Archive
General News - April 2009
Air Namibia suspends flights from Gatwick - 30 April 2009
It blamed the decision on the economic downturn which has hit demand.
Operations will be suspended from June 3.
Zambezi Safari and Travel have no clients booked on Air Namibia flights. If you have booked a safari with us and have booked your own flights on Air Namibia which may affect your travels, please get in contact with your consultant as soon as possible.
April 2009 Newsletter - 30 April 2009
April 2009: Planning a gorilla safari - guidelines
Kenya Mara Conservancy raises fees - 29 April 2009
Previously set at US$40.00, the new rates will come into effect on May 1.
"We are now in receipt of the confirmation from Mara Conservancy that their request to increase park fees has now been formally approved," said Fred Kaigua, Chief Executive, Kenya Association of Tour Operators.
Selinda's brand new canoe trail - 27 April 2009
The high waters flowing through northern Botswana in 2009 will cause the Selinda Spillway, in northern Botswana, to flow like it has not done for nearly three decades and will enable adventurers the opportunity to experience a rare first. The Selinda Spillway is an ideal setting for Botswana's newest canoeing and walking adventure safari. Set in the heart of the private 300 000 acre Great Plains Conservation's Selinda Reserve, the route will begin a little downstream from Motswiri Camp in the north-east of the Okavango Delta and travel eastwards along the Selinda Spillway through towards the Kwando and Linyanti Rivers close to where Selinda and Zarafa Camps are located .
The Selinda Canoe Trail will replicate the safari experiences of old as we navigate along the Selinda Spillway over 4 days, camping along the banks of the river wherever we find ourselves at the end of the day. With the total distance from one end of the canoe trail to the other roughly 70km's, this promises to be an very comfortable canoe experience appealing to travellers of all ages. Along the route you could well expect to come across many species of wildlife without the disturbance of too many hippos and crocodiles.
The Selinda Canoe Safari is a 3 night safari with roughly 3 full days paddling, over the safari's 4 day duration, to cover the distance. All 3 nights will be spent in fly camps along the way at no particular pre-arranged site. Where we finish at the end of the day's paddling is where we will camp that night. The days will be spent paddling along the Spillway with stoppages whenever there is something of interest to be seen along the banks.
The area is well known for elephant, buffalo, sable antelope, roan antelope, wild dog and could very well come across cheetah, lion, leopard and variety of other species. As you may imagine, it is also a birding paradise.
Each canoeing day will begin at first light when the Spillway is at its most peaceful. After an early coffee and snack, we will set off for the day's adventure. Walking will be part of the experience. If there happens to be activity that warrants investigation, we will stop on the banks and take a short walk into the bush. A brunch will be taken around mid morning and light snacks will be available throughout the day for sustenance until dinner.
At the end of the Selinda Canoe Trail, we will transfer guests to the Selinda Airstrip at around midday for departure or ideally guests may elect to stay on for an additional night at either our Zarafa or Selinda camp. Both Selinda and Zarafa will be a welcome celebratory night after the exciting paddle.
The Selinda Canoe Safari will cost $1450 per person sharing for the 3 night / 4 day safari for 2009 season. This includes all tented accommodation, activities including canoeing, meals, drinks and transfers from the Motswiri Airfield and to the Selinda airstrips. The Canoe Safari guaranteed departures commence on the 23rd of May with the last safari for the season departing on the 6th of October 2009.
Madagascar drops visa fees - 23 April 2009
The drop in Visa fees is valid only until December 2009. The Visa fees have been waived in an effort to revive the country's tourism following two months of civil unrest.
