Uganda World Cup Blasts in Kampala
You may have been aware that as reported in the news there were two bomb blasts in Kampala during the final of the World Cup on Sunday night, which is a tragedy for the people of Kampala and all of Uganda.

This recent event should be seen as part of a much larger and complex global problem. There is a level of threat from terrorism in Africa as there is in many international destinations around the World in both the West and the Third World.

We can report day to day all continues to operate smoothly, calmly and peacefully on all routes for Absolutes big yellow trucks. In line with the Foreign Office Travel Advice and reports from the ground we will continue to exercise caution as to where we travel and visit, and as well stay in close touch with our contacts in Kampala, monitoring particularly closely through the section of the trips travelling through Kampala.

On overland trips remember we are in the main travelling to remote out of the way wilderness reserves, and small local destinations not frequented by high concentrations of Western tourists at any time.

The campsites where you stay throughout the safari have security appropriate to the situation, with our day to day aim always being that you enjoy a safe and secure journey and experience all the great things Africa has to offer on your itinerary.

Returning to the South Luangwa
The South Luangwa has dried out after their annual summer rains, making it possible for us to return to this amazing Zambian National Park.

Situated at the tail end of the Great Rift Valley, the parks survival is depends on the winding Luangwa River, which is crowded with hippos, crocodiles and wading waterfowl. With over 401 bird species the air is constantly alive with their calls . . . . a birders paradise. Some of the more spectacular birds to be seen are crested cranes, saddle bill storks, wood ibis and vultures.

It is however the large game for which South Luangwa is perhaps more famous, these include huge herds of elephant, Thornicroft's giraffe, buffalo and lion. The Luangwa campsite is one of our favourites, reknown for being visited by elephants and other wildlife and home to the most wonderful potjie meals! Whilst in the park we also have the opportunity to go on a night drive during which Leopard are frequently seen. To learn more about the elusive leopard visit our blog at http://africaoverlandwithabsoluteafrica.blog.com or call us to learn more about the safaris that visit this incredible area

Running for Malawi
Following her overland trip with us Sinead has decided to run the Brighton Marathon to raise funds for Friends of Mulanje Orphans a community based orphan care program supporting over 5000 children through a network of 13 centres in Mulanje district of Malawi. Absolute Africa want to congratulate her on her success on the 18th April and thank her for supporting this local project. We are always keen to support those working towards a good cause so do let us know what else you have been getting up to!

Truck equipment update 1

From January 2010 we have been bringing in sleeping mats on our overland trucks. So all bookings from 1st January 2010 are now able to sleep on our 2inch thick high density foam mats. We are hoping that by the 1st June all of our trucks will be fully equipped with enough sleeping mats for everyone!

If you are travelling on a trip before June and you would like to use one of our sleeping mats, give us call to double check there is a mat available for you on your truck.

Truck Equipment Update 2

We've also been busy improving the charging facilities on all the vehicles. New 600 watt Intelligent Power Inverters that convert 24v DC to AC mains electricity (220-240v) are being fitted.

These should prove sufficient to charge all of your camera, phone, i-pod and video equipment and allow you to plug into a three pin socket.

Samburu Floods

You may have heard about the floods in Northern Kenya that have affected Samburu National park.

These floods have had devastating effects on the local community and sadly a lot of wildlife has been affected. As well the research facilities for the charity Save the Elephants. The facility had recently conducted a study into how a simple fence made from wire, wood and bee hives can deter elephants from raiding farmers crops after they discovered that elephants are in fact afraid of African honey bees.

The camp was also the base for the BBCs documentary The secret Lives of Elephants.

Hardly any wildlife has been spotted since the floods, with many dikdiks and young animals drowning, whilst larger animals have disappeared up into the hills.

None of current routes take us up to the affected region whilst trips in the past have visited here and remember this area for its fantastic game viewing and welcoming people.

You can donate money to help Save the Elephants by following this link:

http://www.justgiving.com/ste-research-camp-floods

Ewaso Lions, a local charity are collecting money to help people affected by the floods, they also have a very interesting website with updates and photos regarding the flooding's.

If you wish to donate, please follow the link

http://Ewasolions.wildlifedirect.org/

Football World Cup comes to South Africa!

As many of you might be aware, the FIFA World Cup is coming to South Africa, and matches will take place in a variety of locations around the country over June and July 2010!

Safaris are still running into both Johannesburg and Cape Town as usual but we would strongly encourage anyone finishing, or interested in a trip that will finish in South Africa over June and July to look into their flights at the earliest!

HWANGE HIGHLIGHTS

The area covered by Hwange National Park was originally the hunting domain of Mzilikazi, the founder king of the AmaNdebele nation. The park was founded in 1928, and through the sinking of numerous boreholes to supply year-round water at pans throughout the park, many species of animals that were seasonal visitors have now taken up permanent residence. Today, Hwange hosts over 100 species of mammal and 400 species of birds. In 1930 it was estimated there were 1000 head of resident elephant. . that number has increased to over 40000 today!!! Although under threat from poachers, Hwange also has stable populations of both White and Black Rhino.

Hwange has vast expanses of Kalahari sand supporting huge swathes of teak forests, savannah woodland and grassy plains, making it a veritable bush paradise. Even the less enthusiastic tree huggers gets involved as we learning about some of the amazing uses the vegetation provides to both human and animal inhabitants of this area. It is in this awesome setting that African Wanderer take us out on Game Drives (in open Land Rovers) and show us a plethora of wildlife such as majestic Sable Antelope, Kudu, stately Giraffe, the diminutive Steenbuck and the gigantic Elephant. After our drives, a lovely big Campfire is provided where we sit under star filled skies chatting with our Professional guide to find out more about this lovely park and Zimbabwe in general. This fireside gathering is an ancient African equivalent of Wikipedia . . . . take the opportunity to brush up on your bush-lore and tales of adventure.

The following morning we can head back into the park or to the Painted Hunting Dog Conservancy, where we can learn all about the fantastic effort being made to keep what is estimated to be the largest population of approximately 700 individuals (out of a worldwide population of only 3000), viable. This amazing site, supported by companies like Disney and British Airways, offers a guaranteed chance to view and photograph these fascinating dogs in their natural habitat.

Experience the grandeur and enjoy a closer look at nature the Zimbabwean way.
Hamba Gathle / Famba Zwaganaga / Go Well

FRESH TRACKS MADE IN ZIMBABWE

For many years Zimbabwe has been an integral part of our Safaris visiting Southern Africa. Sadly the unrest in 2008 resulted in us making the decision to reroute away from this beautiful nation. With the help of our network of on the ground contacts we have been monitoring security and the facilities and now, nearly 2 years later, we are happy to say that some of our safaris are Zimbabwe bound once again!!

We retained the options of 2 nights relaxing on a houseboat on Lake Kariba by utilizing a vessel on the Zambian side of the lake. Now at times we have the opportunity to return to the larger Zimbabwean section of the Lake with the added attraction of the Matusadona National Park, which forms a mountainous southern boundary to the eastern basin of the lake and provides refuge to a vast array of wildlife.

The town of Victoria Falls offers unsurpassed views of the magnificent Mosi-oa-Tunya (The Smoke that Thunders) from its spray drenched rainforests and has retained its up-beat and happening vibe. Add cheaper activity prices, great facilities and a friendly atmosphere and it is not surprising that visitors are being drawn back across the mighty Zambezi from neighbouring Zambia.

From here is a relatively short trip to Hwange National Park, the largest park in Zimbabwe, and one of the biggest in Africa. For more details about what Hwange has to offer see the next story . . . .