June 2010 Newsletter

Important AFRICA Information for Tour Operators

Botswana - Ker & Downey

• Exceptional guiding & game viewing on the recent Pre-Indaba Educational, a trip which included the entire Ker & Downey Botswana portfolio.

• Kaya Mawa is looking amazing following the extensive renovations. Guest and operator feedback since the reopening 01 April 2010 has been wonderful. New images can be downloaded from the website.

• Another successful educational trip.
• Community projects continue to make solid progress.

• Kapani Lodge and bush camps undergo exciting soft furnishing refurbishments in time for season opening.
• Bush camps open.

• Refurbishment of Tongabezi continues. Swimming pool and dining areas completed.
  Watch out for images and info on the new Boathouse.
• Livingstone Island re-opened 9th June 2010 offering 5 visits a day.

Educational Trips 2010

• South Africa / Botswana / Zambia Educational - 8 nights - 03 October
  Combining Jaci's Lodges, Ker & Downey Botswana & Tongabezi

• Zambia / Malawi Educational - 7 nights - 13 October
  Combining Kaya Mawa, Norman Carr Safaris & Tongabezi & Sindabezi Island

• Uganda Educational - 10 nights - 22 October
  

If anyone would like to travel to visit the Honour Way clients at any other time then please
do not hesitate to contact me for any assistance in planning.
 

Honour Way News

How time is flying - Indaba came and went in a heartbeat and now already a month on we are slowly moving into the second half of the year. Indaba offered another perfect opportunity for Honour Way to host various Educational trips and experience first-hand the exciting developments at our client's properties. Kaya Mawa is looking stunning and I feel it's truly one of the most beautiful destinations in Africa. Tongabezi's new soft furnishings have transformed the lodge and the relaxing pool area will soon be complimented by the Boathouse, offering a new "chill out area" overlooking the Zambezi River. It doesn't end there, with Norman Carr Safaris having just redecorated all their properties. As for wildlife, you only have to read the feedback from our recent Educationals to Uganda and Botswana to understand how extraordinary the guiding and sightings are in these regions.

Last month saw the end of our working relationship with Jaci's Lodges in the Madikwe, South Africa and Sausage Tree Camp in Zambia. Jaci's Lodges have joined the Mantis Collection and Jason will be taking the marketing reigns in his own hands again. This has been very disappointing but at the same time Honour Way continues to develop steadily, with our main objective to continue to strengthen our strategies and provide very efficient personal service.

Jaci sent me a little note to say thank you for a wonderful working relationship and friendship too, which despite not working together, will certainly continue for years to come. "Jan and I have enjoyed working with you and appreciate all you have done - we will always cherish your friendship, laughter and overall great representation - wild thanks from Jan & Jaci van Heteren"

We also received a special farewell message from Jason at Sausage Tree Camp - "It has been a great pleasure working with Honour Way, with both Honour and Carolyn. Honour's dedication and passion for the industry makes her the perfect 'marketing machine'. I guess this is why she is so well respected and liked. It is sad to say goodbye to the partnership we have forged together, but I am sure there will always be a close tie and support towards one another. I have decided to take on a full time marketing assistant and it is for this reason alone, that we have had to end our partnership - can't afford everything I'm afraid.

If there is anyone out there looking for a UK based marketing rep, then I would highly recommend Honour Way. If in the future, I decide to take on another UK marketing rep, then I would hope Honour would have space in her personally selected portfolio for Sausage Tree Camp again. With very best and warm regards, Jason Mott."

I know from my side that it has been a complete pleasure working with them and their properties will always remain very special places to me. Thank you to them for their ongoing support in me and Honour Way since the very beginning.

Botswana

Camp Okuti

Shinde

Pre-Indaba, Ker & Downey Botswana ran an educational trip to Botswana, hosted by Honour. As is the case on my visit every year, it was an amazing experience enjoying the entire Ker & Downey portfolio with extraordinary game viewing on foot, by vehicle and in the mokoros. The water levels early May were already very high for the time of year due to plenty of localised rain which made for wonderful scenery along the way and perfect conditions to explore the Delta by mokoro. It had absolutely no impact on the amount of game we saw, especially at Shinde. After our first afternoon walk and sundowners we decided to continue for a drive to try and find the lions we had seen sleeping on our way to Footsteps that afternoon. Suddenly we saw movement just ahead of the car and were utterly surprised to find a not too shy leopard ambling about. We spent a good 10 minutes watching her quietly when out of the bushes popped another leapord, this time a male also quite young. For the next hour we watched them walk around the car and play together.

Sandra Ruester from Klipspringer Tours in Germany joined the Educational

"The Ker & Downey educational trip to Botswana was extraordinary and very well organized. Four ladies accompanied by Paul Molesang to keep us all in line. We all got on so very well with many wonderful memories.

The first camp - Okuti - is of course very special because of its design and we were thoroughly spoiled. Due to the extremely high waters getting there isn't quite so easy as you have to drive through deep water which made the game drives rather difficult but at the same time added to the anticipation and excitement of heading out at this time of year. A point worth making is that it is not in a private concession which means there are a lot of other vehicles around and bush walks and night drives are not possible. Important facts to know when selling the area so guests are aware.

Lion sighting

Footsteps walk

Footsteps was my absolute personal favorite. I am a bush person and I really enjoyed the experience of staying in a small camp with only 3 tents. It is also Paul's home and you could tell he was totally in his element being here again. A huge bonus compared to Okuti is the possibility to go on bush walks and night drives and when you book it exclusively - you have the bush completely to yourself. The game viewing was extraordinary and we had the best luck - viewing lions on foot and then again on the night drive, followed by an excellent leopard sighting where we sat quietly watching these magnificent animals for over an hour playing around our vehicle.

Shinde is a really nice, luxurious camp and having had such an exciting previous nights' game viewing we decided to enjoy a leisurely sundowner boat cruise with the idea of having a (semi) fishing competition. I am not sure whether it was more of an excuse on our part to start early with our sundowner drinks or as a means of entertainment for Paul because none of us actually caught anything despite our very best efforts. The sunset however was spectacular and well worth our terrible fishing attempt. Returning to Camp we also heard the other guests had enjoyed some fabulous game drives. The other guests who went on a game drive reported that game viewing at Shinde is also excellent.

Staying at Kanana brought a totally different experience but works brilliantly in contrast to Shinde. The game viewing appears to be less spectacular at this time of year than other camps with more water in the area. Kanana was also recently upgraded and the tents have been done very nicely. They are really spacious and comfortable with large bathrooms at the beck and a lovely viewing deck at the front. For our last night we were taken out to supper and found a surprise bush dinner waiting for us. What a wonderful way to end a great trip. The next day nearly all of us were heading on to Indaba so we decided to spend the last morning in the Mokoros. What a great way to end a trip - you can just lean back, relax and enjoy the total tranquility after a safari.

I would just like to finish with one comment; The food - it was the best food I have ever had on safari. This applies to all the camps. It was just delicious."

Stephanie from au Tigre Vanille in Switzerland also joined us on this very special trip... "Second time in the Okavango Delta but for sure not the last one! We had such a different experience in each camp (game drives, mokoro trip, walks, boat rides & fishing). But the most amazing for sure the 2 leopards we found near Footsteps after the walk and our sundowner. We spent 1 hour with them, they were full of curiosity (we were quite sure they wanted to join our party in the car)... and after that: 2 lions! Difficult to sleep after all this excitation!

We had a great opportunity to visit all the Ker & Downey properties, all different, but with a wonderful atmosphere! Thanks to the friendly staff in all the camps. With a special thanks to Kanana for the organization on our last evening of a bush dinner, it was really a good way to spend our last evening together. We also had the pleasure to spend our 5 days with Paul Moleseng, it was also a great advantage to learn from him."

www.kerdowneybotswana.com

Malawi

Following an extensive refit, Kaya Mawa reopened in April 2010 and has since received rave reviews. Pictures also say a lot so take a peak at our online gallery.

Each room enjoys the most extraordinary views across the lake. They are individual with the interiors crafted and designed locally in a workshop set up by the wife of one of the owners - www.katundu.net. Beautiful white floors lighten the granite rock rooms, many with sunken bathtubs, grand beds and sumptuous linens. Each named after the villages on the island creating pride and a sense of ownership amongst its inhabitants.

Nkwhazi - Premium Room

Nkwhazi - deck & pool

The bar and restaurant are found on the beach, where else? Nestled into the corner of a blue gum plantation and just meters from the water. Light and airy with an eclectic yet stylish mixture of furniture and furnishing including antiques and one off carvings created in the workshop at Kaya Mawa. The bar, restaurant and lounge are quite likely to be the best sunset spots anywhere on the Lake.

The staff at Kaya Mawa give the lodge its soul, all from the villages that surround it and all trained on the job. The have a sense of pride and accomplishment in where they work, and rightly so as before being your waiter or chef they were the building team.

Reservations & Enquiries - enquiries@kayamawa.com

I just want to add a personal note to this section having spent an utterly blissful week at Kaya Mawa after Indaba. Arriving back at the island and lodge I was completely blown away by the transformation. I was already sold on the place following my first visit last year so aside from various improvements I didn't think much would be needed to uplift the place however, I was overwhelmed by how beautiful it all looks. Believe it or not (and probably to James' relief) I was actually lost for words just taking it all in around me. The beach bar is a huge focal point and it is wonderful seeing guests come down and enjoy sundowners there followed by romantic dinners on the beach - something which didn't happen so often previously. My room was wonderful and a great place to just relax. There is no need to leave your room as you have everything you could possibly desire on a beach holiday. Views - plunge pools, sun loungers, relaxing areas and much more - you have the beach and all the activities you can manage. I think the photos are amazing and will give you a good taste of how Kaya Mawa looks now but then imagine it even better. I just didn't want to leave.

Kaya Mawa and Ulendo Safaris enter New Partnership in Malawi Tourism
It's been an exciting start to the year for Malawi Tourism and the good news keeps rolling with the successful conclusion of negotiations which have resulted in the owners of Kaya Mawa on Lake Malawi's Likoma Island acquiring a shareholding in Lilongwe based Ulendo Safaris.

Obvious synergies exist between Kaya Mawa and Ulendo who share a similar approach to the promotion and development of Malawi's diverse tourism product. Each operation, while sharing resources and a wealth of experience, is committed to retaining their individual character and will continue to enjoy the personal and professional relationships built over time with guests, industry partners, operators and agents.

Kaya Mawa enjoys a well earned reputation as Lake Malawi's most exclusive island getaway and a key destination in any regional itinerary. Already considered to be one of the world's most romantic destinations - the recent refurbishment of the lodge has been taken far beyond anyone's expectations while retraining the character and unique charm that have made Kaya Mawa so popular with guests. Confidently claiming to offer one of Africa's finest beach escapes, Kaya Mawa is unquestionably a competitive product on the world hospitality stage.

The respective products and services of both companies complement each other well and while marketing activities will remain independent, reservations for Kaya Mawa will be coordinated by a Kaya Mawa dedicated sales person in the Ulendo office in Lilongwe in an effort to deliver a more efficient service to our agents and operators.

www.kayamawa.com

Uganda

Nkuringo gorilla group

Clouds Lodge

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge
There has been lots happening, Melissa the Manager from Clouds, has had several meeting with local groups. We are currently discussing plans for a HIV/AIDS satellite clinic, and eventually a community clinic, run by Bwindi Community hospital. Melissa has just met with the health Inspector in Rubuguri, to talk about public health issues we are facing and we will be meeting again to start a program of sensitizing.

Negotiations are underway for a Cultural center in Rubuguri and we are discussing a garden project with the Orphan group here in Nkuringo. Two of our established school gardens projects have received more seeds and advice from Tophil and the NCDF with our help has applied for funding for growing lemongrass in the Buffer-zone. We have been an active member of the buffer-zone sub-committee on livelihoods in the Nkuringo community. Richard from Virunga Artisans has donated more seeds and sweet potato plants that we distributed to the Orphans, Batwa and local community members.

Melissa personally bought some world maps for a local school, though with more needed, it has been a great start for teaching the children. NCDF is currently building school teacher facilities so that the teachers can get to work without hours of travelling to and from the school. Works continues on the weavers shed, using NCDF and IGCP funds as well as donating a couple of employees from the lodge.

Weather is favorable for gorilla trekking as there is not too much rain for this time of year. Very sadly one of the twins in the Nkuringo group of gorillas has passed away. They believe the mother wasn't producing enough milk. One of the Volcanoes Nyiragongo is still active and from the main building of Clouds you have spectacular views on a clear night.

Semliki Lodge

Rock Python

Semliki Safari Lodge
Rock pythons have been seen with increasing frequency around the reserve lately. These photos were taken this month on a game drive in which the guests watched a python devour a female Uganda kob from start to finish. They originally came upon the dead kob in the grass and noted that on its leg it had a bite wound that looked like it came from a python. So they decided to sit and wait for the python to return and sure enough, 10 minutes later the python returned. As you can see, the python started at the head and slowly moved along until he had ingested the entire kob. The whole process took about 30 minutes.

In March I travelled to Uganda hosting an Educational trip around the Wildplaces properties. Here's more feedback, this time from Catherine who joined us on the journey.

Catherine Ronan from Natural High Safaris
"Despite Uganda being relatively new to tourism after years of horrific dictatorship and rebel warfare, the people are extremely friendly and there is very little threat to your safety. Uganda is very diverse in its scenery with huge rolling hills, big lakes and rivers, the Rift Valley and huge plains. Our visit coincided with recent rains and so it was incredibly green and lush everywhere. The roads aren't in great condition but you are never bored with the journeys as there is plenty to look at with the villages you drive through and all the beautiful scenery.

Our trip started with a stay at the colonial Emin Pasha hotel in the centre of Kampala, a real oasis of comfort and good food. The first night of our safari was spent at Mihingo a tented lodge in Lake Mburo National Park which is perched on the top of a huge kopje with stunning views. Although the park doesn't have "big" game, there is plenty of zebra, waterbuck, impala, topi, bushbuck, warthogs and some eland, all of which can be seen by car, on foot or on horseback.

We had a lovely journey to Bwindi Impenetrable Forest where we were greeted by masseurs at Clouds Forest Lodge. It was amazing to find such a luxurious lodge in the middle of nowhere and our views were of the Virunga Volcanoes across in Rwanda where at night you could the red glow. My lifelong ambition to see gorillas was realized in Bwindi and it was worth the very challenging hike down vertical terrain through dense jungle to find them. Only 8 people a day are allowed to see the gorillas so you really appreciate how lucky we were. They are such gentle creatures and much quieter than the noisy aggressive chimps I'd seen in Tanzania. It was an hour of awe watching them.

From Bwindi we drove through the Queen Elizabeth National Park (great sightings of elephant and lion) to Semliki Nature Reserve where we were to discover another very rare creature, the African Shoebill, on Lake Albert. My room at the very comfortable Semliki Lodge was the perfect spot from which to watch the black and white colobus monkeys and a wonderful array of birdlife.

Our final destination was Kidepo National Park in the very far north on the border of Sudan which involved a flight. This was nirvana for us safari specialists. There were no other tourists there at all and Apoka Lodge provided all creature comforts and lots of really delicious food. We saw huge herds of buffalo and elephant, as well as good sightings of lion and plenty of antelope.

Uganda is the perfect country for African enthusiasts and it offers all the right ingredients of great people, wildlife and scenery."

www.wildplacesafrica.com

Zambia

Tongabezi lodge has taken Europe! With articles in the Times, the Sun Herald and the Dutch Telegraaf, the number of unique web visitors to our site has increased dramatically. Our new website and online brochure is proving a huge success. With fabulous new pages filled with Green news about how we contribute to save our environment, to our successful HIV/AIDS initiative and projects to provide our community health care and education.

Tongabezi - refurbished lounge area

Birdhouse - refurbished

The soft furnishings for the upgrade have arrived, with more to follow. All the houses have new floors, new copper bathroom amenities & new claw-foot baths! Additions include a giant antique Indian sofa bed, perfect for kicking off your shoes, curling up and simply watching the river go by from the dining verandah.

Tongabezi has always been about allowing our guests the space to have a new perspective as many times as they would like every day... the new pool has two unique dining areas... one hidden away and the other on a deck halfway up the rock face. The little dining room also features fantastic antique leather chairs for intimate dining. There are little touches of sparkle everywhere that are new to Tongabezi and definitely adds a edge of luxury to the lodge... from crystal decanters and the shining copper in the bathrooms, to gigantic mirrors in the dining room and at the swimming pool. Tongabezi is kicking off its third decade with a definite twinkle in its eye! With the Houses, new pool & dining areas finished, the builders full attention is once more on the Boathouse. The structure is now reaching completion and the end is in sight.

Livingstone Island remains closed, but with plans to reopen it again soon. We'll keep you posted.

www.tongabezi.com

Kapani Lodge and the bush camps have been treated to a soft furnishings refurb for the start of the season. The talented and inspirational Abi James is a fantastic interior designer who is bringing the bush right into the camps using local materials and crafts. The only "imports" are a few irresistible kuba cloths from neighbouring Congo. We're only using wood from fallen trees, making everything here on site at Kapani and keeping the style bushy, natural and very organic

Sand, beige, brown, earthy oranges, stones and greens all in natural canvas, linen, cotton drill and hessian blend effortlessly with the surrounding bush.

We have made stools, coffee tables, bedside tables and planters out of already fallen trees. Abi and her team have created "wall art" pieces made here at Kapani and together with the newly discovered archive pictures of Norman Carr which have been framed, also using wood from already fallen trees. We feel the effect reflects our core values of conservation, low impact on the environment, using only local materials, our history and amazing legacy.

South Luangwa - big view

Mchenja - pool

NEW "Summer Safari Special"
7 Night Safari - Rack US $2,995.00 per person (sharing) from Lusaka - approx. 25% discount
No Single Supplements apply. Usual commissions on accommodation only apply.
Fits perfectly with BA from Heathrow!

Accommodation - 6 nights Norman Carr Safaris & 1 night Pioneer Camp, Lusaka
Includes : Return flights from Lusaka; airport transfers in Mfuwe & Lusaka; daily guided game viewing, all
meals and drinks, national park fees.

Valid from 21 June to 31 July 2010.

Community Projects - we have had a tree nursery at Yosefe School for years, part indigenous tree and part wood lot and have also worked with our local Forestry department. At the same time - Chipembele - the wildlife education centre here in Mfuwe - www.chipembele.org with whom we plan to work on various other projects such as a "Keep Mfuwe Tidy" anti-litter campaign, malaria awareness and Junior Rangers Club, is also working on tree planting and deforestation with schools in the area.

Tree planting at Yosefe

Yosefe Junior Rangers club

So we thought the best thing would be to join forces on this. The first stage is underway with the purchase of 600 seedlings of indigenous trichelia emetica (Natal mahogany - local name msikizi) - great for shade and of course preventing top soil erosion with extremely attractive dark green glossy leaves. These will go into the tree nursery and be adopted by the Junior Rangers Club members. They will be grown to a size where they can be transplanted then Rangers Club members and other pupils will be given them to take home and plant in their villages - it's a fast growing, sturdy and very attractive evergreen tree. We'll also be adding some Winterthorns (also indigenous) - now known as faidherbia albida (formerly acacia albida) local name - Msangu.

Wonderful news! We've just heard our very own Abraham Banda is now one of the final three in the Wanderlust World Guide Awards - a huge well done from all of us here to Abes - we're so proud!!!!

www.normancarrsafaris.com

Fact of the Day - Animal Groupings

April Newsletter - Thank you for all your answers.
The correct answer to what we call a group of mongoose is a business.

Next newsletter - What do we call a group of flamingos?