe’s — biggest tourist attraction. It lives up to its local (Tongan) name, Mosi-oa-Tunya, meaning “The Smoke that Thunders.” Most visitors stay in the nearby towns of Livingstone, Zambia or Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.

 

 2. South Luangwa National Park

One of many national parks in Zambia, and the most popular, because it’s filled with abundant wildlife. It’s a short flight or a ten-hour drive from Lusaka via Eastern Province. Flying is more convenient but can be expensive. The daytime and nighttime game drives in South Luangwa are fabulous.

3. Lower Zambezi River

The Lower Zambezi River basin in Southern Province is a short drive south from Lusaka and a great place for a long weekend getaway. There are several lodges near the towns of Chirindu and Chiawa not far from the confluence of the Zambezi and Kafue rivers. It’s great for bush camp excursions, hunting, fishing, and boat cruises, and popular with tourists who want to fish for tigerfish or camp “in the bush.”

4. Lake Kariba 

Spend a weekend on the world’s largest artificial lake, Lake Kariba, located in Southern Province on the Zimbabwean border. 

5. Kafue National Park

Zambia’s oldest and largest national park. Although it suffered for years from game poaching, the animal population has recently rebounded. It’s an easy three-hour drive west of Lusaka, and after a paved road is built, north from Livingstone.