Rebuilt Wellness Facilities for Toka Leya Camp

Wilderness Safaris’ Toka Leya Camp, near Livingstone in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, has upgraded the wellness area and added a traditional Zambian massage to its spa menu. The new treatment can be enjoyed in the rebuilt spa or on guests’ private decks.

The wellness area has a separate spa treatment room with outdoor decking overlooking the Zambezi River, and a fitness room. The new spa treatment, Ukuchina, is an age-old massage technique that involves deep tissue massage using warm cloths on the body.

Toka Leya has 12 safari-style tents and an infinity pool.

Zambia: U.S. Tourist Badly Injured in Giraffe Attack

An American tourist had to be airlifted to a Johannesburg hospital on Saturday morning after she was critically injured in an attack by a giraffe at a game park in Zambia over the weekend.

Netcare 911 spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the woman was walking in the bush between two lodges when she came across the animal.

"It's thought the giraffe used its head to attack the woman," she said.

Mathe said that the tourist was critically injured and was found lying in a thorn bush.

"On Saturday morning the Netcare911 Jet Air Ambulance airlifted the woman from Zambia to a Johannesburg hospital for urgent treatment," she said.

Maramba River Lodge - Zambia

Maramba River Lodge provides a most attractive all-year-round accommodation base in a shaded woodland setting. The Lodge is situated on a bluff overlooking the Maramba River. They are often visited by the resident wildlife with elephant wandering through the grounds at certain times of the year. Ideally located just 4km from the Victoria Falls and just outside of Livingstone, Zambia.

Accommodation

Luxury Tents  

Each tent is individually decorated to a theme with our own handcrafted furniture. The en-suite bathroom is tiled throughout with a shower open to the African sky.

Chalets 

 Maramba’s private chalets are spacious and airy and nestle under mopane and mahogany trees.

Safari Tents  

 The Safari Tents offer en-suite bathrooms and mosquito nets all under thatch. These small yet well appointed tents offer the perfect compromise between budget and room facilities.

Dome Tents 

 Our Dome tent area named ‘The River Camp’ is set on the bank of the Maramba River They add a great variety to our other accommodation.

Activities

 

Bungee jumping
Bungee jumping from the Victoria Falls Railway Bridge
 

Zambezi white water rafting
Zambezi white water rafting, acclaimed as the wildest one-day white-water run in the world.

Victoria Falls tours
Victoria Falls tours allow you to get up close to the Falls, feel the spray of the smoke that thunders, be sure to take an umbrella.

Helicopter flights
Helicopter flights over the Falls allow visitors to see the raw, powerful beauty of the Victoria Falls from the best possible angle – above.

For more information please contact us at 

res@zambia-reservations.com
www.zambia-reservations.com

The Historical Railway Bridge - Victoria Falls

!!!!A visit to the Victoria Falls is not complete without an excursion to the famous Victoria Falls Bridge!!!

A visit to the historic railway bridge is an integral part of any Victoria Falls experience.

Learn about its fascinating history on this multi-faceted tour which includes:

A theatrical and entertaining presentation on the history of the Bridge and the men who built it.

A rare opportunity to walk on the catwalks beneath the Bridge, used in the original construction in 1904.

Free entry into the Bridge Visitor Centre where historic photographs of the Bridge can be viewed.

Suitable for all ages – minimum age of 10 years for the “under the bridge” part of the tour

Return transfers from your local hotel (Zimbabwe) or Day Activity Centre (Zambia)

Assistance through the Border posts.

The Bridge Café

Offering a selection of light meals and refreshments from The Bridge Café which provides spectacular views of the Victoria Falls Bridge, Batoka Gorge and the Falls themselves (during high water). It is also a great place to watch the famous bungee jumping, bridge swing and slide. Vegetarian dishes available. Full bar available.

Bungee Adrenaline Activities

Bungee

The original, the one and only, the must do, the ultimate thrill! 4 seconds of freefall, 111m of Pure Adrenalin! Off the famous Victoria Falls Bridge, with a spectacular backdrop of the majestic Victoria Falls, move to the edge, arms out and 5-4-3-2-1- BUNGEE leaving yourself plummeting towards the rumbling waters of the rapids of the Zambezi River and let the adrenaline flow. This bungee, flanked by stunning Victoria Falls, is the most spectacular in the world.

Bridge Swing

Swing, Rock and Roll off the famous Victoria Falls Bridge. Take a leap of faith before freefalling for up to 70 metres before you fly out over the rapids of the Zambezi River in a huge arc with the mighty waterfalls rumbling by your side… what a thrill!

Slide (Zipline)

Enjoy this fun and mildly adventurous Slide (Zipline), which can be done alone, or with a friend.

Experience a scenic and age-old technique of “sliding” across the Batoka Gorge from the Zambian side, landing up on the Victoria Falls Bridge while enjoying spectacular views of the mighty Zambezi River, the Batoka Gorge and the Falls themselves during the high water season.

Exciting for all ages, starting from 6 years old – even something Granny can do!

Experience the Best of Zambia

The land of the legendary African walking safari, Victoria Falls, the wild Zambezi River, abundant wildlife, and raw wilderness, all in one friendly country. 

Acknowledged as one of the safest countries in the world to visit, Zambia's welcoming people live in peace and harmony. And here, in the warm heart of Africa, you will find some of the finest Safari experiences on the planet, including face to face encounters with Nature at its most wild.

Accommodations:

At Flatdogs they pride themselves on offering accommodation to rival the up-market lodges, at a fraction of the cost. The accommodation options include luxurious and spacious Chalet Rooms, unique Jackalberry Tree House, and en suite Safari Tents with stunning views.
http://www.zambia-reservations.com/flatdogs_camp.html

The Lusaka Hotel is the oldest hotel in Lusaka, dating back to 1914. It is centrally located on Cairo Road, with a large secure car park close by. It boasts its own shopping mall, several boutiques, a business centre, a hair salon and a pharmacy. Close to banks, shops, taxis, our central location means you are well placed for appointments in any direction.
http://www.zambia-reservations.com/the_lusaka_hotel.html

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.
http://www.zambia-reservations.com/taita_falcon_lodge.html

Activities & Entertainment:

A range of adventure travel options and things to do and see across Zambia. Experiences that will make an adventure of a lifetime no matter what the activity.

 Enjoy the exhilarating ‘flight of angels’ helicopter trip over the Victoria Falls in Livingstone, Zambia.  An unimaginable experience of graceful flying and surrounding beauty. 

Enjoy a thrilling adventure on the Zambezi River in the Batoka Gorge below the Victoria Falls. Thirty minutes of adrenalin thrills powering through the rapids of the Zambezi River – enjoy skimming rocks, jet spinning and other exciting manoeuvres. 

The Fifth Annual Potjie Cook-off in Siavonga, Zambia

What’s that? You don’t know what a Potjie is? Well, a Potjie (pronounced poi-ki), is a delicious traditional South African stew, prepared outdoors in a cast iron, three legged pot. The meat, that could be anything from biltong to pork, is added first and slow cooked in a melting pot of culinary goodness! Just thinking about it is making my mouth water!

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park

The Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park is situated along the upper Zambezi River. It includes the Victoria Falls and stretches for about 12 kilometres up the Zambezi River above the Falls.

 

It is only 66 square kilometres, but there are plans to extend the Park further up river. Because the Park is small, it affords a wonderfully relaxing drive alongside the river for much of the circular route, and the wide variety of species can be easily seen. The Park provides a home for numerous antelope species, zebra, giraffe, warthog, and a variety of birds and smaller animals. Elephants cross the Zambezi and freely walk through the Park and the surrounding area.

Some Accommodation at the National Park.......

Sussi & Chuma lodge

Toka Leya Camp

For more beautiful accommodations in Zambia visit our website at www.zambiareservations.com

The Kariba Bush Club - Lake Kariba Zambia

Nestled along the shores of Lake Kariba, Kariba Bush Club is an idyllic retreat to escape from our busy way of life, put your feet up and enjoy some quality time with loved ones.
Perched on the tip of the Siansowa peninsula in the district of Sinazongwe, the lodge overlooks the beautiful lake, surrounding islands, and rolling hills of the majestic Gwembe Valley on the horizon.

Facilities:

Baobab House is a double-story thatched cottage built atop a ridge alongside a massive Baobab Tree. This house sleeps 6 people, is self-contained, equipped with DSTV and offers private parking.

Eva Houseboat is small and cozy, sleeping 4 people. The boat is made up of two private cabins, a lounge, kitchen and open air upper-deck dining area. All the interior floors are carpeted and the boat elegantly decorated, an African theme subtly showing through on scatter cushions, picture frames hanging from the walls and hand-painted crockery.

 

  Marula House is a farm-style house with detached cottage, gracefully shaded by a group of Marula Trees. This house sleeps 10 people, is self-contained, equipped with DSTV and offers private parking.

Kholisa Houseboat is a large boat;19 metres long and 3 storeys high, able to accommodate up to 30 people. The boat is made up of 13 cabins, most of which are en-suite and air-conditioned.There is also a large kitchen, spacious dining and entertainment area as well as a bar, along with a splash pool and an upper sun deck with loungers.

Private rooms and dormitory are set back from the water amongst pretty gardens and natural vegetation and are simply furnished, yet cozy.
All creature comforts like linen and towels are provided, and a communal ablution block is located close to the rooms, making them ideal for travelers on a lower budget still wanting to experience Lake Kariba at her best.

Shaded campsite is set back from the water’s edge, but still within easy walking distance of the main lodge and Kariba Bush Club’s various facilities including the swimming pool, restaurant and bar. Ablutions, BBQ areas and power-points are all available within easy reach of the different campsites.

Lake view chalets

are perfect for those seeking a little comfort, privacy and tranquility. These canvas-and-thatch style chalets are each built on wooden decks facing east along a ridge overlooking Lake Kariba. Each one is en-suite with toilet and shower and each has its own private verandah with deck chairs, and tea and coffee making facilities.

Maaze Island Bush-Camp A tented camp on a private island; Six en-suite canvas safari tents each en-suite with their own toilet and shower, a thatched main boma with lounge and dining area, and a self-contained kitchen all facing the tranquil bay waters in which the camp was built. This and 200 hectares of remote and untouched island is what you get when you book to stay at our Maaze Island Bush Camp

 

For more information visit our Zambia Website at:

 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. 

Livingstone Museum, Zambia

The Livingstone Museum is located in the heart of the city of Livingstone.  Established in 1934, the Livingstone Museum is the oldest and largest of the four national museums in the country.  The museum holds a vast archaeological collection among which is evidence from the biggest trade market in central Africa and excavated finding of prehistoric Broken Hill man.  It also holds the largest collection of the biodiversity of Zambia as well as a rich ethnographic collection dating back to the early 20th century.  The museum also holds a vast collection of David Livingstone memorabilia, has one of the oldest libraries in the country and an extensive archive.

 The present Museum building was first opened in November 1950, although extensions have been added over the years. In 2003 the building underwent structural renovations and the public exhibitions were given a complete overhaul, bringing them up to date and enhancing them with modern and artistic ideas to make them more attractive to the visitor.

Collections:
The Museum holds the national collections in Archaeology, Ethnography, Art, History and various branches of Natural History. These collections comprise Zambia's largest collection of cultural artefacts and natural history specimens.  Among these is a large collection of artefacts relating to Dr. David Livingstone, from whom it got its name.
 Ethnography Section
The section contains the largest collection of cultural artefacts in Zambia, making up a total of over 12,000 collections.  These include basketry, blacksmith items, pottery and woodwork products.  It also holds a sizeable number of witchcraft objects and photographs on various aspects of local life from as far back as the 1920s.
 History Section
The section is the custodian of materials related to the traditional culture and the history of the people of Zambia. The section has in its collection, which numbers over 12,000 historical objects, rare historical documents, relics and obsolete firearms. The section's highly prized collections include Government publications of both the United Kingdom and the British South Africa Company (BSA Co.), North-eastern and North-western Rhodesia reports, Northern Rhodesian Government records, records related to the struggle for independence, Independence Day celebrations, economic, social and political activities in Zambia since independence in 1964 to the present. Others include historical manuscripts, photographs, newspapers (dating back to 1905), cheques, money and postal orders, stamps, historical maps, books, paintings and memorabilia related to Dr David Livingstone, including his hand written letters, some of which are on exhibition.

 Archaeology Section
The section holds about 10,000 site collections with over 350,000 archaeological artefacts from stone age to the iron age periods from all over Zambia.  Important collections include artefacts from Kalambo Falls, Mumbwa Caves and Ingombe Ilede.

Biking Through Zambia

Cycle Tours - Thorn Tree Safaris 

Thorn Tree Safaris has been creating unique, tailor made Zambian safaris since 2005.  With guides fluent in the local language,they offer safe, varied and exciting ways to travel and see the beauty of Africa, its wildlife and people at first hand. Their mobile safaris, cycle tours and fishing expeditions all offer you the opportunity to interact with local communities - often proving a life changing experience.

Cycle Tours & Challenges
Thorn Tree Safaris can offer you a standard cycle tour or a route tailor-made to your specific requirements.  You can cycle across Zambia, Malawi or Tanzania knowing that our experienced team is there to back you up all the way, and feed and water you at the end of every day!

ZAMBIA, WET AND WILD  LUSAKA TO LIVINGSTONE  CYCLE CHALLENGE

This challenge takes place in south-eastern Zambia finishing at the Victoria Falls.
Day 1
Overnight travel to Lusaka, Zambia
Day 2
Transfer to hotel,  picnic lunch, bike fitting and a briefing on the challenge to come.
Relax in the bush surroundings, swim, try out your bike, and enjoy the curious giraffe and zebra who meander amongst the chalets
Day 3
Road transfer to starting point and set off to Mazabuka, home to Zambia's sugar plantations.
Terrain is a mix of tar & good dirt roads. Cycle through local villages, baobab trees and  sugar plantations.
Day 4
Continue south towards Monze - a challenging but fantastic day. Today route is a more adventurous off road one! Roads vary from good dirt to slightly sandy taking you through real rural Africa! Winding tracks through villages where you can meet the friendly Zambian people.
At the end of the day’s cycling transfer to Choma for our overnight.
Day 5 
A circular day today as we cycle down to Lake Kariba for 88kms. After reaching the shores of the lake, return by vehicle to Choma  overnight.
Day 6
Another challenging day as tackling 70kms of off-road! Dirt roads are in good condition with  a few sandy sections. Pass countless small villages, seeing rural Africa at its best, as yet untouched by tourism.
Day 7
The final push into Livingstone, the ultimate destination! Although this last ride is on tarred road there are potholes to negotiate - cycle straight through town and end at the Victoria Falls. A spectacular end to the week!
Special meal held in an African restaurant in Livingstone to celebrate success!
Day 8
Enjoy a free day to take part in one of the many local activities & challenges available in Livingstone.
Day 9
Transfer to Livingstone airport for you International flight back home.
Day 10
Arrive at home wondering if it has all been a fantastic dream !!

Lusaka Points of Interest

Lusaka, the capital and largest city in Zambia, can be a confusing and chaotic place for visitors not familiar with its unplanned neighborhoods and streets. Busy stores and shopping centers line Cairo Road and the surrounding area. 

National Museum Lusaka

The Lusaka National Museum is the latest entry into the directory of museums in the country. It officially opened its doors to the public in October 1996. The museum has already proved to be an attractive tourist resort and active research and educational institution.

Munda Wanga Environmental Park

Munda Wanga is an Environmental Park that is comprised of an Environmental Education Centre, a Wildlife Park and Sanctuary and a Botanical Garden. The Munda Wanga Trust has been running the Environmental Park since 1998. It has been rebuild from a run down zoo to a modern facility that provides Environmental Education to the young and old.

Kalimba Reptile Park

At this Lusaka attraction you’ll experience giant nile crocodiles, a large variety of indigenous snakes, tortoises and other reptiles. It is also one of the few places left in the world where you can see the rare and shy slender-nosed crocodile. The large crocodiles you’ll see on a Kalimba tour are the breeders. Kalimba Farm is now self sufficient in crocodile egg production. The laying season is temperature determined and usually takes place in September and October. The eggs are then removed to be incubated and they hatch in December every year.

Choma Museum and Craft Centre

The Choma Museum and Craft Centre was established in 1988. The  institution is a development project combining economic and cultural objectives. It is a regional institution whose objective is to economically empower the community through production and sale of their crafts and to preserve and present the heritage of the southern region. The museum displays the cultural heritage of the Tonga tribe of the Southern province of Zambia. It houses many traditional artifacts including beadwork, musical instruments, spears, clay figurines and jeweler. The Museum's crafts projects stimulate production of local crafts such as baskets, beadwork, carving, etc. For the purpose of preserving local traditional skills and providing an alternative form of income to the people of Southern Province of Zambia.

 

The Zambian Kwacha

Zambian Kwacha, has been ‘re-based’. Government decided to remove three zeros from the currency to make it easier for people to understand and to avoid having to carry around large carrier bags full of money.

It is not a ‘devaluation’ and the currency and economy remain stable.  The Kwacha now sits at around 5 to the US dollar. You still need to obtain Kwacha as you enter Zambia to pay for various local taxes and any cash payments whilst you’re in Zambia. However, you can still buy your entry visa in USD as it is not possible to get Kwacha outside Zambia..

It is easy to withdraw cash from ATMs at the airport – Visa and Mastercard both work and most larger retail outlets and lodges can accept major credit cards. We advise guests to let their credit card company know if they are travelling to Zambia so that they don’t stop the card for suspicious use. They can also exchange USD, Sterling, Euros and most major currencies at the airports.

News from SafPar

Zambezi River Festival
Set in Livingstone, on one of the most famous sections of White Water in the world from the 22nd – 29th October is THE ZAMBEZI FESTIVAL 2011.
One week packed with awesome races, competitions, prizes and parties - starting off
with a sunset cruise on the famous Makumbi. The races will include downriver races, Rodeo, Raft races, and of course the traditional boat race in the bar. It’s going to be great fun and the more the merrier!

Yellow Fever
The South African Department of Health has introduced some amendments to the yellow fever vaccination policy for travellers coming from yellow fever risk countries. Travellers from countries with low risk of yellow fever transmission (such as Zambia) still pose a risk of yellow fever importation into South Africa.
As of 1 October 2011, all travellers from and to Zambia (including those in transit) are required to show proof of yellow fever.

For more information please email us at info@southern-africa-travel.com or visit our website for accommodations in the Zambezi area www.southern-africa-travel.com

Yellow fever vaccination required for passengers travelling to and from Zambia

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has revised the Yellow Fever vaccination recommendations for Africa. The South African Department of Health has subsequently issued a statement that all travellers from South Africa to Zambia and travellers from Zambia to South Africa will now require proof of yellow fever vaccination. Previously, this was not required.
All in-transit passengers between the two destinations, irrespective of the time period in transit, will also require proof of yellow fever vaccination.

Newsflash received from Sanctuary Retreats

For more information please contact us at info@southern-africa-travel.com