Reflecting On A Transformative Year
When we sat down to write this edition of the Wild Times, we had to stop and double-check that it really is April already! The year seems to be flying by, yet so much has happened in the space of three months. In addition to Travel Updates, this newsletter is also going to cover:
Before we dive in, we would like to share some exciting news regarding vaccinations for Zimbabwe’s Tourism Sector.
Zimbabwe’s Tourism Sector Receives the Vaccines
The rolling out of vaccines to Zimbabwe’s tourism sector is a defining moment for the industry and for our Wild Horizons Team. It is a turning point for Victoria Falls, signaling the beginning to the end of the coronavirus pandemic.
“We are doing everything in our power to create a safe environment for our guests and employees so we can share and travel the world confidently and safely”, says the Wild Horizons Health & Safety Officer, Leandrah Muza. “As a nation, we need to be proactive in the fight against COVID-19.”
This is an important step on the road to recovery. Adventures are on our horizons and hope is in our hearts as we stand together to overcome the pandemic.
In Partnership With Nature
Operating in such beautiful environments comes with the responsibility to protect our natural resources, enhance conservation efforts and pioneer a greener way to travel.
Our lodges are built and managed in the most eco-friendly way possible, and our activities emphasise the stunning landscapes around us while treading lightly upon them.
While our dedication to sustainable travel is clear to see in the way we operate, there is also important work happening behind the scenes to preserve the wild spaces that we, and our guests, love. One such initiative is our indigenous tree-planting program.
To rehabilitate areas that were once denuded of trees by uncontrolled harvesting, indigenous trees are planted in a nursery at The Elephant Camp, and when well enough established, transferred to sites in need of rehabilitation.
Trees Planted Since 2019
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has”.
When considering the impact of climate change on a global scale, it is easy to fall into a ‘drop-in-the-ocean’ way of thinking. But research and experience have taught us that we do have the power to make a difference. The Guardian article, ‘Tree Planting has Mind-Blowing Potential to Tackle Climate Crisis’, highlights the enormous potential that a simple tree-planting strategy could have for our planet.
“New research estimates that a worldwide planting programme could remove two-thirds of all the emissions that have been pumped into the atmosphere by human activities, a figure the scientists describe as “mind-blowing”.
When we plant trees from our nursery, we do so knowing that we may never sit in their shade or see their beautiful green leaves against a blue sky. But there is enough reward in the feel of soil between our palms, the botanical scent in our lungs, and in the knowledge that together, we will make a difference.
Ross’s Turaco
Location: Zambezi National Park, Victoria Falls
Photographer: Charles Brightman
of Discover Victoria Falls.
Intelligent Elephant
Location: Old Drift Lodge, Victoria Falls
Photographer: Vusa Sibanda
Elephant are incredibly intelligent animals
After investigating the tap for a while, this bull managed to work out how to turn it on and off. After several attempts, he earned a trunkful of freshwater.
We are so privileged to spend time surrounded by incredible wildlife and wilderness at Old Drift Lodge.
Follow the links below to discover more about Old Drift Lodge.
This month we are shining a spotlight on the accommodation and activities that give back to community and conservation.
1). Get Close to Nature On A Bird Watching Safari
After the amazing Ross’s Turaco sighting, it seemed only fitting that our top wildlife activity for April is the Bird Watching Safari. The Safari combines walking and driving to cover as much ground as possible while seeking out different species and habitats. This is an intimate way to connect with nature, exercising all your senses to appreciate life on a smaller scale.
Over 415 species of birds have been recorded in the diverse habitats in and around Victoria Falls. Get in touch to book your safari today.
Pay It Forward: Enrich Your Journey & Empower The Community
Victoria Falls will give you life-changing experiences, staggering views and lifelong memories. When you travel with Wild Horizons, you have the opportunity to give something back to the local community in our special town.
Our Pay It Forward Initiative inspires positive action and allows guests to enrich their journey while making a positive impact.
- From a list of registered charitable organizations, guests will select a cause they would like to support.
- Armed with a list of ‘wishes’, the guests will be transported by a driver to various markets in the area. As they explore the stalls and meet the vendors, they will gather the items on the list and connect with local people, discover hidden gems in the less-visited parts of town, and immerse themselves in a different style of grocery shopping.
- Guests will then visit their selected organization to deliver the goods and meet the people they would have helped.
This experience digs beneath Victoria Falls’ surface to give guests a unique insight into the town while empowering those in need. When we travel with purpose, we can make a meaningful difference to our lives and the local communities’ lives.
Guests will take unforgettable memories home with them, while also leaving something good behind.
Hospitality With Heart at The Elephant Camp
We chose The Elephant Camp as our top lodge pick this month because it is located on the Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary, adjacent to our indigenous tree nursery.
Resting lightly on 4500 acres of private wilderness, The Elephant Camp has always been synonymous with exclusive experiences. Mindful of the challenges of a transformative year, The Elephant Camp West epitomises the future of safaris under canvas, offering guests a sanctuary that harnesses the healing power of nature.
The Wild Horizons Wildlife Sanctuary is accessible only to our guests, giving travellers a secluded space to reconnect with nature in the company of their loved ones. The Elephant Camp West caters exclusively to groups of friends and families with a secluded main area, dedicated guide, chef, host and private game vehicle.
Discover more on our blog or visit the website to start exploring this intimate and exclusive lodge.
Discover More About The Bird Watching Safari
Discover More About Our Pay It Forward Initiative
Discover More About The Elephant Camp
Travel Requirements for Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana
As more people receive the vaccine, the world is moving from dreaming to the planning phase of their next safari adventure. Our travel requirements blog post has all the need-to-know information for visiting Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana. And the Wild Horizons Team is always ready to assist in planning your holiday-of-a-lifetime.
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