chobe, botswana - 4x4 Community Forum

CHOBE, BOTSWANA
Welcome to the first press release for Camp Kuzuma. Camp Kuzuma is a 5
paw camp in the process of being built and scheduled to open 01 August 2010.
We would like to take this opportunity to introduce you to this wonderland of
the Kazuma Plains; a place once visited will capture a piece of one’s
soul….never to be forgotten.
Camp Kuzuma was conceptualized when the Kazuma area was discovered by
owner, Stefan du Plessis during his 20 years of guiding in the Chobe region of
Botswana. Consequently, Stefan’s multifaceted experience in the tourism
industry has been passed onto the lodge and its staff. Stefan has worked
closely with local communities in the Chobe District and has fostered a highly
respected working relationship with the villagers in the area. These communities are an integral part to the
existence and ongoing development of this Hidden Jewel.
Camp Kuzuma
The abundance of wildlife roaming the private forestry area of the Kazuma Plains is a sight to behold. Herds reaching
up to the thousands roam the open plains: Wildebeest, elephant, buffalo, roan, sable, and giraffe. Lion and Leopard
are also commonly seen in the area.
The area is a birder’s paradise. Palm swifts, Crowned Cranes and Stanley’s Bustard are but a few of the 453 species
that can be seen in the area.
Camp Kuzuma is located overlooking a water hole and open plains of the Kazuma Pans with an area space of 35 000
hectares. The diversity of vegetation ranges from open savannah grasslands to thick Mopane Woodlands with Ilala
Palms prolific in the area. This unusual habitat has been brought on due to the migration paths of the Elephants
traversing through Africa over many years.
The camp is reminiscent of the 1800’s era when the great explorers such as Henry Stanley and David Livingstone
explored the plains of Africa and discovered the Victoria Falls – Mosi oa Tunya (the Smoke that Thunders).
The journey to our hidden jewel begins with a traditional Batswana welcome by the local staff and management
couple Darryl and Cheyenne Viljoen.
Darryl and Cheyenne have played a big part in the building of Camp Kuzuma. Their experience in the hospitality
industry will ensure that our guests stay will be of the highest standard with a “home away from home” experience.
10 Open planned Tents, custom built for Camp Kuzuma, are situated under a canopy of Mopane Trees. Each room
has been designed individually to capture the 1800’s era and centres around an icon of the time. From David
Livingstone to Queen Victoria, the colonialism captures the energies and soul of a bygone era.
The sides of the tents are draped during the day to allow the fresh breeze to flow through the room bringing the
smells and sounds of the African bush to our hidden Jewel.
Each room offers an en-suite bathroom with double basin, his and her shower, and bath with a view to be savoured
by guests after a long day in the wilderness.
Rooms are linked to the main area with slightly raised wooden walk ways, meandering through the Mopane Trees.
The main area has been built under a large canvassed tent with an open plan bar, lounge and dining area. The main
area extends onto a large wooden deck with swimming pool, overlooking a floodlit waterhole that is frequently
visited by elephant and lions.
A sunken boma off the deck welcomes guests and offers opportunity to find solace and comfort whilst reading a
book during the cooling afternoon breeze, or to enjoy a dining experience under the African skyline. The evening is
rounded off with a night cap around the open fire where guests share their sightings and recap stories of the day.
Meals in the main dining area are served around our family dining table with smells and tastes of pure homemade
cuisine, hosted by your management couple and your guides. Guests will also have the opportunity to enjoy a
traditional African dinner in the Boma or in the bush whilst been entertained by the local choir and dancers. Guests
are encouraged to join in the experience of a Batswana tradition.Special occasions are also catered for and guests
will be treated to meals in privately located venues which encapsulate the romantic essence of the bush.
Activities at Camp Kuzuma
Camp Kuzuma is proudly one of the few camps in the area affording guests the opportunity to participate in night
game drives and bush walks. Our guides are highly knowledgeable and highly qualified thus ensuring that guests
experience the overall African Safari, secure in the knowledge that they are in safe hands.
The day starts off with an early morning wake up call. Tea, coffee and a light breakfast will be served in the main
area followed by an early morning game drive, watching the enhancing colours and sights of an African sun rise.
Upon return to camp guests will be welcomed to a well deserved brunch overlooking the waterhole.
Following brunch guests will have the time to relax and enjoy the amenities of the camp. The swimming pool is a
retreat to escape the heat of the day, sipping an ice cold cocktail watching the wildlife traverse through camp, or
one can lounge back and enjoy the complimentary foot or hand massage.
For guests who would like to spoil themselves, Camp Kuzuma has a 5 Star Spa, where the inner beauty and natural
healing of holistic helping hands together with Africology Eco Friendly products reconnects your body, mind and
soul with the beauty of nature and its surroundings.
Using the finest of Africa’s resources; the Marula fruit, Rooibos and Hypoxis (the African Potato) guests can enjoy
Aromatherapy treatments, spa facials and a selection of other body treatments in the tranquil surroundings of our
spa. As your treatment draws to an end enjoy a homemade ginger and lemon brew whilst lounging around the dip
pool and enjoying the fragrance of your treatment and the bush surrounding you.
High tea is served during the late afternoon prior to departure for the afternoon activity. Guests can enjoy the
combination of a walking and game drive experience. As the sun starts to set, sundowners will be served
overlooking one of the mystical pans on the Savannah plains.
Access to Camp Kuzuma
45 minute road transfer from Kasane Airport, Botswana
1 hour 30 minute road transfer from Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe
Light aircraft transfer directly into camp from the surrounding Okavango Delta Camps
Children Policy
Due to safety precautions and overall guest experience Camp Kuzuma does not accept children under the age of 12
years.
OPENING SPECIAL:
(01 August 2010 – 01 January 2011)
US$600.00 per person per night sharing, Rack
50% Single Supplement
Included in nightly rate
Accommodation on a sharing basis
All meals
Activities offered at the camp; viz daily game drives and guided walks in Kazuma
Complimentary Spa Gift Pack
Tea and Coffee, Water and Local Drinks during game activities
Return Kasane Airport Transfers / Kazangula Boarder Post
Laundry Services
Excluded in nightly rate
All items of a personal nature not limited to curios, gratuities, beverages etc.
Additional Activities: Spa treatments, Chobe National Park, Fishing, Boat Cruises, Victoria Falls Day Trips
Visas and entry costs
Any additional items not mentioned above
Camp Kuzuma is a mystical place that has stood still in time offering guests the colonial lifestyle of a bygone error
along with luxuries and facilities of 5 Paw Camp.
Sales and Reservations:
Email Address:
[email protected]
Telephone No:
(+27) 82 888 5438
Fax No:
(+27) 86 212 8229
On Behalf of all involved with the development and success of
Camp Kuzuma, we look forward to welcoming you and your
guests to our hidden Jewel of the Chobe District.