Showing posts with label Simalaha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Simalaha. Show all posts

Monday, 8 November 2021

Bushtracks Africa: Riding safaris around Africa

Horsin' Around Africa never looked so good!

Riding safaris are a thrilling way to see Africa's breathtaking beauty and wildlife. There's nothing quite like cantering behind a graceful giraffe or riding among the zebra and wildebeest migration in Botswana. Horse safaris are an excellent choice for your first trip after Covid-19. Remote wilderness regions and small group sizes, combined with strong health and safety requirements, ensure that you have a safe yet thrilling and exclusive vacation in Africa. 

A day spent in the saddle, cantering across jaw-dropping landscapes and breathing in Africa’s wonderfully clean air leaves you energised. Take in the atmosphere and get up close and personal with nature. With our skilled and competent recommended partners at the helm, these rides bring you into the most game-rich areas of Botswana, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Whether you want some casual trail riding, a full horseback trip, or a different viewpoint on Africa's wildlife, there are lots of possibilities for riders of all abilities. Casual riders can partake in day rides from two wilderness gateways: Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Maun in Botswana. Exhilarating safaris await experienced riders, who can gallop alongside plains wildlife or discreetly approach elephants and buffalo.

Because your form is hidden by the form and movement of a horse, you can get closer to the wildlife on both beginner and experienced rides than you could if you were in a vehicle or walking. At close quarters, many species, including zebras and other grazers, are unconcerned about horses.

To ensure your safety and enjoyment, choose a safari that is appropriate for your level of experience. Give us an honest assessment of your riding skill, and we'll match you with the most appropriate riding safari.

Zambezi Horse Trails is based in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe.  Visit  one of the world's most spectacular natural wonders and enjoy amazing wildife encounters on nearby horse trails. The Victoria Falls National Park is home to elephants, buffalo, a variety of antelope species, warthogs, vervet monkeys, and baboons.

Alison Baker, the founder of Zambezi Horse Trails, has handpicked and trained all of the horses since 1988. They are  still a small, family-run company that places a premium on pairing horses and riders. Each small group  (minimum 2 and maximum 8 individuals)is assigned a licensed guide and an experienced back-up rider. Rides take you from the beautiful Zambezi River, which has the Victoria Falls' soaring spray as a backdrop, through rugged mopane woods and old Kalahari sand dunes with teak trees. The expert guides of Zambezi Horse Trails have extensive knowledge of the area's environment and a strong passion for sharing it.

Beginner rides on calm and steady horses take place in the cool early morning or late afternoon. They are 2 hours long and cover a short distance through a game-rich area. If a trot or canter is possible, it will be determined by the riders' skill levels. On full-day options, experienced riders enjoy refreshments to start, a picnic lunch en-route, and snacks and drinks at the end. Multi-day treks last 2 to 8 days  with 4 to 6 hours in the saddle each day and cover a larger area than the National Park.

Skilled guides, exceptional horses, beautiful surroundings, and abundant wildlife make for a memorable safari experience.

The Simalaha Community Conservancy is an African wilderness on the banks of the Zambezi River, where wildlife and humans coexist. The community, which benefits directly from this operation, offers rides that mix wildlife and cultural experiences. Galloping through the golden savanna with wildebeest, zebra, giraffe, and other animals is an amazing experience. Guests can meet the villagers who herd their cattle alongside the wildlife and migrate with the water levels of the Zambezi River. Simalaha Horse Safaris has access to a range of riding landscapes, from large open plains to mopane and acacia woodlands.

The custom-built tented camp provides guests with luxury and style while minimizing environmental impact. The camp can accommodate up to 8 people in 4 tents. Each raised tent has a front veranda with seating and views of the grassy plains and an en-suite open air bathroom. Solar power provides both water and electricity in this fully sustainable and environmentally friendly camp.

A fantastic journey on the Zambezi Floodplains is guaranteed thanks to well-trained horses, luxurious accommodation in the wilderness, experienced guides, and the intimate camp size.

A horseback safari in Botswana has to be the perfect riding safari.  It offers  abundant game, knowledgeable guides, and well-trained, attentive horses, all set in a breathtaking environment.

With their eldest daughter Kirsty, David and Robyn Foot own and run Ride Botswana. They all share a penchant for exploring Africa's most remote locations by horseback. With over three decades of experience, David is one of Africa's most seasoned equestrian guides, and he leads the majority of the trips himself.

Ride Botswana offers horseback riding in the wetland wilderness of the Okavango Delta, the arid salt pans of the Makgadikgadi, and along the Thamalakane River near Maun. They've designed a range of horse safaris to suit all kinds of riders, from experienced to complete beginners. Not only will you be able to see a variety of regions, but you will also be able to go on day rides in areas that are suitable for inexperienced riders, which is unique to Botswana Riding Safaris. The day rides take place in a wildlife concession near Maun that is free of dangerous game animals.

Experienced riders can go on an incredible equestrian safari through the Kalahari desert's Makgadikgadi salt pans. Guests get up close and personal with meerkats, meet the Kalahari San people, ride alongside the world's second largest migration of zebra and wildebeest, and gallop across the salt pans. Or you can take part in Okavango Delta's only mobile horseback safari. A flotilla of mokoros or a train of pack donkeys transports a lightweight mobile camp. This allows you to ride through incredible and remote landscapes.

On an equestrian safari in Botswana's remote areas, share a passion for wildlife, beautiful scenery, and African culture.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Wednesday, 28 July 2021

Zambia: Zambezi Collection Chundukwa River Lodge news | Чундуква Лодж Замбия

AN OASIS OF TRANQUILITY ON THE ZAMBEZI RIVER!

A very warm hello from Zambia!

We would just like to wrap our arms around the travel community and thank you for your continued support, friendship and smiles during the last few months. We are so grateful to still be here, welcoming clients and chatting to our agents regularly.

Thank you.

There's been a lot of communication and confusion regarding entry to Zambia in the last few months! We are grateful to report that we've been able to welcome guests from all over Africa and beyond here at Chundukwa River Lodge - and to date, all guests have experienced an extremely smooth and stress-free arrival (and departure) at Livingstone International Airport. Our team is on hand to guide you and your clients through the airport process!

Relax, Recover & Rediscover

Located on a horse ranch only 25 km from Livingstone and Victoria Falls, Chundukwa River Lodge is one-of-a-kind farm stay experience. We welcome guests who love being in nature, horse-riders, safari-goers, adventurers and retreaters. We offer a wonderful destination for both family holidays and couples - travellers who want an authentic experience; getting to know about the local culture, people and wildlife while visiting Victoria Falls and enjoying a peaceful haven alongside the Zambezi River.

A stay at Chundukwa River Lodge allows visitors the opportunity to experience and appreciate the magnificent beauty of the Zambezi River in a space that actively seeks to conserve and minimize their effect on the surrounding environment and to support the local economy. Our sister operation Simalaha Horse Safaris - the first of it's kind in Zambia - is now open for the (dry) season, and there's never been a better time to experience the thrill of a horseback safari in the Zambian wilderness -  a place to reconnect with nature, reconnect with yourself!

ZAMBIA IS (STILL) OPEN FOR REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TOURISM!

CLARIFICATION OF ZAMBIA'S COVID-19 TESTING & QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS AT POINT OF ENTRY.

Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs circulated a revision to the tourism industry on 23 June 2021, clarifying the Covid-19 testing and quarantine requirements at point of entry for our visitors.

Please take note of the below protocols when traveling to Zambia:

° All scheduled and non-scheduled international flights to all Airports are open.

° All passengers coming from international flights need to present negative SARS CoV-2 PCR test result. The test should be conducted within the previous 72 hours.

° Entry screening will be conducted at all airports. All travellers entering the airport will be subjected to temperature and symptom screening.

° Only travellers deemed from High Risk Countries will be tested for Covid-19 by PCR test upon arrival into Zambia (free or USD$50.00 per person subject to change, payable by the traveller if the same test result is required for exit). These travellers will only be subject to 14-day quarantine if they have a positive result for COVID. If they have a negative result on arrival, the travellers are free to proceed on their travels as planned!

° Travellers that transit through High Risk Countries are not considered high risk if the transit time is less than 24 hrs. 

The list of "High-Risk" countries that will be required to undergo SARS CoV-2 PCR testing on arrival are as follows - as stated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs & ZNPHI. The list will be reviewed and updated regularly.

1. Argentina

2. Columbia 

3. Chile

4. Brazil

5. Netherlands 

6. Belgium

7. India

8. Peru

9. Iran 

10. Turkey

11. Iraq

12. Spain

13. Tunisia

DEPARTURE TESTING FOR ONWARD TRAVEL

Chundukwa River Lodge will make all the arrangements on behalf of our guests who require a negative SARS CoV-2 PCR for onward travel! The test will be performed on-site at the lodge for the convenience of our guests, with results delivered within 24hrs. Quick and easy! The current fee is USD$100.00 per person subject to change.

FAQ'S FROM VALUED AGENTS REGARDING ENTRY

NB! We are in communication with both the Zambian Ministry of Tourism & Arts and Ministry of Health on an extremely regular basis receiving updates. They are working on a pre-arrival app system for COVID certificates, which will be implemented in due course - we will advise once this actually comes on line and how it will work.

FAQ - "What of people from High Risk countries - will they be quarantined for 14 days?"

The answer is no - and we can explain. After High Risk travellers have had their PCR tests on arrival, they meet our driver and proceed to Chundukwa River Lodge - where they "lay low" for 24-48 hrs until their PCR test results are ready. To date, no traveller coming to Chundukwa River Lodge through Livingstone International Airport has been prevented from going about their holiday.

FAQ - "My guests are leaving Zambia again within 72 hours, so will they need to do another PCR test at Chundukwa?"

Only travellers deemed from High Risk Countries will be tested for Covid-19 by PCR test upon arrival into Zambia. The fee is USD$50.00 per person (subject to change), payable by the traveller if the same test result is required for exit. The traveller needs to request this on arrival. Travellers not from High Risk countries may arrange their departure test at Chundukwa River Lodge - the current fee is USD$100.00 per person (subject to change).

THE CHUNDUKWA EXPERIENCE

If you've always wanted to explore the magical Zambezi River and Victoria Falls without the hustle & bustle of big crowds, there is no better time! Chundukwa River Lodge is located 25kms from Livingstone Town and Victoria Falls - far enough to be away from it all, but close enough to experience it all.

Our boutique lodge offers five river-facing stilted chalets and a family-friendly cottage on a fully-inclusive basis.

° We offer a unique safe and relaxed tourist experience -clients may take advantage of private-use vehicles, private transfers and private boat cruises.

° All FI stays include a sunset cruise experience and a private vehicle for a day trip to Victoria Falls & Livingstone Town at leisure. Additional/optional experiences may be arranged for this day in advance by the lodge on clients behalf.

° Chundu Cottage offers a family-friendly and private accommodation experience for up to six guests should clients opt not to mix with any other guests during their stay. 

° Our team are fully vaccinated.

° We are the prime location for river-watching, birding, boating, walking, pool-time, horse-riding or pure off-the-grid relaxation. WiFi is available in the lounge.

° We offer a simple rate structure featuring Low & High Season Rates on a fully-inclusive stay basis. 

° Stays of three nights or longer may add an additional inclusive experience from several options.

THE SIMALAHA HORSE SAFARI EXPERIENCE

RIDE WITH DOUG EVANS

NOW OPEN FOR THE 2021 SEASON!

We welcome all horse-lovers -those searching for something different - something authentic, somewhere you leave only a (hoof)print behind. Where your visit contributes to the greater good of wildlife and people.

The first of it's kind in Zambia, our equestrian safari in the beautiful Simalaha Conservancy is an experience like no other! Hosted by renown horseman, Doug Evans - and with riding access to the whole Conservancy, from vast open plains to mopane and acacia woodlands, there is plenty varied terrain and wildlife to make rides interesting and fun. What is significant about our horse safaris is the story behind the place, the land, the people, its cultural history and relevance to sustainable community and wildlife development.

° A truly boutique experience – the camp takes a maximum of 8 people in four tents only, ensuring the rare opportunity for clients to go off-the-grid and immerse themselves in the experience.

° A sustainable / responsible tourism option; employing environmentally friendly practices; protecting cultural and natural heritage; and providing tangible social and economic benefits for local communities.

° We offer a simple rate structure, starting with a 3-night package or longer, on a full-board basis, including return transfers between Livingstone and Simalaha Conservancy by road.

° Simalaha Horse Safaris allows a provision of 2 horses for each rider, plus saddles and all tack with approximately 6-7 hours of riding per day, dependent on client preference.

Monday Smile! Cape Clawless Otters are a real favourite at Chundukwa River Lodge.

Guests may lookout for these shy creatures nesting in our gardens and waterways.. and sometimes, you'll find them in our guest rooms!

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com

Thursday, 3 June 2021

News from Zambezi Collection: Zambia's Covid19 testing, Chundukwa & Simalaha Horse Safaris

A RETURN TO THE WILD

ZAMBIA IS OPEN FOR REGIONAL & INTERNATIONAL TOURISM!

CLARIFICATION OF ZAMBIA'S COVID-19 TESTING & QUARANTINE REQUIREMENTS AT POINT OF ENTRY.

Zambia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs circulated a revision to the tourism industry on 28 May 2021, clarifying the Covid-19 testing and quarantine requirements at point of entry for our visitors deemed from "High Risk" countries.

Please take note of the below protocols when traveling to Zambia:

° All scheduled and non-scheduled international flights to all Airports are open.

° All passengers coming from international flights need to present negative SARS CoV-2 PCR test result. The test should be conducted within the previous 72 hours.

° Entry screening will be conducted at all airports. All travellers entering the airport will be subjected to temperature and symptom screening.

° In addition to the above, all travellers deemed from "High Risk" Countries will be tested for Covid-19 by PCR test upon arrival into Zambia (approx USD$50.00 per person subject to change, payable by the traveller). The revision states that travellers who receive a negative result or have proof of vaccine will be exempt from 14 day mandatory quarantine.  

The list of "High-Risk" countries that will be required to undergo SARS CoV-2 PCR testing on arrival are as follows - as stated by Ministry of Foreign Affairs & ZNPHI. The list will be reviewed and updated regularly.

1. India

2. Iran

3. Turkey

4. France 

5. Germany 

6. Russia

7. Brazil

8. Argentina

9. South Africa

10. Egypt

11. Tunisia

12. Ethiopia

13. Kenya

14. Italy

15. Tanzania

DEPARTURE TESTING FOR ONWARD TRAVEL.

Chundukwa River Lodge will make all the arrangements on behalf of our guests who require a negative SARS CoV-2 PCR for onward travel! The test will be performed on-site at the lodge for the convenience of our guests, with results delivered within 24hrs. Quick and easy! The current fee is USD$100.00 per person subject to change.

THE CHUNDUKWA EXPERIENCE

If you've always wanted to explore the magical Zambezi River and Victoria Falls without the hustle & bustle of big crowds, there is no better time! Chundukwa River Lodge is located 25 km from Livingstone Town and Victoria Falls - far enough to be away from it all, but close enough to experience it all.

Our boutique lodge offers five river-facing stilted chalets and a family-friendly cottage on a fully-inclusive basis.

° We offer a unique safe and relaxed tourist experience -clients may take advantage of private-use vehicles, private transfers and private boat cruises.

° All FI stays include a sunset cruise experience and a private vehicle for a day trip to Victoria Falls & Livingstone Town at leisure. Additional/optional experiences may be arranged for this day in advance by the lodge on clients behalf.

° Chundu Cottage offers a family-friendly and private accommodation experience for up to six guests should clients opt not to mix with any other guests during their stay.

° Our team are fully vaccinated.

° We are the prime location for river-watching, birding, boating, walking, pool-time, horse-riding or pure off-the-grid relaxation. WiFi is available in the lounge.

° We offer a simple rate structure featuring Low & High Season Rates on a fully-inclusive stay basis. 

° Stays of three nights or longer may add an additional inclusive experience from several options.

INTRODUCING SIMALAHA HORSE SAFARIS 

RIDE WITH DOUG EVANS 

BOOK YOUR SADDLE FOR ZAMBIA'S INCREDIBLE HORSE SAFARI EXPERIENCE IN THE SIMALAHA CONSERVANCY

Simalaha Horse Safaris reopens for the season on 01 July 2021!

Experience the thrill of riding alongside wild plains game on splendid horses in the Simalaha Community Conservancy, a remote area unspoiled by frequent tourist visits and create unforgettable memories with family and friends at the beautiful camp, where delicious wholesome food, a cool swimming pool and starlit skies await.

UNIQUE POINTS

° A truly boutique experience – the camp takes a maximum of 8 people in four tents only, ensuring the rare opportunity to go off-the-grid.

° We offer a responsible tourism experience -  employing environmentally friendly practices; protecting cultural and natural heritage and providing tangible social & economic benefits for local communities.

° The experience is hosted by owners Doug & Gail Evans.

° Water and electricity are all generated by solar power making this a perfectly sustainable and eco-friendly camp.

° We offer a simple rate structure, starting with a 3-night package or longer, on a full-board basis, including return transfers between Livingstone and Simalaha Conservancy by road.

° Simalaha Horse Safaris allows a provision of 2 horses for each rider, plus saddles and all tack with approximately 6-7 hours of riding per day, dependent on client preference. 

° Visitors may combine a stay at Chundukwa River Lodge 

° The Simalaha Conservancy has 16 large mammal species which can be seen on the plains and surrounding mopane forest - it is not unusual to see hundreds of wildebeest, zebra and lechwe grazing in harmony with the local tribesman’s cattle.

° There are no large predators in the conservancy so it is considered a safe riding and wilderness combination.

Purchase photo/4K video: portfolio1 portfolio2
Aerial photo/video service/inquiries: info@traveltonamibia.com