Posted Aug 31, 2009
This newsletter has been long over due. The past few months we have had guests from all over the world but I think what has been particularly special for us the fact we have had repeat visitors who came on safari with us some years back.
It was lovely to have Jane Turner from America come back with a group of American farmers. Jane has been out of the tourist game for the past few years as she was looking after her elderly parents but she always promised me that when she could her first holiday she could come away on would be in Africa. So Jane brought a group of friends and they visited the Wildebeeste migration in Tanzania and were fortunate enough to see wildebeeste calving down and then they joined us in Zambia for a farm tour and safari.
UK farmers visiting Zambian Sugar
David & Lorna Richardson from the UK and Peter Jones from Wales also came back for a visit with a group of UK farmers. They were last with us 12 years ago when we were living in Zimbabwe. David who is a journalist for the UK farmer’s weekly was particularly interested in British Sugar’s investment in Zambian sugar. There was a good debate between the Zambian Sugar and UK farmers about the fact we are getting better price for our sugar exported to Europe than the UK farmers are getting for their sugarbeet. On the other foot America can land wheat in Zambia cheaper than we can produce it. So much for fair trade !!!
FARMING NEWS IN ZAMBIA
With the current global topic of World Food Shortage, there has been much interest in Zambia by foreign investors from all over the world to buy farms within Zambia to increase food production. 
Zambia has created interest due to the fact
• It is one of the most political stable countries in Africa
• Reliable rainfall and excellent growing conditions for crops.
• Land is not an issue in Zambia and the country with a population of only 11 million is very under populated in comparison to other countries in Africa. Zambia could become the “Bread Basket” of Africa .
Zambian Sugar which is jointly owned by British Sugar has asked farmers to increase their crops as Zambian Sugar wishes to double production. This has been another attraction for foreign investors with the sugar price at an all time high.
SAFARI NEWS
Jackie Peel visits Norman Carr’s camps
At the end of July we had the opportunity to spend a few days in the South Luangwa National Park so flew to Mfuwe where we were met by friendly staff from Norman Carr Safaris who drove us to Kapani lodge, a luxury 10 roomed, permanent safari lodge. The lodge is situated on the banks of one of the Luangwa River's many ox-bow lagoons, which is haven for wildlife as the water recedes, providing grazing. We set off for a night drive in the Mfuwe area with one of the very competent guides and were lucky to see a leopard lying next to a large puku she had killed earlier that day. With a bloated tummy she didn’t seem to mind us. Not far away were several hyenas.
The late Norman Carr started the first safari company in the Luangwa Valley over 50 years ago, and the first walking safaris. There are 4 bush camps so the next morning we set for the remote camps, Nsolo and Luwi, which are about an hours’ drive. These camps are only open during the dry season from June until the end of October. Nsolo is situated overlooking the dry sand Luwi river, and has 4 luxury chalets on raised wooden decks with thatched roofs, and private verandas. Some guests walk to Luwi from Nsolo.
We stayed at Luwi, which is situated deep in the heart of the National Park and is nestled under huge mahogany trees on the banks of a permanent lagoon. It has four grass and thatch huts built among and into the trees. There is a thatch area over the bar area, but the dining and sitting areas are either under the shade of the trees during the day or under the stars at night.
This is lion country but the only evidence we saw were the cushions off the chairs that were mauled the night before our arrival … and a trail of foam rubber into the river bed! The lagoon was teeming with hippo and crocodile which we watched out of sight, in the hide. Things become more exciting as the water holes dry up and animals from far and wide compete at this lagoon.
When you are on foot in the bush you become a part of it, hearing, smelling and seeing so much more. To ensure your safety there is an armed escort scout as well as the professional safari guide (and the bearer of the tea!) We saw crocodile spoor, luckily not the croc itself, far from water as it made its way to a lagoon. While trying to identify some birds we spotted a monitor lizard, sunning itself 10m up in a tree! We were getting hot and tired, but following elephant tracks and a rustling of bushes when we walked into a surprise champagne breakfast overlooking a marshy area, full of birds, puku and warthog.
There is so much to see so, with a bit of luck, I will be going back soon!
Daphne’s recent visit to lodges in Livingstone
There is such a wide choice of accommodation when you stay in Livingstone but I definitely recommend that clients choose one of the smaller more personalized lodges which are built on the banks of the Zambezi River. I have recently been up in Livingstone with different clients and groups and stayed at both Sussi Lodge and River Club and Idefinitely recommend them both.
Sussi Lodge
Sussi Lodge is an intimate & secluded lodge built on the banks of the Zambezi River within the Mosi O Tunya National Park. This tastefully built lodge accommodates guests in 12 luxury thatched tree houses which are built amongst the riverine vegetation on the edge of the river.
The management was excellent as usual and our clients very impressed with the food. Not only does Sussi include the usual river cruises, tour of the Falls but guests can partake in game drives within the Mosi O Tunya National Park. The lodge also offers a great spar. This park is one of the smallest parks in Zambia and andalthough no cats are present in the park, two wild dog which swam across from Zimbabwe have recently made this park their home. In addition there are 5 white rhino in the park.
Elephant crossing the Zambezi River in front of River Club
The River Club was a former homestead which has been turned into a very upmarket lodge. It is owned and run by Peter Jones, who was born in Zambia but spent some time in the British Army. Peter has an incredible knowledge of the history of the area. Guests are treated here as friends and River Club can boast of having many repeat clients. It’s a great place to go and relax after a hectic safari. There is a spar, croquet pitch, snooker room and they are in the process of building a tennis court. You are accommodated in very comfortable thatched chalets on the edge of the river. As the Zambezi National Park on the Zimbabwe side of the river is just opposite its not uncommon to see elephant swimming across to the islands in front of the lodge. Activities they include are river cruises, fishing, tour of the Falls, and visits to an African village.
Oxford & Cambridge rowing race on the Zambezi River
Rowing. It is a little know fact that the Zambezi Boat Club, founded in 1905, hosted the World Professional Sculling Championships in 1910.
The River Club with Primary Sponsorship UK, has brought Men’s and Ladies crews from Oxford, Cambridge, South African Universities, Brown Alumni and foreign teams to compete 3 times on the river on the 1910 course. Thus far 6 Olympic gold medalist and 4 silver medalists from Athens, Sydney and Beijing games have completed on the Zambezi River. Next year Peter Jones and River Club plans to arrange another rowing race on the Zambezi River. Peter is also in the process of building a cricket pitch so who knows there might be some future international Cricket matches too!!!!
Take care
Ian & Daphne Lindsay and the Zamag Team
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