Is rafting on the Zambezi River below The Victoria Falls Dangerous?
Arguably the finest one-day white water rafting trip on the planet, on one of Africa’s iconic rivers. Rafting the Zambezi River in the Batoka Gorge offers splendid isolation, breathtaking scenery, the opportunity to forget the daily grind, be physically active and reconnect with nature at an almost atavistic level. Starting at the headwaters of the “Middle Batoka Gorge”, directly below “The Victoria Falls”. Rafting the Zambezi river has been an outdoor adventure renowned “must do”, since the first descent in 1981. But is rafting the Zambezi safe? (Because it is exceptionally good fun). The origins of the name “Zambezi” are contentious, the modern use of the word by the “Kaonde” people of North Western Zambia is “Great River”. While the English derivative of the name itself, is thought to have come from the same general area, from the “Lunda” people’s word “Kasambambezi”. Ominously translated as “those that know how to swim”. Rafting the Zambezi is an extreme outdoor adventure expedition. Rafting any river carries a level of inherent risk that must be acknowledged. In order to classify the level of river difficulty, the world wide rafting fraternity use a basic numbered system from Class-I to Class-V. With Class-V being the highest level of commercially available rafting. While definitely not infallible and subject to serious downright heated debate. The system does allow a base level of measure, with regard to difficulty and what to expect. The class of a rapid has no bearing on the amount of “fun” you can have on it, and the Zambezi is full of punchy Class-III’s that will have you yelling for more. RAFTING CLASSIFICATION TABLE CLASS Characterised by: I Moving water, with small waves and riffles, few obstacles and small areas to avoid, straightforward to see and easy to navigate with limited experience. II Easy, read and run rapids, with wide clear channels, easily avoidable obstructions with the occasional need to navigate around obstacles/features. III Fast moving water, often necessary to take on large waves/features and stay on lines. Strong eddy lines and powerful currents. Multiple obstructions. IV Powerful fast moving rapids that require concentration and a high level of skill to navigate, necessary to make certain complex lines. High pressure moves to avoid areas and features. Necessary on occasion to ‘scout’ these rapids. V Long, difficult and violent rapids, demanding routes, high pressure navigation required, may contain unavoidable features which have to be run. Rescue conditions are difficult and there is risk to life or limb. The upper limit of commercial rafting. The Zambezi River is classified as a Grade-V river, most notably this is on the very top end of commercially available rafting. It is very important to acknowledge and respect the risk that accompanies the decision to sign up to one of our rafting trips. Guests are ultimately responsible for their own safety decisions and there are expectations of guests on this Class-V river. Here is what you need to consider when making your decision: The Middle Zambezi rafting section is located within the steep sided “Batoka Gorge”. Guests need to be able to negotiate the steep hikes to access and exit the gorge. After a long day on the water these hikes can be demanding. The ability to do these hikes is an indication of the fitness levels necessary to enjoy this incredible experience. The Zambezi River undergoes substantial seasonal water-level variation and as such we are constantly changing the entrance and exit paths to raft different sections. Some paths are more demanding than others, but in general these hikes take the average guest 15-25 minutes. You will need to be able to sit and remain balanced while in the raft and be able to hold on with one hand. Follow instructions in stressful situations and communicate effectively with other guests and our guide team. You will need to be able to walk around some of the bigger rapids on difficult terrain and to get into and out of the raft in slippery conditions and on broken ground. You would need to do this on multiple occasions. You will need to be able and willing to actively participate in your own rescue. Be able to move your body and hold your breath in fast moving water, if you end up in the water you need to be able to regulate your breathing and keep your cool. Guests will also need to be able to help other guests back onto the raft. Rafting this river is an excellent team activity and everyone joins in. River trips by their very nature are risky and here often lies part of the allure of the adventure. If you are comfortable with the above read on about how we moderate this risk with thirty years of experience on this incredible section of river. Our Guides All of our team are International Rafting Federation accredited and hold Class-V rafting licenses. We are constantly training scenarios and de-briefing. No day on the Zambezi is ever the same and “every day is a school day”. We never stop adapting and learning. Guest safety is our number one priority. All of our team hold Advanced First Aid Certificates and we have yearly refresher courses. We are proud that four of our team successfully qualified the Basic Life Support (BLS) Certification from the American Heart Association. On all of our trips we take an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Our team are all in-house trained and from our community, we are a strong family; and most of our guides have been with us for over 15 years. With vast amounts of logged river hours on this stretch of the river. Our guide team are exceptionally customer focused. If you feel unsure or nervous, they understand and many a morning’s “butterflies”, have turned to exhilaration after the first rapid. You got this. The International Rafting Federation is the world wide body which oversees the certification and training of professional raft guides. We pioneered this qualification on the Zambezi with Adventure Logic and
Zambezi Experience- A Canoe Safari
Many hear about Safpar’s game drives through the Mosi-Oa-Tunya National Park, but have you ever explored the idea of spotting wildlife by canoe? I did and boy, was it an experience and a half. Paddling down the famous, historic river in the footsteps of David Livingstone and many other explorers deep in the heart of Africa filled me with a sense of excitement. The adventurer in me was ready, despite my nerves. They say ignorance is bliss, but ignorant I’m not. Some of the world’s most feared predators lurk in the depths of the Zambezi such as the hippo, claiming status as one of the worlds’ most dangerous animals. The crocodile too, who’s winning Darwin’s survival of the fittest challenge in my opinion after 200 million years. Taking a canoe safari on the Zambezi is the best way to see the wildlife up close in their natural habitat – if you are brave enough. I felt in good hands sharing a seat with Safpar’s head canoe guide Titus, who is in his 20th season as a canoe guide. Titus is attuned to every sound, bend and channel in these waters. With such experience guiding me down the river I’m able to relax and allow the Zambezi to full my senses. Birds cry, hippos snort and ancient trees wave from the sidelines. This is a wildlife-viewing opportunity like no other. Together you seek and identify wildlife, birds and learn about the flora and fauna that make up the thriving ecosystem that is the Zambezi. This is the fourth-longest river in Africa, the longest east-flowing river in Africa and the largest flowing river into the Indian Ocean from Africa. We’re in the Upper Zambezi, approximately 40 kilometers above Victoria Falls, where I am told, much to my surprise, papyrus grows. The Zambezi is home to reedbuck and migrating eland. Carnivores found along the banks of Zimbabwe and Zambia include lion, leopard, cheetah, spotted hyena and side-striped jackal. The great floodplains are a haven for migratory water birds including pintails, garganey, African openbill, saddle-billed stork, wattled crane and the great white pelican. The Zambezi also supports several hundred species of fish, some of which are endemic to the river. Important species include cichlids which are fished heavily for food, as well as catfish, tigerfish, yellowfish and other large species. It’s time to take a break. We stop off on a stunning secluded island and laugh at the sound of the ‘talking sand’ beneath out feet. If you’re brave enough you can go for a shallow dip next to the canoes where I established a new game named ‘Rock or Croc?’ Soon we jump back into our canoes and head on our way. Quietly approaching a pod of hippos we drift on by unnoticed, allowing us all to catch our breath… very quickly holding it in again due to the smell of our wallowing friends. I feel privileged to be in their presence and their home. This is by far the best way to appreciate the beauty and tranquility of this enthralling river. With a blink of an eye our morning adventure had come to an end and we munched picnic lunch on the banks of the river before heading home to Livingstone. Next time, I’ll book the overnight canoe safari – a night on the banks of Zambezi holds promise of a great story… How to Book – Safari Par Excellence offer half-day, full-day and overnight canoe trips on the Zambezi River. Min Age 12yrs. www.safpar.com
Riding the wild waters: Zambezi White Water Festival 2018
Safari Par Excellence held their annual whitewater festival from 25th – 27th of October and I was lucky enough to attend. The weekend festivities started off with Registration where all the contestants were given their merchandise and participant wristbands and we were ready to go. The Festival kicked off with a Zambezi cruise on Thursday where rafters and paddlers were briefed, and got to know each other and their skippers as they sailed into the sunset with ice-cold gin and tonics in their paws, and grins on their faces. Little can beat a cold sundowner on the MV Makumbi The Zambezi put on its best show with hippos dancing in the water, crocodiles surfacing to see what all the fuss was about and elephants sharing a drink with us on the river’s edge. Back at the Victoria Falls Waterfront, we were welcomed by groovy tracks performed by the local and talented DJ, Claudous Hunt, and it was impossible not to shake one’s hips on the dance floor. Friday: Practice Day. We were greeted by the smell of bacon and egg rolls and coffee wafting through the early morning air, and the sight of the placid Zambezi as it drifted slowly past above Vic Falls, the calm before the storm. While fueling excited stomachs, the eight international teams listened to a hilarious, but informative safety briefing and gear check. We all hopped onto the safari vehicles and headed for the Boiling Pot at the base of Victoria Falls. Soon the teams were set and in their rafts, adrenalin pumping, ready to rumble, all still taking in the idyllic, breathtaking view. Ready to rumble Practice Day gave everyone the chance to get a feel for the river – the Zambezi is like no other river in Africa, a beast one needs to respect and understand, it has great power and is full of life. Every rafter had been gifted a hand-crafted image of Nyami-Nyami, the Zambezi river god, fastened securely around their necks to protect them. Then off we went. That day there were some epic flips, a few crocodile sightings and a delicious lunch at Rapid 10, the lunch spot with the best view I’ve ever seen – by far. Surf and turf challenge on rapid 18, aka ‘Oblivion’ There were some total wipe-outs and plenty of complete styling at Rapid 18, aka “Oblivion”, where we were shown Superman jumps from rafts, wave surfing and carnage as boats were flipped and happy rafters went swimming, all getting a taste of what was to come on Race Day. Everyone had their first taste of the hike out of the Batoka Gorge, which is a whole other mighty beast. Some left in style on a helicopter charter and others slowly trekked up the gorge, following the ways of our big friendly giants, the elephants, slow and steady while getting the opportunity to witness a view very few are privileged to ever set eyes on. Superman on rapid 18, aka ‘Oblivion’ Team Gravity styling on rapid 18, aka ‘Oblivion’ October 27, 2018: Race Day… Up bright and early, excited chatter as the rafters headed for the Falls. What a day it was, not only for the contestants but also for the local and international guests back at the lodge. At the Victoria Falls Waterfront, there was a diverse craft and food market where local entrepreneurs from far and wide came to join the day’s festivities, as well as a kids’ zone. Local artisanal products were on full display, like those from Wayawaya. Wayawaya “empowers Zambian women without formal education and with few job options,” the organisation says. “Most women live in poverty and being unemployed is a luxury they cannot afford. However, Zambian women are unquestionably resourceful, talented, strong-willed and hard-working. To invest in women is to invest in their children, their fellow sisters, their neighbours and their communities. ‘By women, for women’ is a concept inspired by the fellowship between Zambian mothers and sisters. Together, we carry out vocational training, artisan programs and form viable employment,” Wayawaya says. WAYAWAYA goods on display Hats for Africa at the market Other NGO stalls sold beautiful bags and kids’ toys, beads made from recycled glass bottles, and a mouth-watering smorgasbord of food, including from De Canton – Livingstone’s famous ice-cream shop. As the day continued, guests gathered to hear Zambia’s iconic Jay Rox perform a taster set, setting the tone for the music to follow that evening. As the sun started to set, the one and only Black Mamba Man headed on stage to give the guests a performance they wouldn’t forget. Alistair Burton, aka Black Mamba Man, is a Zimbabwean musician who performs iconic cover songs as well as his own comical and satirical original pieces, which are brilliantly witty and hilarious. His performance was followed by the eagerly anticipated prize-giving. Here a video of the competition highlights was shown, there was the raffle reveal, and finally the prize-giving. Cape Town’s Team Gravity were the winners of The Zambezi Whitewater Festival 2018, the team members won helicopter flips over the Falls, courtesy of Batoka Sky. Winning team Gravity, skippered Andrew Kellett The party rocked on into the early hours of the morning. Everyone celebrated to the sound of live music performed by Harare rock band, Evicted, who ended their gig with a Nirvana cover which sent the crowd into a complete state of frenzy. The closing act for the night was Jay Rox, and his unforgettable performance made the 2018 festival one for the books. Participants of 2018 What an epic weekend it was! Although the competition is an international one and of a very high standard, it is by no means exclusive to professional rafters and kayakers – I can confirm that. As a complete amateur, I enjoyed every minute on the river and felt fully included. This festival is one I will be telling my friends and family about for years to come. If you weren’t there this year, add it to
5 Bucket-List Moments on a Zambezi Multi-Day Rafting Trip
1. Having lunch UNDER Victoria Falls The view is quite literally jaw-dropping. Your very first lunch on the multi-day rafting trip is served under Victoria Falls – as you sit and eat, the spray cools your back. Look up to see one of the world’s natural wonders in her full glory and hear the squeals of bungee jumpers as they leap off Victoria Falls Bridge. If you fancy a swim, there is a beautifully still pool just metres away where you can cool off. This part of Victoria Falls is only accessible with a professional guide and not many get to munch lunch here. Lunch with a view – below the mighty Falls 2.Shooting the Rapids Paddling down the Zambezi may be tiring, but the adrenaline fuels you on. As you approach a rapid you start to feel the butterflies in your stomach, the horizon of the rapid appears and below you, you can hear the water roaring like a hungry beast. The Zambezi is alive, powerful and demands the utmost respect. Witness the water painting the rocks, shaping and moulding them into ever-changing artworks. Considered one of the best stretches of commercially run river in the world, Batoka Gorge provides one of the most intense sensory thrills imaginable. Its 25 white-water rapids and striking scenery deep within the sheer black cliffs afford the adrenaline junkie a wild roller-coaster ride along a route carved over millennia by the Great Zambezi. As your guide expertly reads the river and chooses a line into the surging, racing rapid – hold on tight for the ride of a lifetime. Bobbing about, water flying everywhere, people laughing and screaming, boats flipping and paddlers swimming. And then it’s all calm again. That’s the beauty of the Zambezi. Shooting down the rapids 3. Sleeping under the African Stars There is always the option to sleep in a tent, but I opted for white sands and an African starlit sky. Being down in the Batoka Gorge means there is no light pollution, so the stars appear extra vivid and bright… it’s totally mesmerising. There is something special about stars and a fire – and it doesn’t take long before my fellow raft crew start recounting incredible stories and life experiences. There is nothing quite like an African folk tale or travellers story to put all the bushbabies to sleep. To top it off when the morning arrives, you slowly emerge to a glorious auburn sunrise as it creeps along the river softly nudging the gorge and its sleepy inhabitants awake. Camp set-up above rapid no. 10 4. Seeing Moemba Falls On the third and final night you are treated to a smorgasbord of treats just above Moemba Falls, the song of the thundering water serenading you as your lips touch your ice-cold gin and tonic and your eyes peer into the sunset. This view can only be accessed by raft, making it that much more special – only a select handful of people can say they have witnessed the might of the Moemba Falls. Enjoying a cold-one above Moemba Falls 5. Disconnect in order to reconnect For many, the true treasure of a Safpar multi-day rafting trip is the total isolation and separation from our fast-paced lives and the exploration of our natural world. There’s no news, emails or cellphones out here. Here you engage with your crew, your surroundings and with yourself. Soak it up, soak it in. The rarity of being provided the space to escape is a unique privilege and I highly recommend a visit to this modern-day Narnia. Rafts parked for the night at rapid no.10 BOOK A TRIP : Safari Par Excellence (SAFPAR) have been rafting the Mighty Zambezi since 1988! The passion, experience and culture of their rafting team is second to none. Safpar is currently the only company on the Zambezi with a 100% guide certification under the International Rafting Federation. All guides are fully trained professionals and hold valid advanced first aid certificates. Safpar offer both Full Day, Overnight and Multi-Day Rafting Trips. www.safpar.com
Zambezi, Victoria Falls, 3.5-day rafting expedition-what you need to know.
It is absolutely awesome. The multi-day trips win the un-discovered, off the beaten track, “bucket list” adventure trip title hands down. We can’t talk highly enough about what you will experience during three and a half-days on the mighty Zambezi River. If you enjoy fun in the outdoors, un-explored, isolated areas and have a passion for adventure; these are the trips for you. Join like-minded people and make memories and friendships that will last a lifetime. These are the expedition style trips of the Zambezi. Every trip is unique and simply: incredible. The trips start directly below the Victoria Falls and end at “Kabompo falls”, the site of the proposed Batoka Hydro-electric Scheme (BHES). Day 1: We head up underneath the Victoria Falls, locally known as “Mosi-oa-Tunya” (the smoke that thunders). We explore this pristine world heritage site and swim in the exquisite pools there. Guests look out for the rare, largely solitary, Cape Clawless Otter. We have lunch with an incredible view, in a location that is decidedly off-limits to those “not so adventurous”. We then raft the quintessential Zambezi River run, the “Top section”, which is rapid # 1 to rapid # 10. Highlights on this day are the closely stacked class-V whitewater rapids that the Zambezi is renowned for. Infamous rapids such as “Stairway to Heaven”(Rapid#5) and “Nyami-nyami’s playground” (Rapid#7) await. We then camp on a pristine beach area at the mouth of the “Songwe gorge”. We have a versatile and ingenious “glamping” set-up, complete with a private toilet. The food we prepare is all sourced locally and we pride ourselves on our presentation and class of meal. The gorge is extremely isolated, with a minuscule roving fishermen population. Subsequently, we have limited numbers of the bugs that consider us a meal, and we encourage our guests to sleep under the stars. We give the gorge ceiling and outside sleeping a “Thousand star” rating. Day 2: We wake you up with a local, rare, medium roast “Kusama” coffee and a rusk in your sleeping bag. Then serve breakfast 45-60 minutes later after the caffeine kicks in. You can just about tear yourself out of your sleeping bag and away from the awesome bedside views. We then start the day off with a swim as we load the rafts. All of our equipment is carried in and out with us, and we operate on a “leave no trace” basis. On this day, we have an equipment raft (gear raft) which will carry all of your equipment. We provide dry bags and seldom have a “bag failure”, despite some interesting upside down action over the years. This day starts off with the infamous rapid # 11 “The overland truck eater”, other highlights of the day are “The three ugly sisters” and rapid # 13, “The mother”. This day is characterized by swimming smaller rapids, gorgeous views, and long flat sections, as we exit the commercially rafted day section into areas unknown. We usually camp at “Pirate Bay” a beach that is largely accessible only from the river. A way past the commercial section and characterized by a limestone waterfall. The source of this small river originates from the right of the “Songwe” gorge 13 kms away. “Songwe” gorge was the site of the previous day’s camp. We have a night of “Rum and Coke” and of course the essential African sunset Gin and Tonics. We sit around our campfire of driftwood and have a “beer and medal time” session, recounting the events of the previous two days. Day 3: After coffee and breakfast, we load the gear raft and head off downstream. Toward “Moemba Falls”, an iconic waterfall seen by very few, but those who do the multi-day trips. This day is characterized by a strong expedition type feel. We stop and scout the first of the major rapids of the day “Open Season”. After this, we head into “The Narrows”. Three narrow channels of fast-moving water all class three and read and run. This is a fun section and the change in the width of the river here makes it extremely memorable. We usually stop after this section on another shaded, white sandy beach for another superb lunch, before moving on toward “Chi-mamba” or “The Snake”. After Chimamba Rapid we come to what is a major highlight of the third day “Upper Moemba”. This awesome drop is incredible fun and is a great way to end the rafting section of our trip. We usually camp above “Lower Moemba” falls. This waterfall is an awesome spectacle, seen by very few. We may also choose to do our “portage” of this waterfall this day. Choosing to then camp opposite the waterfall at the “Three Ledges”. Both campsites are extraordinary and offer exceptional views of this waterfall. Day 4: Despite the sadness of leaving this incredible gorge, we have a mellow breakfast and a swim before moving on downstream to the “Dam site”. Sadly this is the proposed location for the “Batoka Hydro-Electric Scheme” dam wall. We hike out of this path to the trig point at the top of the gorge. This hike in itself is an adventure and a fitting way to end what has been an incredible trip. Testimonial Adelle Scott led a charity fundraising trip of “The Body Shop” employees and these are her words about the trip: There is only one word I can truthfully give for the 3.5-day adventure; epic. If you really want to test yourself, see breathtaking nature at its very finest and most powerful and if the idea of adventure lights a fire inside of you, then this really is for you. The experienced, brilliant crew will guide you through an experience of a lifetime, taking you on a literal journey of Zambia at its most beautiful, breathtaking and exhilarating. In an incredibly short time, the modern world slips away, allowing you to reconnect authentically to staggering scenery, moments and teamwork with people who start as strangers but end like family. This experience won’t
Victoria Falls, Livingstone Zambia, “Eagles Wings” charity for vulnerable children
“Eagles Wings”-Hope, generosity and adventure. The Explorer Club Africa were thrilled to once again host the volunteers and children of the “Eagles Wings” charity. We are immensely proud to have been involved in this fantastic organization for the past fourteen years. The non-profit organisation “Eagles Wings” has an incredible ninety percent fund delivery at the grassroots level. The “Eagles Wings” (EW) organization is a sustainable, community-focused charity partnership between “Eagles Wings” Zambia and “Eagles Wings” Australia. On this years visit the children and volunteers took part in a Cruise and met our incredible herd of rescued Elephants, all donated by “The Explorer Club Africa”. While “Abseil Zambia” and “Livingstone’s Adventures” donated pony rides and gorge swings, all aimed at allowing these special kids to experience all their amazing country has to offer. From all of us in the Livingstone tourism community thank you for the work you do and we hope you all had an incredible time. The “Eagles Wings” charity is an exceptionally worthwhile cause, the Australian “Eagles Wings” chapter is successfully registered on the ACNC Charity Register and has the tick of approval. The Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC) recently launched ‘Tick of Charity Registration’ which aims to give reassurance to the public that a charity is transparent and accountable by highlighting its presence on the ACNC Charity Register. While the Zambian “Eagles Wings” chapter is led totally by indigenous Zambians, exceptionally hands-on, one of the core values is that this project and partnership is led by Zambian management and staff. “It is “Eagles Wings” firm belief that the best people to lead and facilitate the project are the people who live, work and play in that community. They know the people, the culture, the language, the best ways to communicate, have the best opportunities to nurture healthy and productive relationships and have the most to gain from seeing a successful project established”. Should you wish to donate to this worthy organization please use this link From all the staff and the elephants at “The Explorer Club Africa”, thank you for visiting, we wish you all the best and see you next year.
5-things you should know about the Victoria Falls Lunar rainbow “The Moonbow”
1. What is the lunar Rainbow? The lunar rainbow is a series of night time rainbows visible in the mist of the Victoria Falls, caused by the refraction of the moon’s light reflected in the rising, swirling spray. Visitors get to experience the Victoria Falls, also known as Mosi-oa Tunya, at night, it is a surreal and very enjoyable experience. 2. When is it possible to see the Lunar rainbow? The Lunar rainbows occur during the high water period from February to August. If you are in Livingstone over the full moon, the National Heritage Commission (the body in charge of this world heritage site) will open the park from 1800-2400 the night preceding the full moon, the night of full moon and the night after the full moon. However, please be advised they will not open if the weather looks to be cloudy and there is no notice if this is the case. The cost of entry is USD 25 for non-Zambian residents. Be advised if you have been in the falls during the day, you still need to pay again to access the falls at night. Full moon Calendar 2021, park currently closed for lunar rainbow due to the Covid-19 Pandemic. 3. What to bring and where to go. Pack a picnic basket and head to the eastern viewpoints, from here the rainbows are easily seen. You can still access the rest of the park, however, the best (driest) points are from the eastern cataract. The best rainbows are seen looking into the falls from the side where the moonlight angles into the gorge. Please be courteous with your flashlights. There is absolutely no need for a light, the brightness of the moon is more than sufficient. It is annoying and rude to flash your light onto others enjoying the views, doing so impairs their night vision, treat others as you would expect to be treated. 4. Photography. Night-time falls shots are fun and provide an interesting alternative to conventional daytime shots. The most obvious rule is not to use your flash. In order to take a picture of the “Lunar Rainbows,” it is necessary to have control of the camera’s shutter and ISO settings and a tripod or bean bag set-up is essential. As a general rule of thumb, an ISO of 800 and a shutter time of 10 seconds works well. 5. Be aware of the dangers. Don’t overdo it on the beers and wine. You are obviously on the edge of a large chasm and distance perception at night can be a challenge to most people. Walk carefully in groups and keep children close at hand. There is little wildlife danger as the troops of baboons are roosting. It is perhaps the only time you can comfortably enjoy a meal in the national park without getting raided by these insatiable animals. Please be respectful and keep your voice low and your flashlight off.
The Elephant Cafe, Victoria Falls, Livingstone Zambia
The Elephant Cafe’ Supporting a herd of ten rescued elephants and located on the banks of the Zambezi River, is Zambia’s top gourmet wildlife experience “The Elephant Cafe”. A stunning combination of three exclusive experiences. An epic boat trip up the Zambezi River, an encounter with a rescue elephant herd and a gourmet meal in a salubrious setting. The Elephant Cafe’ is a heartwarming bucket list activity, taking the region by storm. Getting to The Elephant Cafe’. While you can choose to use a road transfer to access The Elephant Cafe’. By far the more preferred method is by boat. Trips depart the David Livingstone Safari Lodge and Spa Jetty. The Elephant Cafe’s guests are treated to a thirty to forty-five-minute journey through the waterways of the “Mosi-oa-tunya” National Park. These river transfers are run by “Zambezi Expeditions”. The owner of “Zambezi Expeditions” Daniel Watson drew off experience gained in Queenstown, New Zealand, in the jet boat industry. Shallow basalt rapids characterize this section and it was always deemed to be un-runnable. Along with his team of professional drivers, Dan has pioneered commercial routes up to The Elephant Cafe’. The transfers are the first commercial boat use, of that section of the park. On the boat expedition, guests can expect to see a variety of river-dwelling wildlife. Sightings of Hippo, Nile crocodile and a huge range of birdlife are common. Added to this wild aspect is the excitement of being on the Zambezi River, tackling the class-2 rapids. Expect to get lightly splashed but not drenched. The Elephant Cafe’ herd. The raison d’être for the existence of the elephant cafe’. “The Elephant Cafe’s” ten rescued African Elephants. The Elephant herd is made up of an eclectic group of African Elephants. The elephants all have varied, intriguing and different backstories. Together they make a tightly knit though unusual family herd. Complete with a variety of foibles and fascinating nuances. Unusual in the sense that the herd is comprised of breeding age females, playful youngsters, mature and immature bulls. Whereas in the wild, you wouldn’t usually see this configuration of animals. In the wild old mature males tend to be solitary, while young bulls tend to gather in small bachelor herds. The females and youngsters tend to stick together in family structured breeding herds, led by a matriarch. On arrival at The Elephant Cafe’ guests are met by the herd. Guests then have the opportunity to interact and photograph the elephants in a reward based interaction. On hand are the elephant experts to dispense information, answer questions and provide insights into the herd’s behaviour. The below brief descriptions of The Elephant Cafe’ herd, present merely the tip of the iceberg with these magnificent animals, with regard to their habits and stories. You will have to visit to hear more. The Elephant Cafe’s “Bop” and “Danny”. “Bop” and “Danny” are the two mature bulls in the herd. “Danny” though younger and smaller in body size than “Bop”, is the dominant male. “Bop” is a mellow old man, estimated to be about sixty-five years old. Due to a crack in his left tusk, “Bop” has had his tusks cut by the vet. If the crack had been left unattended the extremely sensitive nerve would have been exposed. An elephant root canal, though it has been done, is a risky and cumbersome procedure. In this case, prevention was definitely better than cure. Interestingly, one-third of the tusk is actually within the lip of the elephant, what we see is only two-thirds of the actual tusk. “Danny” has a very distinctive and huge set of ivory. He is thought to be about fifty-five years old. Both of the bulls were rescued from culling operations in Zimbabwe in the 1960’s. “Bop” and “Danni” are perhaps the first generation of rescued African elephants. The two were raised by the late legendary conservationist Clem Coetzee. Members of the Coetzee family still come and visit these old boys from time to time today. The Elephant Cafe’s “Madinda”, “Mashumbi”, “Marula” and “Lewa”. These animals are the second generation of rescue elephants. Estimated to all be in their thirties, they were rescued as calves from the severe El Nino droughts of the late 1980’s. “Marula” is a young bull and “Lewa” is a young sexually mature female. The two were rescued together and have been lifelong companions. “Lewa” likes to rumble and talk and is often seen close to “Marula”. “Marula” is a very affectionate Elephant, in part because he and “Lewa” were bottle fed as calves. “Marula” is often seen with the calves who find him comforting, especially the orphan “Sekuti”. “Madinda” is a young bull who during the droughts was rescued from a predator attack. He has half a tail and a missing portion of his ear from that encounter. Madinda is delightfully playful and many a guest has a story of “Madinda”, the dancing Elephant. “Mashumbi” is the herd’s matriarch and leader. She is also the survivor of a predator attack and is missing the tip of her tail. One of our favorite stories is her elopement. She disappeared with a bachelor herd for 18 months. Returning to The Elephant Cafe’ pregnant…with her typical nonchalant lack of fuss. While elephants are exceptionally social and the family units are close-knit. In times of drought or danger, it is not uncommon for the herd to move rapidly and cover big distances. Reaching food and water is a priority and young calves get left behind as the herd moves rapidly for survival. The calve’s mother will usually move back and forth between the calf and the herd, urging the calf to keep up, however, this distance can become vast and the mother is forced to leave her calf behind. The Elephant Cafe’s “Nandi”, “Nyami”, “Muyuni” and “Sekuti” These four are the youngsters of the herd, sexually immature sub-adults and calves. “Nandi”,”Nyami” and “Muyuni” in order of age, are the offspring of “Mashumbi” and “Lewa” sired by “Bop”. “Nandi” at eleven is the oldest, “Nyami” and “Muyuni” are a year apart
The Explorer Club Africa at Africa’s Travel Indaba 2018
Showcasing Livingstone Victoria Falls to the World. Indaba 2018, one of the biggest meetings of the travel industry in Southern Africa, hosted in Durban South Africa. This year proudly boasting a record 1747 international buyers. As the South African National Minister of Tourism, Derek Hanekom in his opening address put it “This is going to be the greatest Indaba of all time”. For “The Explorer Club Africa” set up at the Zambian Tourism Agency stand, it was an incredible week of non-stop meetings and networking events. Things to watch Zambia is certainly in the global spotlight, particularly as demand grows for authentic experiences. Away from the regional commercial tourist traps. Our rich cultural heritage, adventure activities, wildlife reserves, and natural untouched landscape’s, all set the tone for “The Explorer Club Africa’s” experience at Indaba this year. The Elephant Cafe’ The award-winning Elephant Cafe’ continues to go from strength to strength. The unique pairings of the river transfer with our legacy herd of elephants and the incredible food selection. Proved to be hot topics at the show, particularly with the media. The Adventure Village Rooms Ready to be opened on the 1st of June we displayed sneak peaks of our sixteen Adventure Rooms at the Victoria Falls Zambezi Waterfront. Each room is air-conditioned, has an expansive en-suite bathroom, Bar fridge, and modern amenities at an unbeatable price point. Nanzhila Plains Just three hours from Livingstone, this “Hidden Gems Classic” offers isolated, unique wilderness to the traveler “in the know”. Watch this space for upcoming specials including Livingstone and Nanzhila Plains. Zambezi White Water Rafting Festival 2018 The “Zambezi White Water Festival 2018”, this year from the 25th to the 28th of October, looks to be set to grow. With teams signed up, the onus is now on the entertainment for the weekend. We met with “Eat Street Africa”, looking to sign up the talented Holly Wasserful at this year’s festival. She would be joining a great line up of African entertainers and musicians, “Black Mamba Man”, “Chicken Bus”, and “Shyman Shaizo”. Multi-day Rafting, rafting. With Adventure travel tourism estimated to grow by 46% by 2020, it is unsurprising there has been a significant uptick in take-up of our Zambezi River rafting offerings. Our five-star glamping multi-days and our unique take on day trips have seen a massive resurgence in demand for rafting options. Surfing the Zambezi As the go-to guys for anything Zambezi River related, we have an exciting event planned June/July with Zig Zag magazine and their sponsors. Watch this space.
The Tour D’Afrique in Livingstone Victoria Falls.
Tour d’Afrique in Livingstone Zambia. Safari-Par Excellence was thrilled to host the Tour D’Afrique team early this April. On their monumental transcontinental bicycle trip, from Cairo to Cape Town. This is the sixteenth trip the company has conducted along their flagship African route. Since their first expedition in 2003. Covering 12,000 km’s North to South of the African continent, the trip usually takes 4 months. With team members opting to do the full route or carefully selected segments. On their inaugural expedition in 2003, Tour d’Afrique also established the “Tour d’Afrique Foundation”. The TDA foundation is the charity arm of the organization. Among monetary fundraising and cash support for causes on their routes, the “TDA Foundation” also donates one bicycle per full route rider to identified causes. This year at a function presided over by Livingstone Mayor, his worship Eugene Mapuwo, at the “Victoria Falls Waterfront”. The foundation handed over twenty bicycles, to schools in Livingstone. “African Impact” our local NGO had identified seven schools that will benefit exponentially from the donation. Safari-Par-excellence, Batoka Sky Helicopters, and Shearwater Bungee all donated prizes to the Tour d’Afrique participants which were awarded via a raffle system after the bicycle donation. The expedition team was in Livingstone for a few days of well-earned rest and recuperation. Bikes to be fixed and participants were able to partake in the regions many activities. A huge thank you from the Livingstone community to all the Tour d’Afrique participants and the foundation for your generous donations. We look forward to seeing you again in 2019.
