August 2009 Newsletter

Important AFRICA information for Tour Operators

Educational Trips for 2009

Zambia

• 19th - 27th October - space left!!!!

• 2010 Dates - March, May and October.

• Jaci's and Rovos Rail up to Vic Falls - October 2009

Botswana - Ker & Downey

• The Ker & Downey Botswana Safari 2009
• Kanana Refurbishment

• Kaya Mawa Refurbishment - 1st November 2009 until 1st April 2010
• New shareholder, James Lightfoot, who has been working as GM at Kaya Mawa since 2006

• Weddings at Jaci's

• New property on Lake Victoria - Bulago Island Lodge

• Kigelia House opening

• Livingstone Island SWIMMING re-opened on 14th August 2009
• Livingstone Island Walks resumed on the 19th August 2009

• Some of you are aware that I have done bits and pieces of freelance work with Norman Carr Safaris but they have now come on board as a full client which completes my Zambia / Malawi portfolio perfectly.

Honour Way News

Biggest news this month is that whilst I have done some work with Norman Carr Safaris since Honour Way started, they have now joined as a fully fledged client which is very exciting news. So a huge WELCOME to all the Norman Carr team!!!

Nicky has just spent 3 weeks in the UK with me touring around from North to South and East to West. It has been an interesting few weeks and we have really appreciated the time you have given us as well as all the feedback and in turn we thank you for your support. For those of you we didn't see, please call me; I will happily come your way and we certainly wont miss you out next time.

During our road trip many a laugh was had and glass of wine consumed. The tone was set on our first night in Edinburgh where we somehow ended up in the same hotel as Blur about to perform at the Edinburgh festival. Nicky's husband was not happy as they are his favorite band. Only Janey, who some of you may remember from the industry and I went to university with, was brave enough to ask for a photo... Next time we will be braver. There seems to be a bit of a trend going on here because when Jonathan was in the UK in June we met Peter Sales from Wallis and Gromit and Last of the Summer Wine and Jonathan's wife Pam was brave enough to ask him to have a drink with us..... So lovely clients of mine - which one of you is coming over next and who will I meet then??? I have my hopes on ...... well will keep that quiet for now.

Despite ongoing tougher times everyone is working hard and staying very positive. On the lodge side we are certainly excited with new developments. The Kigelia House is open, Sindabezi is open, the Wildplaces portfolio is expanding and so on.... Please find here the latest news. Enjoy and as always if you need anything at all, just give me a call or send me an email. I know I am on the road a lot but I do try my best to get back to you asap if you are not lucky first time.

Botswana

Matt from Audley Travel has kindly sent his feedback on a recent trip to Botswana through for your reading. Thanks Matt.

"I recently enjoyed the wonderful hospitality of Ker & Downey on my first trip to Botswana's Okavango Delta. My itinerary began at the peaceful, watery haven that is the newly refurbished Kanana camp, in the Nxabega Concession in the southern sector of the Delta. Cruising the tranquil waterways by mokoro was the perfect way to shake the jet lag out of my system, watching lechwe, hippo and tiny reed frogs as I went. It was then onto the imaginatively designed Camp Okuti, in the Moremi Wildlife Reserve.

On an afternoon game drive my guide found a large lion pride, many of them little more than cubs, closing in on a huge herd of buffalo. As the young looked on, the adults used them to distract the buffalo while creeping in from a different angle - the only disappointment was that we didn't get to watch the hunt to its conclusion.

My final stop was the Shinde Concession, for a night each at the luxurious Shinde Camp and the more rustic, walking camp Footsteps Across the Delta. It was on this concession that I came across the highest concentration and diversity of big game, making it the perfect end to the trip.

Throughout, I was looked after brilliantly by my host, Paul, while the guiding was equally impressive. Thanks so much to Honour and to Nicky at Ker & Downey for arranging this inspiring itinerary for me!"

Mussels ticked off list of things to eat when outside Maun...

Nicky meets Scottish wildlife

www.kerdowneybotswana.com

Malawi

We have put a hold on our building work at Kaya over the next couple of months as we fill up and have moved our workforce down to Mango Drift our backpackers where we are building a new kitchen, rebuilding all the chalets, adding a couple of extra chalets and installing a pool table. Mango Drift is run for us by Josh and Becky who also double up as our PADI dive instructors.

This month saw the 24th Annual Malawi Lake Marathon stop off at Mango Drift. 18 catamarans and 50 odd people. Although a few did migrate for the comfort of Kaya Mawa for the night. A fantastic event and a great sight to see everyone set off in the morning. Craig, Diana, Josh and Becky put on a great bar-b-q in the evening with the party not finishing until after 4am!

At Kaya we have replaced our beaten up landrover with a smart landcruiser complete with safari seats crafted by Craig. The new kitchen is well on its way to completion, the new blast fridges and cookers are arriving this month.

Our flotilla of boats has improved and increased with a new 5.5m rigid inflatable ski boat, and two new locally built dhows which are being built under a mango tree delivered later this month and the boston whaler has had a complete facelift

Stephen Cunliffe, a travel writer friend of mine who has also worked as a guide at Apoka and Sausage Tree Camp for several years, recently travelled to Malawi on an educational trip there with a view to writing an article on Malawi as a destination.

I was lucky to be able to include Kaya Mawa as part of his itinerary and he has given me the following paragraph for my newsletter

"Likoma Island is, arguably, home to the friendliest people in a country renowned for big smiles and easy going people. It is also a slice of Malawi that has largely escaped the corrupting side of tourism, which is an accolade to Kaya Mawa and the way in which they have gone about introducing tourism to the island. Kaya Mawa is the perfect blend of rustic charm and comfort with an enviable location on a peninsula jutting out from between two pristine white sand beaches. It is the perfect place to kick back, relax and, as the name suggests, leave all your worries and stresses until 'maybe tomorrow'. However, those guests, who have an aversion to too much rest and a phobia of staying still for too long, are also well catered for with kayaks, snorkelling, scuba diving, quad bike excursions and cultural visits to the surrounding villages. With renovations and a revamp scheduled for the end of this year, it's hard to imagine not returning to Likoma Island to see an upgraded version of this paradise on Lake Malawi..."

www.kayamawa.com

South Africa

Another day in Madikwe certainly wasn't just another day at Jaci's, as we all headed out to sing and dance for a very special wedding ceremony which was held under a giant Strangler Fig tree and against the back drop of the beautiful Tweedepoort mountain range which runs across the entire Madikwe Game Reserve.

On this particular day, return guests had in the making a very special wedding ceremony including friends and family which enjoyed both our lodges as well as another within close proximity.

From mating lions to trumpeting elephants which threatened to delay the process, to brewing rain clouds which in the end only delivered atmosphere and excitement to a perfect ending of dinner under a starlight Tamboti Tree forest.

Getting married in the bush must be like a fairy tale come true; that only a few ever get to experience.

With the rains long gone and the shortest day for 2009 now clearly behind us, Madikwe shows signs of a light morning frost and chilled smiles from guest well wrapped in beanies and gloves, while nursing a welcomed hot water bottle on morning drive.

That lush green grass of Madikwe has given way to yellow fields of course winter stalks providing the ultimate disguise to the biggest cats we have to offer. Lions are now walking and stalking earlier in the evening and until much later in the morning giving us maximum pleasurable viewing and photographic moments during the warmer hours.

Not every day is serious for these beautiful "kings of the Jungle" ...with the youngsters and sub-adults finding plenty of time for play; even with the odd snarl and growl from their mighty parents. The game goes on, and food time often becomes play time as the hunters often find themselves being the hunted by their playful siblings.

Take advantage of Jaci's winter specials and come witness some of the action, and share the days stories with us over a chilled beverage before dinner.

Until next time...

www.madikwe.com

Zambia

Introducing the new Kigelia House

The new "Kigelia House" (scientific name for the Sausage Tree), is OPEN!!! This lovely addition to Sausage Tree Camp consists of two bedrooms, both with en-suite including baths, twin showers and basins; large plunge pool; fully stocked bar and dining table for private meals; huge open plan living area with leather sofas, day beds and sundeck chairs. It will be the closest accommodation to the Zambezi River with a beautiful teak deck sweeping across the entire front of the suite, offering amazing panoramic views. The Kigelia house is ideally suited to small groups (two couples) and/or families. We are currently working on a kiddies adventure and educational program, which will be finalised over the next few weeks.

2009 Opening Special
2 pax full rate at $695pppn and accompanying pax at $100pppn (under 18 years) or $200pppn (over 18 years). Min. 3 pax Valid for all New bookings only.

What a romantic week it has been! The Australian Polo team recently made a tour of Zambia (2-0 to Zambia, hooray!) and concluded their tour with a three night visit to Sausage Tree Camp. Hamish (the Captain) brought his lovely girlfriend (Courtney) on the tour. After a very relaxing and game filled canoe trip down the Chifungulu Channel, followed by a very long lunch (including 5 bottles of Pimms), Hamish thought the time was right and so he proposed to Courtney on the balcony of his Tent, whilst a hippo was walking past. Then, later that week, we had both of our Honeymoon Suites occupied with newlyweds... I guess it is the location, the stylish camp and its relaxed and friendly staff that make Sausage Tree Camp such a romantic destination.

Last month we met the Muchinda's / Butlers. Here we can put some faces to the names on the famous Sausage Tree.

www.sausagetreecamp.com

TONGABEZI SERVICE: Guest care and perfecting our service is a driving Tongabezi passion. We have recently held a workshop for our valets and waiters with an instructor who has years of experience in the hotel industry including renowned five and six star hotels in exotic locations like Dubai. The workshop concentrated on general presentation in rooms, the dining area and how to better serve our guests.

The Protea Hotel held a conference that saw two trainers both of whom have combined experience in the hospitality business of over 30 years, share their knowledge with selected staff members of various accommodation providers in Livingstone. The success of the training was based on the ability to make each module as interactive as possible and by showing rather than telling the attendees why in the service industry certain things are non negotiable. Tongabezi chose to send front line staff, Mildred from our front office and two of our valets Isaac and Nelson for the training. The trio came back with beaming smiles, certificates of achievement for everything they learnt and handbooks that contain tips on quality service and customer care. All this to enhance the experience of our very valued guests here at Tongabezi.

Sindabezi is open!!!!!! Please take note of the special offer which we are running for bookings until the end of the year.

$250.00 NETT pppn to include all food, drinks, river activities and a visit to the Victoria Falls. Please contact reservations@tongabezi.com for further information.

Livingstone Island - Swimming resumed on the 14thAugust 2009 and Livingstone Island Walks resumed on the 19th August 2009.

www.tongabezi.com

I am pleased to announce the formal addition of Norman Carr Safaris to the Honour Way portfolio. As some of you may know, I have done bits and pieces for them in Europe in the past but I am happy to say they are now a full client which is very exciting as it makes for the completion of a perfect Zambia / Malawi collection combining Victoria Falls, South Luangwa, Lower Zambezi and Lake Malawi.

As you are all aware Nick is leaving Norman Carr Safaris at the end of the month so I just wanted to update you on some of the changes happening so you all know who your contacts will be. The main email address to use will be Kapani@normancarrsafaris.com and reservations@normancarrsafaris.com goes straight to William who is reservations manager.

Christina (Gid), Adrian and Dave Wilson are Directors of Norman Carr Safaris. Dave and Christina are the people in the driving seat.

Dave oversees all the Operations and Gid looks after marketing, sales, the brand and customer relations.

Other key personnel:
William Banda is reservations and office manager
Abraham Banda is Kapani Lodge Manager
Rosie Pilcher is Food and beverage Manager
Willie Shuma Safari and Logistics Manager
Luwi Guide Manager - Brian Mukumbuta
Nsolo Guide Manager - Shaddy Nkhoma
Kakuli Guide Manager - Aubrey Njobvu
Mchenja Guide Manager - Levi Banda

News from Camp

The weather is warming up and so is the game viewing. We continue to be amazed by sightings - this season really does seem to be one of the most amazing so far. It’s great to see the wildlife doing so well- particularly the wild dogs.

Our attention has been focused on these mysterious, charismatic and breathtakingly beautiful creatures as once again, a pack is "denning" between Luwi and Nsolo . Wild Dogs are terribly rare and endangered but our local packs do not seem to realise this and sightings have become almost commonplace. For me though the delight of seeing these awe inspiring and highly sociable hunters never fades and every sighting still brings a shiver of excitement and pure gratitude to be living in a place where it’s possible to say "We saw the dogs AGAIN today"!

www.normancarrsafaris.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.

BUT

The Uganda Safari company and Wildplaces are about to embark on a new venture....expanding their portfolio of properties to five! Construction on the development of Bulago Island Lodge will commence on the 1st September 2009 and we envisage to reopen the fully refurbished lodge in time for Easter in 2010.

BULAGO ISLAND

With 6kms of sandy beaches and almost 10kms of shore line on 500acares, Bulago is a small paradise away from the hustle of urban life. Surrounded by Lake Victoria its shoreline is made up of rocky outcrops and low cliffs. Around the shore the soil is highly fertile and tree covered. The north-east tip of the island contains a small portion of rainforest. The interior of the island is less fertile and is covered with savannah-like grassland.

A number of local farmers are able to provide a range of fruit and vegetables, ducks, chickens, pigs and goats.

The fish - Nile Perch and Tilapia - can be caught by line or bought from the local fishermen.

Activities on the island
Sailing on the lake
Nile Perch and Tilapia Fishing
Water skiing
Sun downer cruises
Nature walks
Bird watching
Horses thrive on the island and there are currently two Somali ponies used for riding

Day activities from the island
Ngamba Island chimpanzee sanctuary is located just 4 miles south of Bulago Island
Entebbe zoo and botanical gardens

ACCESS TO BULAGO ISLAND
By Air
The flight time in a Cessna 210 is approximately 8 minutes

By Boat
It takes about 30 minutes by speedboat from Entebbe to Bulago, depending on the condition of the lake. The journey from Kampala to Bulago takes about forty minutes

News from Apoka
Last month we had a great lion viewing experience yet again at Apoka, the pride of Tim's young were all looking the worse for wear. This young male had been left in peace to enjoy his reward, as his brothers and sisters having bought down a good sized buffalo moved a fair distance from him.
Mike and I accompanied a trip up to Kidepo with clients and European agents, all were very happy to see some of our cats, and we were also lucky on the last night two agents were treated to their sundowners with almost all of our population of Kidepo Giraffe.
Apoka is being managed by one of our TUSC guides as we start our season. George Nyanga who is always smiling, with a very pleasant charter and impressing knowledge, was formally our head guide and assistant manger at Semliki Safari Lodge. He has gained extensive wildlife knowledge with over 13years of experience having worked in wildlife protected areas with Uganda Parks and the Uganda Wildlife Authority before joining our team in 2003. George has been looking after the lodge as a relief manager on and off for the last year. He is joined by a new Chef, Tony who is originally from Kenya and trained for a year with the Emin pasha.

News from Clouds
We are very happy to report that our Nkuringo Gorilla family is doing well especially with the continued effort that UWA puts towards conservation. We think that one female is pregnant so we are all holding thumbs and hoping that we see another newborn baby again soon. Kisoro (silver back number 2) has moved away from the family group past the lodge, he has found raiding farms more fun than living in the forest. His movements are being monitored; however resources and manpower are limited.
The Nkuringo twins are doing very well. We have not managed to get down there for some time to take pictures but some of our guests have had amazing viewing as they grow in size and confidence.
Tamara was fortunate enough to be able and go and trek the new Nshongi Group that opened for tourism at the beginning of June (it's a 45 min drive from the lodge). The group is larger than Nkuringo and is doing very well, the trekking is pretty tough but very worthwhile in the end.

www.wildplacesafrica.com

Fact of the Day - Animal groupings

June newsletter answer - Thank you for all your answers. The correct answer is a committee of vultures.

Next month - What do we call a group of buffalo?