From start to finish, providing seamless handling of the event in the most stunning of locations.
 

In Victoria Falls, Pure Africa owns some of the most beautiful sites for events, including their Pure Africa Waterfront, flagship Zambezi Explorer and Zambezi Reflections. All have been upgraded with high-end luxury, design and detail in mind, guaranteeing that unique je ne sais quoi that will set your celebration apart.

Priding themselves in their expert destination services, Pure Africa can assist with all aspects of your event, placing you in the capable hands of a team of professionals who are there to be guided by your dream. Aware that organising weddings and events can be daunting, especially when managed remotely, Pure Africa has curated fully-packaged solutions to ease the process.

Victoria Falls offers a myriad of unmatched locations, whether it’s on the banks of the Zambezi, in the untouched wilderness of the Zambezi National Park or on one of Pure Africa’s luxurious cruise vessels. Pure Africa’s services include perfectly pairing culinary delights with a fine assortment of their branded wines and beverages, booking accommodation, décor and design, dance floor and lighting, hairdresser and makeup artist, vintage cars, photographer, videographer and venue sourcing – should you not opt for one of theirs.

All are coordinated and arranged with the professionalism, lightness and love to match the sentiment of your special occasion and ensure those magical memories.

If a wedding is not on your mind this month of love, know that Pure Africa welcomes vowel renewals, elopements (perhaps a good idea in 2021), Hen and Stag Parties and other celebrations of devotion, no matter how lavish, grand, informal or discreet they may be. Pure Africa also creates special setups for proposals, and have had a few onboard the Zambezi Explorer in the last months.

About Pure Africa

Pure Africa is a tourism operator in Victoria Falls that curates quality tours and experiences, provides expert destination services, and co-ordinates and hosts weddings, celebrations and events. An owner-run sustainable tourism company, our four pillars of design, innovation, culinary art and impact define our brand philosophy and underline all that we do.

We guarantee memorable African inspired moments with our array of high-end cruises. Specifically onboard our recently refurbished and restyled flagship Zambezi Explorer, which is arguably the most luxurious boat on the water.

Pure Africa’s signature services in Victoria Falls include sunset cruises, learning about the history of the falls on a guided tour and embarking on a culinary journey at the Pure Africa Waterfront. The list doesn’t end there though, as we continuously expand our range of uniquely designed offerings, always with our discerning local and international guests in mind.
 

Bernadette Veldsman

Wedding & Event Manager

[email protected]

+263 775 729 808

Memory Kaigawile

Reservations Manager

[email protected]

+263 77 394 3618

Tel +263 (83) 28 42475 | +263 (77) 78 92937  

E-mail: [email protected]  

ROMANTIC STORIES

While you may be feeling a little guilty for being upset about your cancelled honeymoon when there is so much else going on, it is absolutely ok to cry about dreams delayed. We have all mourned the lives lost and livelihoods impacted across the world, and we will continue to do so. 

That doesn’t mean, however, that we can’t celebrate the people creating happiness in our lives. Perhaps now, more than ever before, we should be taking the time to mark special moments together.
 

Here are just a few of the Green Safaris activities that await patient honeymooners from around the world:

If you simply want to relax in each other’s company, how about…
... winding down in a bubble bath over the Kafue River
… falling in love with a pop-up Sandbar on the Zambezi River
… finding total tranquillity with a couple’s sunset massage over Lake Malawi
… take a dip in Devil’s Pool on the edge of Victoria Falls
… sneak up on Kafue National Park wildlife in a silent electric game vehicle
… go for a snorkel around the beach paradise that is Likoma Island

For those of you for whom the path to true love was lined with fine dining experiences, you simply must… 
… dine in absolute privacy on our floating sampan deck in the Zambezi
… experience a candlelit dinner on a beach overlooking Lake Malawi
… spoil yourselves with dinner on your own private balcony overlooking the Kafue River

At Green Safaris, we are in love with love. Romance makes us absolutely giddy. This is why hosting luxury honeymoons and weddings is our favourite thing. With properties that are just upstream of Victoria Falls, or nestled in the Kafue National Park, or overlooking the Busanga Plains, or in Luangwa, or even on a remote island on Lake Malawi… our surroundings already own the romance factor. Then it’s up to us to bring that little something extra, from dreamy four-poster beds to private outdoor starlit decks to surprise champagne by your bubble baths… 

And our safari properties focus on sustainability and on community empowerment above all things. Because what is more romantic, really, than a honeymoon or wedding that makes a positive difference in the world? 

So, even though you are feeling cheated out of your special holiday right now, this too shall pass and we hope to see you for your luxury honeymoon in Africa when it does.

3 - Unwind and relax for the afternoon, while enjoying the renowned high tea experience on the terrace at the Victoria Falls Hotel.
4 -  Climb aboard our world class steam train for an unforgettable Bushtracks Steam Safari experience, and be transported to a bygone romantic era.
5 -  Travel by rail to the Victoria Falls Bridge, where you will enjoy a sundowner and stretch your legs.  Enjoy the spectacular view of the majestic Victoria Falls basking in the fiery African sunset, while the spray dances in the last remaining rays of light. 
6 - Indulge in a scrumptious five-course dinner, catered by the Victoria Falls Hotel, paired with a selection of fine local beverages before returning to your hotel for a comfortable night’s sleep.

DAY 2
1 - Be escorted to your first activity of the day in comfort and style, by one of Bushtracks Africa’s professional guides.
2 - Embark on a “Tour of the Falls” with a knowledgeable Bushtracks guide, who will lead you to some of the most stunning viewpoints to appreciate the mighty Falls from, whilst providing interesting insights and facts about this magnificent Natural Wonder of the World. 
3 - Climb aboard our Premium River Safari boat, The Victoria, for a delightful afternoon on the Zambezi River.
4 - Enjoy spectacular game viewing and the marvelous view of the “Smoke that Thunders” while exploring the islands right above the Victoria Falls.
5 - Transfer to the Victoria Falls River Lodge to spend the night in the romantic and unique Island Treehouse Suites .
6 - Relax in the bath and sip on a glass of cold bubbles as you de-stress after the day

Day 3
1 - Transfer across the border to Livingstone, Zambia, and check in at Tongabezi River Lodge.
2 - Set off for a private safari in the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park. 
3 - Potentially encounter a protected herd of white rhino and marvel at these majestic creatures from the comfort of an open air game vehicle.
4 - Return to Tongabezi, and set off by boat to Livingstone Island for afternoon refreshments with an unforgettable view.
5 - Take a refreshing and thrilling dip in Devil or Angel’s Pool, water levels permitting.
6 - Return to Tongabezi and enjoy a private dhow picnic in the Zambezi River.

Day 4
1 - Transfer across the border to Botswana, for a Chobe Day Trip experience
2 - Once in the Chobe National Park, embark on a game drive and head deep into the park to spot the elusive big cats that make Chobe their home. This is a must do for excellent game viewing.
3 - After lunch, set off on a river cruise in the Chobe River, which brings you close to brilliant bird life, pods of wallowing hippos, primeval crocodiles and elephants.
4 - Return to Tongabezi and cruise across the river to Sindabezi Island Suites 
5 - Enjoy a romantic sunset picnic dinner on a sandbar in the Zambezi River
6 - Relax in solitude in your private island accommodation and rest before returning home 

Today you can book into the very same suite on the banks of the Chobe River. 

The couple who split last year after nearly 10 years of marriage were reconciled in August and have been enjoying a second honeymoon in Chobe game park in Botswana.

The couple first met when they were starring in the film, Cleopatra, in Rome, when their onscreen romance quickly turned into an offscreen love affair.They married in 1964. Richard Burton was her fifth husband, she was his second wife.

They arrived in Johannesburg ostensibly to attend a charity celebrity tennis tournament. They then flew by private jet to the Zimbabwe (then  Rhodesian) border near Victoria Falls where they were met and driven to the Chobe game lodge. The private wedding ceremony was conducted by the district commissioner Abrose Masalila and witnessed by the manager of the game lodge where they were staying, Fred Knoessen, and Brian Graham, who runs tours from the lodge. Mr Masalila said: "The bride wore green, with lace frills and guinea fowl feathers."

Old Drift Lodge is the pearl in the centre of these natural gems, where a bygone era of safari romance and meditative luxury come together in an authentic wilderness experience. It is against this spectacular setting that we launch our first Valentine’s Special so that this occasion is a standout memory in the hearts of the all who stay with us. 

Soul-Soothing Suites 
Our luxury river-facing suites are an exclusive haven for each couple. Each suite at Old Drift Lodge includes an elegant lounge and a spacious bathroom. The four-poster bed takes pride and centre in front of glass sliding doors, through which natural light streams into the room. 

The outdoor claw-footed bath is the epitome of Valentine’s romance and with a flute of champagne and tub full of bubbles, it is an essential Instagram picture for all our guests at Old Drift Lodge. Spacious enough for two and positioned so that you feel the warm sun on your shoulders or see the moon reflected in the ripples of the river, the special spot is in itself the ultimate Valentine’s accessory.

The bath shares an expansive balcony with a private plunge pool, sitting area, sun loungers and an outdoor shower. With a stocked mini-fridge, ice machine and opulent finishing touches, it is tempting to spend the weekend cocooned in the sanctuary of the suites. However, our all-inclusive gourmet meals, Valentine’s Special surprises and activities will ignite a sense of adventure that is impossible to ignore. 

Tailor-Make Your Perfect Day At Old Drift Lodge 
Couples are invited to be the co-creators of their safari experience, venturing beyond the classic Victoria Falls itinerary to explore indigenous tree planting, champagne sunsets, a guided tour of the rainforest and restorative river safaris. 

Cocktails and canapés on the banks of the Zambezi are a highlight for everyone who visits Old Drift Lodge. Our team creates an oasis on the white sandy riverbank, where couples indulge in our chefs spread of snacks while sunset stains fill the sky before melting into the Zambezi. Valentine’s is a special occasion and Old Drift Lodge will make sure every evening feels exclusive and intimate. 

The Best Safari Retreat In Victoria Falls 
TripAdvisor rated Old Drift Lodge as the 7th best small hotel in the whole of Africa, as well as the seventh best hotel for service in Africa. Our dedicated team is intuitive yet discreet, understanding that the experience is a chance to return to life's simple pleasures and meaningful moments.

This once-in-a-lifetime romantic retreat has never been more affordable. For only $250 per person per night, couple’s will be treated to:
· A luxury river-facing suite
· A morning or afternoon game drive in the Zambezi National Park
· A morning or afternoon river safari 
· Take part in an indigenous tree-planting ceremony 
· all meals and drinks
· A guided tour of the Victoria Falls rainforest
· Cocktails and canapés on the banks of the Zambezi River 
· Airport transfers 

Save Now, Stay Later – The Special is Valid For All February Bookings!
The special is valid for the entire month of February 2021. With only 14 suites strung along the river, Old Drift Lodge is characterized by exclusivity and intimacy. However, bookings do fill up fast, and this weekend of a lifetime in Victoria Falls should not be missed. Please email [email protected] to discover more about our Valentine’s Special. We recommend a minimum two-night stay.

They are from the nearby villages in the Mayuni Conservancy bordering the Bwabwata National Park which is home to African Monarch Lodges.  These four ladies have never worked before, never been taught a skill to create an income from. Today, their hearts are filled with gratitude for the opportunity created by a tiny dream, which became a reality in such a short period of time. Dusty and Tinolla wishes to have this workshop grow so that Sijwa is in a position to employ a further 4-8 ladies or more for the sewing workshop.
 
They could not be more proud of this incredible synergy between African Monarch Lodges, The Collective Boutique and Myeisha Namibia (handcrafted leather bags). A collaboration, which have empowered 4 women in one of the most remote locations in Namibia and in the heart of the World’s Largest Conservation Area for Wildlife.
 
The ‘shopper bags’ the seamstresses started their training on will be utilized in the above-mentioned designer boutiques in Windhoek.

AFRICA'S EDEN UPDATES

Pangolin Chobe Hotel https://www.pangolinphoto.com
Exclusive Touch https://www.facebook.com/ExclusiveTouchAfrica/
Ntanda Ventures https://www.ntandaventures.com
Safari Essence https://www.safari-essence.com
Endeavour Safaris https://www.endeavour-safaris.com
Flame of Africa https://flameofafrica.com
ZAMAG Safaris http://zamagsafaris.com
Mopane Safaris https://www.mopanesafaris.com
Golden Africa https://golden-africa.com
528 Victoria Falls https://528victoriafalls.com
Roots & Journeys https://rootsandjourneys.com
Ghoha Hills https://www.ghohahills.com
Wild Zambezi http://www.wildzambezi.com

One buyer wrote in “I want to thank you for including me this past week. I was doubting my choice to remain in travel and part-taking in this event made me realize why I do what I do. What a fantastic group of people that are involved in travel in all these countries and I feel more confident to sell Southern Africa now. I will defiantly be signing up for the next event” . 

Over 60 buyers registered for the event and were matched with 50 plus exhibitors from the region of Africa’s Eden. A big thanks to Break The Ice Media whose platform worked seamlessly and for the not-so-tech savvy or troublesome wifi connections, provided endless support. 

The best way to sell a destination is to understand it like a local, therefore as part of the educational session, Africa’s Eden members spoke passionately about their countries and how best to sell it. To view the presentations made by Andrew Flatt, Lisa Roos, Chris Tett and Michelle Keefe click here: https://africasedentraveltrade.com/presentations/

At the end of February (22 - 24), the virtual platform will be back for the Europe, UK and African source markets. Registrations are still open for both buyers and suppliers. Submit your registration request on the website https://africasedentraveltrade.com/registration/. Or email Jillian directly at [email protected]. 

From 28 March 2021, the airline will start a scheduled 5 times a week passenger service from Frankfurt. This latest development will mean an addition of 2 flights to their existing schedule.

Flight days for FRA-WDH are planned to be: Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday. It was uploaded on the system on Tuesday and bookings are now open for Frankfurt -Windhoek.

The Lufthansa Group is composed of the segments Network Airlines, Eurowings, and Aviation Services.

Initially printed in Voyagesafriq 
Written by Kojo Bentum Williams 

Meanwhile, 
Also in Namibia …. 

AMERICAN actor, rapper and producer, Will Smith has arrived in Namibia to start work on a history documentary, One Strange Rock.

Although news that the Hollywood star would be arriving in Namibia started making the rounds last month already, there was no clear indication when exactly he would be arriving to film the National Geographic nature documentary.

Submit your ads, promotional films, video campaigns, social media vids, vlogs and documentaries relating to the promotion of tourism destinations, products and services online.

In proud partnership with Lifetree Marketing & Media and DUrban TV.

TRAVEL FOR GOOD

Prioritising sustainability while rebuilding the world economy

"The lockdown-related fall in emissions is just a tiny blip on the long-term graph. We need a sustained flattening of the curve”- Petteri Taalas, WMO Secretary-General

In a matter of months – due to the Coronavirus pandemic – we have had to assume a new way of life in so many ways.

When there was little to feel grateful for we found ourselves desperately clinging to the consolation that at least our planet was being given an opportunity to heal. The perceived benefits many found comforting early on – blue skies in Beijing or the re-emergence  of fish in the canals of Venice – have begun to quickly dissipate, and what may have looked like a golden opportunity to restructure our society to prioritise the long term survival of the planet may in fact turn out to be another accelerator of climate change and global pollution. 

Sustainability and the fight against climate change have been put on the back burner while economic recovery has become the number one priority no matter the consequences. Corporations who have been largely responsible for air, plastic and other widespread pollution are receiving regulatory rollbacks and other special favours in order to make up for production lost during lockdowns. The recent establishment of a number of new coal fired power plants, as well as the relaxation of labour laws in some states are just two examples of the extreme measures manufacturers are taking to boost production to levels beyond what they ever were before. At the same time government officials who have been desperate for an economic boost are being given carte blanche to do whatever necessary to stimulate the economy, regardless of the effect on the environment. Meanwhile, the introduction of social distancing guidelines has led to people choosing to use personal vehicles instead of public transport. Consequently, traffic in some cities is back to pre-pandemic levels, even though many are yet to resume travelling.   

While this is not an attempt to downplay the importance of reviving the world economy in any way, it is suggesting that the methods by which we do so are crucial to the long term stability of our climate. By integrating climate consciousness into our plan for rebuilding our economy it is possible to achieve the best of both worlds. One example of a community that has taken steps towards this outcome is Victoria Falls, where through their ‘Feed Yourself, Feed Your Community’ campaign managed to alleviate much of the pressure on food supply that came with the pandemic. The campaign encouraged people in rural and urban areas, as well as in schools to grow their own food. A variety of vegetables are now being grown on school grounds to feed children. Small-scale subsistence farming is just one community practice that is both economically and environmentally friendly. 

What does all this mean for us and what can we do to play our part in preserving the natural world going forward? We can’t save the planet in a day but we can certainly start implementing small changes in our daily routines. Whether sustainability will be the focal point of conversation sooner rather than later is largely dependent on whether or not society is ready to disrupt a very flawed status quo.

Make sure to read upcoming articles to find out more on how NGOs and companies in Zimbabwe are making a difference and how you can implement some more environmentally friendly practices in your own life.

Sishemo Beads

Behind Every job in travel and tourism there is a face, a story, a family and sometimes a whole community’s livelihood.  Not only is tourism an important contributor to entrepreneurship, but it continues to create opportunities for women, youth and minorities. It does so regardless of gender, education level, background or religion, creating meaningful social impact, particularly developing nations around the world like Zambia.

Sishemo beads is one such project, one when you walk into their little workshop you are instantly surrounded by a positive atmosphere where the ladies sit, chat away and work at designing these unique beads. One is grateful knowing the impact this job has on their lives making things a little easier at home. With several projects in Southern Africa now supporting Women, such as Sishemo, one can see that it is a critical development challenge that has shown so many positive results and solid impact that in turn these woman can take home and support their families and communities with. A trade, a skill learnt that will also allow history and techniques to be passed down to the next generation in a world where we are seeing many cultural activities being lost and forgotten. 

As a result of this employment, we are seeing more children being sent to school by their mothers whom have work, houses are being built with salaries, gardens being grown as a food source to name bit a few observed positive spins. For more Info: https://abanya.com/pages/sishemo
 
Sishemo’s Story  
Sishemo is a women-led social enterprise based in Nakatindi, a community on the outskirts of Livingstone, Southern Zambia. Nakatindi borders the Mosi-oa-Tunya National Park, home to the world-famous Mosi-oa-Tunya ('The Smoke that Thunders', known as the Victoria Falls).

With extremely limited employment opportunities within Nakatindi, particularly for women, Sishemo provides economic empowerment opportunities to our 7 female artisans who collectively support over 40 family members and dependents. All our artisans are now the breadwinners of their families and are using their income to support the education, health and well-being of their families and community.

We take discarded glass bottles from lodges, hotels and households across Livingstone, crush and fire the glass into handcrafted, unique beads using traditional techniques. These beads are then used to make one-of-a-kind necklaces, bracelets, earrings and other bead products sold from the Sishemo Studio in Nakatindi, national outlets in Livingstone and Lusaka and now online through ABANYA.

As a social enterprise we are committed to supporting the lives and livelihoods of our artisans - they are each co-owners of the enterprise, giving them a secure, sustainable and long-term source of income. In addition, we donate a portion of profit from selected products to local community and conservation projects, amplifying our impact as a social enterprise.

Largest Mammal Migration

Nothing can really prepare you and it’s impossible to explain the experience in a few hundred  words. 

The sound......tens of millions of muted wingbeats and chirps of communication. As you approach the bat forest Its a cacophony which stirs the senses as the bats prepare to make their evening feeding sorties over the oldest forests on the planet.

The scent......Bats and countless thousands of tonnes of wild mango and Musuku converted to guano which disperses seeds over hundreds of thousands of hectares of Africa in an ancient, essential and still unexplained migration 

The sight........like smoke rising. Witnessing 10 million straw-coloured fruit bats emerging from the forest canopy and heading skyward from the vantage point of a treetop hide against a blood-red sky is quite simply incredible. You WILL draw breath, if you don’t, your brain is no longer connected to your soul. 
This feels like something as old and primeval as the continent itself. Almost dreamlike. 

I live and work amongst vast herds of elephants, share a landscape with Africa’s apex predators and am enthralled by the beauty of nature every single day. 

But Kasanka .......truly something else.  
A bucket list item that you can list twice without hesitation. 
*Dan Stephens *

Do you know that currently, the world’s largest mammal migration is taking place here in Zambia, at Kasanka National Park?  Described as “one of Africa’s greatest wildlife spectacles”, millions of African straw-coloured fruit bats have gathered together in a small patch of forest within the park.

Every year they come to Kasanka, sleeping in the forest during the day and dispersing widely each night to seek out fruits to feed on.  They only stay a few weeks and by the New Year they will once again be flying out across the continent, only returning to Kasanka at the beginning of next year’s rainy season.  But did you also know that Kasanka is home to Zambia’s tiniest bat and one of Africa’s rarest bats that can be found in the park all year round?
Updated for 2019, Bats About Kasanka is a handy ebook that is fact-filled with information that introduces you to the fascinating world of bats at Kasanka National Park.  Highlighting the famous African straw-coloured fruit bats, it also includes photos and information on all the 36 diverse species of bats that you can find when you visit the park.

Bats About Kasanka is packed full of colour photographs, detailed park maps, a useful bat species checklist, the history of how the bat migration became famous worldwide and includes handy tips and advice on planning your next Kasanka bat safari.

You can download it from Amazon.co.uk for your Kindle or visit www.arczambia.com to download the flip-able epub and static pdf versions for your android tablet or computer.  Priced at US$ 4.99, Bats About Kasanka is published by ARC Zambia and The Kasanka Trust with all proceeds going directly into Kasanka Park conservation projects.

Kasanka National Park is a peaceful sanctuary, situated on the south western edge of the Lake Bangweulu basin, is one of Zambia’s smallest national parks. It’s 450 km2 however, is so well endowed with rivers, lakes, wetlands, forests, lagoons, meadows and dambos that it supports a uniquely wide range of animals and abundant birds and fish.

Working Donkey Appeal

Working donkeys in rural Zambia often provide a lifeline for their owners who use them for farming and for transportation of goods to market. It is a harsh life for many of these animals, with poverty and lack of knowledge about donkey care often resulting in suffering through neglect and injury.

Zambezi Working Donkey Project is a volunteer-run, non-profit organisation and relies 100% on donations.

If you can help by making a one-off or monthly contribution please click the 'donate' button at the top of the page.
 
All donations go directly towards helping the animals.

Our vision is a Zambia where working donkeys are free from suffering, treated with compassion, and truly valued by the people who rely on them.

COMPETITION

Africa's Eden Travel Association
Gaborone, Botswana
www.africaseden.travel

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