April 2009 Newsletter

Honour Way News

We have survived the first quarter of 2009. Shinde and Kanana are open and the Delta is slowly seeing the floods come in and transform the area into a luscious Greenland. Sausage Tree Camp will soon celebrate the opening of the new “Kigelia Suite” which will no doubt be a wonderful addition to an already fantastic range of rooms.

Sadly this time of year does mean the temporary closure of Livingstone Island due to higher waters than ever before over the mighty Victoria Falls. Oh and news from the Wild Dogs in Livingstone: word has it they are doing just fine and continue to confuse many of the Mosi-oa-Tunya inhabitants. Hopefully I will get a glimpse with my own eyes when I am in Livingstone next month.

I know it has been a tough year so far but generally there is positive news and Tour Operators on the whole seem to be keeping their heads above water. Feeling is that... bookings are much more last minute and people are looking for special offers and the best possible prices. Let’s hope the end of the tunnel of this recession is sooner rather than later.

Indaba is around the corner and my clients and I look forward to seeing you again soon. I am heading off to Africa this weekend for various visits to my clients followed by Indaba and meetings in Johannesburg and Cape Town. If you would like me to come and train your consultants then please do contact me. I am certainly very excited about returning to Africa and can’t wait to tell you all about it next time.

Botswana

The Ker & Downey Botswana Safari 2009

In keeping with its child friendly policy, The Ker & Downey Botswana Safari for 2009 will be contributing a percentage of its profit to Bana Ba Letsatsi, Ker & Downey Botswana's social responsibility project.

Bana Ba Letsatsi (which means 'children of the sun') cares for over 240 vulnerable and orphaned children in Maun. Their mission is to keep children at risk in Maun off the streets and away from negative influences by empowering them through education and support. The children are at risk because they suffer either a lack of parental care, have never been to or have dropped out of school, suffer abuse at home or in the neighbourhood or they have abused drugs and/or alcohol.

For more information please visit their website www.banabaletsatsi.com

www.kerdowneybotswana.com

South Africa

Jaci's Safari Lodge and Jaci's Tree Lodge "recession busta safari giveaway"

Please contact Jaci@madikwe.com, lizette@madikwe.com
or honour@honourway.com for further details.

Eradication of Exotic Trees

Cold, wet and miserable days aren’t always quiet and boring around Jaci’s. In fact the time can be well spent working the remote areas of Madikwe to eradicate exotic non-indigenous species that have crept onto the shores of Africa in previous years

Invasive alien species are causing billions of Rands worth of damage to South Africa’s economy every year, and are the single biggest threat to the country’s biological biodiversity.
Invasive alien species are plants, animals and microbes that are introduced into countries, and then out-compete the indigenous species.

On this particular rainy day our target was Datura (Possibly originating in tropical America, it is now widely distributed in South Africa, especially in disturbed soil, like seasonal river courses, cultivated lands and along roadsides), which is also known as Moon Flower or Thorn Apple and is toxic to humans and certain animals species if consumed.

Removing plants is one thing, but what about replacing what is lost with indigenous species. The more fun part starts when the planting begins, and this was the case with multiple trees planted around camp.

All trees planted were from seed germination on site, or an inventory of young saplings that were donated to Jaci’s from the North West Province Working for Water program for our efforts in exotic tree control within Madikwe.

The fight against invasive alien plants is spearheaded by the Working for Water (WfW) programme, launched in 1995 and administered through the Department of Water Affairs and Forestry. This programme works in partnership with local communities, to whom it provides jobs, and also with Government departments including the Departments of Environmental Affairs and Tourism, Agriculture, and Trade and Industry, provincial departments of agriculture, conservation and environment, research foundations and private companies.

Next time you visit Jaci’s be sure to ask if we have tree for you to a plant which you can then visit year after year.

Remember, trees are planted for our future and it’s up to us to ensure our future is green

www.madikwe.com

Zambia

NEW for 2009 – The Kigelia Suite - Family Suite

The brand new two bedroom Kigelia (Latin for the Sausage Tree) Suite is due for completion on the 15th April, just in time for the 2009 safari season! The new Suite will consist of two bedrooms; both with en-suite including bath tubs, twin showers and basins; large plunge pool; fully stocked bar and dining table; huge open plan living area with leather lounges and day bed. The Suite also offers its own Muchinda (personal butler). It is the closest suite positioned on the Zambezi River with a beautiful teak deck sweeping across the entire front of the suite, offering amazing panoramic views. Submerged in the front middle portion of the deck is its very own private swimming pool. We are currently working on an adventure and educational program to offer our younger visitors, which will be finalised over the next few weeks.

This will also be the 2nd season for the fabulous suites which were completed last year and are the perfect hideaway in the Lower Zambezi for those looking for something extra special. Picture yourself sitting by your own private plunge pool overlooking the Zambezi River enjoying a romantic dinner when along come two leopards right in front of the room (as viewed by a honeymoon couple last October) not to mention the eles, hippos and buffalos passing by. No need to even go out on the game drives… Although having said that they are certainly not to be missed either.

I will be heading over in April to see the new Kigelia Suite for myself and hope to make Jason proud by catching a tiger fish in the area!!!

Meet the staff looking after your guests

Guides:
Victor Kanzala - Our senior guide who is a qualified walking guide is back for another year. He did a guide exchange to Robin Pope Safaris and Norman Carr Safaris last year and has come back brimming with enthusiasm. He enjoys his canoeing and always returns with excited guests.

Hastings Muhangu - Our current affairs specialist! He is an ex-teacher and his enthusiasm for teaching comes through in his guiding style. Guests are amazed at what they learn with him.

Charles Chanetsa - Our expert boatman with a passion for canoeing. He is never intimidated on a canoe trip and is reknowned for his cool and calm demeanour.

Trainee Guides:
Akim Mpukuta - An enthusiastic trainee who hopes to pass all his exams this year. He has loads of experience after doing the Safari Guide Training course last year and he will be working closely with Charles this year to broaden his experience.

Chris Musonda - He was a room attendant and had great ambition to become a guide. He has already passed his first exam and will be trying this year to pass the rest. He will be working with Victor to increase his walking experience.

Marshall Karafa - Our ex-barman who has also shown a passion for guiding. His fantastic way of interacting with guests at the bar will help him greatly in his guiding. He will be working with Hastings to increase his general experience. Sundowners in the bush will never be the same!

Next month – meet the Muchindas / Butlers

Please contact Jason for specials - Jason@sausagetreecamp.com

www.sausagetreecamp.com

Livingstone Island

Livingstone Island has now gone into its official autumn hibernation. While the Island is of course one of the highlights of the area we do have a little consolation on hand for those who arrive when it is impossible to reach Livingstone Island! The average person reads between 200 and 250 words every minute... So while you read the last two paragraphs an awesome 5 million cubic meters of water rushed over the Victoria Falls.

Sindabezi Island Rebuild

Sindabezi Island plans have been slightly slowed down by the high water levels currently being experienced in the area BUT this does mean that our new Sindabezi Island chalet platforms are enjoying the advantage of being built with the wisdom of a company that has spent almost 2 decades observing the rise and flow of the Zambezi River. Elevated close to the trees the views are magnificent and our guests will be sleeping and dining that bit closer to the breathtaking, sparkly night sky! The build is currently progressing at a good pace (fingers crossed – only fools tempt fate in Africa!). The time for fittings is around the corner and our designers are shopping up a storm to fill our brand new rooms.

We are also using the rebuild as a good excuse to make some improvements and tweaks to what was already an idyllic island camp whilst holding on to the rustic charm. A quick summary of work so far is nice new raised timber decks as well as a beautiful new reading, relaxing deck on the far end of the island. This deck can also be used for romantic sleep outs. The chalets are going to have smart teak beds and fine bedding, minimum solar lighting and new furnishings bringing in new bucket showers. For those more nervous of the open aspect we will make the rooms “closable” at the front. The kitchen has been moved and we will create an extra sitting room / viewing deck raised up in the trees for fabulous views over the Zambezi National Park.

These are just a few details which I will share with you because we don’t want to give it all away. It is going to blow you all away that is for sure.

Sindabezi Island Grand Reopening 2009 Special

In 2009 the magic of a fabulous new Sindabezi Island will be unleashed on the travel world.

In the spirit of inspiration and enchanment we will celebrate our new camp with an astounding special. All new 2009 bookings to Sindabezi Island from 1 June 2009 will now be eligible for a special rate of us$ 250 per person per night sharing NETT! This rate is full board and covers boat activities and A VISIT TO THE VICTORIA FALLS (no other road activities included). All other activities can be arranged - for more information and rates please contact reservations@tongabezi.com

Other staff news...

Forbes, our head valet, recently welcomed a baby boy into the world. Mum and Baby are doing well and Forbes is as proud as punch. We are also pleased to announce another Tongabezi couple’s wedding. Gloria, our masseuse, recently got engaged to our carpenter Gibson. We are looking forward to the wedding but for now the couple are keeping plans for the celebrations hush hush.

The new Tonga garden has prospered under the capable hands of MR Ron Freeman, who is spending a great deal of time training our team to triumph over every section of our garden including the front of house. The success of the greens from our gardens is evident from our guest comments and queries about where we purchase our vegetables from.

www.tongabezi.com

Uganda

The Uganda Safari Company and Wildplaces are one and the same company. The Uganda Safari Company deals with all ground handling for Uganda and Wildplaces comprises Emin Pasha Hotel, Clouds, Semliki and Apoka.

A little note from Xavier from Catai Tours in Barcelona following his educational trip to Uganda recently; "In 1907 Winston Churchill called Uganda the "Pearl of Africa". Something magic keeps this beautiful country, watched over by the Equator, when after more than 100 years the pearl sparkles more than ever before. The meandering Nile is the lively witness of this unique place, from the Bwindi’s rainforest, home of the mountain gorilla, to the vast savannah of Karamoja, where space acquires a new dimension. Who thought that Uganda was hiding among mountains and lakes, has the opportunity to experience the true sense of exclusivity, between the closeness of its people and the remoteness of what is conventional. In Uganda I have understood the real meaning of gorgeousness, adventure and humanity..."

Clouds News…

On the 07th of March, Gary Segal, General Manager of Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge, finally had his partner, Tamara Hartin, arrive to join him from South Africa. The two have been extremely busy due to the visit from the Ambassador to Uganda and his wife, Mr Steven and Mrs Susan Browning; as well as the USAID Mission Directors, Mr David Eckerson and Mrs Connie Hansen. The visit was an exciting event for the community of Nkuringo. Clouds hosted a dinner for local MPs and dignitaries on the first night of their arrival, with speeches and thanks all round. USAID was integral in the funding and development of Clouds, together with the Ugandan Safari Company (TUSC). The Nkuringo Community Development Foundation (NCDF) is the major beneficiary of the lodge and it was a great opportunity for their board and members to meet with the Ambassador and USAID Directors. The visitors managed to track our Nkuringo Gorilla Family, which is doing very well - the twins are now almost 6 months old! Gorilla infancy death rate reaches an alarmingly high 40%, so their continued survival and growth is watched eagerly by The Ugandan Wildlife Authority, Clouds Management, the Nkuringo Community and the press. Community developments are coming along nicely, with vegetable gardens at Ntungamo Primary School being created to teach children and their family’s healthy farming habits, as well as provide lunch for the children, many of whom will only have one meal per day, which of course makes it nearly impossible for a young child to concentrate and manage to further their education. This is the prototype, and will be rolled out into all 16 schools within the Nkuringo Community.

www.safariuganda.com
www.wildplacesafrica.com

Fact of the Day – Animal groupings

February newsletter answer – Lots of answers received with several options – 3 possibilities are: a BLOAT, a raft and a pod of hippopotami (or hippopotamuses). Thank you very much.

Next month - What do we call a group of guinea fowl?