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Air Zimbabwe acquires a new plane
Air Zimbabwe has purchased a new plane, an Embraer ERJ-145, bringing the number of planes owned by the company to two.
The Post Cabinet briefing on Tuesday reported that Zimbabwe has taken note of the delivery of an Embraer plane, which landed at the Robert Gabriel Mugabe International Airport on Tuesday.
The acquisition of the plane is part of efforts to revive the national airline, Air Zimbabwe Cabinet said.
The new plane is branded Zimbabwe Airways which is the name of a failed airline that was fronted by Simba Chikore. Aviation expert Jerry Haas said, “The Embraer E145 will be branded to Air Zim livery in the coming days and registered with CAAZ.
Air Zimbabwe trained 8 pilots in South Africa for the E145 rating. It’s expected to be in service for mid to end of May.”
Falling for Victoria Falls is too easy
Bald heads in the distance wait to make their move. Closer, closer. The dark spots eye out the ground below. They know what’s coming.
They start arriving and settling in the trees around the vulture restaurant at midday, and then, an hour later, they swoop.
Everybody wants a piece of the action. A couple of marabou storks want in as well. Frenzy. Feathers fly. Vultures chow down. And then silence. The carnivore luncheon. The marabous stick around for any scraps that might have been missed, the vultures simply up and leave. They know to arrive back tomorrow, same place, same time.
At 1pm daily the raptors charge down from the trees giving visitors what has to be the show of the day.
It is part of the Vulture Conservation project run by the Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and is a sight to behold.
Visitors to the lodge get to enjoy the spectacle from a specially built hideout where they can get a close-up from the deck of the magnificent lodge with its sunset-facing views over the bushveld and a wildlife-rich waterhole.
Built of thatch and timber, the hotel rises seven levels, giving the impression of a vast open-plan treehouse right in the Zambezi National Park.
After a lovely night at the hotel in the beautifully appointed rooms, we headed down to the jetty for a cruise along the Zambezi. Welcomed on board the Zambezi Royal with a glass of bubbly, we were in for a treat.
For two hours we were treated with unparalleled views of the wildlife and nature from the middle of the river. Hippo eyed us suspiciously, their ears twitching as they watched us glide on by, while others treated us to a fantastic yawning display. A family of elephants walked trunk-to-tail, cruising the river to get to the other side, often stopping for a dally in the cool water.
That golden hour just after sunrise and just before sunset is a beauty to behold, and on an African cruise is something magnificent. It’s quiet, peaceful. One of those moments when you’re just glad to be there. In that moment.
As the light began to fade and the pink champagne sunset enveloped us, we all stood quiet, lost in thought as we watched the sun setting below the horizon. A perfect way to celebrate the setting African sun.
The only sounds then were the animal calls and the rumble of the Victoria Falls a few kilometres away. We left the boat happy, satisfied.
In direct contrast to the tranquillity of the Zambezi, before you are even close to it, you see it and hear it.
Standing at 108m tall and more than 1 700m wide, the size and power of the mighty Victoria Falls will take your breath away.
Straddling two countries (Zimbabwe and Zambia), Victoria Falls has long been a bucket list item for adventurers and travellers alike. Before you see the massive wall of water with your eyes, you won’t know what to expect. It’s just something else.
As we entered the park, a fine mist gently coated my skin and clothes. As we got closer to the falls, we were hit with the spray from the immense volume of water that drops over the craggy rocks of the Victoria Falls.
Africa has no shortage of incredible feats of nature, but few people are ever really prepared for the beauty and mesmerising strength and power of “the smoke that thunders”.
After a two-hour walk in the lush rainforest that has sprung up around the falls, we left the park, soaked but exhilarated to have been able to experience the natural wonder.
So much to see, so little time. Next, we were off to The Boma – Dinner and Drum extravaganza, on the Victoria Falls Lodge estate.
Dressed in chitenges (traditional robes), we sampled traditional beer, drummed the night away and got down and boogied, all between eating the most delicious food.
Every so often I have a travel experience that sticks in my head. It’s an experience and a set of memories that makes me beam spontaneously; it has to be my first sight of Victoria Falls that has lodged itself permanently into my memory.
The spectacular explosion of froth and spray, the thunder, the rainbows of colour makes the world wonder something to behold.
And I imagine like the thousands of adventurers, explorers and tourists before me, falling for Victoria Falls is too easy.
Cape Town in move to make Table Mountain affordable to locals
Ten Things You Should Know About Alexandria
Founded by Alexander the Great in 331 BC, Egypt’s second largest city was the capital for 1000 years and was the setting for the epic love story of Anthony and Cleopatra. Alexandria has seen through many of its toughest economic times thanks to its virtues as a vital trading port, and today is Egypt’s largest seaport, serving about 80% of Egypt’s imports and exports.
It is an important industrial centre because of its natural gas and oil pipelines from Suez. Known as the Pearl of the Mediterranean, the city is synonymous with commerce, cosmopolitanism and a bohemian culture.
Getting there and away
Alexandria’s main airport is Borg el Arab Airport, and generally serves destinations in the Middle-East and North Africa. A better bet for African travellers would be to enter the country via Cairo International Airport, which serves 65 international airlines. At some 45km from Alexandria, the airport is not very conveniently located and getting to and from the airport can be a hassle.
It’s best to catch a taxi service (about US $26) or hire a car. The only other option is the two daily buses in each direction (9am, 2pm from Alexandria bus station and 10:30am and 4:30pm from the airport).
Getting around
Alexandria is a long city, stretching 32km along the Mediterranean coast, so public transport can be easily found anywhere along the Corniche (boardwalk). Alexandria’s yellow and black taxis are a cheap option to navigate the city. Agree on the fare before you get in, however, as the taxis aren’t metred. Alexandria’s tram system is the oldest still operating in Africa and is a novel way to get around but the route map is confusing and subject to frequent unpredictable changes. Buses and mini-buses can also be found along the city’s main routes.
Where to stay
The Four Seasons Hotel at San Stefano is a Mediterranean villa-style resort set right against the ocean. Needless to say, the views are stunning, but so is the price. Helnan Palestine Hotel is right up against the beach, surrounded by 350 acres of gardens. The hotel faces the Montaza Royal Palace, which was once the site where the late Egyptian royal family vacationed.
If you’re on a budget, try the Normandy Hotel; a pleasant family-owned inn very close to restaurants, shopping, and the largest market in Alexandria.
Eating out
While Western fast-food chains like McDonalds and KFC can all be found all over the city, the plethora of interesting restaurants means they can be easily avoided. Abou Shakra is an Egyptian chain that specialises in local grills such as shwarma, and meals of kebab, fries and salad. Elite, now an American style diner, was once frequented by the likes of D.H. Lawrence, Laurence Durrell, and Edith Piaf – a visit for the curious. For a splurge, Stefano’s (in the Four Seasons Hotel) is a stylish restaurant that serves a selection of authentic southern Italian cuisine, including excellent pasta.
Nightlife
Although the Alexandria night life is not what it once was, there are still plenty of options. Alegria is a great option for cocktails. However, it is very popular and rather exclusive – pre-reservation is a must to avoid disappointment. The San Giovanni Club offers live music, while the major hotels are reliable places to start an evening. The Four Seasons, for example, is home to two trendy bars; Le Bar and Bleu. Otherwise, the Corniche is a scenic 15km walkway along the harbour dotted with restaurants, markets and historic sights.
In the city
Thanks to its rich and ancient history, there is no shortage of historical sites in Alexandria. Fortress Qait Bey is located on the site of the fabled Lighthouse of Pharos (one of the original 7 Wonders of the World), which collapsed after an earthquake in the 14th century. The fortress was constructed in the 15th century using rubble from the lighthouse. The legendary Library at Alexandria was once the largest in the ancient world.
The treasures it housed have since been moved but the modern library is just as impressive. Also worth a visit, the AKom el Shoqafa Catacombs are three tiers of underground tombs and burial chambers; a fascinating blend of the city’s mixed Greek, Roman and Egyptian history.
Shopping
Like any modern African city, Alexandria offers a range of shopping experiences. From high-end boutiques and chain stores in shopping malls, to open air street markets, there is a wealth of choice for those looking to spend some money. Next to the Pompey’s Pillar monument is a large shopping centre for cloth and furniture called El-Saaa, where many types of cloth or clothes can be found.
A more traditional souq can be found on the western side of the Midan Tahrir, where haggling is welcomed. The Attareen neighbourhood is also notable for its antique market.
Out of the city
Alexandria is only 225km from Cairo, so if you do venture to the city, a Nile cruise is a great way to trace the history of the ancient Egyptian civilisation. Equally, no trip to Egypt is complete without a trip to the Pyramids of Giza – be aware though that this is quite the tourist trap. Closer to Alexandria, El Alamein, about 120km from the city, is the site of several battles and is currently home to a number of war memorials, cemeteries and museums. If sunbathing is more your thing, Marina is an upmarket beach-side resort about 100km from Alexandria.
Language and culture
The official language of the Republic is Modern Standard Arabic but the spoken languages are dialects of standard Arabic. Greek, Armenian and Italian are the main languages of immigrants. English is mostly spoken in and around hotels. Egypt is a predominantly Sunni Muslim country with Islam as its state religion. In terms of culture, Egypt is a trend-setter in the Arabic-speaking world, and contemporary culture is greatly influenced by Egyptian literature, music, film and television.
Health and safety
Although crime in Alexandria is rarely violent, pick pocketing is rife. Be sensible and don’t flash valuables around. Although Mediterranean in style, Egypt is an Arabic country so dress should be conservative and heads should be covered when entering places of worship. Although attacks on foreigners are unlikely, it is best to be aware of surroundings and the current political climate.
5 Tips for taking better photos
No matter how long you’ve been using a camera for, it’s the drive to capture and preserve life’s profound moments that keep us picking it up again and again. It’s always a challenge to fully enter a moment.
Photography Tip #1: Keep a list: Get that shot
When you see an image you like or one that inspires you, save it! When an idea for an image comes to you, write it down. When you find extra time to take photos or you’re feeling creatively spent, go back to your list for an inspired start.
Photography Tip #2: Compose carefully
When you find a scene, pause for a moment to compose. Remember the Rule of Thirds, look for leading lines, find the light, remove distractions. Beyond the Rule of Thirds, remember to consider giving your subject negative space to breathe. There are a lot of things that can be fixed in post-processing, but creating meaningful compositions is best done in-camera.
Photography Tip #3: Learn and refresh the basics, then experiment
Learn the Exposure Triangle (Balancing the ISO, shutter speed, and aperture to get the correct exposure). The goal is to get comfortable with your camera in Manual mode. Some creative possibilities only exist when you can override defaults and play with the exposure. Also, try manual focus for more creative possibilities for blur.
Photography Tip #4: Hunt for good lighting
Light is just as much your subject as anything else that compels you to take a photo. It offers a thousand different ways to shoot the same scene or setup. Remember, if you look for it, there is almost always enough light to take a photo. Manipulating light and shadow are what creates feeling and mood. To do this, you’ll almost certainly need to be in manual mode or spot-metering depending on your composition. Watch for the way light moves, look for light coming from surprising sources to illuminate your subject. Some of the best photographs have significant parts that were underexposed, which only highlights the subject more. Just watch to be sure you don’t blow out highlights or clip your blacks. That’s data you can’t recover in post-processing.
Photography Tip #5: Explore different viewpoints
Go beyond your first impression of a shot. Take photos of the same subject from multiple vantage points, multiple exposures, multiple apertures for varying depths of field. In a digital era, where you’re not paying to process each exposure, this is very easy to do. Sometimes the first shot you take may be the one you wanted all along, but often, really working a subject reveals better ways to capture it. Also, if you’re shooting with a narrow depth of field, don’t forget to open up and take more in focus in case you miss something, or too much is out of focus.
Tanzania identifies, digitises 274 new historical sites
