What a fantastic three days it has been. It was Mud Hut Travel’s second WTM and my first. Just imagine, the whole of Excel London filled with travel industry representatives. Countries from all the continents, all shapes and sizes, had wonderful stalls, showcasing what their particular region or company has to offer. A feast for the travel-hungry professional.
It was fantastic to be able to meet some of the people we have been working with over the past year – representatives from lodges and management groups in Zimbabwe – especially as Victoria Falls has been really popular at Mud Hut lately. It’s an incredible destination, showcasing some of the best southern Africa has to offer, and it was fantastic to be able to learn much more about this amazing country. Victoria Falls, right on the mighty Zambezi River, is a firm honeymoon favourite for the adventure-loving. Zimbabwe has been in the news for all the wrong reasons in the last few years, and it was great to find out that the tourism industry there is still going strong and that there are funds flowing into a region that has so much to offer and needs support. A custom-made adventure trip to this amazing place is always a highlight for any trip to Southern Africa.
Some of Malawi’s stunning lakeside lodges, like Kaya Mawa, are getting a facelift this year, and it should continue to attract travellers who want to combine lake and land adventures.
Zambia, a Mud Hut favourite and all-round breathtaking experience on the Southern African circuit, is going from strength to strength. We managed to tie strong bonds with some of our trusted contacts in the South Luangwa and Lower Zambezi parks, like Norman Carr safaris
South Luangwa, Norman Carr Safaris
and Robin Pope Safaris, and their seasonal walking safari camps, Sausage Tree Camp and the beautiful lodges run by Sanctuary Retreats, Puku Ridge Camp and the Chichele Presidential Lodge. I spent Christmas in the South Luangwa last year, and it was one of the most memorable experiences of my life. The Zambian lodges are incredibly well appointed and attract honeymooners from all over the world.
We managed to make close contact with people from Explore Gorongosa – an amazing camp in Mozambique’s prime game reserve. They do fantastic specials combining game viewing with the breathtaking tropical beach lodges the country is famous for. Our honeymoon favourite, Flamingo Bay Water Lodge, was represented and it was good touching base in person again.
Namibia was a revelation – having been a regular winner or runner-up in Wanderlust’s Travel Awards Top Country category, this arid and stunningly beautiful country had a strong presence at the WTM. Showcasing lodges, adventure trips, sustainable tourism effort or cultural encounters. And if you have World Cup tickets or you are travelling to South Africa in general, it’s really easy to tag on an excursion to Namibia.
Our horseback safaris have attracted a lot of interest over the past few months, and we managed to secure great deals again, especially in Botswana’s Okavango Delta and the Limpopo Valley. I always thought this is the best way to see game – up close and personal, and the comraderie and down-to-earth atmosphere on these specialist safaris are incredible. We can now offer horseback holidays in southern Africa for all levels.
South Africa, of course, had a fantastically strong presence. It was all about the World Cup – a lot of the activities at the WTM were based around football. The Kruger Park is always a firm favourite on the safari circuit and we were lucky to be able to meet up with representatives from some of our favourite lodges there – Sense of Africa’s Lukimbi and Idube as well as finding new boutique hotels and self-catering apartments in Cape Town and the close-by vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschoek. South Africa, as always, is going from strength to strength.
There were fantastic lectures, too – all about some of the latest efforts in sustainable and responsible tourism. Discussions around the future of adventure travel. Case studies into package versus custom travel. Of course we were lapping it all up, trying to figure out how to translate all of these ideas into our particular business, that of creating custom-made itineraries for travel in Southern Africa. I had been planning quite a few client honeymoons lately, and it was great to learn how to approach this specialist market more effectively.
Mud Hut were out with some clients on the Zambezi River in August and had a superb couple of days. Take a look at the video below.
One of the clients had never been fishing…. well he hadn’t caught anything before!! And within 24 hours he had caught 7 fish… 6 small bait fish and in impressive Tiger fish weighing over 8 pounds!!
Our camp was situated down river from the Chirundu border post between Zambia and Zimbabwe; but you can also participate in tiger fishing off a houseboat in Lake Kariba. There is nothing like camping in the African bush and waking up to a pot of coffee on the fire, an early morning fish, big breakfasts, some beers out on the river and a mid afternoon nap before heading out again for some more fishing and sundowners…
Not only did we have some great fishing, but saw plenty of wildlife: a small herd of elephants plus a solitary bull swimming in the reeds, malachite kingfishers, ground hornbills, fish eagles, monkeys, baboons, crocodiles and plenty of hippos. A treat one evening was the roar of a male lion no more than 1km from our camp…
Anyway … enough talking… here is the video:
(footage by Mud Hut Africa)
Music: Wake up - Oliver Mtukudzi; Alane - Wes
Hope that whet your appetite for some custom travel to southern Africa. Take a look at our other options at the Mud Hut or get in touch….
Keep smiling,
Click to get in touch with the southern African specialists
Take a look at these fantastic pictures of Cape Town’s stadium for the FIFA 2010 World Cup. Last night the nights went on in the Mother City… and what a show.
World Cup venue - Cape Town
Cape Town’s Green Point Stadium near Granger Bay lit up all 360 of its lights to show what fantastic progress they are making and what an incredible stadium. The 68,000 seater stadium is due to host 6 games during the tournament including one of the semi finals!
Cape Town had the whole package before hand, but now this… imagine the views of the stadiums on TV!!
Cape Town and the night sky
And next day (today) the new South African coach will be announced. As is custom in SA, the speculations and rumours are rife…and it’s assummed that Carlos Parreira will be reinstated before the day is out.
For those wanting tickets to the World Cup, there are still tickets available, but the big rush on accommodation will happen on 4 December when the final World Cup draw will take place.
Mud Hut Travel will be able to offer fantastic packages to southern Africa during this time. So throw in a short break up to the Vic Falls in Zimbabawe, or to the beaches of Mozambique in between your teams games.
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Sustainable Africa
One of our clients last week told asked me what the difference between sustainable tourism and eco tourism was. The wiki entries were both a bit formal and put the practices into fairly rigid boxes.
Thus I set aside some time this week to have a look at what we at Mud Hut Travel believe and follow. This has been posted to our site, but thought it would be appropriate to put it here too.
Eco-tourism and sustainable tourism are not the same thing, but the two do sit hand in hand. Eco-tourism is focused on minimizing the impact of the travel experience whilst providing travelers with an experience in an area of outstanding natural beauty.
Sustainable tourism is to ensure that the travel process is a positive experience for local people, the environment and tourists themselves. Most importantly, the whole process encourages sustainable economic growth and that any impact on the environment is sustainable and low impact. In otherwords, creating an eco-friendly experience, whilst assisting in the development of the local communities.
Africa is a magical place that has been a huge part of the Mud Hut Tribe’s lives. Our directors have spent many months living amongst and exploring the high mountains, the low lying valleys and plains, the tropical beaches and the backwaters.
Mud Hut Travel
We want everyone to experience southern Africa, but if we all went to the same beaches, stayed in the same big branded hotel, travelled the same routes, ate at the same globally owned chain and rented the same brand of car… what would southern Africa look like in 10 years time?
Hence we want to preserve the uniqueness, the custom and the diversity of the region.
Mud Hut Travel promotes owner-managed businesses aligned to sustainable tourism in all of our itineraries. This way the money directly spent by you will go into the local communities, and assist in the development of the area.
Thus when you return in ten years time, the same small owner managed lodges will be there – but they will be managed by the son’s and daughters of the previous owners; and there may be another one up the road. Where perhaps last time there was only one dive operator, there will now be three different operations along the coast - all owned by previous employees.
And this is the development we support in southern Africa. Sustainable development is not a Chinese built 2 lane highway through the bush, Italian owned air-con hotels and super fast internet connections; it’s the economic upliftment and empowerment of the communities where we spend our money and the preservation of the environments we visit.
Hope that helps with whatever you were looking for, but if you want, get in touch with me through Mud Hut or send us enquiry below.
Victoria Falls is undoubtedly one of the most breathtaking sights in southern Africa, if not the world. Seeing gallons and gallons of Zambezi water thunder over the edge, standing in the spray and feeling so small in the presence of such elemental power is an almost spiritual experience.
A custom-made trip to Livingstone or Victoria Falls is an essential addition to any honeymoon package. Who could resist the lure of romantic , luxurious lodges right on the banks of the Zambezi, the opportunity to have picnics on a private island, go canoeing on the Zambezi while watching hippos and crocodiles and being looked after by the some of the friendliest and warmest people you will ever meet?
But Livingstone is not just for the romantically inclined. The town is a true African adventure playground. If you are after an adrenaline rush, little can beat a white-water rafting trip down the Zambezi. Or you can bungee jump down the bridge connecting Zambia with Zimbabwe, right above the Zambezi River - nothing for the faint-hearted. If you prefer your thrills to have a scenic aspect, you can always do a micro-light trip over the falls. Travelling in one of these flimsy flying machines, which vaguely resemble a lawn-mover with a set of wings strapped on it, is not only an adventure but also one of the best ways to see the entirety of the Falls. And for a few months of the year, there is a chance to walk along the rim of the falls to get to Livingstone Island where you’ll get a chance to get the closest you’ll ever get to the falls – a soak in the Devil’s Pool. After a short swim, you will literally sit on the edge of the falls, with the water thundering underneath you and the Zambezi rushing around you. An amazing and thrilling experience.
And if you like your adventure a little tamer, you can do a 4×4 or horseback safari and see the animals (no big cats in the park though) from up close. Livingstone truly offers something for all travels and tours, for all inclinations and age-groups, for the more adventurous as well as the family holiday seekers.
For those who like to give something back and want to engage in responsible tourism, there are plenty of community projects to get involved in and be exposed to the local customs. A visit to local villages and schools is a real eye-opener and will afford glimpses into African life rarely seen on the average holiday. Your adventure trip will take on another dimension and get you much closer to local customs and local needs.
Whether you book your Livingstone trip as part of a Southern African tour or a short independent custom trip, Mud Hut Africa can sort it all out for you.
And one thing you can be sure of - it will be a trip of a lifetime, an adventure you will never forget.
Ever dreamt of going on a safari through in southern Africa, seeing the big 5 in the African bush but worried about the sweltering heat? A wet-season custom adventure to Zambia’s South Luangwa Park might be the answer.
Having been on plenty of safaris before and always been stunned by the amazing sights of the dry savannah, I was absolutely blown away by the lush beauty of the southern African bush during the wet season. The South Luangwa Park (and it’s lesser known neighbour North Luangwa) is generally known for its dry-season walking safaris and tours, but it offers an entirely different experience.
Now that ski packages in Europe have become so expensive, a customised African travel package is an affordable and warmer alternative for the northern hemisphere’s winter months. The greenest greens, plenty of water for hippos and elephants to play around in and temperatures of up to 30C are only some of the advantages of the wet season. The pure air quality guarantees the most vibrant photos with none of the haze and washed out colours you often get when taking pictures in sunny countries.
The wet season coincides with spring and when many animals have their offspring. This increases the number of animals, but also the activity of the big cats and predators - and it’s a fantastic sight to see little impalas, warthogs, giraffe, zebras and buffalo play around the herds; and the increased chance of seeing big African predators in action. We were very fortunate to see an elephant family traveling down to the river with a very young baby elephant in tow - which according to our guide, could only have been a couple of days old! And a few days earlier on Christmas Eve, we were rewarded with a pack of lions lounging on the path – 3 generations of lions all within a few metres!
During the dry season it’s easy for the animals to travel around through the whole park – once the water comes in it gets too boggy and the wildlife tends to stay closer to the paths and concentrates in the south, close to the lodges - a very convenient outcome for the tourist!
The Big Five is incomplete by the lack of rhinos in the park, but the Luangwa Conservation Society is working on reintroducing this species. As with the Zambezi Valley (Mana Pools in Zimbabwe) further to the south, rhinos have been poached to extinction. But what Luangwa lacks in rhinos, it makes up for with the densest population in Africa of leopard, the most elusive of the Big Five – and when rhinos are reintroduced, there will soon be a very good chance of seeing The Big Five in Luangwa!
Christmas in Zambia was an experience I will never forget. I had never spent Christmas in a warm climate, and was a little worried that the traditional customs would not translate. But assembling under a huge boabab tree and singing traditional Carols, interspersed with African songs, dancing and local custom was an amazing experience.
The bush, the animals, the locals, the weather and the sunsets are a complete package that I was so privileged to experience.
I can’t wait for my next African adventure and travels – once you start you will always want to come back for more. For any more questions, get in touch with the experts on custom adventures to southern Africa - Mud Hut Travel
Just a quick note to bring your attention to a great article that appeared in this mornings Observer newspaper.
Walking safaris
Clemency Burton-Hill was a city-slicker who had previous experiences of ‘packaged’ tourist bus safaris, and had no desire to head back into the southern African bush. However, with some coaxing she travels to 3 different lodges within South Africa for some walking safaris.
Here are two of my favourite excerpts from her story.
“It was getting up close and personal with a pair of white rhino that did it: that was the moment that changed everything…
….And to wake to the sun rising pink and perfect over the horizon and know that it’s just you and nature for thousands and hundreds of square miles all around, before setting off for another three-hour bush walk - well, even I have to admit that Soho can’t offer that.”
Aside from the obviously amazing bush experience, Clemency also seeks to use safaris and lodges that have the interests of the community in mind. This is done through employing and training local community members, assisting with education and economic empowerment - something which is close to the ethos of the Mud Hut Tribe.
Some of you may have seen the new advert on TV for South Africa. It is a great video that sums up all the travel and adventure oppportunities that South and southern Africa have to offer. The whole package of soundtrack and imagery encapsulates the travel experience that awaits you.
There is so much that can be said about this wonderful country, the culture and custom, the adventure and travel, safaris and surfing, landscapes and Big 5 wildlife; so I am not going to say anymore. Have a look at the video below, and then book yourself a custom Mud Hut holiday…
Mud Hut Travel has recently launched Mud Hut Surfing Tours alongside a great local partner (an ex-pro surfer) and the Transkei community. South Africa has long been known as a favourite global surf destination, and now Mud Hut has joined the market and is able to offer a variety of custom surf tours to southern Africa.
Exclusive Transkei accommodation
Surfers travelling to the region are blessed with hundreds of superb surf spots that rarely disappoint, with unmatched coastal scenery. Regardless of surfing level or ability, you will experience a high quality surf adventure in South Africa.
Travel further up the east coast to sample Mozambique’s surf and its white tropical beaches. Whilst there are a few well known surf spots like Tofinho, the 2700km long Mozambican coast is largely virgin surfing territory. For a fantastic adventure, Mud Hut Travel can arrange a tour package incorporating a fully equipped 4×4 vehicle with maps and GPS waypoints for your surf party.
On the other side of the sub-continent, travel the long and deserted beaches of South Africa’s West Coast and Namibia’s Namib and Skeleton coasts. For those looking for a unique adventure, head up into Angola which, although a long way off the usual beaten track, is sure to satisfy surfing enthusiasts.
Surfing Transkei South Africa with ex-pro host
Mud Hut Travel’s new initiative involves working in partnership with both your fulltime guide, Justin, and the local Xhosa community in the Transkei.
Surf
Justin is an ex-pro South African surfer who is very well known in South Africa. He has spent many years travelling around the Transkei and knows almost every possible surf spot, accessible beach and pretty much everything there is to know about the Transkei, the Xhosa culture and the local community. After a couple of days, Justin will be not so much your guide, but more like your surf buddy. He will take you to all the secret spots that he has discovered.
Rhino calf and mum, Hluhluwe
These tours are not only for surfers but beach lovers, fishing enthusiasts and people interested in the culture and community of the Transkei. As with all Mud Hut Tours, the Surf Tours are fully customisable to give you a unique adventure and fulfil your own travel needs. Most of the trips will invariably include some time in the bush, probably the Imfolozi/Hluhluwe reserve - world famous for saving Rhinos from the brink of extinction; as well as time to explore the surf and diving spots of the Natal south coast and Durban. Those wanting to head to the renowned Supertubes of JBay can easily incorporate a trip to the magical and mythical surfing capital of South Africa into their custom trip.
Hole in the Wall, Transkei
Culture
Whilst in the Transkei, you may attend a drumming night where African drummers play, dancers perform in traditional clothing and local beer is drunk. It is also possible to organise a ritual slaughtering at a small extra charge or if you are lucky, one may be planned within the community. If this is so, you will be invited to join at no cost but an offering would be expected. Your experience could include visiting a drum maker to see how drums are made, browse local spaza shops to see what the local people live on (the bare essentials) and peruse the one and only craft market.
Fishing
For anglers, there are some great spots for sea fishing trips (from both the shore and boat), as well as superb river fishing just below the accommodation in the Transkei. A great way to spend the evening is to have sundowners on the river bank with a rod in hand…. something that the Mud Hut Tribe remembers from their youth with much fondness.
The accommodation in the Transkei was hand built by the local community, and is typical Mud Hut style accommodation like never before. The land was offered by the local community a few years ago, and it is has exclusive views over the river mouth and into the mouth of a superb break. Revel in the exclusivity of this pocket of the Transkei as no other travellers or tourists will be here… this is a wild, remote and isolated African surfing experience which is unrivalled globally.
Lee-Ann Smith, from our partner in South Africa, said ‘It is great to get involved in the smaller business in South Africa who have the land and communities in mind and that is exactly what we are. Our vision is to provide our customers with an irreplaceable experience through exceptional personalised serve while respecting the land and its people!!’
Mud Hut Travel is very excited about this opportunity to join forces with a ground operator that has a very vision and beliefs to us. We are looking forward to the feedback from our first clients who are heading out that way shortly…
What a fantastic three days it has been. It was Mud Hut Travel’s second WTM and my first. Just imagine, the whole of Excel London filled with travel industry representatives. Countries from all the continents, all shapes and sizes, had wonderful stalls, showcasing what their particular region or company has to offer. A feast for the travel-hungry professional.
– a lot of the activities at the WTM were based around football. The Kruger Park is always a firm favourite on the safari circuit and we were lucky to be able to meet up with representatives from some of our favourite lodges there – Sense of Africa’s Lukimbi and Idube as well as finding new boutique hotels and self-catering apartments in Cape Town and the close-by vineyards of Stellenbosch and Franschoek. South Africa, as always, is going from strength to strength.
