The Sangha Tri-National zone was created on the initative of COMIFAC, a conference of the ministers of forests from the countries in the Congo basin. The Sangha River Tri-national Protected area (STN) includes Dzanga Sangha Special Reserve in Central African Republic, Nouabale Ndoki National Park in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville) and the Lobeke National Park in Cameroon (with 2 sectors forming the Dzanga Ndoki National Park).

Sangha River

The agreement between the parks was initiated to co-ordinate and police efforts against poaching, ivory/arms trading, illegal fishing and hunting.

Forest bais [clearings] attract numerous forest elephant; there are habituated lowland gorilla and strong populations of wild chimpanzee amongst numerous other species which include bongo and sitatunga. Many endemic birds are found in this area, amphibians, fish and swallowtail butterflies.

The protected areas constitute about 2.8 millions ha. Since they are located away from larger localities and traffic routes, they have been spared by intensive economic uses for a long time. Thus, a unique natural landscape comprising a high density of large mammals has been preserved.

The Dzanga Sangha Reserve

Found in the rainforests of southern Central African Republic, the reserve covers an area of around 400 hectares. The two central sectors of the reserve, the Dzanga and the Ndoki, make up the whole of the park.

Lowland Gorilla

Large mammals seen include forest elephants, forest buffalo, giant forest hog, western lowland gorilla and bongos (forest antelope). Also seen are a good collection of sitatunga, warthogs, numerous monkeys, galagoes, leopards and wide range of birds and other species. The park is inhabited by the Ba’Aka [pygmy] tribe who have assisted in building an incredible tourist programme and assist with tracking and guiding.

Activities in this area include visiting the salines at least once a day; lowland gorilla tracking (there is a family of 16 habituated gorillas), bird watching, dug-out pirogue rides along the Sangha River and its tributaries, net hunting with the Ba’aka; medicinal plant examination with the Ba’aka and traditional dances.

Itineraries are set departure and include Dzangha-Sangha National Park, Mbeli Bai and Bai Hokou Research centre. All expeditions are accompanied by a full back up team of locals and specialist guides. Most trips start from Brazzaville, Libreville or Douala.

Nouabale Ndoki National Park

Created in 1993, important populations of forest elephant, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees and other endangered mammals live in this park. Over 1,000 plant and tree species and 300 bird species also make this their home.

There is an extremely low human population density in the surrounding area, and no human habitation in the Sangha Tri-national zone itself. The Park remains an intact forest ecosystem free of human disturbance or exploitation, with significant populations of large mammals. It is seen as a great success by conservation bodies.

Lobéké National Park

Forest Elephants

The Lobéké National Park falls within the south-eastern corner of the Republic of Cameroon. It is part of the larger Congo Basin forest block with a very low population density. There are a high diversity of plant communities almost untouched by human activity and the forests support high densities of forest elephants, western lowland gorillas, chimpanzees, bongos and many other forest species. Primate species besides the gorillas include spot-nosed monkey and gray-cheeked mangabey, amongst others.

The forest clearings attract a high number of African grey parrots and green pigeons. The aquatic fauna is extremely rich with more than 62 fish species recorded in the rivers and streams. The rivers have very high populations of shrimp, which are harvested by native tribes.

Local communities include the Bagando and Bakwele, ethnic groups of Bantu origin, and semi-sedentary forager-farmer Ba’aka Pygmies. Small groups of Moslem traders and Congolese, Senegalese and other nationals from West Africa are involved in ivory and gold trafficking.

Forest products such as honey and bush mangoes are widely distributed and harvested by the locals. Mango harvesting mobilizes the entire local population.

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Chilling time at Doli Lodge

Situated on the banks of the great Sangha River in Central Africa, Doli Lodge is the perfect place from which you can explore this wild rainforest, and experience its extraordinary wildlife and traditional communities.

From Doli Lodge you can witness Africa’s greatest concentration of forest elephant as they gather at the “grand central junction” of Dzanga bai—a natural clearing in the rainforest. Led by skilled BaAka trackers, you can follow the striking silverback Makumba, a good-looking gorilla with a tall crest and muscular form, and his habituated group of western lowland gorillas. Hike along elephant paths, through clouds of butterflies, and along bais inhabited by red forest buffalos, herds of busy red river hogs, rare situtunga and bongo antelopes, flocks of noisy African grey parrots, and specials such as Hartlaub’s forest ducks. Join clans of BaAka, traditional hunter-gatherers of the rainforest, as they sing and yodel and search for edible leaves, medicinal bark and roots, and small game to bring back to their villages. Experience Bayanga village life, maybe catch a local game of basketball, and take traditional canoes called pirogues along the Sangha River to see the natural process that produces palm wine from the forest. Meet and learn from our partners and researchers at WWF and WCS, people in the field who are dedicated to conservation and sustainable travel in the Dzanga-Ndoki National Park.

 

Carmor Plains Wildlife Reserve, operated by Australia Wide Safaris, comprises 100 000 acres of pristine outback. Only 210 km east of Darwin, a little over 2 hours driving or 30 minutes flight, the reserve is adjacent to Kakadu National Park, a World Heritage Site.

South Alligator River

Scenic flood plains are entirely submerged during the summer rain falls. The higher land is reasonably flat with a high upper canopy of indigenous trees, low shrubs and grasses, but also thick rainforests and springs in some areas. Home to native animals and introduced game, the reserve is a perfect habitat for all wildlife. Crocodiles, water buffalo, wild boar, wild horses, kangaroos, wallabies, goannas and countless varieties of wetland and forest birds are always within viewing distance. Carmor Plains is the only private coastal game reserve with Water Buffalo, Wild Boar, Water fowl and Crocodiles.

Whether it be serious trudging through the bush hunting buffalo, an airboat safari looking for crocodiles or maybe just dinner and wine out on the gazebo deck enjoying the sunset, Carmor Plains offers a unique variety of experiences.

Carmor Plains Air Boat Tours

Air Boat Tours are conducted on the vast 60 000 acres of wetlands. These tours are the most amazing way to see the flora and fauna unique to this part of Australia. The massive wetlands are similar to the Okavango Delta in Botswana or the Everglades of Florida, allowing the opportunity to view an immense range of wetland birds. Some of these are Magpie geese, Pygmy geese and several different species of duck, often in flocks exceeding a thousand individuals. Other wetland birds include various species of Egret, Ibis and Heron and the little Jacana walking on water. Large cranes known as Brolgas and Australia’s only stork, the Jabiru, plus all the predator birds such as Whistling Kites, Sea Eagles and Falcons are constantly circling overhead.

Airboats, the only way to access the grass-covered waterways – often too shallow for conventional boats – travel at over 80km per hour to get to the right spot FAST. Cruise along the edge of plains in a only a few of inches of water, or anchor right amongst the paperbark forests, take in the views and watch the crocs and water fowl in their original environment. This is one of the best ways to observe Magpie Geese rear their young, from the nesting in March until the goslings fly in August. Also, experience Whistling Ducks blacken the sky with flocks of up to 5000 birds. This is only seen in some specific areas of the Northern Territory and Carmor Plains is one of them.

free-roaming feral horses in Australia

And of course, the ever present crocodiles, herds of water buffalo or wild boar, and sometimes a brumby can be spotted.

The best time for Airboat tours is between February and September, but may vary depending on water levels. The climate is most pleasant from May until September, with very slim chances of wet weather. Winter temperatures vary from nightly 14 centigrades to 32 centigrades in the heat of the day. Summers are a little hotter, and much wetter.

Location (12° 31′ 40″ S, 131° 34′ 0″ E)

Transport to the game reserve can be by road or private air charter. We will pick you up at the airport upon your arrival or from your Hotel. Travelling time by road from Darwin to Carmor Plains is 2 and 1/2 hours. If you prefer we can charter a light aircraft for you from Darwin, direct to the hunting camp, flying time 25 minutes!

Carmor Plains Wildlife Reserve in a larger map

]]> http://www.airboatafrika.com/carmor-plains/feed/ 0 http://www.airboatafrika.com/lake-phobane/ http://www.airboatafrika.com/lake-phobane/#comments Sat, 20 Mar 2010 15:43:51 +0000 Chris http://www.airboatafrika.com/?p=2280 [Curious? Find out more...]]]> South Africa (KwaZulu-Natal)

Lake Phobane (previously known as Goedertrouw Dam) is reached via the Nkwalini Valley between Eshowe and Melmoth, a region which was once the heart of King Shaka’s Kingdom.

Lake Phobane

The dam is set in the Umhlatuze Valley with the Mabelebele Mountains offering a spectacular backdrop. It was completed on the uMhlatuze River in 1980 to provide an assured water supply to the developing port and industrial complex at Richards Bay. It is about 14 kms in length and has a massive capacity of 300 million cubic meters (10.6 billion cubic feet).

Lake Phobane is the second biggest dam in KwaZulu Natal and is fed by seven rivers, four of which are perennial. At the time of its construction it held the title of the largest earth-walled dam in the southern hemisphere.

The habitats along the dam vary from dry acacia scrub to tall mixed woodland, riverine forest patches and mountainous areas with cliffs up to 100m high dropping into the water. The dam itself is mainly open water with a few areas of quiet backwaters with plenty of overhanging vegetation. Where the rivers feed into the dam, shallow rocky areas have formed.

It is a renowned birding spot, and a popular fresh water fishing site. As many as 24 different species of fish have been identified in the lake, which boasts large numbers of Largemouth Bass, Barbel and Tilapia.

The southern shores of the dam are controlled by Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife as the Umhlatuze Community Conservation Area. A variety of animals have been reintroduced here including Giraffe, Waterbuck, Kudu and Impala. Leopard have also been seen.

Boats may be launched, however, it is advisable not to leave your vehicle/picnic site unattended and there are no toilet facilities.

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iPhiva Bush Lodge

iPhiva Bush Lodge, tucked away on the 380 hectares Umhlatuze Community Conservation Area, offers 5 unique floating chalets moored in tranquil coves for complete privacy. These two bedroom chalets have a shower and toilet and an open plan kitchen and lounge area. Each has its own motorized skiff on which guests can cruise around the dam or just lazily observe the magnificent bird life. All accommodation is self-catering. Meals are available on request. There also are 8 thatched two-bedroom chalets on land and 14 safari tents set in riparian forest on the edge of the dam. Birding is unrivaled with Peregrine and European hobby falcon, horus and palm swift, black cuckooshrike, yellow-breasted apalis, chinspot batis and three-streaked tchagra, and on and on and on…

Overnight accommodation in Stewarts Farm / Kwabekithunga Zulu Village is available in 24 traditional Zulu ‘beehive’ huts, fitted with electricity, en suite showers and toilets. Catering, licensed bar and swimming pool facilities complement the relaxed and informal environment. The area has a prolific bird life. By nature, the Zulus are polite and sharing people, and here Chief Thomas and his family invite you to their home.

Nestled in the scenic and fertile Nkwalini Valley (Valley of the Virgin Warrior), on the R34 between Empangeni and Eshowe, Mfuli Game Ranch is home to a variety of game including Zebra, Nyala and Duiker, as well as Ostrich and a Crocodile farm. Accommodation includes six en-suite bedrooms, four self catering cabins (each sleeping six) and a fully furnished, self catering house with 2 bathrooms and its own lounge and kitchen. The a la carte restaurant & bar serve local delicacies.

The scenic Kowie River (known locally as the “Ecawa”) is navigable for some 28 km and flows from wild indigenous forest through farmland, past riverside homes, under two bridges in Port Alfred’s town center and out to sea. In its tidal waters people enjoy boating, cruising, waterskiing, fishing and swimming, while canoeists on the Kowie Canoe Trail paddle at their own pace to their overnight shelter in the forest, passing hikers on the riverside Kowie Hiking trail or picnickers at the waterside.

Kowie River Mouth - Port Alfred

The Kowie has its source in the hills of the Grahamstown Heights from where it flows in a south-easterly direction draining the major part of the Bathurst region.  Its principal tributaries are the Bloukrans, the Bakrivier and the Lushington (or Torrens) River. The Little Kowei River is a smaller tributary which enters the estuarine portion of the river 14 km from the mouth. There are also a number of smaller unnamed streams entering the river along its course. The total length of the Kowie River is approximately 70 km.

Geology

The major part of the Kowie River lies within a strip of the Bokkeveld Series which runs along its length down to the coast, in a north-westerly to south-easterly direction. The Bokkeveld Series consists mainly of shale with subsidiary sandstone bands; pronounced dipping and folding are evident, as can be seen in the quarries and cuttings of Port Alfred.

Land Use

Agricultural products include pineapples, citrus, chicory, fodder crops, cattle and goat. The Kowie River dominates the town as it meets the Indian Ocean at Port Alfred. Most of the river is navigable by boat, making it one of the longest tidal rivers in South Africa, and an important center for tourism in the Eastern Cape.

The Kowie Nature Reserve of 174 ha is just outside Port Alfred, off the Bathurst Road. It boasts an 8 km riverside walk through scenic valley bushveld and some picnic and braai sites. Local fauna is abundant, including the Blue Duiker and Cape Clawless Otter.

The Waters Meeting Nature Reserve lies in the river’s Horseshoe Bend. From there, scenic views are enjoyed on the one-day hiking trail around the Sarel Hayward Dam. A number of picnic sites are to be found on the way; look out for African Fish Eagles! The only self-guided hiking / canoe trail in South Africa starts at Port Alfred and ends at Horseshoe Bend.

Vegetation

Warm temperature coastal forests: This vegetation type is well established to the east with Sideroxylon inerme (milkwood), Mimusops caffra (red milkwood), Brachylaena discolor (wild silver oak) and others. Nearer the river, however, this coastal forest is more open and stunted or lower growing.  Alien trees such as Eucalyptus globulus (blue gum) and Acacia cyclops (rooikrans) are found here while Passerina sp, Chrysanthemoides monolifera and Rhus crenata are found nearer the beach.

Sub-succulent Woodland, Coastal Sub-formation: Tree Euphorbias and other succulents are common in this vegetation type as well as Schotia latifolia (bush boerboon), Ptaeroxylon obliquum (sneeze wood), Cussonia spicata (cabbage tree) and others. This vegetation type is described as ‘Valley Bushveld, Southern Variation’ and is found adjacent to the river well into the catchment, except where the vegetation has been removed by  private land owners for crops and grazing. Around the town, this vegetation type survives relatively well, except in areas where some of the woody species have been removed for fuel.

History

As far as could be ascertained, the river has always been known as the Kowie River. The settlement established at the mouth of the river in 1821 was originally called Port Kowie. This was changed to Port Frances in 1825 in honour of the wife of Colonel Henry Somerset who was then in charge of the military forces on the Eastern Frontier. In 1860 the name of the town was changed once again, to Port Alfred to honour Prince Alfred, Duke of Edinburg who was visiting the Frontier at that time. When the settlement was first established at the mouth of the river, the estuary consisted of one vast swampy region bounded on the east and west by the hills today known as the East and West Banks. When the tide receded it left exposed a number of sandbanks or islands, and the main outlet to the sea was under the eastern hill, exactly opposite the flats to where it is at present.

Shipping

The Kowie River Mouth is an extremely popular spot to get shipwrecked – exercise care.

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Kowie River - Mansfield Private Reserve

This is the hart of the Sunshine Coast and Settler Country, home to many attractions including Addo Elephant National Park and numerous private game lodges.

Bretton Beach Crest resort is situated 3 km from the Kowie River Mouth along the beach front and consists of 9 comfortably furnished, fully equipped beach cottages.

The Halyards Hotel is splendidly set along the waterfront of the popular Royal Alfred Marina, a fine example of Cape Cod architecture with its cool and nautical appeal.

If fishing and surfing are the sports you enjoy Port Alfred is the place to holiday. Come and enjoy these rustic self-catering Kowie River Chalets, centrally located in this rural seaside town. Enjoy a one or two day paddle trail on the river, bag a fish or two, snap up some bargains at the big pineapple or just relax at the poolside.

The Links Coastal Inn is the perfect location to explore and enjoy the many interesting tourist attractions of the area.

Mansfield Private Reserve and Lodge, just 7 km north of Port Alfred, lies nestled amongst 1000 acres of lush undulating grassland and thornveld plat

eaus. Vegetation is typical Eastern Cape sweetveld with kloofs providing ideal habitat for both browsers and grazers.

The Royal Guest House is situated high on the east bank of the Kowie River and overlooks the peaceful marina. French doors from the lounge open onto a magnificent wooden deck from where you can overlook the town and out to sea  – sometimes spotting the odd migrating whale!

The Limpopo is the second largest river in Africa that drains to the east, after the Zambezi River. Around 1 750 kilometers long, it starts at the confluence of the Marico and Crocodile rivers in South Africa and flows in a great arc, first zig-zagging northeast and north, then turning east and finally southeast. It serves as a border for about 640 km, separating South Africa on the southeast bank from Botswana in the northwest and Zimbabwe on the north.

Limpopo River - Mapungubwe

Mapungubwe National Park and World Heritage Site is rich in biodiversity, great scenic beauty and the cultural importance of the archaeological treasures of Mapungubwe. On Mapungubwe Hill, a far developed African civilisation prospered between 1200 and 1270 AD. The area was already inhabited by a growing Iron Age community from 900 AD and became rich through trade with Egypt, India and China.

The Limpopo’s main tributary is the Olifants River (Elephant River). Other major tributaries include the Shashe River, Mzingwane River, Crocodile River, Mwenezi River and Luvuhu River.

The port town of Xai-Xai, Mozambique is on the river near its mouth. Below the Olifants, the river is permanently navigable to the sea, though a sandbar prevents access to larger ships, except at high tide.

There are at least three Olifants Rivers in South Africa – in the Western Cape, the Southern Cape and the one originating in Mpumalanga. That’s the one we’re really interested in: it flows north through Witbank Dam and Loskop Dam and is forced east by the Transvaal Drakensberg. Cutting through at the Abel Erasmus Pass to flow east, joining the Letaba River, the Olifants crosses into Mozambique to become the Rio dos Elefantes. It flows into the Shingwedzi and the Limpopo River before entering the Indian Ocean at Xai-Xai, north of Maputo.

Olifants River - Kruger National Park

On its course, the Olifants River traverses some of the most industralized mining areas, but also some of the most scenic and well-developed touristic areas of South Africa; Witbank and Loskop Dams are popular week-end and holiday destinations offering a variety of watersport activities.

Loskop Dam Nature Reserve covers approximately 22 850 ha, which includes about 2 350 ha surface area of the dam. The reserve surrounds the Loskop Dam reservoir, 55 km north of Middelburg. The topography of the reserve is extremely hilly with deeply carved drainage lines leading to the valley bottoms. A variety of woodland covers the hillsides. On warmer north facing slopes Red Bushwillow, Large-fruited Bushwillow and Hornpod Tree are among the common species. On south-facing hillsides trees are smaller and more widely space with Common Sugarbush and Common Hookthorn dominating. Large Transvaal Beech, with their furrowed bark giving an ancient appearance, occur at the base of the south facing hillsides, while elegant wild Syringa form an open woodland on flat country and footslopes. A complexity of grass species grow among the trees in this bushveld landscape which turns from the verdant green of the wet summer months, to a tantalizing mix of copper and gold as leaves begin to fall in autumn. Principal game species include white rhino, hippo, crocodile, buffalo, and fine herds of plains antelope species. The presence of the dam means that there is ample water throughout the year offering excellent wildlife photo opportunities. Birdlife is both varied and abundant due to the transitional nature of the highveld and sourveld habitats.

The Blyde-Olifants Conservancy (BOC) aims to establish, through its membership of privately owned game farms, a 17,000 hectare big game reserve with the potential to grow over time to in excess of 21,000 hectares. The imperative behind the establishment of the reserve is to increase the range of small privately owned farms by removing the internal boundary fences between them to develop a larger, more biodiverse and genetically viable game conservation reserve.

The Olifants Camp is situated on top of a hill which towers several hundred feet over the Olifants River, offering stunning views from the lookout platforms to the river below. The area plays host to most of the Kruger National Park’s classic larger game. Elephant are common in the area, baboon and vervet monkey both inhabit the camp, as do fruit bats and thick-tailed bush babies. Lion and leopard are regularly seen on game drives. Cape clawless otter has been seen from the Olifants lookout point on the gravel road to Letaba.

The Great Ruaha River is a river in south-central Tanzania that flows through the Usangu wetlands and the Ruaha National Park east into the Rufiji River.

Great Ruaha River - Elephants

Great Ruaha is about 475 km (300 mi.) long, 38 species of fish have been identified in the Great Ruaha River. The river’s headwaters are in the Kipengere Mountains. From there the Great Ruaha River descends to the Usangu Plains, an important region for irrigated agriculture and livestock in Tanzania. The river eventually reaches the Mtera Dam and then flows south to the Kidatu Dam.

Second only to Katavi in its aura of untrammeled wilderness, but far more accessible, Ruaha National Park protects a vast tract of the rugged, semi-arid bush country that characterizes central Tanzania. Its lifeblood is the Great Ruaha River, which courses along the eastern boundary in a flooded torrent during the height of the rains, but dwindling thereafter to a scattering of precious pools surrounded by a blinding sweep of sand and rock.

A fine network of game-viewing roads follows the Great Ruaha and its seasonal tributaries, where, during the dry season, impala, waterbuck and other antelopes risk their life for a sip of life-sustaining water. And the risk is considerable: not only from the prides of 20-plus lion that lord over the savannah, but also from the cheetahs that stalk the open grassland and the leopards that lurk in tangled riverine thickets. This impressive array of large predators is boosted by both striped and spotted hyena, as well as several conspicuous packs of the highly endangered African wild dog.

Ruaha’s unusually high diversity of antelope is a function of its location, which is transitional to the acacia savannah of East Africa and the miombo woodland belt of Southern Africa. Grant’s gazelle and lesser kudu occur here at the very south of their range, alongside the miombo-associated sable and roan antelope, and one of East Africa’s largest populations of greater kudu, the park emblem, distinguished by the males’ magnificent corkscrew horns.

A similar duality is noted in the checklist of 450 birds: the likes of crested barbet, an attractive yellow-and-black bird whose persistent trilling is a characteristic sound of the southern bush, occur in Ruaha alongside central Tanzanian endemics such as the yellow-collared lovebird and ashy starling.

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Great Ruaha River - Bridge at the Gate

Superbly isolated, right in the heart of the Ruaha National Park, lies Jongomero Camp on the banks of the seasonal Jongomero river. Blending in beautifully with its surroundings the camp is tucked away among some shady riverine vegetation not far from permanent water therefore attracting a large amount of animals into the camp area. Being the only camp situated in this area of the park ensures unmatched privacy and a true wilderness experience.

Ruaha River Lodge is a rustic lodge situated in the edge of the Ruaha River. It is owned by the Fox family – who run it in an unpretentious and relaxed way, despite it being the oldest lodge in this national park. It offers comfortable accommodation and is perfect for those on a tighter budget. In comparison to other camps in Ruaha, Ruaha River Lodge is relatively large. It has 28 rooms altogether – though when full the guests are split between two different dining and lounge areas. This helps to make the camp feel more personal.

In the heart of Ruaha National Park amidst an acacia woodland there is Mdonya Old River Camp. Mdonya makes no apologies for being a fairly simple camp, and seeking safari basics: that is its aim! The tents at Mdonya Old River Camp are large, walk-in Meru-style tents, and there are 11 of them. Each is very comfortable, with an en-suite bathroom, including a hot shower – yet with none of the frills of a luxury camp. There is no electricity, no fan, and no air-con – but the large veranda has deck chairs and is a great place to sit and listen to the wildlife.

Ruaha Hilltop Lodge is built on a hill with breathtaking panoramic views.

Kwihala Camp is a new mobile operation which set itself up in Ruaha National Park in 2006. Moving to a new site half way through the season – this stylish camp aims to feel like a true bush camp whilst maintaining a high level of luxury. There is no cement or stone, or indeed anything permanent about this camp – so when they move sites there will be no evidence that they were ever there.

Once described by author John Hemingway as a “boy’s fantasy of independence,” Mwagusi Safari Lodge explores the traditional themes of the safari experience in its features. Its prime location on the Mwagusi Sand River provides an exciting experience for the true explorer at heart. Nestled into a bank of the Mwagusi Sand River, this small exclusive tented camp overlooks a watering hole in the riverbed. The sight of over 2,000 buffalo flooding the riverbed below the tents and dining banda is not uncommon.

The Luangwa River is one of the major tributaries of the Zambezi River, and one of the four biggest rivers of Zambia. The river generally floods in the rainy season (December to March) and then falls considerably in the dry season. It is one of the biggest unaltered rivers in Southern Africa and the 20,000 square miles (around 50,000 square kilometers) that make up the surrounding valley are home to abundant wildlife.

The upper and middle parts of the valley contain the North Luangwa National Park (ca. 4 636 km²) and South Luangwa National Park (ca. 9 050 km²) of Zambia, which are among some of the finest in Africa. The river itself is home to large populations of hippopotami and crocodiles. The world’s largest concentration of hippos lives in the Luangwa Valley. In the dry season they are restricted by the shrinking river and pools, and are easily seen, especially in isolated pools.

In addition to being a source of water, the oxbow lakes and pools increase the biodiversity of the valley in other ways. The hippopotami which live in them feed on land vegetation at night. Their dung feeds some fish and fertilizes the pools, increasing fish life which in turn feeds crocodiles and birds.

The principal settlement in the Middle and Upper Luangwa Valley is Mfuwe which serves the tourism industry and has an international airport. Very few humans otherwise inhabit the valley.

Zambia Wildlife Authority officers patrol the South Luangwa National Park with an airboat

Rugged, steep krantzes silhouetted against the skyline, mountain slopes snugly covered with a grass blanket, deep lushly vegetated kloofs and a crystal-clear lake are the beauty of Sterkfontein Dam Reserve, covering 18,000 ha at the foothills of the Drakensberg Escarpment.

Oribi, Mountain Reedbuck and Grey Rhebuck inhabit the Sterkfontein Reserve. The bald Ibis, the blue and whitebellied Korhaan are conspicuous on the grassy slopes, while buffstreaked Chat, ground Woodpecker and Sentinel and Cape Rock Thrushes can be seen on rocky outcrops. Bearded and Cape Vultures, as well as the Black and Martial Eagles and Secretary Birds are found here. Birds and bird lovers will enjoy the dam, where nearly 200 bird species have been recorded.

The Yellowwood, Wild Peach, Koko Tree, Silky Bark and Bush Guarri flourish in the sheltered kloofs at Sterkfontein. Wild grape has twined into the tree tops, where they form a dense, leafy canopy that protects ferns and mosses below. Fungi and lichen nestle against living and rotting tree trunks. The mountain slopes are decorated with wild Myrtle, Redwood, Ouhout, Bush Guarri, Highveld Protea, Silver Sugarbush and the scarce Tree Fern.

A two-day hiking trail has been established in the Sterkfontein Dam Reserve. Those wanting to relax and savour the great outdoor sensation and the beauty of the mountain will be enchanted.

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Set on the shores of the picturesque Sterkfontein Dam within the Sterkfontein Nature Reserve, Qwantani Resort offers breathtaking views over the tranquil waters and impressive mountains. Short drives from the resort will bring you to places of interest such as the Basotho Cultural Village nestled in the heart of the Qwaqwa National Park, Camorhi Game Reserve, Golden Gate and Clarens.

Sterkfontein Dam at Wild Horses Lodge

Located in the Eastern Free State’s pristine Sterkfontein Nature Reserve at the foothills of the Drakensberg Escarpment, Wild Horses Lodge is the perfect location for an African breakaway. With its panoramic views of the majestic Platberg Mountain and the vast Sterkfontein Dam, the (only!) four luxury rooms are a masterpiece of architectural design in local sandstone, accompanied by exquisite cuisine. A variety of activities centered around the dam, the reserve’s abundant wildlife and mountains include hiking, fly fishing, bird watching, game viewing, boat cruises and horse riding.

The legendary Zambezi River is in itself a spectacle and is the namesake of this pristine wilderness. Along its 2 700 km course, the Zambezi fertilizes the Barotse Floodplains and plunges over the Ngonye Falls. Here, the mighty Zambezi River reaches a 1 500m wide basalt dyke which creates a magnificent waterfall. Above the falls, the river is knotted with reed and wooded islands, forcing the waters into a maze of fast flowing channels. Part of the fun is an adventurous boat ride up the gorge through the rapids to get to the Ngonye Falls and taking a picnic basket along to spend the day swimming in the rock pools and having lunch overlooking the site. The total privacy at Ngonye Falls is amazing – you hardly ever see anyone else there.

Ngonye Falls | Zambia

This Ku-omboka Ceremony takes place annually on the Barotse Floodplains at the end of March. The name Ku-omboka signifies “to get out of the water onto dry ground”. Every year towards the end of the rainy season, as the flood plain of the upper Zambezi valley rises, the Lozi King makes a ceremonial move to higher ground. The drums reverberate as a signal to his people who pack their belongings into Mokoro’s and canoes and the whole tribe leaves their dry season home en masse. The chief in his barge, with his family, and a hundred strong troop of traditionally dressed, hand-picked paddlers take the lead. In about six hours they cover the distance between the dry season capital Lealui, and the wet season capital Limulunga. There, the successful move is celebrated with traditional singing and dancing. This ceremony dates back more than 300 years, when the Lozi people broke away from the great Lunda Empire to settle in the upper regions of the Zambezi. The vast plains with abundant fish are ideal for settlement, but the annual floods demand adaptation, so each year the Lozi move to higher ground until after the rainy season.

Further below, the river becomes 1 km wide. It is shallow, slow flowing and the massive indigenous trees form a piece of Africa, beautiful and tranquil. After the confluence with the Chobe River at Kasane, the Zambezi reaches Victoria Falls and replenishes the massive Lake Kariba before reaching the Lower Zambezi. Here, a myriad of islands have formed, creating a home and feeding ground for an incredible amount of diverse wildlife.

Situated on the banks of the Zambezi River in the south-eastern part of Zambia, opposite Zimbabwe’s Mana Pools National Park, the Lower Zambezi National Park occupies 4 092 km², with 120 km of river frontage. Its distinguishing features are the rugged escarpment to the north, the river itself, and its numerous islands, lagoons and floodplains which attract most of the wildlife. There are approximately 50  mammal species and 400 bird species which thrive in the Park, as well as a wide variety of spectacular trees, grasses and flowers. Only licensed operators may conduct safaris in the area, and only the few lodges situated within the Park may conduct river & canoeing trips there on a daily basis.

The lower Zambezi’s 650 km (400 mi) from Cahora Bassa to the Indian Ocean are navigable, although the river is shallow in many places during the dry season. This shallowness arises as the river enters a broad valley and spreads out over a large area. Only at one point, the Lupata Gorge, 320 km (200 mi) from its mouth, is the river confined between high hills. Here it is scarcely 200 m wide. Elsewhere it is from 5 to 8 km (3 to 5 mi) wide, flowing gently in many streams. The river bed is sandy, and the banks are low and reed-fringed. At places, however, and especially in the rainy season, the streams unite into one broad fast-flowing river.  About 160 km (100 mi) from the sea the Zambezi receives the drainage of Lake Malawi through the Shire River. On approaching the Indian Ocean, the river splits up into a number of branches and forms a wide delta. Each of the four principal mouths, Milambe, Kongone, Luabo and Timbwe, is obstructed by a sand bar. A more northerly branch, called the Chinde mouth, has a minimum depth at low water of 2 m at the entrance and 4 m further in, and is the branch used for navigation. 100 km (60 mi) further north is a river called the Quelimane, after the town at its mouth. This stream, which is silting up, receives the overflow of the Zambezi in the rainy season. The delta of the Zambezi is today about half as broad as it was before the construction of the Kariba and Cahora Bassa dams controlled the seasonal variations in the flow rate of the river.

The Zambezi Delta covers about 12,000 km². The town of Chinde is on its northern edge, and from there it is about 100 km to Quelimane. The Reserva do Marromeu borders the delta’s southern reaches, about 165 km up the coast from Beira.

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Established in May, 2008, the Barotse Tiger Camp is Angle Zambia’s latest innovation, offering fishing enthusiasts and guest’s world-class tented luxury accommodation and unparalleled guided fly fishing adventures in one of the most pristine and remote freshwater fishing locations on earth. Hidden within the upper reaches of the mighty Zambezi’s 20 000 km2 Barotse Flood plain, this unique setting is nestled within a secluded paradise of lush bush land and untouched river waters teeming with trophy Barotse tiger fish as well as several species of bream.

Tucked away along the banks of the mighty Zambezi River in Western Zambia lies a place of serene beauty and splendor: Mutemwa Lodge.

Maziba Bay is 70kms upriver from Mutemwa Lodge, a stone’s throw south of the second largest waterfall on the Zambezi river – Ngonye Falls, where the Zambezi is narrow and has deep fast flowing water, with cascading rapids and lots of black volcanic rock. The fishing at Maziba Bay is excellent and you stand a good chance of catching a big tiger.

Nina Lodge - Khibbu Chalet

Only a few hours scenic drive from Zambia’s gateway to the Victoria Falls and Livingstone International Airport, nature loving adventurists and keen fishermen get to enjoy Nina Lodge. Built using local materials, the individual chalets are comfortable and well-equipped, yet blend unobtrusively into the primitive feel of this perfect slice of wild Africa. Each is totally self-contained with en suite bathing and catering, decking area with integral barbecue – called a ‘braai’ down here – and its own extensive al fresco dining area. From May to November the Zambezi is low and still retains its warmth, leaving the Zambezi Tiger Fish in fighting mood. Also frequently seen amongst the catch are Barbel and Yellow Belly (Nembwe), Three-spot and Thin-face Bream. Whilst we encourage ‘Catch & Release’ for specimen fish, the Bream and other edible fish are headed for the pot. The birdlife of this area of Zambia is legendary for the sheer diversity it offers, and three hundred and something species have been recorded here by visitors. Kayaking, visits to Victoria Falls & Livingstone, boat trips to Chobe National Park, excursions to the Sioma Falls & Sioma Ngweze National Park make up some of the exciting activities to be undertaken.

With good views up- and downstream, Sioma River Camp is on the Zambezi River, close to the main Sesheke-Senanga road just south of the Sioma (Ngonye) Falls, in southwest Zambia.

The Lounge at Sioma River Camp

The Sioma Bush Camp is situated southwest of the Sioma (or Ngonye) Falls, in the Game Management Area, and close to the north-western border of the Sioma Ngwezi National Park.

Situated in the tranquil heart of the Katambora Forest, on the awe-inspiring Zambezi River, the Zambezi Royal Chundu Safari Lodge captures the magnetic allure of the mystique found in the Victoria Falls area, spot lighting the diverse bird and wildlife.

The leading adventure activity operator at Victoria Falls, Shearwater Adventures specializes in providing innovative adventure and safari activities for thrill seekers and adventure enthusiasts alike.

The Stanley and Livingstone All-Suite Hotel, is situated on the outskirts of Victoria Falls on the Nakavango Estate, a 6 000-acre private reserve. Enjoy watching elephants, kudu and waterbuck at the waterhole just 25 meters away.

The Victoria Falls Safari Lodge is set high on a plateau, which forms a natural boundary to the unfenced Zambezi National Park, and is just four kilometres from the majestic Victoria Falls.

Built under traditional grass thatch, nestling on the banks of the mighty Zambezi river, the Hotel Mercure A’Zambezi River Lodge affords the guests the perfect retreat to relax and unwind whilst enjoying the tranquil ambience and renowned services. The hotel also invites you to experience the Amulonga restaurant – an authentic African open air thatched roof restaurant on the edge of the Zambezi river.

Sussi & Chuma is named after David Livingstone’s faithful companions and consist of an intimate lodge and two exclusive houses, both of which are situated to make the most of the amazing views that the sweeping Zambezi River provides. The lodge is only 15 km from the border town of Livingstone in Zambia.

Gorges Lodge has a heart-stopping location atop the escarpment of the Zambezi River gorge a few miles downstream from Victoria Falls. The ten individual stone and thatch cottages are set on the edge of the gorge over 800 feet above the Zambezi River. A special feature at the lodge is an all day tiger fishing excursion to Sidinda Island Lodge, approximately 50 miles further downstream. This white water and exclusive use area provides some of Zimbabwe’s best tiger fishing. The tiger fish range from 2 to 18 pounds.

Ilala Lodge is ideally situated and is the closest to the Victoria Falls as well as the town centre. The National Park borders the front of property and wild animals often graze on the hotel lawns with the spray of the falls in the background.

Perched on the tip of Lake Kariba’s Siansowa Peninsula, Kariba Bush Club is a relaxed, family orientated lodge.

Chiawa Camp in the Lower Zambezi National Park

In the middle of the unspoiled African bush, on the northern banks of the Zambezi River, you will discover Baines’ River Camp. Named after the famous artist and explorer John Thomas Baines, this safari lodge offers a wide variety of activities in and around the Lower Zambezi National Park, including specialized photographic workshops, birding weeks and fly fishing clinics, each hosted by internationally renowned expert guides who are passionate about the African bush.

The Chongwe River forms the boundary of the Lower Zambezi National Park, a 4,000 km² pristine sanctuary teeming with game. The Chongwe River Camp overlooks the confluence of the Chongwe and Zambezi Rivers, directly opposite Mana Pools. Game viewing here is exceptional, and activities include a choice of game drives in open safari vehicles, guided walking, canoeing or motor boating. Serious fly fishermen may wish to bring their own rods and/or tackle. Species include bream and chessa, various catfish such as Vundu and of course Tiger Fish.

Resting peacefully on the banks of the Zambezi River, under a grove of evergreen Mahogany trees, Chiawa Camp holds the prime position in the heart of Zambia’s Lower Zambezi National Park. It is at this very spot, where David Livingstone ventured through nearly 150 years previously, where the Cumings Family in 1989 created the very first photo safari operation in the Lower Zambezi National Park and what has since become one of Africa’s most desirable, sought after safari destinations. Constructed mainly of natural materials Chiawa Camp blends in effortlessly with its idyllic surroundings and it is here where guests receive the very best Africa has to offer. A stunning thatched lounge/bar area with upstairs viewing deck provides one of the best views of the Zambezi.

Deep in the game-rich Lower Zambezi National Park, there is the secluded, intimate Zambezi Kulefu Camp. Kulefu – “The faraway place” – is located on a permanent channel of the Zambezi, shaded by massive Winterthorn Acacias providing a cool and relaxing location to watch the world go by.