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Victoria Falls: An overview

27/4/2024

Experience the Majesty of Victoria Falls

Welcome to the breath-taking world of Victoria Falls, where nature's grandeur takes center stage and leaves visitors spellbound. Situated on the border of Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls is one of the most iconic natural wonders on the planet, drawing travellers from far and wide to witness its awe-inspiring beauty.

Exploring Victoria Falls

When it comes to experiencing Victoria Falls, there's no shortage of opportunity. With the KAZA visa, travellers have the opportunity to cross into Zambia via the Livingstone Bridge and explore the Zambian side of the falls, either independently or as part of a guided tour. However, it's worth noting that 75% of the falls are visible from the Zimbabwean side, offering 16 viewpoints that cut through the lush rainforest. A network of paths allows visitors to thoroughly explore the falls from every angle, immersing themselves in its majesty.

The Power of Victoria Falls

Both the Main Falls and Devils Falls are visible from Zimbabwe and unlike some waterfalls that dwindle to a trickle during the dry season, Victoria Falls maintains its impressive flow year-round. Even at the height of the dry season in October and November, the Main Falls and Devil's Cataract continue to showcase the incredible power of nature.

Wildlife & Conservation

For those seeking wildlife encounters, Zimbabwe offers superior game viewing opportunities along the Zambezi River. Upstream of Victoria Falls has been carefully managed, resulting in an almost 80 km stretch of pristine National Park brimming with wildlife. Zambezi National Park is home to four of the Big Five, and has some excellent lodges and camps on islands and on the Sandy river banks providing opportunities for game drives in open 4x4 vehicles, guided game walks, kayaking, tiger bream fishing, and amazing sundowners.
Victoria Falls also has a myriad of opportunities for adventure seekers with white water rafting, hydrospeed, bungy jumping from Livingstone Bridge, rope swings, canopy tours, jet boating, rhino tracking, microlight flights, the "Flight of Angels" helicopter trips over the falls and down the gorge.
More sedate but equally rewarding activities include sedate upstream kayaking, sundown cruises and wildlife viewing, local gastronomy, and horseback riding.

Photography Boat Trip Zambezi National Park

Convenience and Accessibility

The town of Victoria Falls sits just a stone's throw away from the falls themselves, with many hotels and lodges located within walking distance. This proximity means that visitors can easily access the falls and explore at their leisure, without the need for lengthy transfers.

Where to Stay

There is a range of guest houses and hotels in Victoria Falls town, all well-located for those wishing to have an action-packed stay. Amongst our favourites in town are Victoria Falls Hotel, Ilala, and Batonka Guesthouse, by the river there is Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Old Drift Lodge, and in it's own nature reserve close to town, Ursula's Homestead, the Stanley & Livingstone Boutique Hotel and The Elephant Camp.

In Conclusion

Victoria Falls is more than just a natural wonder – it's an experience that captivates the senses and leaves a lasting impression. From its thundering cascades to its abundant wildlife and charming town atmosphere, Victoria Falls offers a truly unforgettable journey into Africa's wilderness. So why wait? Embark on your Victoria Falls adventure today and witness the magic for yourself.

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Rhino dehorning: necessity, controversy and conservation

19/4/2024

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The Necessity

In the realm of wildlife conservation, few issues evoke as much debate and contemplation as the practice of dehorning Rhinos. These magnificent creatures, once widespread across the savannas and forests of Africa and Asia, now face a dire threat from poaching driven by the illicit trade in their horns. In response, conservationists have turned to drastic measures, including dehorning, as a means to protect these iconic animals. However, the practice is not without controversy, raising ethical, practical, and even philosophical questions about our approach to preserving endangered species.

Understanding the Crisis

Before delving into the complexities of dehorning, it's crucial to understand the context of the Rhino poaching crisis.
Rhinos are hunted relentlessly for their horns (A staggering est 2600 remained in Kruger Park in 2020 after an approximate number of 10 600 in 2011), reasons which include erroneous beliefs of medicinal properties in China, despite scientific evidence to the contrary (It’s only made up of the protein, keratin, basically compressed hair) and a sign of affluence in Vietnam. As a result, Rhino populations have plummeted, with some species teetering on the brink of extinction (currently only 2 known Northern White Rhinos exist).
Conservation efforts have thus far struggled to curb poaching effectively. Despite increased security measures and anti-poaching initiatives, the demand for Rhino horn remains high, fueled by lucrative black markets. In this battle to save the Rhino, conservationists have turned to unconventional methods, including dehorning, as a means of protecting these vulnerable animals.

The Practice of Dehorning

Dehorning involves the removal of a Rhino's horn, typically through a tranquilizing process carried out by experienced veterinarians. The procedure is performed with meticulous care to ensure the safety and well-being of the animal. By removing the horn, which is the primary target for poachers, conservationists aim to reduce the incentive for illegal hunting while allowing the Rhino to continue living without the constant threat of poaching.

The Controversy Surrounding Dehorning

While dehorning may seem like a straightforward solution to the poaching crisis, it is not without its critics. Some argue that removing a Rhino's horn fundamentally alters its natural behaviour and compromises its ability to defend itself, find mates, and establish social hierarchies.
Additionally, there are ethical considerations to weigh. Critics contend that dehorning robs Rhinos of an essential aspect of their identity and undermines their intrinsic value as living beings. There is also the question of whether it is fair to alter the appearance of an animal simply to protect it from human greed and exploitation.

Furthermore, dehorning is not a fool-proof deterrent against poaching, as determined poachers still target dehorned Rhinos for the stub that has an economic value, albeit lesser, and to avoid tracking and pursuing the same individual again.

The question here is, does the dehorning really work? Or should we be putting the approximate cost of $1 500 per Rhino towards anti-poaching (patrols, community programs and effective prosecutions) as well as education in Vietnam & China.

The Conservation Imperative

Despite these reservations, many conservationists would argue that dehorning is a necessary and pragmatic measure in the fight to save Rhinos from extinction. With populations dwindling and poaching rates soaring, desperate times call for desperate measures. Dehorning, when carried out responsibly and ethically, can buy valuable time for conservationists to address the root causes of poaching, such as poverty, corruption, and the demand for Rhino horn.
Moreover, dehorning is often implemented alongside other conservation strategies, such as community engagement, habitat protection, and anti-poaching patrols and general education. It is but one tool in the conservation toolbox, albeit a controversial one.

At best, dehorning reduces poaching in the reserve where it is implemented but the poachers just apply there gruesome skills in the nearest reserve without dehorned animals. In 2023, in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa, where private reserves carry out dehorning, state-run Hluhluwe-iMfolozi lost over 300 rhinos due to a lack of resources and an inability to deal with increased poaching pressure.

Looking Ahead

As we navigate the complexities of Rhino conservation, it is essential to approach the issue with humility, compassion, and a willingness to adapt our strategies in response to new challenges and insights. Dehorning is not a perfect solution, in a world where Rhinos are being slaughtered at an alarming rate, it represents a temporary reprieve.
Is it a lifeline for a species on the brink, or are there more effective measures? Such as the newly (2018) introduced anti-poaching K-9 Units that have proven highly effective. They are able to track poachers for miles as well as detect illegal animal products in vehicles and homes allowing authorities intervention on suspected poachers & traffickers.
Ultimately, the fate of the Rhino rests in our hands. It is up to us to confront the root causes of poaching, to address the underlying socio-economic factors that drive the illegal wildlife trade, and to cultivate a global ethic of stewardship and respect for the natural world. Only then can we hope to ensure a future where Rhinos roam freely, their horns intact, for generations to come.

Other proposed strategies: Keep Rhino Alive

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NEWS AND STUFF

Victoria Falls: An overview

Experience the Majesty of Victoria Falls

Exploring Victoria Falls

The Power of Victoria Falls

Wildlife & Conservation

Convenience and Accessibility

Where to Stay

In Conclusion

Rhino dehorning: necessity, controversy and conservation

The Necessity

Understanding the Crisis

The Practice of Dehorning

The Controversy Surrounding Dehorning

The Conservation Imperative

Looking Ahead

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