Rockknocker

We have just returned from 10 days in Victoria Falls (early December). I was amazed how tourism there is directed to the adrenaline junkies to quite such an extent - jumping off bridges, swinging over gorges, falling out of rafts. Second in the propaganda list in 'riding on'/'walking with' what should be wind animals. This is a very suspect practice (see this topic on Fodor's Zimbabwe forum). Why do you come to Africa and more pertinently, to a place with REAL wildlife and a lot of pristine nature, to focus on these artificial things? [Quiet old man; it is a matter of taste; everyone is entitled to their own preferences].

We wanted to focus on bird-watching and nature in general, birding being a small passion. Victoria Falls should have been a Mecca. But could we find birding trips? It took us 5 days. Then we found Charles Brightman (http://www.victoriafalls-guide.net/g...c-safaris.html) - his contact details are on that link. Charles is a professional wildlife guide which means that he is licensed to take you on walks (with rifle!) in the Zambesi National Park - a true 'African' experience that makes a jeep trip seem as real as a visit to Disney World. He will show you bugs and tracks and leaves and poops and make nature come alive. Not only is he a way above-average birder, but he also runs photographic safaris.

We could not afford the cost of a birding trip. Charles providing huge value for our pension dollar. Not only that, but he is prompt and reliable. He is also the driving force behind the Victoria Falls Anti Poaching Unit, and has volunteered his services to the protection of wildlife around Victoria Falls for many years, threats notwithstanding.

The whole experience is laid-back. Charles is no greenie evangelist nor an intense birder excluding all else. So those birders who cannot shell out for a multi-thousand $ trip, or that family that wants more of Africa than just flinging themselves off a bridge, this could well be the answer. Charles' Cell No: +263 11209144; email [email protected].

For more on birding in Vic Falls, see http://wiki.sabirding.co.za/Portal.a...ookieSupport=1

atravelynn

This does seem a bit advertisy, but your ad speaks directly to me and my preferences. I'm saving this and hope some day I can put it to use.

So thanks for not being "quiet, Old Man," and sharing what you found.

atravelynn

"Bugs and tracks and leaves and poops" is certainly what I prefer and I share the sentiment with "that family that wants more of Africa than just flinging themselves off a bridge."

Please share more of your 10 day trip and please recount it in your captivating, humorous style.

Rockknocker

Indeed, atravelynn, it is 'advetisy' exactly because I wanted to get the message across to those birders/nature-lovers who found it quite as difficult as I had to 1) find this sort of service and 2) to get it at a cost that represents value-for-money.

When you go onto the streets of Victoria Falls and say you want a nature of a birding trip that doesn't involve hundreds of $$ and sitting on elephants, one get's told "Sure, I can do that; any Vic Falls guide can do that". So I developed a test and asked what the difference was between Bradfield's and Red-billed hornbills. Reality was soon made evident.

Keep well

Many thanks for your compliment on style. I will put together a trip report when the tasks (chores) allow.

Rockknocker

.... and duck your head because here come another advertisy bit. I have started to record this southern African trip on pedro-in-spain.blogspot.com. I need criticism or feedback .... badly, to see if is is worth my while to continue.

atravelynn

The old Bradfield's vs. Red-billed hornbill test, eh? You are the clever one.

I'll be checking the blog tomorrow if the local blizzard does not disrupt the power.

jczinn

I for one am greatly enjoying your blog, and look forward to more installments! Quite humorous but also with a unique perspective. Plus, we also birded our way through Dullstroom and Kruger and so its bringing back memories. It was the "birding" in the title of this post that caught my eye--as we didn't visit Victoria falls, but I am always eager to read of others birding experiences and recommendations.

atravelynn

(4 inches of snow and electricity still flows)

What a poignant account of the sad start to your trip.

The detailed description of your battle with melted cheese was especially intriguing to me because I live in the “Dairy State” in the US.

I have never seen lilac breasted rollers described as wet toilet brushes. I’ll never look at that handsome bird in quite the same way again, especially in the “emerald season.”

Thank you for teaching me a new translation of dagga. The photo along with your description of the dagga boy makes me cringe. Those are some tough critters.

You guys have had a great trip so far. Looking forward to more.

peterlee

Dear Rockknocker, your trip to Victoria falls seems more adventures. As you mentioned above the tourism is well directed over there. I had studied about tourism in Victoria and I am pretty amazed by knowing that how small things become popular out there.