Mozambique 3 copyright

                           Local And Natural…

Mozambique 4 copyright

                                                           Feel At Home…

Colourful Life In The Natural Surroundings… 

Mozambique 5 copyright

                                          Come Live Your Dream…

Giraffe at Mbiza

Beauty Without Borders… 

The Hide – Award Winner of the “Best Safari Camp” for 2011 by AZTA

The Hide 22 Seater Dinning Table

The Hide Sable 22 ©Sue Flood

camp + . . . → Read More: Plains of Africa Safaris Featured ‘Camp of The Month’]]>  

Find Your “Self” In Africa…

Giraffe at Mbiza

 

The Hide 22 Seater Dinning Table

The Hide Sable 22 ©Sue Flood

 

                                                               

                                    Passionate About Nature… 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

  

 

Live The Wildlife…

 

camp + waterhole

 

 

To include this Classic Camp in your safari itinerary Click Here!

Plains of Africa Safaris shares the best competative ‘Safari Rates’ available with no hidden extras!

Joy's Camp - Photo Copyright

Loisaba - Breakfast - Photo copyright

View From Male Hill, Tsodil Hills World Heritage Site, Photo copyright julieannedwards.com 2012

Day 1 & 2 Transfer by road from Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) for 2 nights.

Includes: Road transfer from Vic Falls Airport | All meals | A tour of the Falls | A village tour | Selected drinks on . . . → Read More: 3 Countries Safari / 6 Nights, Zimbabwe | Botswana | Namibia – Safari Package]]>  

I. Island Photo Copyright 2012

Safari Package: 3 Countries Safari / 6 Nights,

 Zimbabwe | Botswana | Namibia

Day 1 & 2
Transfer by road from Victoria Falls Airport to Victoria Falls (Zimbabwe) for 2 nights.

Includes: Road transfer from Vic Falls Airport | All meals | A tour of the Falls | A village tour | Selected drinks on activities

Day 3 & 4
Transfer by road to Kazangula Border, this is where the four countries meet. Once you have cleared customs, you will be met for your road transfer to Lodge (Botswana), for 2 nights.

Includes: All meals, tea/coffee & snacks | Transfers to/from the border posts | 2 Activities per day i.e. morning boat cruise & afternoon game drive in Chobe National Park | Drinks on Activities | Laundry

Day 5 & 6
Transfer by road to Kasane Immigration for your boat transfer to Island Lodge (Namibia), for 2 nights. En-route you will clear Namibian Immigration formalities on Island.

Includes: All meals | teas/coffee & snacks | transfers to/from Kasane Immigration | 1 x Chobe river cruise, which can be taken on either day | A choice of 1 activity per day from the following: Zambezi Sunset Cruise, Guided Walk, Cultural Tour or Fishing (fly fishing equipment not included) | Park Fees | Drinks on activities | Laundry

Day 7
Transfer by light aircraft to Victoria Falls airport for onward flight – where possible this will include a Flight of Angels over the Victoria Falls.

WHAT DOES IT COST?

SAFARI PACKAGED RATE:
Package Rate High Season, Room Basis Per Person
Low season:

High Season: 01 May 2012 to 31 October 2012
Low Season: 01 November 2012 to 30 April 2013

Excluded:

• Return flights to Zimbabwe
• Drinks other than specified
• Items of a personal nature
• All Airport Departure Taxes
• Visa Fees and travel insurance

Terms & Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Based on a minimum of 2 people
• 30% Single Supplement applies in High Season

Contact Plains Of Africa Safaris ”Safari Package: 3 Countries Safari / 6 Nights,  Zimbabwe | Botswana | Namibia For Further Information!

“A once in a lifetime opportunity, to travel an age-old route across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, but this time by private plane… Imagine – a flying safari from the Pyramids at Giza, to the Gorillas in Rwanda, over Victoria Falls, all the way to the Southern tip of this breathtaking continent, with . . . → Read More: African Skies – A Flying Safari Across Africa]]>

“A once in a lifetime opportunity, to travel an age-old route across Africa from Cairo to Cape Town, but this time by private plane… Imagine – a flying safari from the Pyramids at Giza, to the Gorillas in Rwanda, over Victoria Falls, all the way to the Southern tip of this breathtaking continent, with everything in between. The journey begins in Cairo, and after visiting 17 of Africa’s most fascinating and memorable spots, it ends in Cape Town.  Even the aircraft is an experience in itself – a beautiful new, luxuriously-fitted, private Cessna Caravan.  Soar across Africa’s most stunning landscapes, viewing wildlife, enchanting villages and vast expanses of savannah, lakes, rivers, forest, mountain and desert. As one of nine high flying explorers, prepare to encounter Africa on the wing from Cairo to Cape Town over 30 days.” Dates: 21st May – 18th June 2012

KayaMawa45 Photo Copyright 2012

Cost: Contact Plains of Africa Safaris For Further Details

A % of  profit on all safaris booked thru Plains of Africa go directly to Hokoyo Wildlife Foundation for Rhino Conservation!   

Ichwe River, Botswana photo copyright . . . → Read More: Birding Safaris – Botswana]]> A recent Birding field trip exploring bush areas in Northern Eastern Botswana adjacent to the Zimbabwe border turned out to be a very rewarding experience!  In late December early January, I visited an area along the Inchwe River, which, incidently is dry for most of the year until the first rains arrive when it springs to life flooding the parched sandy riverbed. 

Ichwe River, Botswana photo copyright www.julieannedwards.com 2012

Traversing 25 acres of predominatly riverine habitat I was able to find over 70 species of birds.  My field observations undertaken over intervals of two hours at dawn, an hour over mid day and two hours at dusk, for a period of 8 days.  I quietly explored neiche habitats to find out what literally turned up!  The habitats studied included, mopane, acacia, combretum and then riverine, with the waterberry’s/ jesse/acacia species etc.  According to “Roberts Multimedia Bird of Southern Africa”,  this area in the height of summer has over 300 species of birds to be sighted. 

 An interesting find one morning whilst in the riverine habitat was sighting 6 Amur Falcons perched on a dead tree.  Two flew down on to the moist exposed sand in the riverbed to feed on something.  “Roberts Birds of Southern Africa” mentions, that they feed mainly on insects.  What was exciting to learn about these birds being summer visitors to Southern Africa, is their interesting distribution and migration pattern.  According to “Roberts”, they are Paleartic non breeding migrants arriving in Southern Africa between November to March. Amur Falcons ”Breed in Eastern Siberia, Manchuria and China; migrate to Southern Africa via India, East Africa and possibly the Indian Ocean.  Recent reports in  the www.africanraptors.org site mentions. ” the first satellite tracking data for 7 tracked Amur Falcons”.  The research revealed that they have the “longest raptor migrations, flying a distance 2,500 to 3,100km over the sea in spring and do this by flying non-stop for between 2 and 3 days”!

Roberts Multi Media, Scientific Explained:  ”amurensis: Latin, from Amurland, the drainage area of the River Amur on the border between China and Russia. falco: Late Latin, a falcon (possibly from falx, a sickle, referring to the curved bill).”

 www.avibird.com  Conservation Status:  “This species has a large range, with an estimated global Extent of Occurrence of 1,000,000-10,000,000 km2. It has a large global population estimated to be 100,000-1,000,000 individuals (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001). Global population trends have not been quantified, but populations appear to be stable (Ferguson-Lees et al. 2001) so the species is not believed to approach the thresholds for the population decline criterion of the IUCN Red List (i.e. declining more than 30% in ten years or three generations).  For these reasons, the species is evaluated as Least Concern.”

 Contact me directly should you wish to do a birding field trip, Africa has  great birding “Hotspots!”, to add to your life list!

As a 4×4 safari enthusiast,  I have experience with a wide selection of 4×4′s over the years including the old series 1, 2, 3, Discovery 110 & Discovery 2 Land Rovers.  In 1989, donating two Land Rover 110 to “Operation Stronghold”, “Ride For The Rhino Campaign”, as a result of cycling from Glasgow to Zimbabwe for “Save The . . . → Read More: Land Rover – Experience 4×4]]>

Julie Anne Edwards 2011

As a 4×4 safari enthusiast,  I have experience with a wide selection of 4×4′s over the years including the old series 1, 2, 3, Discovery 110 & Discovery 2 Land Rovers.  In 1989, donating two Land Rover 110 to “Operation Stronghold”, “Ride For The Rhino Campaign”, as a result of cycling from Glasgow to Zimbabwe for “Save The Rhino” in 1987/88! 

This year,2011,  I was recently a guest of Land Rover at their 4×4 field day.  These courses provide familiarisation of Land Rovers to their owners in order to obtain the best out of their 4×4,  build confidence for novice drivers in handeling their 4×4′s correctly in rugged conditions, and, understanding their vehicles capability and strength. 

A wide selection of the very latest Land Rovers were tackling various obstacles.

The day began with a light breakfast followed by lectures in their main centre and then a number of hours in the field followed by late luncheon at the main HQ. The setting overlooked a gorgeous valley covered in indigenous trees!  Thanks to Kevin Davis and his team for an interesting day.

Off road technology is now well advanced as these modern vehicles tackle any terrain with almost no strain whats so ever! Subjects covered included:

• Hill Decent
• Air Suspension
• Differentials Locking
• Tracking Control
• High & Low Range
• Terrain Responce
• 4×4 Information Display
• Dynamic Stability Control
• 4×4 Driving
• Front, Centre & Rear Differentiation
• Power Distribution

The Land Rover Experience covers all the main aspects of 4×4 driving.  How to tackle the various obstacles i.e. hill decents, climbing hills, ditches, decending hills, traversing slopes, crossing deep water and most importantly respecting our fragile earth/environment.

Good off road driving means getting from A to B without damage to:-

1. People
2. The Environment
3. The Vehicle

To achieve this, always :-

• Be observant, i.e look
• Assess before driving, i.e. assess risk
• Drive slowly as possible

This also minimizes damage to your vehicle over hectic terrain!

Terrain with Angles: 90 degree approx.
Driving Land Rover Discovery 2. Procedure here was:

1.  Engage 4×4 low range prior to advancing in this particular vehicle.
2. Always have seat belts on and window up with no more than fist open.
3. Sit straight in your seat and do not lean down the side – follow track!  

90 degree angles with sharp dips – some wheels left ground – travel slow – 4×4 low range 1st gear, slow revs. This vehicle went very well up an exceptionally steep hill with a steady pace of no more than 2000 revs over rocky slippery hill and no problem at all – engine very powerful.

Prior to entering water – asess situation, depth and turf. Water Lilly’s usually give you a clue as to depth, but preferably walk through the water prior to driving and  watch out for crocodiles!

Maintain steady revs – keep wave of water ahead of you, steady foot on exhilorater! Steady careful pace.

Exit safely over serious rocky area – keeping wheels to high points and maintain consistency on pedal.

Land Rover Discovery 2 is very comfortable ride compared to the old 4x4s-  so this is a new experience!  It traversed up serious steep hills no problem – the engine is extremely powerful, with added luxury of inside cab provides a safer comfortable ride for both driver  and passengers on long hauls.  Each seat has its own air conditioning controls – doors are steel and heavy and windows have smash an grab coatings on all windows which are slightly tinted!

Way to go Land Rover…

Burchell's Zebra - Photo Copyright Leroo_La_Tau, D&D, Botswana . . . → Read More: Safari Zebra, Patterns in the Grass…]]> “Patterns in the Grass” a Film by Derek and Beverley Jourbert

“Zebra numbers are dwindling and their plight is serious.
In 1981 nearly 45, 000 Zebras left their tracks on the grassland and thru the forests along this route.
10 years later, in April 1991, only some 7000 made that journey”

Burchell's Zebra - Photo Copyright Leroo_La_Tau, D&D, Botswana - 2012

African Species
(Source: Estes Behaviour Guide to African Mammals)
Equus burchelli, plains or Burchell’s Zebra
Equus zebra,mountain zebra
Equus grevyi,Grevy zebra
Equus africanus, wild ass

Important Zebra Migration Hot Spots!
Serengeti Migration - the largest migration in Africa – Serengeti National Park, Northern Tanzania
The Makgadikgadi - the world’s second largest zebra migration – Magadigadi National Park, Botswana

Most Threatened!
Grevy’s Zebra – ‘This animal is confined to northern Kenya and parts of Ethiopia. Its numbers have greatly declined in unprotected areas, and it is now globally threatened. In 1977, the Grevy population was 81 residing on Lewa Downs Conservancy. Today there are about 800, representing about 25% of the world’s population – one of only three groups in protected areas, and the only one managed privately. Lewa has been an important refuge for elephants.’ (Source: “Lewa.org”)

Grevy Zebra on Camel Safari, photo copyright Lewa Safari Camp 2011