Old Victoria Falls News

10th November  2009

On this day in 1871 journalist-explorer Henry M. Stanley found Scottish missionary David Livingstone, who had not been heard from for years, near Lake Tanganyika in central Africa.

19th October 2009

Operation protect the rhino babies

Shearwater Adventures is happy to report that the rhinos on the reserve are doing very well and sighting of the calves and their mothers are now more frequent. All rhinos appear more relaxed and Shungu, the daddy rhino, is still a little protective of his daughters but fortunately his bark is worse than his bite.

The two rhino calves are now almost four months old and although healthy there is unfortunately another threat to them, wild lions. The reserve has five wild lions, an adult male and lioness with three half grown cubs who are stalking the rhino babies. Since the rhinos are state property we have been given permission to capture and relocate these wild lions to the Matetsi wildlife area. We are currently in the process of baiting them to facilitate the immobilizing of lions. Unfortunately the lions are currently residing in an area that includes our lion walk activity. So with immediate effect we will be temporarily suspending our lion walk activity until further notice. We are sure you will understand not only the potential risks to our precious baby rhinos, but also to your clients on the Walk.  

All existing and new bookings will be channelled through to another supplier. We will update you accordingly as soon as the operation is over.

Please support us during this “Operation protect the rhino babies”

 Kind Regards 

Management

Victoria Falls Private Game Reserve

25th August 2009

ZRP's Pasipamire wins Econet - Vic Falls marathon

The 2009 Econet Victoria Falls marathon which was held over the weekend was dominated by locals with unheralded Zimbabwe Republic Police long distance runner Cephas Pasipamire ruling the roost.

Read Full Story...

24th August 2009

Curio carvers, vendors get accreditation

Victoria Falls Reporter

THE Forestry Commission has started accrediting curio carvers and vendors in Victoria Falls, a move aimed at controlling the harvesting of timber in the forestry area.

Read the full story....

20th June 2009

Vic Falls Heritage Status Threatened

VICTORIA Falls’ World Heritage status is under threat after two hoteliers at the prime resort town petitioned the World Heritage Commission against noise pollution in the town.

The hoteliers, The Victoria Falls Hotel and the Kingdom, separately wrote to the World Heritage Commission saying noise generated by frequent flights over the Falls and through gorges and the number of licences given to helicopter operators were a cause for concern.

They warned that if left unchecked they “pose the single biggest threat to our status”.

According to letters seen by the Zimbabwe Independent this week, the hotel groups say the flights over the hotel were depriving their guests “of a quiet and relaxing environment”.

“On behalf of the Victoria Falls Hotel, I would like to register a complaint against the helicopters and the noise they produce which has a negative impact on the environment and likewise destroys the atmosphere in our hotel and grounds,” reads the letter.

“Daily we have to endure the noise and constant irritation from these aircraft which fly directly over and above the Victoria Falls Hotel,” the report said.

Said the letter: “If one considers that current hotel occupancies are running at approximately 20% of capacity surely when normal higher occupancies return the environment cannot sustain the impact of the increased flights, increased operators and increased frequency of the helicopters.”

At present there are two operators flying: Zambian United Air Charters with two helicopters, Batoka Skies (three helicopters) and Zambezi Helicopters with two helicopters.

The Independent understands that plans are at an advanced stage to license up to eight more operators.

BY NQOBILE BHEBHE

19th June 2009

Noise fear for Zimbabwe elephants

Noise pollution from helicopter flights over Victoria Falls could badly affect important elephant herds in Zimbabwe, environmentalists have warned.
They say senior government ministers are backing plans for a four-fold increase in tourist flights.

It is part of attempts to take advantage of an expected tourist boom when neighbouring South Africa hosts next year's football World Cup.
Work has already begun on new helipads but without official permission.
Zimbabwean Environment Minister Francis Nhema says no environmental impact assessment has been made - and without it the scheme cannot go ahead.
"It doesn't matter who you are. We want it done. It is a prerequisite," he said.

Zimbabwean journalist Brian Hungwe says at present just five helicopters fly over the falls at any one time.
That figure is set to grow to around 20, as tourists scramble to secure stunning aerial views of one of the world's most spectacular sights, he says.
But environmentalists fear excessive noise pollution will have an adverse effect on the behaviour patterns of the elephants.
And Deliwe Utete from non-governmental organisation Environment Africa says if the elephants flee it could have worrying repercussions for the resort's entire ecosystem, affecting thousands of wild animals and birds.

29th May 2009

Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit

"The Victoria Falls Anti Poaching unit is committed to the conservation of its wildlife."

The unit was established in January 1999, by the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and local safari operator Charles Brightman, see more about about Charles at Discover Safaris.

Read full details about the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit
 

8.30am 22nd May 2009

Elephants in Victoria Falls Town Centre

 If you were visiting Victoria Falls today and were hoping to start your African adventure by seeing some wildlife, you wouldn't have had far travel. This herd of five Bull African Elephants (Loxodonta Africana) ambled into town early this morning.

Read more details and see pictures...

12th May 2009

A Lunar Rainbow - A Wonderful Sight Not To Be Missed.....

The lunar rainbow occurs for three days in each month from January to September. The lunar happens when the water levels in the Zambezi River are high enough to cause heavy spray to blend adequately with the moon rays. 

Read full details on Lunar Rainbow with dates of the next ones.... 

6th May 2009

The Story of DAMIANO - A domesticated Elephant released back into the wild

Read full details on Damiano here....

27th APRIL 2009

DESTINATION UPDATE

Japan lifts travel ban - Vic Falls leads the way

 Vic Falls holds on to cholera-clear status

 Air Zim safety record soars

 Read full details on the Victoria Falls destination update here...

25th April 2009

The Victoria Falls Marathon

Victoria Falls Marathon is a high profile international marathon and half marathon taking place on the 23rd August 2009.  This event is said to be one of the most thrilling races on the continent

Read full details on the Victoria falls marathon here..

25th March 2009

Tourism should commit to sustainable use of wildlife in run-up to 2010 World Cup

Victoria Falls Reporter

The tourism industry should commit itself to the sustainable use of wildlife and animals in the run-up to the 2010 World Cup showcase, the managing director of Shearwater Adventures, Mrs Barbara Murasiranwa, has said.
Speaking at the launch of the company's 'Go green' campaign in the resort, she said:
“We are positioning ourselves for 2010 at the same time trying to bring back the green in our game reserve. Some of the green had been taken away by our wild animals and it's just good to plant more trees so that the reserve is always attractive both to the tourists and the animals. It's all in the name of reassuring the next generation of animals and humans of trees.”

More than 76 agents from tourism companies in Victoria Falls took part in the launch with each planting a tree at Shearwater's Victoria Falls private game reserve.

The campaign is aimed at advocating for the sustainable use of wildlife in tourism and acknowledges its contribution to economic growth.
The launch comes in the wake of increased poaching of wood, sand and animals resulting in soil erosion, formation of gulleys and extinction of wild animals.

Elephants that are a common sight to tourists doing game drives brought down most of the trees in the reserve.
The reserve is home to an array of wild animals that include the rhino, buffalo, lion and cheetah.

Victoria Falls News Updates 19th March 2009

Today’s birthday celebrity is the famous Scottish explorer David Livingstone (1813 – 1873)

He spent years wandering around Africa searching for the source of the Nile which sadly he didn’t find. He did however find the “Victoria Falls”, and was found by Stanley who greeted him with the immortal words, “Doctor Livingstone, I presume.” Well spotted, Stanley! I don’t think he got out a lot!

Victoria Falls News Updates 25 Feb 2009

About the Shearwater Lions

Shearwater started operating lion walks at Victoria Falls in September 2005. The well being of the lions in our care is a primary concern of the Shearwater team.

In recent times there has been considerable discussion and debate regarding the use of lions in the tourism industry and in particular relating to the canned hunting industry. In view of this Shearwater would like to make their position clear to our valued agents and clients.

Read more about shearwater lions

Victoria Falls News Updates 22 Feb 2009

No Cholera in Victoria Falls

The cholera situation in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe, remains unchanged, with no cases reported to date.

The WHO Zimbabwe daily cholera update of 27 January 2009 indicates that while cases have been reported in Lupane and Binga, the Victoria Falls district remains clear so far. This status has given the Victoria Falls community the opportunity to heighten the district’s awareness and readiness to prevent and treat the disease should it occur.

In mid-January a team led by Dr Mutasa of the Victoria Falls Hospital undertook a round trip within the district, visiting 14 points and satellite health centers, with the aim of assessing the knowledge of clinic staff and building awareness capacity. Dr Mutasa described the trip as very productive and adds, “We generally noted a fair level of knowledge by all the clinics on cholera. By the end of our visit they were able to describe what cholera is, how it presents, how to prevent it and treat it”. At each of these stops, the team left educational materials for display and distribution, as well as intravenous fluids should they encounter a case.

Meanwhile, various Gotovictoriafalls Champions are weighing in to support the cause. The Africa Albida Tourism (AAT)Group, which runs the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Lokuthula Lodges and The Boma continues to contribute towards the purchase of water purification chemicals, and is providing accommodation for the medical officer leading the cholera efforts.

Other champions who have chipped in include tour operator A&K, Mapopoma Cruises and Wilderness Safaris.

From GoToVictoriaFalls

Victoria Falls News 22 January 2009

Fund raising for Hwange Conservation Society

World-renowned wildlife artist Larry Norton has teamed up with the Hwange Conservation Society to raise money for Hwange National Park in Zimbabwe. The park is desperately struggling as a result of the political and economic chaos in the country.

Between now and March 2009 Larry is offering prints and inviting bids on some original oil paintings. Ten percent of the proceeds from this appeal will go directly to the Society.

Please click this link for more details and to view a brochure of all the wildlife paintings and drawing available.

Please also view these websites www.larrynorton.co.za and www.hwangecons.org.uk

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