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Vic Falls Bush Telegraph issue 12
September 18, 2014

 




The Victoria Falls Bush Telegraph | 18th September 2014

Issue 13

The cooler temperatures of winter seemed to drag on into late August in Victoria Falls but now as we sit here in Mid-September temperatures have warmed up considerably and as we head into October the hottest month of the year we will soon be wishing for winter again. Daylight hours are getting longer as the most beautiful red orbed sunrises come earlier and sunsets come later.

Although around the well watered hotels, lush residential area and river banks indigenous trees still have some leaves, in the national parks just about every tree has now dropped its foliage completely. The grass is golden, parched by the sun and it is now that the bush takes on that real dry, hot and desolate look so synonymous with Africa.

Despite the good rains which we had last season inland water sources are now drying up completely and the wildlife starts to gather around the only permanent water sources like the Zambezi River, natural springs and the pumped waterholes. It’s peak game viewing time, and if you are lucky enough to be travelling to Victoria Falls or one of the nearby game parks at this time of year you are going to have a blast.

Many of the summer migrant birds like the African skimmer, yellow billed kites and rock pratincoles have started to arrive in their numbers all adding to the awesome spectacle and if you are a keen fisherman now is the time to be casting in a line.

The water flow over the Falls is receding quickly which is normal at this time of year as the eastern side of the Falls along Horseshoe Falls, Rainbow Falls and the Eastern Cataract start to dry up. As always the water flow is still strong across Main Falls and Devils Cataract which can only be viewed from the Zimbabwean bank or from Livingstone Island. So do make sure that if you are staying in Zambia that you make a trip across to Zimbabwe to see the full might of the Victoria Falls.

Oh and also do yourself a favour and get up early one morning and enter the Victoria Falls National Park at 6am to see the sunrise over Victoria Falls, it is one of the most spectacular sights you will ever see, so few people do it you will find that you often have this phenomenal experience completely to yourself.

It’s been a very busy few months at Victoria Falls with new activities on offer, new restaurants and lots of development going on at the hotels upgrading and adding to their already current facilities, just emphasising the confidence investors are having in this amazing destination. Hotel and activity operators are upbeat as the number of tourists keep climbing year on year, with some hotels reporting over 90% occupancy. We have reported on some of the developments in the articles below and will endeavour to keep you updated in the upcoming newsletters. There is so much happening it’s hard to keep up.

Hope you enjoy the newsletter and thank you for subscribing

Best wishes
Tony and Boo
www.victoriafalls-guide.net

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News and Events

Victoria Falls International Airport Undergoes Massive Upgrade
Construction has already begun at Victoria Falls International Airport in order to increase its size and capacity on a large scale. After the refurbishment, the airport will be able to land and handle larger and wider aircraft than it currently manages.
Read more...

Botswana Health Ministry Issues Yellow Fever Vaccination Regulations
Travellers to Botswana are now required to present an international certificate of vaccination for yellow fever if they have been to affected areas. This means that if you have been to any one of the countries specified below, you must be vaccinated and presents your certificate upon arriving to Botswana.
Read More...

Two New Ways to Travel the Johannesburg-Victoria Falls Route
The beginning of August saw the launch of a new flight by FlyAfrica and a new bus route by Intercape.
Read more...

And the Award Goes To....ZIMBABWE
The European Council on Tourism and Trade voted Zimbabwe as the ‘World’s Best Tourist Destination’ of 2014. This award was given for characteristics such as wilderness and prolific wildlife, adventure sports and high safety records, natural beauty, high standards in the hospitality industry, and ecotourism. Read more...

Travel Bans Due to Ebola and The Latest Update
Several countries have issued travels bans to nationals who have been to areas which have confirmed Ebola cases. Read more on the latest information about Ebola...



Activities Update

Devils Pool Reopens

Take a ride around the town

Rafting Season Reopens



Topical Issue

Legalisation of Rhino Horn Sales
To legalise, or not to legalise the sale of rhino horn is the hot topic of debate about this endangered mammal. There certainly are many factors to consider. Arm yourself with some knowledge and join the discussion by clicking here.



Did you know???

Have you ever seen a crocodile chilling by the river/lake shore, looking lifeless with its mouth wide open? Ever wondered why? Could it be a way to catch unsuspecting prey? Makes sense. But actually, this is a croc's way of cooling off. They sweat through the mouth! Did you also know that a crocodile's tongue is attached to the bottom of its mouth and so it cannot stick out its tongue? Fortunately for them, this also means that they cannot bite their own tongues!



Special Promotions

Sable Package 5 Night Safari - 2 nights at Gorges Lodge / 3 Nights at Bomani Tented Lodge

Click for more information

Stay at Victoria Falls River Lodge in October, November and December and pay 2013 rates! Applicable to all new bookings from 01 October to 20 December 2014 only. Minimum 2 night stay. Contact Us for more



Testimonial

"Hi Boo, Wanted to tell you what a unbelievable time we had here at Victoria Falls. Everything ran so smoothly and the people were so friendly. We will give you a excellent review when we returned. If you have any question for me let me know.

P.S. My friend in our group had someone tell her before she came here that she was crazy to stay here for three nights. She said you just need a little time to see the falls. That lady had no idea what she was missing with all the other stuff to do. Everyone in our group said these last three days were the best days ever. Thanks for your help. Since I love planning trips I have a lot of people asking me for advice. I will for sure give them your name." - Marcia, USA



Hotels & Lodges Update

Victoria Falls Safari Lodge Completes
Refurbishment

Elephants Eye Lodge - a new intimate safari lodge
opens in Hwange National Park



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