It was not only arriving in the Lower Zambezi National Park that threw  me, it was the leaving. I didn’t want to leave – I didn’t want to leave the magnificent banks of the Zambezi – I didn’t want to leave the parks vast open tracks of land – I didn’t want to leave the environment with which I  was becoming one – I didn’t want to leave my new found paradise. Canoeing down one of the numerous inlets into the mighty Zambezi which gives life to all it traverses, my son in law aptly said to me, “we have discovered Africa’s Eden.” Never has a truer word been said.

Having experienced three of the recommended camps in the area one came away with full marks for all of them.

Chiawa was the first camp we arrived at, having flown in by single engine aircraft from Lusaka to Royal Airstrip – then land safari to the rivers edge followed by boat to our camp. After our warm welcome from management, rangers and staff the first thing that strikes one is that the game came first wherever they were.
All three camps give way to elephants, buffalo and hippo who wander freely wherever they please, but all the time both animals and humans are being constantly observed by rangers and staff and at  no time did one feel intimidated or threatened by their presence. Often we were prevented from entering or exiting from our tents and had to be taken and collected by vehicle - but that all added to the thrill of Africa!

For me, being in Chiawa felt like being in an “Out of Africa” scene. A dream come true! Well nearly! Luxury tents with open to the elements en suite bathrooms, the epitome of comfort  but oh so simplistic and African. And a rustic pool to cool you off!
The smoothness and ease whereby everything and everyone mixed and mingled was entirely due to the efficiency of the staff. Situated on the great Zambezi Chiawa and Sausage Tree Camp offered game drives, river cruises which incorporates as much wild life as one sees on land, excellent tiger fishing, canoeing, walking and observing. There is something for everyone and more!

Sausage Tree Camp, down river from Chiawa, can be reached either by canoe or by river boat, both of which are spectacular. The same in comfort but with a more colonial style Sausage Tree is set deep in lush forests with palm trees which creates a more tropical feel. Excellent cuisine, a beautiful pool and awesome views of the Zambezi gives this camp more than its fair share of charm and seduction.

And then on down the river to Old Mondoro. Wow, now we are really in a bush camp. Taking only 8 guests, with no electricity, hot water brought to you on request and sleeping in open reed bungalows no one could be closer to nature – unbelievable. And once again five metres from the life blood of the wilds – the Zambezi River. Walking with and observing the elephants and buffalo herds more than makes up for the lack of a swimming facilities.

The game and their behavioural patterns are somewhat different to those in South Africa, due to being on the river and poaching. Bird life is  in abundance and different vegetation makes this part of Africa a must for anyone who is looking for comfort, adventure and an ongoing relationship with the mighty, magnificent, magical Zambezi.Š

The Kruger National Park can be expensive to visit, but a scheduled tour can be an easy and affordable way to travel. Matt Bourne and his friends took a 3 day tour with us to the Kruger and had a fantastic time. His feedback is below:

We had a fantastic three days.  The Airport Grand hotel was very good, and we were picked up promptly after breakfast arriving at Phulamani lodge for lunch.

The lodge was brilliant:  top class accommodation, excellent views and friendly staff. The safaris were superb, we got to see elephants, giraffes, leopards,rhino, buffalo and hippos in their natural environment.  The safari guides were very knowledgeable and it was a great learning experience.  The view from God’s window on the way back to the airport was breathtaking.

This was our first visit to South Africa and  we would definitely recommend this trip to others.
Matt Bourne

We took at trip to Durban last week to visit the new and popular Ushaka Marine World. This is a park that, according to its website, offers fun for the whole family with dolphin and seal shows, a massive aquarium and wet and wild.

Now if someone is charging upwards of R100 for a wet and wild pass, you expect something fun and fancy, something with water slides and pools and wave machines. Not at Ushaka, the Wet and Wild there consists of a long river around the complex and a tube to sit in. I am sorry, but with the sea close by, there is a lot more fun to be had in the waves for free.

The dolphin show was nice and the kids enjoyed it. It wasn’t spectacular and the audience interaction wasn’t great except for one man who was invited to touch a dolphin. But a pleasant way to spend half an hour - and the kids were impressed.

The aquarium itself is massive and some of it very impressive. Built in an old ship, you walk around in the hull watching the fish. We watched them feeding the sting rays and thought immediately went to Steve Irwin. We didn’t have time to watch the shark feed, but that sounded fun.

But all in all I think this is a completely over priced adventure. You get a very similar aquarium in Cape Town (without the tubing and dolphin show) as well which I feel is better value for money.