tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17936441093212272172023-06-20T22:00:58.898-07:00Zimbabwe Tourism by John King SwanepoelZimbabwe Travel Guide Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07940026149687072017noreply@blogger.comBlogger6125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1793644109321227217.post-6482399682503133842013-08-28T10:51:00.001-07:002013-08-28T10:51:59.482-07:00Self Drive Zimbabwe. (playlist)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=SPTDTd7Vr8bO7IL1sl3g-R45KxToqca8CD" width="425"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07940026149687072017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1793644109321227217.post-19861883098757287942013-01-27T02:59:00.002-08:002013-01-27T02:59:33.780-08:00Chizarira National Park - Zimbabwe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Chizarira
National Park is situated on the Zambezi escarpment in the north/west part of
Zimbabwe, overlooking the great Zambezi Valley and the upper waters of Lake
Kariba. A remote area of 192 000 hectares of wilderness country with
magnificent gorges, plateau and floodplains, this National Park is unique and
in a class of its own.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
area is relatively undeveloped and road conditions are rough within the park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Backpacking
wilderness trails, escorted by an experienced and armed Officer of the
Department, are run during the dry season within Chizarira.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
trails are not readily available, but with prior arrangement at station level it
can be arranged, ranging from a few hours duration to a few days depending on
visitors’ needs.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">An
armed Game Scout can be made available to escort visitors on daytime walks
within the park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">It
should be noted that unaccompanied walking by visitors is not permitted.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">There
are six exclusive camping sites established at present, each of which is
limited to one party of a maximum of 12 persons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">We
visit a few of these sites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kaswiswi
Bush camp is situated on the upper reaches of the Luizilukulu River, 6-km from
the park headquarters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">This
camp has the best facilities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Facilities
consist of two sleeping shelters; one dining shelter with concrete table and
benches plus a braai /cooking place.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
camp also boasts an ablution block with flush toilet, shower and a kitchen
area, all with hot water.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Please
note that water may not be available during the dry season.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Mobola
Bush Camp is situated on the Mucheni River below the Manzituba Spring, 6-km
from the park’s headquarters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">No
shelters have been constructed at this camp as yet, and the only facilities are
concrete table and bench.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">An
ablution block with flush toilet, shower and basin and kitchen area, all with
hot water, now exist at Mabola.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Water
is pumped from the perennial Mucheni River, which is close by, into a header
tank.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
Mucheni View campsite is situated on the verge of the escarpment overlooking
the Valley and in the distance, Lake Kariba.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
camp is 4-km from Park’s headquarters with minimum development, comprising of a
braai stand/cooking place, a shade and a toilet.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Please
note that there is no water at this camp.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Other
campsites are: Mucheni Gorge Camp Site, Kaswiswi 2 Camp site and Busi Bush Camp
which is 35-km from the parks Headquarters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07940026149687072017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1793644109321227217.post-83677616319445912262013-01-27T02:56:00.001-08:002013-01-27T03:01:21.456-08:00Road condition from Matusadona to Chizarira - Zimbabwe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
way to Chizarira, our next destination, lay up the Tashinga road, through the
almost aboriginal Batonka tribal area, but first you had to get out of the
park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
82-km stretch of road over the Matusadona Mountains before you joins the Karoi
– Binga road is rough and not suitable for saloon cars.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Even
in 4x4 the road can be a tester. During the rainy season some of the bridges
are washed away and can</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">defy all driving skills.</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">During
heavy rains the road might be impassable. It is advisable to inquire about the
condition of the road before starting your journey.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">From
Matusadona, the mountains that form the escarpment resemble a barrier, and
barrier is in fact what Chizarira means.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">Chizarira
National Park straddles the Zambezi Escarpment at its highest point, a journey
of about 200-km from Tashinga.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It
will take you more than half a day to reach the park headquarters.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">It
is a fascinating drive through the Ume, Sengwa and Lusilukulu river valleys,
before climbing the steep side of the escarpment.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
20-km spectacular twisting climb up geological step of Chizarira to the park
headquarters is rough and 4x4 are essential, especially during the wet season.</span></div>
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07940026149687072017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1793644109321227217.post-11266668095699784832013-01-27T02:52:00.002-08:002013-01-27T02:52:35.352-08:00Matusadona National Park - Zimbabwe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
Matusadona National Park is situated on the shores of Lake Kariba between the
Ume and Sanyati Rivers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">It
covers an area of 1407 sq. km of which only a third is provided with roads for
visitors.The other two thirds consists of very wild, rugged and inaccessible
country.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The
park has a beautiful, shady camping ground at Tashinga on the </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">lake-shore</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">There
is an ablution block with hot and cold water, showers, toilets, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Wash
basins and baths.Firewood and braai facilities are available.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Some
of the campsites boast sleeping and dining shelters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">For
the adventurous canoes are available for hire to explore the shores of the
park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">The </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">colors</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> of an African sunset over water will provide spectacular memories of
Lake Kariba and the </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">unspoiled</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> beauty of Matusadona.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Visitors
are allowed to get out of their cars and view game on foot, but this is done at
their own risk.Wild animals are dangerous and unpredictable.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Elephant,
buffalo, impala, kudu and </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">water buck</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> are plentiful, whilst rhino, lion, sable,
eland and zebra are frequently seen.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Escorted
walks with a game Scout are possible, subject to availability <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">of
staff at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Free
fishing throughout the year is obtainable in the Kariba Lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Tiger,
bream and vundu provide good sport but a word of warning – look out for
crocodiles when standing at the water’s edge and avoid swimming in
shallow/shoreline areas.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Ume
and Mbabala are exclusive camps.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Each
consists of 2 family units containing 2 bedrooms and a bathroom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">There
is a central dining room and kitchen with stove storeroom and fridge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
units have basic furniture, linen, crockery & cutlery and cooking utensils.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Cooking
is by wood stove and lighting is solar powered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
camps are available for six-day periods (Monday to Sunday) and a maximum of 12
persons are allowed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Matusadona
once had the largest black rhino population in Zimbabwe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Today
many of their shuttered skulls are lined up like white tombstones along the
road in the Chete safari area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dismal
reminders of poachers, who shot their way through the area, in the 70's and 80's.What
a sad end for these creatures which, with huge effort, were saved from the
rising waters in Operation Noah.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Matusadona
is now an Intensive Protection Zone as the small number of remaining rhino are
successfully protected day and night by parks board personnel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Newly
introduced young rhino are kept overnight in bomas under the watchful eyes of
armed guards.Still being babies they need to be fed twice a day with a
nutritious milk formula, mamma style.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Then
they are off to explore their new and save territory accompanied by a armed
scout complete with 2 way radio who will protect them with his life.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07940026149687072017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1793644109321227217.post-62688037206398587562013-01-27T02:48:00.001-08:002013-01-27T02:48:40.173-08:00Kariba ferry to Matusadona - Zimbabwe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kariba
is once again our departure point for our next destination – Matusadona
National Park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Kariba
Ferries operates a ferry service across the lake on their car ferry Sea Lion and
its sister Ferry Sea Horse.The 280-km trip across the lake takes approximately
24 hours.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">It
has two departure points, one from Kariba itself at the eastern end and the
other from Mlibizi at the western end.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
government-run DDF – which stands for District Development Fund-<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Shipping
service ferry operates scheduled ferry trips to various destinations on the
lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
best way to visit Matusadona is to charter a ferry from DDF. This 50-km trip
will take about 4 – 5 hours depending on the whether.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Normally
by road the park is reached via Karoi. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Eight
km north of Karoi on the Harare/Lusaka road turn left through the Urungwe
Communal Land.115 km from Karoi, the Sanyati River is crossed.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Continue
on along the Binga road for a further 62-km and then turn right and continue on
for 82 km to Tashinga, which is the headquarters for the park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">From
Kariba this route is more than 400-km long and can take up to a full day to
cover.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">From
Karoi the roads are either gravel or dirt. The last 80- km is rough and not
suitable for saloon cars, and during the rainy season the road could be
impassable even in 4x4 vehicles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
trip on the ferry is more enjoyable though, as you can sit back and relax while
you ease your way out over the lake.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">As
you leave Kariba behind small islands appear on the horizon as the captain
skilfully manoeuvres the craft on its route.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Dozens
of houseboats and other smaller craft are encountered on your way. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">No
wonder Kariba is known as Zimbabwe’s Riviera.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Lake
Kariba is </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">recognized</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;"> by many as the tourist paradise of Zimbabwe.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">It
is 280 km in length and supports a large population of people and animals along
the shoreline.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">A
wide range of activities are on offer to the visitor – game viewing, boating,
sailing, water-skiing, scuba diving and houseboat cruises.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">But
it is the fishing that is probably the most sought after activity, particularly
the fighting Tiger fish.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Wildlife
in the area is prolific and elephant and buffalo are common sights along the
shoreline.Other species, which one can see, are impala, </span><span style="font-size: 15px;">water buck</span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">, zebra and
sable.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 15px;">Bird-life</span><span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;"> is varied and includes many water birds such as herons and egrets as well as
large numbers of fish eagles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Visitors
can also hire one of the many houseboats available at Kariba.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">This
is the ideal fishing holiday, cruising slowly up and down the lake, stopping to
fish at will, and enjoying the spectacular sunsets whilst the captain carefully
moors the boat for the evening.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
Matusadona National Park lies along the southern shores of the Lake and the
Department of National Parks provides several campsites within the park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">In
addition there are many top quality safari operators in this area offering
small, exclusive camps staffed with professional guides to take visitors on
game drives, walking or fishing. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07940026149687072017noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1793644109321227217.post-1897036886718472652013-01-27T00:33:00.001-08:002013-01-27T02:43:52.954-08:00Mana Pools - Zimbabwe:<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">At
the town of Makuti, situated high on Zambezi Escarpment, you need to fill up
your tanks as there is no petrol or diesel available in Mana Pools National
Park.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">This
is also a good time to do some last minute shopping or to enjoy an ice-cold
beer at the hotel.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">16
Km from Makuti on your way to Zambia you will reach the National Parks office
situated at Marongora.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">All
visitors to the Zambezi Valley must obtain an entry permit here.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">You
won’t be allowed into the reserve without it.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
view onto the Zambezi Valley from the top of the escarpment is magnificent and
on a clear day you can see forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Descending
the winding pass to the foot of the escarpment you reach the turnoff to Mana
Pools 16 km from Marongora where you obtained your permit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Turn
right onto the gravel road. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The
distance to Nyamepi Camp and the reception office is 72 km and could take up to
2 hours to reach.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Although
most types of vehicles can negotiate most of the roads in the park, care should
be taken especially at the sandy river crossings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EN-ZA">The 220 000 ha
Mana pools National Park lies in the north of Zimbabwe between the Rukomechi
and Sapi rivers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Zambezi River forms the northern boundary and the Zambezi
Escarpment the southern.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Huge herds of elephant and buffalo occur in the park and lion,
waterbuck, zebra and impala are plentiful.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Nearly 400 species of bird have been recorded in the area.Open in the
dry months from May to October Mana Pools is one of the most untamed areas of
the country and tourist is still allowed to walk away from his vehicle through
tall open forest of mahogany and acacia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Elephant and lion are common residents so walkers need to be alert.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Zambezi valley is one of the low-lying areas of the country with
very high temperatures in the summer.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The best times to visit are the late winter or spring months when the
temperatures are milder.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">During the dry winter months the animals concentrate round the
waterholes and the banks of the Zambezi. The veld is dry and brown with little
or no grass.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">When the rains comes, normally in early November, the land is suddenly
transformed into a green haven.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The flood plains become carpeted with lush green grass. The whole area
resembles an enormous park.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">During this time the large pools along the banks of the river, which
give the area its name, fills up from the heavy rains.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Nyamepi Camp is 4 ha in extent and has a total of 29 camping sites.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The camp is set on the banks of the Zambezi River and campers can enjoy
a magnificent view of the Lower Zambezi National Park and the mountains across
the river into Zambia.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Shady campsites are set well apart that will leave you with a feeling
of solitude even when the camp is full. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Firewood is provided in limited quantities at the entrance to the camp
and must be purchased.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Collecting of firewood from the veld is prohibited and visitors are
urged to take their own gas stoves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The camp has 4 ablution blocks with hot and cold showers, bath and
flushing toilets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">There is no place better equipped to put you in touch with your primal
nature than Mana Pools.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Here you will experience the true African wilderness, with no
protective fences, no guides, and no defences.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">If this thought frightens you, Mana pools is not for you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">If it excites you, you will have the holiday of a lifetime.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The best way to spend your time at Mana Pools is to enjoy being alive
and a part of the natural environment.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">You can do this by simply sitting on the bank of the Zambezi, and
watching nature happen around you.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">As the camp is not fenced you could be surprised by occasional visits
from buffalo, elephant and even lion. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Be aware, even if they seem to be tame, all animals are unpredictable and
can be very dangerous.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Watch out for baboons and monkeys whose only mission seems to be
raiding your campsites during the day.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">During the night be on the alert for scavengers like hyena. Don’t leave
any food or cooking utensils outside. Lock it up in your vehicle.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Hippo might wander into the camp at night and surprise you. It could be
an unpleasant and tragic surprise as it is claimed to be the most dangerous
animal in Africa.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Fishing is permitted but there is a limit of 6 fish per day.The Zambezi
is renowned for its tiger fish and Mana Pools is the ideal place to catch this
monster of the deep.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">While fishing you must constantly be aware of the presence of hippo and
crocodile.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">There are 2 large lodges situated a short distance upstream from
Nyamepi camp each designed to accommodate up to 8 persons.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The lodges are self-contained and fully equipped with furniture, all
bedding, towels, cooking utensils, cutlery and crockery.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Cooking is by gas stove and there is a gas fridge/freezer in each
lodge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Visitors should make sure all doors are locked when they are not in the
lodge to prevent access by baboons and monkeys.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Sitting on the veranda you can admire the unspoiled beauty of the river
as it winds its way through the valley.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Canoes are available for hire on a half day or full day basis.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Canoeist must always be aware of the presence of hippo and crocodile
and other dangerous game and avoid paddling too close to them.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Enquire at the reception office for more information.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">The Best way to spend your time at Mana Pools is to take a picnic lunch
and park at one of the pools, especially Chine pool or Long pool, and relax
while all manner of creatures come to drink.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">You could take a walk to explore the vegetation, and see if you can
develop an understanding of some of the myriad relationships among the animals
and plants.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">A walk along the river bank from Nyamepi camp to Nu Kupe camp and the
Mbera River is highly recommended, but do not stray into tall grass or bush,
and keep a sharp eye out for buffalo in this area.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">A walk along Chine Pool, or from Chine Pool to Nu Kupe if your bush
navigation is good, takes you among the tall and shady apple-ring acacias.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">You should watch out for lion in this area, but the bush is quite open
and relatively save.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing">
<span lang="EN-ZA" style="font-size: 11pt;">Walking along Long Pool is also beautiful, but a bit more risky, since
there is a lot of thick bush.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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