Redcliff Zambezi Lodge in Zambia

Conservation Areas
From the early days the area north of the Zambezi River was known for its vast herds of game. Zambia's 19 National Parks and 34 Game Management Areas (GMAs) comprise about 30% of the country's surface area. These areas, largely still untouched, are administered by the Zambia Wildlife Authority (ZAWA) and none are fenced, allowing the free movement of wildlife between parks and adjacent GMAs.

Redcliff Zambezi Lodge is situated within the Rufunsa Game Management Area (GMA) of 374 sq. km. The GMA borders the Lower Zambezi National Park to the east. Although human settlement is permitted in GMAs as part of a multiple land use policy, they play an important role in conserving a wide variety of wildlife and unique wilderness areas. The Rufunsa GMA, between Lower Zambezi National Park, and the Zambezi and Luangwa rivers, is no exception and is well-known for its rich wildlife, magnificent scenery and rich historic assets. This GMA has been broadly zoned into settlement, conservation and tourism zones.

The nearby Lower Zambezi National Park (4092 sq. km) is considered to be one of Zambia's premier wildlife areas. The park varies from the Zambezi River's extensive floodplains, islands, sandbanks and beautiful riparian forest on the river banks to the wide-open Jeki Plain fringed by mopane and winterthorn park-like woodland. Beyond are the endless hills, covered in broad-leafed woodland, towards the steep Zambezi Escarpment.

A wide variety of large mammals and birds can be seen in the park. The park's south-eastern boundary is formed by the Mpata Gorge. On the opposite bank is Zimbabwe's Mana Pools National Park. [map]

The Rivers
The Zambezi-Luangwa River confluence, about 20 km east of Redcliff Zambezi Lodge, offers a spectacular view opposite the village of Luangwa Boma. The mighty Zambezi River is truly the lifeline of the Zambezi Valley which is home to an abundant diversity of fauna and flora, both terrestrial and aquatic.

Vegetation
A variety of vegetation types occur in the Zambezi Valley but miombo woodland with brachystegia and munondo species is characteristic of the Rufunsa area. Patches of acacia/munga and mopane woodland are also present. Along the fringes of the Zambezi River is a riparian forest typified by numerous large, shady trees such as jackalberry, mahogany and winterthorn. Redcliff Zambezi Lodge nestles under such a beautiful section of large, shady trees.

Large Animals
Large mammals around and near Redcliff Zambezi Lodge include elephant, buffalo, kudu, klipspringer, impala, waterbuck, bushbuck, Burchell's zebra, warthog and bushpig. Carnivores such as lion, leopard, caracal, serval, spotted hyaena and African wild cat are sometimes seen in the area.

Other species include chacma baboon, samango and vervet monkeys, white-tailed and water mongooses, thick-tailed bushbabies and lesser bushbabies. The Zambezi River abounds with numerous large hippo herds and crocodiles are a common sight.

Fish
Several fish species of ecological and economic importance are present. Apart from tigerfish, other species include banded tilapia, redbreast tilapia, Cornish Jack, bottlenose, sharptooth catfish, snake catfish, vundu and Madagascar mottled eel. More than 30 fish species have been identified in the Lower Zambezi River.

Bird Life
The river habitat and variety of vegetation types is home to an impressive, diverse bird life. More than 400 species have been identified in the vicinity of Redcliff.

Along the Zambezi River White-fronted Bee-eaters, African Sand Martins, African Crakes, Egyptian Geese, Three-banded and Long-toed plovers, African Skimmers and six kingfisher species can be seen.

Migrant Rock Pratincoles are also present. Pel's Fishing Owl along the riparian area is also no exception. In the surrounding woodland areas species such as Black and Fantailed flycatchers, Chinspot Batis, Scimitarbilled Woodhoopoe, Narina Trogon, Heuglin's Robin and Sombre Bulbul. Eagles include the Fish Eagle, Martial Eagle and Wahlberg's Eagle. White-faced Owls, Spotted Eagle Owls and Wood Owls are frequently spotted, together with Scops and Pearl-spotted owls.

History and Pre-History
The region has witnessed over 2000 years of African history. From ancient mid-century Bantu migrations to stone-age hunter-gatherers, traders and slavers, followed by missionaries, hunters and prospectors crossed these parts. In the vast rural areas, traditional tribal chiefs and elders still preside over village communites.

The Rufunsa GMA contains a number of important cultural and heritage sites. These include the Nyamfwiti Sacred Tree where suspected wizards were stoned, Kabila Rock used as a stop-over for slaves, and Mbambara ceremonial hut where local people used to pray to their ancestral spirits during droughts. The old Feira settlement, which was established in the late 16th Century and later renamed Luangwa Boma, is the oldest Portuguese settlement in Zambia.

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