Showing posts with label Zambia. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Zambia. Show all posts

Monday, 29 January 2024

Zambia: Health & Safety Update from Chundukwa River Lodge

Chundukwa River Lodge

HEALTH AND SAFETY UPDATE

We would like to take this opportunity to discuss the recent outbreak of cholera in the Lusaka region of Zambia and to address safety concerns that our valued agents and guests may have on this matter.

Cholera surfaces in many of our rainy seasons in Zambia (November-April). It peaks at the height of our rainy season (January-March) and it is generally limited to the peri-urban areas of high density living. It is closely linked to inadequate access to clean water and sanitation.

Infection will only cause symptoms in 5 people out of 100 infected and as per the World Health Organisation "Cholera is easily treated. The majority of people can be treated successfully through prompt administration of oral rehydration solution (ORS)." There are oral cholera vaccinations available, "While the vaccines are safe, the risk of disease, even to travellers is so minute" so vaccination is not commonly recommended for travellers." Nevertheless, these vaccinations are readily available and provide 90% protection against illness within 2 weeks the second oral dose.

Enhanced Health & Safety

Chundukwa River Lodge lies 25 km outside of Livingstone town and does not use municipal water. We are almost 600 km from the outbreak which is in Lusaka, our capital city.

The Matero township, one of the affected shanty compounds of Lusaka, the country's capital, is most affected by the current outbreak and this is where health workers have now commenced the administration of the oral cholera vaccine. The mass vaccination campaign will target over 1,5 million people in areas of high risk of transmission in Lusaka – including Matero, Kanyama and Chawama.

We have always had a comprehensive sanitation program at Chundukwa River Lodge and Zambian Horseback Safaris, and this strong foundation allows us to adapt quickly to evolving advice from the World Health Organization and our local health officials. We will continue to monitor their guidelines and adjust our measures accordingly.

We utilise bottled, mineral water in the lodge for drinking, ice, washing vegetables and salads, kitchen use and bottled water is readily available in our guest rooms for brushing teeth and other.

Chundukwa River Lodge remains a haven where your guests can retreat, breathe, and reboot among beautiful surroundings.

If you would like to know more about our increased hygiene levels and safety measures, we would be happy to answer any specific questions you may have.

Doug, Gail and the Chundukwa Team

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

Tuesday, 26 September 2023

Victoria Falls: Safari Park Excellence - adventure activities in Livingstone

Safari Park Excellence

Safari Par Excellence are the pioneers of adventure activities in Livingstone, offering once in a lifetime experiences to our clients. Famed as the Best One-Day White Water Rafting in the World, SAFPAR delivers a fun, safe but challenging day on the mighty Zambezi with an experienced team who are all accredited by the International Rafting Federation.

SAFPAR also offers unique multi-day rafting expeditions where swimming under the Falls, camping under a starlit sky, and accessing rarely visited regions of the Batoka Gorge are highlights of this bucket-list adventure. Other activity highlights include the famous Zambezi Sunset Cruise, a Mukuni Village Tour, a Game Drive in our local Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to the country’s white rhino population and a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

The Elephant Cafe encompasses three wonderful experiences and is guaranteed to be a signature highlight of your Livingstone adventure! The experience begins with a jetboat adventure through Zambezi islands to an enchanting riverside location where you will be met on arrival by members of a magnificent herd of rescue elephant for a once-in-a-lifetime meeting. Experience an unforgettable close and educative encounter with these gentle giants before being welcomed to the restaurant for a unique dining experience with wild edibles on the menu.

OUR TRANSFERS

Safari Par Excellence has offices, vehicles and guides in Livingstone, Zambia. We offer a wide range of full and half-day excursion options for guests ranging from scheduled group tours to fully inclusive private touring. Our fleet offers high levels of comfort and reliability.

The vehicles complement our team of highly skilled and knowledgeable staff. We will ensure that we are in the perfect position to continue delivering top-quality service to your guests as they explore the diverse range of activities and experiences available in Livingstone and the surrounding Zambezi region, as well as ground-handling services for groups up to 300 pax.

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

Sunday, 24 September 2023

Safari Par Excellence: The Victoria Falls Waterfront Lodge

Safari Par Excellence

THE VICTORIA FALLS WATERFRONT LODGE

The ideal location to base your cost- effective Livingstone adventure. Located within the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, 3 kilometres upstream from Victoria Falls on the banks of the upper Zambezi River and only 4.5 kilometres from Livingstone city centre.

The Victoria Falls Waterfront provides a range of affordable Livingstone accommodation options, from Riverside Chalets to camping, we've got you covered.

All guests can enjoy the use of two sparkling swimming pools, free Wi-Fi covering most of the property, a vibrant riverside bar with happy hour specials every Friday, a riverside restaurant with an unbeatable view of the Zambezi River and Livingstone’s favourite woodfired pizzas at Peppino’s.

The deck, bar, and restaurant overlook the spray from Victoria Falls to your left during high water months (typically February to July) and offer the best sunset views over the Zambezi River to your right year-round. When the river is low (July to December), you will likely see elephants crossing over to and from Siloka Island, which is opposite The Victoria Falls Waterfront.

Home of Safari Par Excellence, a renowned activity provider since 1988, our guests are afforded the convenience of booking and departing on their Livingstone adventures from the lodge.

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

Friday, 7 July 2023

Victoria Falls: Safari Par Excellence activities

Safari Par Excellence

SAFPAR ACTIVITIES

Safari Par Excellence are the pioneers of adventure activities in Livingstone, offering once in a lifetime experiences to our clients. Famed as the Best One-Day White Water Rafting in the World, SAFPAR delivers a fun, safe but challenging day on the mighty Zambezi with an experienced team who are all accredited by the International Rafting Federation. SAFPAR also offers unique multi-day rafting expeditions where swimming under the Falls, camping under a starlit sky, and accessing rarely visited regions of the Batoka Gorge are highlights of this bucket-list adventure. Other activity highlights include the famous Zambezi Sunset Cruise, a Mukuni Village Tour, a Game Drive in our local Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to the country’s white rhino population and a day trip to Chobe National Park in Botswana.

The Elephant Café encompasses three wonderful experiences and is guaranteed to be a signature highlight of your Livingstone adventure! The experience begins with a jetboat adventure through Zambezi islands to an enchanting riverside location where you will be met on arrival by members of a magnificent herd of rescue elephant for a once-in-a-lifetime meeting. Experience an unforgettable close and educative encounter with these gentle giants before being welcomed to the restaurant for a unique dining experience with wild edibles on the menu.

TRANSFERS

Safari Par Excellence has offices, vehicles and guides in Livingstone, Zambia. We offer a wide range of full and half-day excursion options for guests ranging from scheduled group tours to fully inclusive private touring. Our fleet offers high levels of comfort and reliability.

The vehicles complement our team of highly skilled and knowledgeable staff. We will ensure that we are in the perfect position to continue delivering top-quality service to your guests as they explore the diverse range of activities and experiences available in Livingstone and the surrounding Zambezi region, as well as ground-handling services for groups up to 300 pax.

THANK YOU, WE LOOK FORWARD TO ANOTHER YEAR OF MAKING MAGIC HAPPEN ON THE ZAMBEZI WITH YOU

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

Wednesday, 1 February 2023

Zambia: Turkish Airlines Relaunches Lusaka Route

Turkish Airlines Relaunches Lusaka Route

Turkish Airlines is to relaunch its Lusaka service with two flights a week from March 26. The flights will go via Dar es Salaam. Outbound flights to Istanbul will operate on Mondays and Saturdays, and inbound flights on Sundays and Fridays. Flights depart from Lusaka at 02h50 and arrive in Istanbul at 14h40, after a flight of 10 hours 50 minutes.  Flights depart Istanbul 15h50 and arrive in Lusaka at 01h50 the following day. The route was launched in 2018 but was suspended in 2020 due to COVID.

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

Monday, 30 January 2023

Zambia Waives Visa Requirement for More Countries

Zambia Waives Visa Requirements for More Countries

The following countries are exempt from visa requirements into Zambia: Australia, Canada, Norway, Japan, South Korea, New Zealand, US, UK, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Oman, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, United Arab Emirates and China.

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

Thursday, 15 December 2022

Bushtracks Africa: Victoria Falls - the ultimate adrenaline destination

Bushtracks Africa

Victoria Falls - the ultimate adrenaline destination.

The stunning Batoka Gorge is situated between Zimbabwe and Zambia, downstream from the Victoria Falls. Carved as the mighty Zambezi eroded deposited sandstone from between basalt that had cracked as it cooled the 110-metre deep gorge provides a beautiful backdrop for high-wire activities.

The ultimate adrenaline-filled adventures race over the water churning far below-as thrill seekers soar, zip, and plummet from dizzying heights. Options include abseiling, the gorge swing, which combines a free fall of 53m with a swing right across the gorge and back, and the 'flying fox’ cable slide across the top of the gorge. The Victoria Falls Bridge spans the gorge and offers an additional option, the bungee jump: at 111 meters, it is one of the highest jumps in the world.

Seeing the cliff face fall away from you as you race away from it is an incredible experience - far more thrilling than any roller coaster or fair ride you could ever do, and with the added bonus of extreme natural beauty surrounding you. Various packages are available that offer combinations of the various activities.

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

Monday, 29 August 2022

Zambia: Jollyboys Backpackers - Livingstone

Jollyboys Backpackers - Livingstone

An Introduction to Jollyboys, Winner of The Best Hostel in Zambia!

Livingstone is a travellers gem and nicknamed the ‘Adventure Capital of Africa’ for good reason. Home to a Natural Wonder of the World and with incredible water, wildlife, adrenaline, foodie and local cultural experiences on offer, there is so much more to explore than just Victoria Falls – making our town one of the coolest backpacking destinations on the planet!

Bang in the heart of Livingstone Town, our guests are within walking distance of the Livingstone Museum, Mukuni Curio Market and a host of bars, restaurants and shops, so we are the best Livingstone hostel for location. When it comes to rooms, guests will have four options: camping, dorms or private rooms – either en-suite or with shared bathroom facilities. We offer incredible value for money for solo travellers, couples, friends and family groups.

Guests love a Jolly Good Time...

Our unique vibe and social aspect is what makes Jolly’s TRULY special. Head down to our pool or relax in our insta-famous pillow pit, make new friends, share travel stories and tips, or just have a great time with like-minded travellers from all over the world. If guests don’t want to leave the hostel, no problem, there’s an on-site bar, restaurant and a fully equipped kitchen. Guests will experience real Zambian hospitality at the hands of our friendly and knowledgeable team, full of insider knowledge and happy to share their tips on what to do and see during your visit to our region.

Ready to experience the World’s Best One Day Rafting? Found the courage to bungee jump off Victoria Falls Bridge? Guests are encouraged to head to our Activity Booking Desk to make any activity bookings for their stay. Our Responsible Tourism initiatives include worm farms for food waste, solar-powered hot showers, reduced water use and upcycling. We also support a host of local social enterprise organizations within Livingstone and surrounds. Jolly’s has been voted the Best Hotel in Zambia for close to a decade!

Thank you for taking the time to read this intro to Jollyboys. Adventure awaits!

Kim Barnett, Director

Jollyboys Backpackers & Camp · 34 Kanyanta Rd · Livingstone 61088 · Zambia

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

Sunday, 28 August 2022

Victoria Falls: Introducing Shongwe Lookout Lodge in Zimbabwe

Introducing Shongwe Lookout - new luxury lodge - Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe

There are few destinations that leave you lost for words - and the Victoria Falls are one of them. Having just visited the Falls for the fourth time their alluring and almost unearthly beauty continue to take my breath away. Needless to say I most definitely concur with David Livingstone.

Apart from staying with my fabulous new representation client Shongwe Lookout, the other highlights of my educational visit were to have seen two rainbows at the Falls - known as a double or twinned rainbow - and their unique 4-storey Lookout Tower from which to my delight I was able to continue marvelling at the beautiful vistas of the Victoria Falls and Zambezi River. From this great vantage point with a superb cup of coffee in blissful tranquility I savoured tree top sunrises, Africa’s famed sunsets and the mist rising above the Falls.

An intercom and innovative pulley system enables guests to order and enjoy drinks and tasty bar snacks without missing a moment of the magical view.

Owner-operated by Jamie Henson and located in the quiet leafy residential area of Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe’s most famous wildlife town set in Victoria Falls National Park, Shongwe Lookout is an exquisite new guest lodge with twenty-three rooms and perfectly suited for your clients seeking a more intimate and personalised Victoria Falls experience in a smaller establishment.

An exciting new-build completed at the beginning of the Covid pandemic in April 2020, Shongwe’s unique offering is the above mentioned 2-platform Lookout Tower with far reaching views of the Zambezi River and spray of the magnificent Victoria Falls of which the lodge takes its Shona name. A refreshing departure from the colonial look, Shongwe Lookout and its stunning rooms are furnished with vibrant contemporary African decor. Only one kilometre from Victoria Falls town centre and two kilometres from the Falls nestled among the verdant tropical gardens each luxury room has all the modern comforts overseas visitors would expect and comes complete with a spacious veranda.

Truly ingenious culinary delights, good wines and phenomenal artisan coffees coupled with fast personable attentive service by friendly staff awaits guests in the African-chic styled al-fresco restaurant which serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and boasts an extraordinary eclectic blackboard menu created daily by Shongwe’s world-class chef.

Personally I have always found that one night in Victoria Falls, which due to mid-day arrival and departure invariable is reduced to one afternoon, is quite a short and rushed affair - especially as there is a lot more on offer other than adrenalin, safari and water-based activities as I indeed discovered during my three night famil. I was surprised by the superb array of new activities to suit every age - ranging from conservation, safari, cultural, arts & crafts to exceptional traditional dining experiences.

Therefore, tailormade to suit your clients’ individual requirements, one to three night Victoria Falls experiences for solos, families, couples, honeymooners, the more adventurous travellers, small group of friends inclusive of road transfers and bespoke Victoria Falls activities can be discussed and booked with Shongwe’s mega efficient and knowledgeable reservations team. Activities can also be booked for guests upon their arrival.

Stay tuned to hear more about a new and exceptional discovery I particularly enjoyed - the world’s most beautiful tram ride- and special offers from Shongwe Lookout.

LOCATION & ACCESS

° International airports close-by: Victoria Falls, Livingstone, Kasane

° Airlines flying into to VFA: Air Zimbabwe (Harare, Bulawayo), FastJet (Johannesburg, Nelspruit-Kruger, Maun, Harare), Pro Flight (Livingstone), Airlink (Johannesburg, Cape Town), Kenya Airways (Nairobi), Ethiopian Airlines (Addis Ababa), Eurowings (Frankfurt-Windhoek-VFA)

° Airport road transfer to Shongwe Lookout approximately 15 minutes

° Shongwe Lookout is located 1 km from Victoria Falls town centre, 2 km from the Falls

SHONGWE LOOKOUT

° 23 spacious luxury rooms

° Lookout Tower & Art Gallery

° Al-fresco restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner; Boma area in tropical garden

° Lounge & Bar

° Infinity pool and terrace with sun loungers

° Reception & Activities Booking Concierge

° Laundry Service

° Complimentary Wi-fi

ACCOMMODATION

° 23 spacious well-appointed rooms combining stunning African décor with modern comfort:

° 16 Deluxe Rooms, 3 Executive Rooms, 4 Studios each with private veranda and seating overlooking the gardens

° 5 of the 16 Deluxe Rooms are interconnected, 2 of 4 Studio Rooms are suitable for seniors and have wheel-chair access

° Fully equipped rooms with King-sized extra-length beds, air-conditioning, fans inside mosquito nets, tea & coffee facilities etc.

° Complimentary Wi-Fi

THE LOOKOUT TOWER

Open from 6.00 am until 9.00 pm the newly refurbished Lookout Tower offers stunning vistas accessed from two viewing platforms each furnished with comfortable seating.  Here guests can sit with a cocktail and tasty bar snacks whilst watching the sun set on the mighty Zambezi River or enjoy their morning Macchiato as the mist from the Falls burns orange over the face of the rising sun.

BAR - RESTAURANT - FOOD

The newly refurbished Kuhlangana Area (place of gathering) offers a contemporary take on African décor, drinks and food, using fresh local ingredients grown Shongwe's own staff.

Your concierge for bookings, transfers and activities

° Bamba Tram - the world's most beautiful tram ride to Victoria Falls Bridge, view of the Falls, visit to the Victoria Falls Museum on the Zambian side, refreshments

° Zambezi River Cruise

° Helicopter Ride over the Falls

° Historic Train Ride

° Adrenalin activities

° Safari: Game drives & Walking safaris

° Conservation, community, cultural, arts & crafts, local dining experiences and more....

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

Saturday, 27 August 2022

Victoria Falls: The world's most beautiful tram ride - Bamba Tram

Victoria Falls - The world's most beautiful TRAM RIDE

Take the incredible journey

An authentically styled 19th century tram service - Now known as the Bamba Tram

The Bamba Tram offers a family-friendly 1.5 hour return tram experience through Zambezi National Park, onto the historic Victoria Falls suspension bridge. From there, you can watch the spray rising from the majestic Victoria Falls, while the Zambezi River rushes through the Batoka gorge below.

Spectacular Sunrise Runs are available on request and confirmed with a minimum of 6 people. They depart at 6.15 am from the Victoria Falls Train Station (season dependent so confirm timing upon making the booking).

Since the stop of the previous tram trips, the operators of the hop-on hop-off Bamba Bus took over the running, and in April 2022, they introduced the Bamba Tram. Apart from the traditional bridge runs, they have created a few more options for you to choose from.

The experiences are at really good prices, and include a morning bridge run, sunrise bridge run (only on request), a sunset safari trip, and a dinner trip which confirms with at least 8 people. All trips begin at Three Monkeys, near the Victoria Falls Railway Station. Guests are required to be at the tram at least 10 minutes before departure, to allow for enough time for check-in.

Morning Bridge Run

This regular first trip of the day takes off at 8:30am from where the tram is stationed. The tram meanders through the national park near the Falls, making a wide sweep through the African bush, and there is a chance to see some of the wildlife that roams through there. You may spot elephant, buffalo, waterbuck or bushbuck.

Or, you can take the tracks less travelled into untouched African wilderness. Meander along the Masuwe River adjacent to Zambezi National Park and the wildlife rich Chamabonda hinterlands. Spot wildlife along the way as you soak up the beautiful scenery, before stopping for refreshments at our Jafuta siding.

You can also enjoy both a safari tram ride and an exceptional dining experience under starry African skies if you book our "Dinner with the Stars" run. Take a 40 minute safari tram ride into the wilderness, and enjoy a sumptuous 3 course meal served al fresco at the romantic lantern lit railway siding in the bush. Departure times seasonally dependent & will be confirmed at time of booking.

​All tram rides include all rail, bridge and conservation fees and taxes, and depart from Victoria Falls Train Station. Guests should arrive ten minutes prior to departure. No passport, visa or COVID requirements apply. Please enquire for Dinner with the Stars prices.

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

Thursday, 25 August 2022

Zambia: Chundukwa River Lodge - Introducing Chundu Cottage

Chundukwa River Lodge

Introducing Chundu Cottage

Muli Bwanji from Zambia!

This week we would like to introduce you to Chundu Cottage - a private, stand-alone thatched home overlooking the Zambezi River here at Chundukwa River Lodge. The fully-equipped cottage is available as a self-catering house for up to 6 guests, ideal for travelling families and small groups of friends.

Our Self-Catering Offer is inclusive of Wi-Fi, a daily housekeeping service for 1h30 per day, linen service, a bag of charcoal at the BBQ area and all taxes and levies.

We have safe drinking water on-site.

Low Season Offer

US$ 200.00 Per Night for the entire cottage (Max 6 Guests)

Valid Dates:

01 November – 19 December 2022

High Season Offer

US$ 300.00 Per Night for the entire cottage (Max 6 Guests)

Valid Dates:

01 April – 31 October 2022

20-31 December 2022

Let us show you around!

Three Bedrooms

The Master King offers an en-suite bathroom and the Second King Room and Upstairs Loft share a separate bathroom with double basins, a private toilet and a shower under skylight. The Loft has twin beds, ideal for older children!

Nestled alongside the Zambezi

An open-plan lounge and kitchen area opens onto a covered veranda with adjoining deck, extending to a plunge pool. The deck is fenced so little ones can’t wander into the swimming pool or down to the River. The fence can be removed on request.

There are fireside chairs and a picnic table on the bank of the Zambezi a few steps away for the all-important hippo-watch, elephant spotting, sundowners and dining under the stars!

Chundu Cottage Facilities

Wi-Fi

A fully-equipped kitchen with a gas stove and oven, deep freeze and fridge

Walk-in Mosquito Nets

Quality Linen & Towels

Outdoor Terrace

BBQ Facilities 

Swimming Pool

Daily Housekeeping Service (1h30)

On-site fun for the whole family!

With so many experiences on offer on-property and within Livingstone and Victoria Falls, there is certainly something to do for everyone. Do a lot, or do a little, you map your days with us at Chundukwa River Lodge.

Fun starts for the whole family here on the property – we offer horse riding for all ages, sizes and abilities and our farmyard is home to an eclectic family of horses, donkeys, sheep, oxen, geese, chickens, dogs, cats – a visit to the stables is not complete without a basketful of carrots from the garden! Whether joining our guides on a Zambezi cruise, on a birding expedition, bush walk, horseback or bike ride, children’s imaginations and love for the bush and wildlife will be sparked by our friendly and knowledgeable team. Kids may also try their hand at fishing the local way in our dams with the challenge of catching dinner for the whole family.

Enjoy all the space you need, and more.

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