ZIMBABWE, VIC FALLS, KARIBA & MANA POOLS
A TRUE 16 DAY AFRICAN ADVENTURE ENSURING MANY HIGHLIGHTS
7 – 22 JULY 2013
EXPERIENCE TRUE AFRICAN BEAUTY AT AFFORDABLE PRICE
Although we have increased the number of days we will be spending in Zimbabwe by two days on this overland tour, we have managed, through good negotiations, to keep the price the same as last year. Here is your opportunity to visit a country in Southern Africa so misrepresented throughout the media and discover for yourself the true hospitality of the local people, the good condition of the roads and the competitive prices of goods in well-stocked stores throughout the country, as well as the beauty of this fertile country. Given time it could once again become the “Bread Basket” of Southern Africa as it was named many years ago. Not for one moment on our previous visit to Zimbabwe did anyone feel harassed or intimidated in any way throughout our entire visit. This type of experience will ensure your return more than once to enjoy the hospitality of the local people and the beauty of the country. A must visit destination on any 4x4 enthusiast to-do list. Here is your opportunity to make another tick on your 4x4 bucket list.
To view a Power Point Presentation about our trip in 2011 as well as 2 articles written by participants, go to www.cederberg4x4.co.za/zimbabwe.htm
To view photos taken on our trip in 2011 go to www.cederberg4x4.co.za/photos/zimphoto.htm
Zimbabwe has become another regular Southern African destination for Cederberg 4x4. We will be visiting Hwange National Park, Victoria Falls, Lake Kariba, Mana Pools National Park, Antelope Park and the well-known Zimbabwe Ruins. As with all our other tours to Southern Africa, Cederberg 4x4 has negotiated a very affordable package for the whole family. On this true African adventure we will be spending 15 days in tourism orientated Zimbabwe, a country with friendly English speaking people, well stocked supermarkets, cheaper fuel than in South Africa, better road conditions than what we experience here, interesting history and controversies and home to the world famous Victoria Falls and Lake Kariba. The last day will be over the border at Ratho camp on the bank of the Limpopo River, the border to Botswana.
Departing from our rendezvous in Botswana we will enter Zimbabwe at the Plum Tree border post between Francistown and Bulawayo. This evening we will be setting camp at Big Cave Camp, in close proximity to the Matobo National Park some 30 km south of Bulawayo, the second largest town in Zimbabwe. Bulawayo was established in 1872 and is home to the Zimbabwe Railway Museum which is worth the visit. The Matobo National Park is also home to the graves of Cecil John Rhodes and Mzilikazi, which can be visited the afternoon after our arrival at the camp. We will only be spending one night here before we depart for the Hwange National Park where we will set camp for two nights. The Hwange National Park has the largest concentration of elephants in the world. Here participants will have the opportunity to do game drives and explore the beauty of the Hwange National Park, we suggest mostly to the north. Our next destination is Victoria Falls Rest Camp in the Zambezi National Park. The camp is situated only two kilometres from the Victoria Falls, making it the closest campsite to “The Smoke that Thunders” and within walking distance of all amenities. Here we will set camp for two nights before heading north for Lake Kariba.
Departing from Victoria Falls we will travel through Zimbabwe heading for the town of Kariba on the northern shore of the Kariba Lake. This route will take us through some of the most remotely populated parts of Zimbabwe. En-route we will stay one night at the town of Binga, the centre point of an active fishing community, belonging to the Tonga people. Taking the conditions of the roads into consideration it is not possible to reach the town of Kariba in one day. This will require we set camp, true African expedition style, where everyone will be required to be self-sufficient for one night under the African stars. This could well list as one of the many highlights of the tour. Upon reaching the town of Kariba we will set camp at Lomagundi camp, close to the waters edge, enjoying the grassed campsites and shade. Elephants roam the outskirts of the camp while hippos graze undisturbed in the camp. The camp offers a restaurant / lapa overlooking the lake where drinks and light meals can be enjoyed. Alternative activities are a visit to the Kariba Dam wall, visit the local Tilapa (bream fish) breeding farm and purchase fillets at realistic prises, maybe even try your hand at fishing for your own Tilapa (bream) in the lake or relax and enjoy the luxury amenities on offer.
Our next destination is the much talked about Mana Pools National Park. Here we will be setting camp for two nights at Nyamepi camp, situated near the reception of the Mana Pools National Park and located on the bank of the Zambezi River. The unique Mana Pools National Park is a WORLD HERITAGE SITE, based on its wilderness and beauty, together with the wide range of large mammals, bird’s species and aquatic wildlife. This camp, surrounded by a true African wilderness, will certainly be one of the highlights of our tour to Zimbabwe. Here lion, elephant, hyena, buffalo, hippo, to mention but a few, roam freely and there’s an abundance of game to view on game drives. This camp and the surrounding area are any nature lover and outdoor enthusiast’s dream.
Having reached our most northern point of the tour we will be heading south and setting camp at the popular Antelope Park near Gweru in the Zimbabwe Midlands, a unique destination for many reasons. This is the only lion rehabilitation centre in the entire Zimbabwe. Here you will have the opportunity to attend the feeding of the lions, walk with the lions at night, ride on the back of an elephant or just relax in the camp and enjoy the beauty of the surroundings. The campsite is located in a beautiful shady grassed area right next to a river / lake with swimming pool. En-route we will stop at the Chinhoyi Caves with crystal clear blue water. This is a must stop destination as it is compared to the famous Blue Waters of Capri.
Our last camp in Zimbabawe is situated near Masvingo, overlooking Lake Mutirikwi (also know as Lake Kyle), in close proximity to the famous Zimbabwe ruins. We will first visit the ruins, giving people enough time to explore and enjoy the Zimbabwe ruins, before we set camp for the last time in Zimbabwe. The following morning we will depart in convoy for Beitbridge, the main border post between Zimbabwe and South Africa, before heading for Ratho camp on the bank of the Limpopo River and Botswana border, where the tour officially ends. A braai around a communal camp fire will see the end to our Zimbabwe tour. Much thought and planning went into the various destinations we will visit, as well as the time spent at each one, giving participants maximum time on hand to enjoy the best Zimbabwe has to offer. Book now and avoid disappointment as we can only accommodate a limited number of vehicles.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All information supplied in the agenda is given in good faith by Cederberg 4x4 and compiled from the latest information available at the time. The activity times, as indicated on the agenda, are subject to change without notice and at the sole discretion of the guide.
Vehicles: Only vehicles with low range capabilities can be accommodated.
Trailers: Off-Road trailers and Off-Road caravans can be accommodated. Contact Coenie in this regard.
Nearest Towns: Bulawayo, Victoria Falls, Kariba, Chinhoyi, Gweru and Masvingo.
Guide: Coenie Moll.
RENDEZVOUS
PLACE : KHAMA RHINO SANCTUARY 28km from Serowe in Botswana. (See directions below).
DATE : SUNDAY 7 JULY 2013.
TIME : ARRIVE any time during the day, but please before 17h00.
DIRECTIONS TO RENDEZVOUS
Follow the A1 road from Gaborone north to Palapye. Turn left to Serowe and Paje. Continue for a further 14km and arrive at the Khama Rhino Sanctuary, our rendezvous for this tour. We will discuss the various route options to follow to the rendezvous at the pre-trip briefing.
DESTINATION 1
The Khama Rhino Sanctuary is exactly what the name says. The sanctuary was founded by Sir Seretse Khama, while he was the president of the country, to protect the white and black rhino population in Botswana. Apart from the white rhino there are 28 other animal species and 230 bird species to be seen. A further unique feature of Khama Rhino Sanctuary is the fact that it is guarded and protected 24 hours a day against poaching, by the Botswana Defence Force. The Mokongwa camp is spacious with good ablution facilities. The camp is named after the large number of Mokongwa trees found in the camp, which look very similar to small Baobab trees, but offers limited shade. Arrive early and allow yourself enough time to go on a game drive through the sanctuary to view the rhino and the many other game species.
Facilities
The camp offers limited shade and no electricity points in the camp. The ablution facilities have electricity points with hot /cold showers and flush toilets.
DESTINATION 2
Our first camp in Zimbabwe, the Big Cave Camp, is situated just outside the Matobo National Park. On this day we will travel approximately 330km and negotiate a border crossing at Plumtree into Zimbabwe. We will set camp for one night at the Big Cave Camp before heading north. Depending on the time it requires to complete the border crossing, everyone should have sufficient time to visit the lodge and beautiful views from the numerous walks available. The Matobo National Park, where graves of Cecil John Rhodes and King Mzilikazi can be found in rocky outcrops, is in close proximity of the camp and a possible visit option.
Facilities
The camp offers sufficient shade with electricity points in the camp. Ablution facilities are of a good standard, consisting of Hot/Cold Showers & Flush Toilets.
DESTINATION 3
Hwange National Park is our next destination, where we will camp at Main Camp for two nights. The distance we need to travel to reach Hwange National Park is approximately 350km. Numerous short and long game drives are available, giving you the opportunity for maximum game viewing. Hwange National Park covers over 14600 square kilometres and is the largest game reserve in Zimbabwe. The park hosts 105 mammal species, including 19 large herbivores and eight large carnivores. The largest surviving packs of African wild dogs in Africa are thought to be found in Hwange National Park. Maybe you are lucky and can record this sighting. The largest elephant population in the world is found in Hwange National Park, with the population increasing above the natural support values of the park. Large numbers of gemsbok (Oryx) and spotted hyena are regularly seen on the various games drive options in the park.
Facilities
The camp offers sufficient shade with no electricity points in the camp. The ablution facilities offer hot/cold showers and flush toilets.
DESTINATION 4
Our next destination is Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. Here we will set camp for two nights in the luxury Victoria Falls Rest Camp only two kilometres from the Victoria Falls. The distance we require to travel to Victoria Falls is approximately 100km. This means an early arrival at our camp. All amenities in the town are within walking distance of our camp and Victoria Falls only 2km away. You will have the option of driving in your own vehicle or taking a local taxi to visit the Victoria Falls. Upon completing the Victoria Falls viewing walk you might want to consider walking across the bridge to Zambia. Here you will have the opportunity to bridge swing, bridge slide or bungee jump at one of the highest commercial venues in the world. The locals call Victoria Falls “Mosi-oa-Tunya” – the Smoke that Thunders. There is a magical atmosphere manifested in the towering column of spray when the river is high, the thunder of the falling water over the edge, some 1708 meters wide and dropping between 90 and 107 meters into the Zambezi Gorge. An average of 555 000 cubic meters of water plummets over the edge every minute. The magic of this amazing place will beckon you back time after time. En-route to Victoria Falls we will visit the African Wild Dog rehabilitation centre just outside of the Hwange National Park. It is a worthwhile and very informative visit where loads of information and history will be shared by the local guides and staff.
Facilities
The campsite offers sufficient shade with grass underfoot and electricity points at each campsite. The ablution facilities are top class, with Hot/Cold Showers & Flush Toilets.
DESTINATION 5 & 6
Our next destination is Binga on the eastern bank of the Kariba. Here we will set camp at Masumu River Lodge, a hidden gem off-the-beaten-track, for one night en-route to the town of Kariba on the northern shore of the Kariba Lake. The lodge offers a variety of activities in close proximity to the camp, giving visitors the opportunity to partake in these activities or relax and enjoy the beauty of the lodge. You might even consider visiting the town of Binga only 10km away and explore the town. Not a town or place you will visit every day. We will be required to make an early start the next morning, ensuring that we cover maximum distance on bad gravel roads en-route to Lomagundi Camp on the Kariba Lake. Due to the condition of the roads and the distance required to cover we might need to bush camp this evening before reaching our destination. Should we manage to find an official campsite en-route, not having to bush camp, this will be for your own account. This decision will be made by the group en-route, should it be necessary.
Facilities
The campsite offers limited shade with electricity and water points throughout the camp. Ablution facilities are of good standard and consist of Hot/Cold Showers & Flush Toilets.
DESTINATION 7
Our next destination is the town of Kariba where we will set camp for two nights at Lomagundi Camp on the bank of Lake Kariba. Optional activities like fishing or hiring a boat to explore the lake or visiting the well-known Kariba Dam wall will be some of the activities available. You might even consider visiting the local Tilapa (bream fish) breeding farm and purchase fish fillets to be enjoyed for dinner around the camp fire. An added bonus is the lapa with a small kitchen where light meals can be ordered while enjoying a drink and watching the big screen TV. When the sun sets the resident hippos visit the camp and enjoy eating the grass underfoot. They normally graze throughout the night and care should be taken when visiting the ablutions at night. A true African experience mixed with modern luxuries to which words can do no justice.
Facilities
The campsite offers sufficient shade with grass underfoot with electricity and water points throughout the campsite. The ablution facilities are of good standard and consist of Hot/Cold Showers & Flush Toilets.
DESTINATION 8
Our next destination is Nyamepi camp on the bank of the Zambezi River in the Mana Pools National Park. It is sure to be one of the many highlights of the tour. This unique park is a WORLD HERITAGE SITE based on its wildness and beauty, together with the wide range of large mammals, bird species, aquatic wildlife and the numerous wildlife projects. On this day we will be required to drive only 150km through Makuti and Marongora before reaching camp at Nyamepi in the Mana Pools National Park. Here we will set camp for two nights. The distance required to travel means an early arrival at camp, ensuring maximum time to explore and experience the true wild magic of the great African outdoors, with wildlife in abundance. Here encounters with elephant, buffalo, hyena and lions are an everyday occurrence, with many other game species that can be viewed on game drives. The Mana Pools National Park is one of the few remaining places where true African outdoor experiences, surrounded by so many different species of wild animals, can be found.
Facilities
The camp offers sufficient shade but with no electricity points in the camp. Ablution facilities are very rustic and consist of Hot/Cold Showers (donkie) & Flush Toilets.
DESINATION 9
Our next destination is Antelope Camp in the Zimbabwe Midlands, only eight kilometres from Gweru, where we will set camp for two nights on our way south. Antelope Camp is home to a very unique lion rehabilitation project. More information will be shared en-route. The campsite is grassed and located in a beautiful, shady area right next to a lake with a swimming pool so you can cool off after your journey. On this day we will drive approximately 500km before reaching the camp. En-route we will stop at Chinhoyi Caves, approximately 100km north-west of Harare, the capital of Zimbabwe. The Chinhoyi Caves are compared to the world famous blue waters of Capri. It is definitely a must stop destination on our way south. Antelope Camp is a unique destination. Here will have the opportunity to partake in elephant rides, attend the feeding of the lions or walk with the lions at night. A must visit destination on any visit to Zimbabwe.
Facilities
The campsite offers limited shade with grass underfoot, with electricity and water points in the camp. The ablution facilities consist of Hot/Cold Showers & Flush Toilets and are of a good standard.
DESINATION 10
Our next destination is near the town of Masvingo, in close proximity of the Zimbabwe Ruins. We will set camp for one night at the Norma Jeanne Lakeview resort overlooking Lake Mutirikwe (previously known as Lake Kyle). The lodge is known for its beautiful gardens, home-style cooking, comfortable accommodation and friendly service. On this day we will drive approximately 200km before reaching our last camp and also enjoy our last communal dinner in Zimbabwe. This early arrival gives you enough time to visit the well-know Zimbabwe Ruins, try your hand at fishing or visit the Great Zimbabwe Hotel, home to a great social pub or explore the beauty of Lake Mutirikwe. This is an excellent venue to complete an unforgettable overland tour through Zimbabwe.
Facilities
The campsite offers limited shade with grass underfoot, with electricity and water points in the camp. The ablution facilities consist of Hot/Cold Showers & Flush Toilets and are of a good standard.
DESTINATION 11
Our next destination is Ratho Camp, situated in the Limpopo Province of South Africa on the bank of the Limpopo River, the border between South Africa and Botswana. A large shaded rustic bush camp overlooking the river, where a variety of game species, especially elephants that feed and roam freely along the river, are regularly spotted. All the amenities, including the location, will satisfy any 4x4 enthusiast needs. This unique destination is also home to one of the biggest crocodile farms in South Africa. With prior arrangement we can visit the enclosed crocodile area and experience the feeding of the crocodiles. It is here at Ratho Camp where the Zimbabwe overland tour officially ends and we have to say our good-byes before heading home.
FUEL STOPS
Ensure your vehicle is refuelled prior to the rendezvous at Khama Rhino Sanctuary. We require all vehicles be able to complete a minimum distance off 650km of tar and gravel road driving before needing to refuel. Calculate your vehicles fuel consumption and requirements and plan accordingly.
CATERING
Everyone must be totally self-sufficient for the duration of the Zimbabwe overland tour. Sufficient stops will be made en-route to replenish food supplies. Further options of eating at some of the lodges will be discussed at the pre-trip meeting.
PRE-TRIP BRIEFING/MEETING
A pre-trip briefing/meeting will be held on Tuesday 11 June 2013. The venue will be announced closer to the time. Please try and attend this meeting, as it is very informative.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
• As we will be visiting Zimbabwe and Botswana, precautions with regard to Malaria, Hepatitis A & B are suggested. Contact your travel clinic or GP for information in this regard.
• No handguns are permitted across the border into any of the countries we will be visiting.
• No wood is allowed over the border.
• Sufficient stops en-route will be made to replenish food and wood supplies.
• The transport and border crossing of red meat, dairy products and maize meal will be discussed at the pre-trip briefing. More information will also be made available upon confirmation of your booking.
• An awning or umbrella is advisable for this Zimbabwe tour.
• Water for washing and/or shower is available at all the campsites we will be visiting, except the possible one bush camp between Binga and Kariba.
• Drinking water – Always advisable to carry your own drinking water.
• The evenings could become cold while the days could be warm. Pack clothing accordingly.
• Always advisable to wear closed shoes or boots.
• Remember to take along the spare keys for your vehicle.
VEHICLE REQUIREMENTS
• All vehicles must be in sound mechanical condition.
• Always have your spare keys with you when on tour.
• Recovery points fitted to the front and rear on your vehicle are a prerequisite.
• Your own Kinetic/recovery strap will be advisable.
• A tyre pump and tyre pressure gauge will be required to deflate/inflate tyres.
• Please ensure that a fire extinguisher is mounted in your vehicle.
• All vehicles to carry their own personal medical kit.
• Use tie-down straps to secure all items packed. Loose items become missiles.
PASSPORTS, VISAS AND VEHICLE DOCUMENTS / REQUIREMENTS
• Please remember your passport. Make sure that your passport is valid for a minimum period of 6 months from date of departure out of the countries we will be visiting.
• Ensure that your passport has TWO blank pages.
• South African passport holders do not require visas for Botswana.
• South African passport holders can obtain a visa for Zimbabwe at the border.
• Any other nationality passport holders need to check with their embassy with regard to the visa requirements for the countries we are visiting.
• Vehicle registration documents will be required as well as a letter from your financial institution, should your vehicle still be under finance, to take your vehicle across the border.
• You require a vehicle clearance certificate from the local registration authorities for Zimbabwe.
• All 4x4 vehicles, Off-Road trailers and Off-road caravans must display a “ZA” sticker.
• Should you be towing an off-trailer or caravan, display a white reflective T- sticker on the right front bumper of your vehicle and a red reflective T- sticker on the right rear of the trailer or caravan.
• All vehicles are require to have two (2) white rectangular reflective stickers on the front bumper and two (2) red rectangular reflective stickers on the rear bumper of your vehicle.
• All vehicles are required to have two metal warning/hazard triangle in your vehicle.
• All vehicles carrying fuel in jerry cans are required to have a fire extinguisher on board.
• Please ensure that your number plates are properly secured.
29 MHz TWO-WAY RADIOS
Communication between participating vehicles on the Zimbabwe Safari is important for many reasons. It ensures the safety of drivers, passengers and vehicles while on the Safari, where drivers can communicate with one another as regards to their location and situation, not to mention the interesting information that is shared with participants. The fun part is the many interesting stories that are shared among participants taking the boredom out of the long distances we need to travel to enjoy the great outdoors.
We suggest all 4x4 vehicles that don’t have a 29MHz two-way radio, HIRE one from us at a nominal fee of R400-00 for this Zimbabwe Safari.
Should you be hiring a 29MHz radio, please ensure that your lighter socket is working. If you intend running more than one item from the lighter socket, ensure to have double adapter handy as well as spare fuses.
NB. Should you intend hiring a radio, it is very important to confirm your intent as soon as possible to ensure availability, as it is school holidays and radios are in very high demand.
Should you wish to make a once off investment and purchase a 29MHz. radio, we have negotiated a special deal for all Cederberg 4x4 participants. For more information, contact Marina on 021 913 4632.
NB: If your vehicle is fitted with a 29MHz. radio, please make sure that channels 1, 14 and 23 are open and working for this excursion.
TWO-WAY RADIO REQUIREMENTS for the countries we will be visiting
Should you be hiring or taking your own TWO-WAY RADIO to the countries we will be visiting, please ensure that you have the correct documentation and license on hand. More details will follow upon booking or contact Coenie in this regard.
EXCLUDED
• Any additional or optional activities not listed on the agenda.
• Two-way radio license for the countries we will be visiting.
• Two-way radio hire from Cederberg 4x4.
• Road transportation tax/levy and carbon tax at the borders.
• Khama Rhino vehicle daily levy in Botswana. See cost below.
• Vehicle, trailer and per person entry fee at Hwange and Mana Pools National Parks in Zimbabwe.
• Victoria Falls Rest Camp vehicle fee per day.
INCLUDED
• Cederberg 4x4 facilitating and guide fees.
• All camping fees as listed in the agenda.
• Game drives in Khama Rhino Sanctuary.
• Game drives in Hwange National Park.
• Game drives in Mana Pools National Park.
COST
Adults: R5250-00 per adult.
Children 13yrs and older: R5250-00 per child.
Children 6 – 12yrs: R1850-00 per child.
Children 5yrs and younger: FREE.
Additional cost not included in the cost above.
Khama Rhino Game Reserve in Botswana
Khama Rhino daily vehicle fees: BWP 69-70
Hwange National Park
Hwange National Park conservation and vehicle fees are a once off fee.
Conservation fee per person: USD 15-00
Per vehicle: USD 15-00
Per trailer/caravan: USD 10-00
Victoria Falls Rest Camp
Vic Falls Rest Camp vehicle fees.
Per day: USD 8-00
Lomagundi Rest Camp
Once off membership fee per person: USD 4-00
Mana Pools National Park
Mana Pools National Park fees
Conservation fees per person per day: USD 15-00
Once off vehicle fee: USD 15-00
Once off trailer/caravan fee: USD 10-00
Radio hire: R400-00 per radio should your vehicle not be fitted with a 29 MHz,
two-way radio.
BOOKING AND PAYMENT CONDITIONS
Should you wish to join us on this safari, please contact MARINA on 021 913 4632 immediately to obtain the booking form and bank details for Cederberg 4x4.
• We can only accommodate a maximum of 12 vehicles on this overland adventure.
• All Cederberg 4x4 excursions are subject to a minimum of 8 x vehicles.
• All bookings are made on a first-come-first-serve basis.
• To secure your place, a non-refundable deposit of R500-00 per person is payable within seven (7) working days after receiving the booking from Cederberg 4x4.
• Cederberg 4x4 requires a completed and signed booking form, as well as proof of payment, via email or fax, to confirm your booking.
• Should you intend being part of this tour but cannot pay the deposit now, please contact the office in this regard to make alternative arrangements.
• Your completed and signed booking form is conformation of your booking and therefore subject to the conditions on page two of the bookings form.
• The total outstanding cost for this excursion is payable on or before Monday 10 June 2013.
• Should you wish to cancel or withdraw after booking for this trip, you will be required to find other people to take your place before any refunds will be considered.
PLEASE NOTE: NO PETS ARE ALLOWED.
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT MARINA on 021 913 4632
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