Tzaneen Dam is set in the tropical area of South Africa, surrounded by tea, banana and fruit plantations. Only an hour’s driving away from the Kruger National Park, this wilderness area incorporates the dam basin and a peninsula, with plenty of angling and fishing opportunities.

Tzaneen Dam

Previously known as Fanie Botha Dam, the lake is fed by the Letaba River, just outside the town of Tzaneen. To access the lake, a drive along several kilometres of tracks through dense mature eucalyptus forests is required. When you emerge from the forest, it was well worth the trip as the dam is fantastic to look at and just oozes big fish!

Stocked with Florida strain largemouth bass, the dam is a fixture on the tournament circuit being the venue for several competitions, including the annual Tzaneen Bass Classic held in June of each year.

This is also a favorite birding area with more than 350 bird species. Stay overnight at a picnic site or a caravan park and nature will treat you to magnificent copper bronze skies at sunset.

The surface area covers about 12 km² at an elevation of 728 m. Boating is permitted in most areas, and there is an official slipway at the Aquatic Club.

....that BEEEEG!

The lake is home to some hippos and at least one fairly large crocodile, so swimming in shallow backwaters is not recommended. The hippos are not too aggressive but should still be avoided as they might just be having a bad day. Remember, in Africa, hippos have right of way.

Although access is restricted in many parts, bank angling is possible in many areas, a float tube or canoe would make some of the standing timber accessible. Watch out for hippos and crocs!

service providers

Service Providers

Stay overnight at Tzaneen Wildlife Camp where a picnic site or a caravan park and nature will treat you to magnificent copper bronze skies at sunset. Visitor’s facilities consist of caravan and camping sites with ablution facilities: 28 Stands, Barbeque Area, Parking.

Fairview Hotel & Village

Fairview Hotel & Village boasts various types of accommodation, hotel style units, suites and selfcatering chalets. These 40 units can sleep 80 people and are tastefully decorated in an Afro-colonial style. All rooms are supplied with all necessary amenities in bathrooms as well as a coffee and tea tray. DSTV is in all rooms and wireless internet can be accessed in public areas.

 

Mashutti Country Lodge

Located on a country farm near Tzaneen, at the foot of the Wolkberg mountains, Mashutti Country Lodge is surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of tropical gardens, abundance of fruit and nut trees, and lush vegetation. The great location of this Lodge offers ample opportunities to explore the nature reserves, hike in the mountains, visit local museums, or tour the coffee, tea, and cotton plantations. View the artefacts of pottery, beads, and pole carvings found at the nearby Tzaneen Dam, go fly fishing on a local river, and feed a crocodile at the Agatha Crocodile Ranch. This Country Lodge offers 40 standard double rooms along with 4 suites, all finished with hand crafted mahogany.  Two swimming pools located in the midst of lush, tropical gardens where you can float in paradise while admiring a spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. A warm and inviting lounge area is ideal for reading a book, relaxing with a drink from the bar, or playing a board game. Watch some television in the TV lounge before heading over to the restaurant for an a la carte meal in the dining room with magnificent views.

The Bloemhof Dam is one of the largest dams in South Africa, covering an area of some 25 000 ha and reaching over 100 km upstream from the dam wall. The dam is fed by the Vaal River.

Bloemhof Dam Wall

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve hosts a wide variety of plains game with particularly large herds of springbok, black wildebeest, eland and gemsbok. Over 250 species of birds have been recorded at the reserve including some rare waterfowl on the dam. The reserve hosts several national and international fishing competitions including the Tri-Nations and the Bloemhofdam Bonanza. The Bloemhof Dam is open for all watersports. Powerboat launching facilities are provided. Angling is also permitted on the Vaal River below the dam wall. When visiting the Bloemhof Dam Reserve, take in the dam wall, accessed from the village. A dramatic experience when the river is in full flood.

Giraffes in Sandveld Nature Reserve

Sandveld Nature Reserve, situated on the Free State side of the Bloemhof Dam (at the confluence of the Vaal and Vet Rivers), is the Free State’s top birding spot. Its roughly 37 000 hectares comprise a range of habitats (particularly kalahari Thornveld), and boast a checklist of approximately 295 bird species. A two to three day stay in the pleasant surroundings is recommended. Most habitats are easily accessible. Lists of 70-80 bird species are usual, while up to 150 species may be seen over a weekend in late summer.

Habitats include open water, shoreline, marshy areas, grassland, karoo scrub, kalahari Thornveld savanna and woodland, and sweethorn (acacia karoo) savanna. Some rocky areas are also present.

A good network of gravel roads traverses the different habitats, chalet accommodation, night drives, organised walks, picnic sites for day visitors.

Climate

Generally mild to hot, but can be cold in winter, especially at night.

service providers

Service Providers

Bloemhof Dam Nature Reserve offers a group-camp complex consisting of three self-catering, furnished chalets, with 3 bedrooms each, three dormitory type sleeping halls with six beds each, an ablution block, a kitchen and a small conference or function facility and lapa.

Fishing at Bloemhof Dam

All 3 chalets have 3 bedrooms with 2 single beds in each. They are equipped with linen, except the towels. There is a toilet and shower in the chalet. An open plan kitchen with cutlery and crockery, a built in kitchen unit with wash basin, 2 plate stove and fridge. There is a kitchen table with chairs and a cane lounge set with coffee table. Outside is a lapa for braai. Costs are per person per night plus once off entrance and fishing fee. Chalets are 1.Ѕ km from the dam.

The 3 sleeping halls have 6 single beds in each, and are also equipped with linen except the towels, separate ablution and kitchen with cutlery and crockery, fridge freezer combination, 2 stoves. There is a lapa for braai. Costs are per person per night plus entrance and fishing fee.

Camping at Bloemhof Dam

The log cabins with 2 bunk beds for 4 people are equipped with linen except towels, have toilet and shower inside, a kitchen unit with wash basin and gas stove and fridge. Lights and geyser are solar powered. Cost are for the entire cabin per night. Visitors must bring their own cutlery and crockery.

Camping facilities are available at the angling area.

A thatched hunting camp has been opened on the reserve which can be hired as a unit offering a peaceful environment in the centre of the reserve. There is no electricity at this camp which is powered by solar panels.

Plek Vanni Visarend

Plek Vanni Visarend is located in Bloemhof on the banks of the Vaal river. The lodge can accommodate 32 people. There are 8 rooms available – all 8 rooms can sleep 2 people and each room has “en-suite” bathrooms. Our 1 room has a jacuzzi in the room. There are two 4 bed self-catering units and one 6 bed self-catering unit, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and bathroom and DSTV. All rooms are equipped with a air conditioning.

On the premises there is a restaurant to cater for 250 people. Breakfast/lunch and dinner are served. There is a open bar located on the deck of the restaurant where guests can enjoy a sundowner while looking over the water and watch the sunset.

 

River View Resort

River View Resort is an upmarket holiday destination in Bloemhof that offers a great self-catering stay for the whole family.

Each of the four chalets at River View Resort has three bedrooms and two bathrooms. They are fully equipped including linen and towels. The open-plan kitchen is fully equipped for self-catering, and a TV room with DStv is available. The units have built-in braais, there is air-conditioning in every room. Breakfast, lunch and dinner is available for overnight accommodation.

Guests have access to a heated pool and separate parking. Fishing decks are situated 20 m from the chalets on the banks of the Vaal River.

 

Vrolikheid Gastehuis, situated in a peaceful area in town, offers three bedrooms: 1 double and two twins. It also has a full bathroom, separate shower and separate toilet. There is a lovely lounge with a TV and a fully equipped kitchen, with braai facilities outside. Breakfast will be available on request.

The Hartbeespoort Dam, surrounded by the majesty of the Magaliesberg mountain range, is a popular destination for weekend getaways or day trips. All water sports may be enjoyed including para-sailing, windsurfing, water and jet skiing.

With about 56 km shoreline, it is a popular week-end getaway for both Pretoria and Johannesburg, and as such, attracts some of the wealth concentrated on this region.

Hartbeespoort Dam

For the adventurous there is paragliding, hang-gliding or hot air ballooning, as well as an aquarium, private zoo, a snake park and a cable way. Or, explore and discover the scenic beauty, entertaining attractions, fun activities & places of interest of Jozi’s favorite playground.

The village of Hartbeespoort is situated along the shores of the dam, among undulating hills and panoramic views of the dam and the majestic Magaliesberg Mountains. Enjoy the tranquility of the hills and valleys, the scenic drives, challenging hikes and gentle rambles on offer.

Also of interest is the Crocodile Ramble, an arts and crafts route with day visitor and overnight facilities. Pecanwood Estates hosts the annual Nelson Mandela Invitation Golf Tournament.

The Heritage Route starts at the dam, going north to the Pilanesberg National Park and on to the Madikwe Game Reserve in the north.

History

Many years ago, a man by the of General Hendrik Schoeman, owned a farm called Hartbeespoort. He had the idea of building a dam, in which the community could gain from. During 1896 building of the dam wall began in the Crocodile river, near the railway line that today runs to Meerhof. It was the largest dam in the southern hemisphere.

He named this dam “Sophia dam”, after his wife, but was later changed to the name that stands today: Hartbeespoort dam. The dam wall cost a staggering R10 000 to build… Back then.

In 1905, it was decided to relocate the location of the dam wall. It would be positioned between two mountains; the same position still remains today.

A swedish man by the name of August Karlson was hired to engineer the build. However, due to financial problems and the onset of war, construction came to a halt soon after.

Building commenced again in 1918. Unfortunately, during 1921, torrential rain washed the temporary dam away. Again construction came to a stand still. Out of sheer frustration, August Karlson resigned from his position.

The council was left with no one to finish the build, so they hired a young, but talented engineer named F.W.Scott. With the dam finally built, the first road over the bridge was tarred. This became the new road between Pretoria and Rustenburg.

The Magaliesberg are among the oldest mountains in the world, almost 100 times older than Everest. They stretch for 120km from Bronkhorstspruit Dam east of Pretoria to Rustenburg in the west and separate the highveld grasslands to the south from the bushveld savannah in the north.

‘Where the Water Meets the Sky’, and true to its name, Bangweulu’s endless floodplains of grey-blue waters disappearing into the horizon, blending completely with the color of the sky, make it impossible to tell just where the horizon is.

Likened to Botswana’s great Okavango Delta, the Bangweulu Wetlands are situated in the Northern Province of Zambia. The Bangweulu ecosystem stretches northwards to include Lake Bangweulu and other adjoining smaller lakes, swamps, floodplains, islands and adjoining woodlands above flood levels. Together, the inflowing Chambeshi and outflowing Luapula Rivers form the remote headwaters of the Congo. The region is closely associated with Dr. David Livingstone, who died here at Chief Chitambo’s village.

Bangweulu Wetlands

With a long axis of 75 km and a width of up to 40 km, Lake Bangweulu’s permanent open water surface is about 3,000 km², which expands when its swamps and floodplains are in flood at the end of the rainy season in May. The combined area of the lake and wetlands reaches 15,000 km². The lake has an average depth of only 4 m.

Samfya is the largest town on the Lake, developed in the mid 1900’s as a fishing village. It is very shabby, unordered and scattered, but you can get basic supplies as well as fresh fish. There is a post office, clinic and adequate fuel supplies.

The Great Bangweulu Basin, incorporating the vast Bangweulu Lake and a massive wetland area lies in a shallow depression in the centre of an ancient cratonic platform, the North Zambian Plateau. The basin is fed by 17 principal rivers from a catchment area of 190 000 km² , but is drained by only one river, the Luapula.

The area floods in the wet season between November in March, receiving an average annual rainfall of about 1,200 mm, but 90% of the water entering the system is lost to evapo-transpiration. The resultant effect is that the water level in the centre of the basin varies between one and two meters, causing the floodline to advance and retreat by as much as 45 km at the periphery. It is this seasonal rising and falling of the flood waters that dictates life in the swamps.

The adjacent Kasanka National Park to the immediate South is one of the most picturesque parks in Zambia and contains a rich diversity of animal, bird and plant life. Several rare species are abundant in the park, including sitatunga, wattled crane, Ross’s Lourie and Blue Monkeys. Kasanka is also host to a unique and spectacular congregation of several Million Straw-Colored Fruitbats every November and December. Despite being one of Zambia’s smallest parks at 390 km² (39,000 ha), Kasanka has a wide variety of habitats, each hosting their own associated wildlife. There are 2 permanent lodges in Kasanka, Wasa and Luwombwa.

In August 1872, David Livingstone was on his way from Tabora, where Stanley had left him in March. Near Bangweulu he got bogged down in the swamps but finally reached Chitambo’s village. On May 1, 1873, his servants found him in his tent kneeling in prayer at the bedside. He was dead. His men buried his heart but embalmed the body. Susi & Chuma then carried it to the mission of the Holy Ghost fathers at Bagamoyo. It reached England, where it was identified by the lion wound in the left shoulder. On April 18, 1874, Livingstone was buried in great honor in London’s Westminster Abbey.

The Kwanga Ceremony of the Njumbo tribe takes place in Samfya in October. If you are there at the time it’s worth finding out about for a fascinating insight into local customs and traditional dancing. Any of the locals should be able to tell you the exact date as it changes from year to year, or ask at the Tourist Board in Lusaka.

Flora and Fauna

The lake is exploited more as a fish source than for its tourist potential. This is unfortunate, as it’s beauty is breathtaking. There are rumours of developing a tourist resort and having a luxury cruise boat for hire. But for the moment this is a an interesting stopover for the intrepid vehicle traveller or backpacker.

Fisherman in a Mokoro

The main catches in the Lake are Cychlids (bream, tigerfish, yellow belly) and catfish. About 57 000 metric tons of fish are harvested from the Lake each year. Although fish stocks are not in danger, catches are declining and the favoured species are becoming thinner.

The higher ground surrounding the Bangweulu is dominated by miombo woodland intersected by numerous dambos. The floodplain itself is dominated by grasslands varying in composition according to the depth and duration of annual flooding. For the most part, the swamps consist of areas of open water surrounded by permanent dense stands of Papyrus grass and Phragmites reeds which are only accessible by airboat or shallow canoe via an intricate network of narrow channels.

In contrast, the temporarily inundated floodplains, grasslands and woodlands provide for a greater range of vegetation types and as a consequence a greater diversity in bird and animal species who inhabit these areas at various times of the year.

Black Lechwe

Numerous termite mounds are scattered over a wide area. They are such a feature of this environment that Livingstone once described the Bangweulu floodplain as “a world of water and anthills.” These raised mounds act as small islands safe for any flooding and allow the survival of various tree seedlings. Over time these trees have become well established with the result that a woodland has developed and contains good examples of water berry, Syzygium cordatum, sausage tree Kigelia africana and several figs, to name but a few.

The Bangweulu Wetlands is the last area where the black lechwe (Kobus leche smithemani) occur, with an estimated population at the present time of 100,000 animals. There is also a very high density sitatunga population, and at least 10,000 tsessebe. Remnant populations of elephant, buffalo, hippopotamus and zebra also remain. Bangweulu is an important bird area especially well known as a stronghold of the enigmatic Shoebill, and a large population of Wattled Cranes. Much of the area is lake, swamp, seasonally flooded grasslands and attractive termite-mound woodlands. The Chambeshi and Luapula Rivers, which are the main southern tributaries of the Congo River, if not the source of the Congo itself, rise in the area.

When to go

During the rains (November to March) insects are more prolific but the birdlife is phenomenal. All trips in and around the swamps are by boat. The Chimbwe floodplain will be inundated and to attempt to drive to Shoebill Island Camp will be impossible. There is a raised causeway leading from the last village before the floodplain, Muwele, to Chikuni. A small banana boat is used to reach the Camp from Chikuni, a trip of 4 kms through tall grasses and reeds.

Depending on the extent of the rain during the summer, the floodplain dries out sufficiently to allow the passage of 4×4 vehicles by mid to late April. It is then possible to observe the black lechwe at close quarters and also to reach another raised causeway that leads to Shoebill camp.

By June/July, much of the floodplain is dry and the lechwe have moved closer towards the permanent swamp and Shoebill Camp. It also becomes possible to take walks from the camp and experience the strange sensation of walking on the floating mats of vegetation which grow on the surface of the once open water. While the number of birds around at this time of year is still extensive, the number of species drops with the departure of the summer migrants.

August is very much the middle of winter in the swamps, and although the daytime temperatures are pleasant it can be extremely cold at nights with temperature dropping to freezing.

location

Location (from 10° 52′ 12″ S, 29° 56′ 60″ E to 12° 40′ 12″ S, 30° 43′ 12″ E)

Chiundaponde to Waka Waka

The drive to the southern edge of the swamps where Shoebill and Nsobe camps are, takes about 12 hours from Lusaka, the last stretch of 140 km taking six hours! Take the Great North Road from Lusaka, turn right just after Kapiri Mposhi towards Mpika. Take the Samfya/Mansa road turning left after Serenje. Turn right 10 km after the Kasanka turnoff, towards the Livingstone memorial and remain on this track, keeping right at the memorial fork, for 70 km, towards the village of Chiundaponde.

Another route is to go directly to the Lavushi Manda turnoff on the Great North road, just below Mpika, which leads straight to Chiundaponde. From the village, make your way to Chikuni Island and then straight ahead to Shoebill Camp or left to Nsobe Camp. You can ask for directions at the WWF camp at Chikuni, as it is very easy to get lost after you leave the village.

If driving, make sure you have adequate fuel and spares as this is an extremely remote part of the country and help is a long way off. It is advisable to let someone know when you are leaving and when you expect to arrive or return. There are radio facilities at Shoebill camp and a National Parks & Wildlife Services office at Chiundaponde.

The Postal Services Corporation runs a transport boat from the mainland to the three main islands in Lake Bangweulu: Mbabala, Cishi and Chilubi.

Bangweulu Wetlands in a larger map

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.

service providers

Service Providers

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 dwarf amongst Tanzania’s national parks, Gombe Stream National Park is only 52 km² in size. Situated on the eastern shores of Lake Tanganyika, the park was established in 1968 and is a mix of beautiful lush hilly rain forests, deep ravines and occasional grass lands.

Gombe Stream National Park

It is the home of the Kasekela Chimpanzee troop, made world famous by Jane Goodall who conducted primate research in Gombe for many years. Being a national park with very few roads and vehicles, this is the place to be if you want a different experience and like walking or hiking. The park’s altitude is between 750 and 1500 meters. The waters of Lake Tanganyika, gently rolling onto tropical white beaches, form an ideal background for stunning sunsets after a day of trekking the chimps.

Gombe Stream National Park, different from most national parks in Africa, is mainly visited by those who have a keen interest in primates. These forest inhabitants often have the same interest in you as you in them.

Chimpanzee in Gombe Stream National Park

The main activity is of course a visit to the chimpanzees. Apart from walks through the bush you have the possibility to experience lake-based activities like snorkeling, fishing or boating.

If you are fit and like hiking, a visit to either the Kakombe or Mkenke waterfalls is a nice alternative from lazing on the beach. For those who are interested in a more cultural experience, a visit to a nearby fishing village can be organized.

service providers

Service Providers

Tent at Gombe Forest Lodge

TANAPA (Tanzania National Parks) runs Kasekela Rest House (4 beds) and Kasekela Hostel (6 beds) in the little park; the total amount of beds is limited to 10 in total. These accommodations are rugged and you should be entirely self-reliant.

Situated on the shores of Lake Tanganyika, Gombe Forest Lodge has been designed with every comfort in mind, whilst minimizing the disturbance and impact of such a stunning environment. The camp’s spacious tents, set on wooden platforms, are shaded by huge mango trees along the lakeshore, each tent featuring a writing desk and en-suite facilities with hot and cold running water.

Lake Mweru (also spelled Mwelu) is a freshwater lake on the longest arm of Africa’s second-longest river, the Congo. Located on the border between Zambia and Democratic Republic of the Congo, it makes up 110 km of the total length of the Congo, lying between its Luapula River (upstream) and Luvua River (downstream) segments.

Lake Mweru, although off the beaten track, is worth a visit. The lake has spawned a dynamic population, rich in culture, fervent in trade and colorful in nature. The area is almost a microcosm of what Tropical Africa could be if left to its own devices. Tourist facilities, however are limited to a few ‘guesthouses’ of varying standards.

Water temperatures range from 21° C to 29° C, while air temperatures range from 27.5° C to 35° C. The lake is chemically very fertile and contributes substantially to the fishing industry in Zambia.

Lake Mweru is seldom visited but breathtakingly beautiful and an ideal base for exploring the lesser-known areas of Zambia. Take the ferry to one of the lake’s islands, Kilwa and Isokwe. Or just explore the coastline and visit the local villages.

Tourist facilities are limited to a few guest houses of varying standards and visitors should bring all the equipment they need because little is provided for travellers. Having said that, this area is developing quickly so it’s a good idea to check what is happening before you head out here.

This area of Zambia represents a real challenge if you want to explore it. Check with the authorities before you set out. If you accept the challenge it can provide a very special experience.

Lake Mweru - Boat on the Luapula River

iSimangaliso Wetland Park (formerly known as Greater St. Lucia Wetland Park) is situated on the east coast of KwaZulu-Natal, and includes the St Lucia Game Reserve, False Bay Park, St Lucia Marine Reserve, Sodwana Bay National Park, Maputaland Marine Reserve, Cape Vidal, Ozabeni, Mfabeni, Tewate Wilderness Area and Mkuze Game Reserve.

Covering about 240,000 ha, with a further 84,000 ha in, on or under the sea, this is a large chunk of sub-tropical paradise stretching 220 km along the Indian Ocean coastline of South Africa, from St. Lucia to the Mozambican border.

Mphelane, the southernmost part of the park, is also the highest vegetated (185 m) sand dune in South Africa and the second highest vegetated sand dune in the world. The view from the top of this dune is exquisite and on a clear day one can see for miles. This area is very unique since it is the southernmost part of the Mozambique coastal plain and the Northern section of the Tugela shelve. This combination of habitats renders an exclusive natural experience from rivers, estuaries, carbonated sand stone rock and the beautiful splendor of nature at its best, untouched.

Sodwana Bay, in northern Maputaland, is home to some of the most southerly coral reefs in the world, courtesy of the Benguela Current that brings warm, clear water down from the tropics. As well as spectacular reef coral, you’ll find all the pretty little guys. And the lady raggies that were partying down on the South Coast come up here to chill in the warm water, gestate their little sharklets and – possibly – gossip. We have it on good authority they don’t knit or crochet. Sodwana is South Africa’s most popular (read a tad crowded) dive destination, but it’s great and the reefs are surprisingly untrashed. Further north, the reefs are no better than at Sodwana, but the diving is very uncrowded, very relaxed, very exclusive and a tad more pricey.

Mabibi is a magical place of tranquil swimming bays and snorkeling reefs, coastal forests, grasslands, bush, shimmering lakes and exquisite sandy beaches. Its crystal clear, warm waters offer unparalleled snorkeling and fantastic offshore scuba diving…

Late November and December is the best time to spot the turtles nesting. From February to March the tiny hatchlings will emerge and run the gauntlet of ghost crabs and sea birds to the ocean. After their mad dash they drift for a few years in the warm Agulhas regional current feasting on deliciously rich food – particularly jellyfish, bluebottles, bubble raft shells and the Portuguese Man-O’-War.

The Kosi system is situated in the northeastern corner of the Elephant Coast a mere 2 km south of Ponta do Ouro on the Mozambique border. Dr. George Campbell described it as “a wonderfull aquarium and most gorgeous aviary”. The system is about 18 km long, parallel to the coast. The Kosi Lake covers about 37 km². Kosi Bay is most famous for its traditional fish kraals, a network of reeds, placed in such a manner, they allow small fish through and only trapping migrating species. This dates back to the early Nguni tribes that moved down from central Africa. The Tsonga people have been using this practice for hundreds of years.

iSimangaliso Wetland Park - Cape Vidal

Lake Cahora Bassa is Africa’s fourth-largest artificial lake, situated in the Tete Province in Mozambique. The Cahora Bassa Dam system is the largest hydroelectric scheme in southern Africa with the powerhouse containing 5 x 415MW turbines. It is one of the three major dams on the Zambezi river system, the others being Kariba and Itezhi-Tezhi. However, Itezhi-Tezhi is not on the main stream of the Zambezi, but on its tributary the Kafue River. A considerable kapenta fishery has developed in the reservoir. The kapenta is assumed to originate from Lake Kariba where it was introduced from Lake Tanganyika. Annual catch of kapenta in the Cahora Bassa dam in 2003 exceeded 10 thousand tons. It is widely believed that there is a breeding colony of Zambezi Shark “trapped” inside the dam. As the Bull Shark is known to travel >100km upstream, this phenomenon does not conflict with existing scientific and biological fact. In particular an ocean-dwelling species, bull sharks are perfectly capable of living in fresh water for their entire lifespan. Local tribes have indeed reported sightings (and attacks) by this isolated community of shark, although these have yet to be substantiated with hard evidence.

Lake Cahora Bassa - Dam Wall