Few National Parks inspire the same kind of devotion among safari addicts as Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools. Here we take a look at why this iconic park is such a solid favourite with both those on guided safaris and self drivers. Mana Pools National Park In 1984, Mana Pools became the first national park in Zimbabwe to be designated a UNESCO[…]
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The fourth camp to feature in our list of places that always deliver is Bomani Tented Lodge in Zimbabwe’s Hwange National Park.Bomani is one of 6 properties operated by Imvelo Safari Lodges in Zimbabwe.All the Imvelo properties offer amazing value for money and are operated in close partnership with local communities. Where is it? This luxurious tented lodge is situated[…]
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Planning a safari can take quite a bit of time and effort, but every once in a while you just want a safari, NOW! We have a lots of tried and tested safari itineraries that can be taken as they are – ‘off the peg’ – or tailored to meet your specifications. Better still they won’t break the bank. Here[…]
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When the first African Wild Dog appeared, trotting around the bend towards us, we had no idea of the adventure that was about to unfold. But, within moments, three more dogs followed the first one into view and Neil, our guide, knew straight away, “They’re hunting.” Up to that point, our game drive had been quite sedate. We’d seen a[…]
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The latest instalment in our series on favourite places to stay is a little bit different; it’s not about a single camp or lodge but rather about a style of travel. In days gone by, explorers and travellers in Africa would have a vast retinue of porters and helpers to transport their camp from one place to another; setting it[…]
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I know it is a terrible admission but, by and large, I find lions very boring. Sure they are the top predator in Africa, but they spend so much of their time just lying around sleeping that too often, after the initial thrill of sighting them, not much happens. I get far more excited about other cats, especially the spotted[…]
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There are so many tough decisions to make when you are planning a safari to Africa. Once you’ve decided on the country you want to visit you still need to choose the parks you want to go to and then which camps you want to stay at. How do you pick the best ones? To help you tackle these key[…]
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There are so many tough decisions to make when you are planning a safari to Africa. Once you’ve decided on the country you want to visit you still need to choose the parks you want to go to and then which camps you want to stay at. How do you pick the best ones? To help you tackle these key[…]
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Kumbali Lake Retreat A breath of fresh air in the warm heart of Africa It’s fair to say that, by just about anyone’s standards, I travel a lot. Some of it is for work and some of it is for pleasure. Actually that is misleading. I love Africa and that is where my work takes me, so really all my[…]
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Zambia’s South Luangwa Valley is one of Africa’s most outstanding wildlife viewing areas. With a mixture of woodland and riverine forest, it is home to an amazing variety of animal and bird life. Best of all, you can enjoy South Luangwa without breaking the bank. A bed’s a bed. Spend your money on the important things Sure the lodges situated[…]
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Farne Islands, open air classroom There is no doubt that the more you practice something the better at it you become. This is as true for wildlife photography as it is for anything else. It is very common for people to spend the first few hours in Africa just ‘getting their eye in’; familiarising themselves with the way animals move[…]
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It’s late May in Botswana’s Linyanti Marsh, the bush is thick and green. The waterholes created by last season’s rains are dwindling, but the currents in the swamps are flowing strongly as water flows in from the north west. We’ve spent hours following tracks, hoping to catch sight of the lions that made them. Another vehicle from the camp is[…]
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8 nights / 9 days Experience the biggest mammal migration in the world at Kasanka National Park.This once in a lifetime safari combines the spectacle of the bat migration with time in the renowned South Luangwa NP and the less well known Luambe NP. The range of photographc opportunities is mouth-watering. Days 1-2, Kafunta River Lodge, South Luangwa NP After[…]
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Special events for 2017 If you needed any more reason to visit the magnificent Gonarezhou NP in Zimbabwe, the folks at Chilo Gorge Safari Lodge have some wonderful events planned for 2017. 13-17 July – Wine and Wild Dog Weekend. Wine tasting with award winning wine maker Jeremy Bourg from Painted Wolf Wines combined with wild dog conservation presentations by[…]
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What kind of safari can you get for US$4,000? A short while ago we were contacted by some professional photographers from the USA. They wanted to go on safari in Africa, in particular they wanted to witness the great wildebeest migration, but their budget was tight; the cost must not exceed US$4,000 per person. Now, I can hear some of[…]
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Camps & Lodges with the WOW! factor Someone just asked me “What is your favourite camp in Africa?” How do I pick just one? I’ve been fortunate enough to stay in so many amazing places. Faced with this challenge and a few idle hours over the festive season I thought I’d try and at least narrow it down to a short-list.[…]
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Each year, attending World Travel Market in London becomes less of a pleasure and more of a chore. I spent ages prowling the aisles in search of something original and inspirational only to be disappointed. Rising costs and diminishing returns have driven away most of the small (for small read, ‘interesting and original’) tour operators and the show is[…]
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A leopard is without doubt one of the animals I enjoy watching most on safari, along with cheetahs and wild dogs. So there was a real sense of excitement in our vehicle when our guide said one had been sighted quite close to where we were. It was hard work ploughing along the dry river bed, for our 4×4 that[…]
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