phernska

Just returned from two weeks in Zimbabwe (Hwange and Mana Pools) and Botswana (Selinda and Okavango Delta). Had a fantastic time on my first truly solo safari.

Before I left I read the discussions and disappointments about Zib's anticipated upgrade. Having never been there before, I have no basis in comparison. However, I do want to let all the Zib lovers know that the managers intimated that Zib will have a new name in the not too distant future. I don't know what it will be, but recall that one of the reasons is that the owners think that Zibadianja is too difficult to pronounce.

I don't have the time, energy or attention to detail to write a trip report, but would be happy to answer any questions via email.

HariS

Maybe this doesn't warrant an email to a stranger ...... but, any news about the Lions? The 7 cubs from the pride of 3 lionesses? Did you see them?

Good for Zibadianja and wish them all the best!

atravelynn

Your itinerary was fantastic!

In addition to the potential name change, do you have any wildlife comments from Zib?

Welcome home.

matnikstym

When you get some energy, can you tell me how Hwange was in June?
Thanks

phernska

The 4 days in Selinda were pretty quiet, game-wise. Did not see any lions. Did see a pack of wild dogs on my last morning there, which was very exciting for me as I've never seen them before. The landscape was gorgeous--very green and lush.

I thoroughly enjoyed my time in Hwange, mostly because I was the only guest at Little Makalolo for my 3 day stay...Lots of elephants, sable, a couple of lions. It was very cold at night and in the morning. Guiding (Lawrence) was superb.

HariS

Thanks, for the info ..... glad you saw the dogs!

lbj

Little Mak is awesome as is Lawrence. Whilst Botswana has the reputation, the guiding standards cannot compete with Zim........

Glad you had a great trip, Mak is one of my favourite locations in Africa.

phernska

lbj,

couldn't agree more about the Zim guides. Everyone else paled in comparison. Lawrence was a hard act to follow...I begged him to come to Mana Pools with me! But, the guides there were also outstanding--especially Kevin.

I hope to go back to Zim next year. Lawrence recommends coming in September when the game will be more accessible.

lbj

September is an awesome time to go, especially if you head down to Airstrip 2. That is the pan past the airstrip where you get all those silhouettes. My favourite pans will always be Little Sam or Mbiza.

I spent around a month there last year, and if you go back, I enjhoyed the green season just as much. Especially the Linkwasha area where OAT operate. If they are not there, it is possible to get to Ngamo Vlei. A huge open area. It is the area that the four big boys are named after (lions)

Anyway, I could go on and on.........

I would rather you spoke less about Mana Pools, then hopefully it will remain unspoilt for the forthcoming years. I did the Mana Canoe trail with Ruckomechi, the former being my most memorable experience in Africa.

Looking forward to your photos....

Cheers
Russell

PS was Dixon still managing Little Mak?

tripgirl

You know who this is....

Glad you finished up well. Allan and I had hoped you enjoyed the rest of your trip

We had an awesome time at Singita, will post my report when I recover from the trip home.

phernska

lbj,

I will not mention, ahem, Mana Pools...

When exactly is the green season? My only reluctance to going in September is the awful heat...

And, what do you know about Lake Kariba/Matusadona? I'm thinking of an all Zim trip for next year and thought I might include that area.

A guy named Cosam is now the manager at Little Mak...

Hi Tripgirl,

Hope Singita was all you hoped for. My last 2 days were good. Kay was a tracking fool--cheetah and lions galore.

I look forward to your trip report.


fern

lbj

Fern,

I am yet to write the trip report from the dry season, as the whole trip was over three months......

You can read a brief report from my April on another forum

http://safaritalk.net/index.php?show...st=0#entry4737

I would not worry too much about the heat in September, it is not as oppressive as people think. In early September the humidity is yet to build up, so early mornings and evenings are relatively comfortable, sometimes cold.

Whilst the green season is November to April, it really does depend on the year. Last year the first rains fell in late September. So places like the Linyanti were already devoid of elephants by early October.

In 2007, rainfall was below average, which meant excellent game viewing early in the season. When I went to Botswana the same time this year, the heavy rains had a massive impact on game viewing. Not only were the pans still full, meaning many animals were in the mopane, some roads were flooded for the first time and grass the grass was incredibly tall. I have few photos from Savuti, Chitabe and Kwando Camps which show how tall the grass became.

http://safaritalk.net/index.php?showtopic=2607

That said, I still had excellent game viewing, especially at the Kwando Camps. I was also witness to the spectacle of the Savuti channel flowing (seriously) for the first time in nearly thirty years.

http://safaritalk.net/index.php?showtopic=2554


If I were looking to go during the green season, I would question what I was looking to see. Earlier in the season you have all the young being born. Later on, you get puffy clouds and a beautiful green landscape. I would recommend holding off on a green season booking until around 1/2 months before you travel. Occupancy should not be a problem in Zim, though it gives the chance to look at the rainfall situation and judge when to go.........

Cheers
Russell

PS I know Cosam quite well.........