CANOEING NOTES

ZAMBEZI RIVER AND VICTORIA FALLS INFORMATION

Largest 2 left hand tributaries of the middle Zambezi River are Kafue and Luangwa Rivers in Zambia.

Zambezi River is controlled and manned by Zambezi River Authority for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

For over 2 million years ago Zambezi used to flow through what is now Makgadikigadi Pan in Botswana.
However, as a result of tectonic uplift, a vast lake was formed and the river shifted eastward mbezi has
its source in Zambia at Mwinilunga District in northwest Zambia, 1500m above sea level. More
specifically the source is a marshy black wetland, known as the dambo, in the centre of the iconic
Miombo Woodland. The Zambezi River mouth is at Quelimane at the Indian Ocean

Zambezi River length is 2 574 km to 2 700 km

Zambezi River width/breadth is from as little as 2 to 8km

There are two man-made Lakes on Zambezi River, Lake Kariba and lake Cabora Bassa. However, 5 820
small dams are located on the Zambezi River basin. And this corresponds to a strorage capacity
estimated at about 4, 6 million cubic metres.

Catchment area of Zambezi River flows through countries of Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia,
Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Area covered 1 390 000 square kilometers

Width of Victoria Falls 1708 m and average height 108 m.

Victoria Falls means Mosi- oa- Tunya, the smoke that thunders.

First Zambezi bridge was completed 2 September 1905.

THE MAIN RIVERS IN AFRICA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SIZE:

NILE RIVER which is Africa’s longest river. Its length is 6 650 km. Source Blue Nile, White Nile. Mouth is
at the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Basin covers an area of 3,4 million square km

CONGO RIVER with largest discharge on the continent, is the second longest rivers in Africa. Length is 4
700 km. Source Lake Tanganyika, Chambeshi River, East African Rift, Lake Mweru. Basin size is 4, 014,
500 square km.

NIGER is the principal river of the West Africa, extending about 4 180 km. Its drainage basin is 2 117,700
square km in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands, in south eastern guinea. Its mouth is the Gulf of
Guinea, Atlantic Ocean.

ZAMBEZI

CATARACTS AND FALLS ON ZAMBEZI RIVER:

Devils Cataract,

Eastern Cataract,

Main Falls,

Horse Shoe Falls,

Rainbow Falls,

Armchair Falls,

Batoka Gorge.

INTRODUCTION AND PROTOCOL PRIOR TO CANOEING

Having introduced yourself as a Guide to the clients, they need to:

a)To sign indemnity form provided by the company. This document is important in covering and
protecting the operator from certain liabilities not covered by his liability insurance.

b)Be encouraged to place passports and valuables in safe keeping with the person in charge or authority
before living the trip.

c)Ensure that all clients are aware of the distance covered by the safari trip on daily basis.

d)Introduce staff and guests to each other and ensuring that the clients are aware of the seniority
profile within the staff as this may prevents them from asking junior staff questions they can not answer
and precluding wrong information being disseminated.

e)Make sure they bring their hats, sunglasses, sun cream, lightweight easy drying clothing and earthly
toned dull coloured is best. Discourage sleeveless tops and shirts and make sure they do not forget their
cameras, binoculars. Weight is an issue on canoe, so make sure they do not bring unnecessary luggage.

f)Explain the layout of the camp to come briefly – this would be taught by the operator as it suits him.

g)Prior to embarkation, ensure that the clients have been to a toilet.

h)Describe the programme for the next few days briefly.

CANOEING BRIEF TALK:

After conclusion of introductions with guests the following information is vital in brief:

Zambezi has 2 700 km in length from the source to the mouth,

Zambezi River originates in northwest Zambia, in Mwinilunga,

It ends in Indian Ocean, its mouth

Zambezi flows through Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe as catchment
basin.

Zambezi is divided into 3 sections, Upper, Middle and Lower and

Zambezi water is safe to drink since the water is always flowing.

CANOEING SAFETY TALK

Swimming is not encouraged in Zambezi River waters or to deep hands on account of:

Crocodiles: Never allow clients to dangle hands or feet in water or to swim because of dangers posed by
crocodiles.

Hippopotamus: these are dangerous since they can tip over canoes and caution has to be exercised all
the time to avert dangers. The Guide has to tap the canoe accordingly to denote or convey any safety
procedures to be taken to enable hippos to come up as a necessity but clients must not the tapping.

Buffalos and Elephants: Both of these have attacked canoes in the valley. In panic, they can charge back
to the canoe or when taking pictures too close. Elephants can charge through shallow water faster than
a canoe can paddle. Don’t paddle too close to them.

Rocks, Stumps, Sand banks: These must be on the lookout for since hitting against them, moving at high
speed, may cause puncture on canoes.

Wind: may be vicious to incapacitate paddling and retards movement of canoes. It is advisable to paddle
into the wind rather than paddle or hit sideways.

Safety on Canoes: no person should be allowed standing on the canoe. Canoes should not be
overloaded. Netting should be allowed to secured loads. Paddlers should be disallowed to lean over
sideways too much, especially at the same time. Dry bags should be provided to secure or tie down
valuables on the canoe and this includes tying sunglasses as well. Life jackets must be worn all times
during canoeing. Bailing techniques must be explained using sponges or drink bottles used. All canoes
must go in single file and the Guide must specify this sequence and may determine who to canoe with
who. This is of paramount importance for safety reasons (weight for instance) and for the enjoyment of
clients.

Noise: just like on land, noise must be kept to a reasonable minimum and the Guide may ask the clients
to be quiet for safety reasons such as sneaking past a hippo.

Radio: The Guide should have phone and radio for emergencies and that there is First Aid kit. Give
clients a brief introduction of the radio and sat phone usage.

Recovery: If the canoe does overturn do not swim away from it unless your Guide tells you to. The best
thing to do is hold onto your canoe or climb back on it. However, never climb back in to a canoe that has
a passenger in and still upright as you may overturn it endangering other occupants. In such
circumstances, the Guide may paddle his canoe to yours by forming a raft and will help you to regain
entry to canoe by going to the bank or pulling you back in. Do not panic or splash water as this may
attract crocodiles.

Glare of Sun light: Talk about covering body with clothing, the danger of too much sun and sunlight
reflection off the water causing sunburn and also of dehydration. Highlight the use of sun block cream,
hats, sunglasses etc.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANOE AND KAYAKS

CANOEING

Canoe paddlers use single bladed paddle which are great for long and stable propulsion. They minimize
short, sharp movements. NB: Paddles are made of plastic and wood.

Great for families wanting to explore lakes in comfort.

Paddling in canoe you use alternate strokes, with one hand on the grip and the other hand on the
paddle shaft.

KAYAKING

Kayaks use double bladed paddles which are great for learning, easy to pick up the skills and get going.’

Double bladed paddle is great for monoeurability, you can zig zag and general travel faster than canoes.

Sitting position is lower in a kayak with legs extended in front than in a canoe and so a single paddle
does not provide sufficient power to propel yourself.

Kayaks have sleek design meaning better for speed but however, carry less people than canoe.

WHITEWATER CANOE is exclusively designed for the river use and suitable for rough waters since its
durable and manoeuvrable are most important element to this type of canoe. Can handle high wind
condition better and thwart choppy waters found on large water bodies.

Long Version is a type of canoe used on flat water. Are more stable, Have a greater capacity, Draw less
water, hold on course better than short version, are faster hence easier to paddle.

Short Rocketed Dip canoe can also be used on white waters.

ALL PLACES OF CANOEING STOPOVERS ALONG ZAMBEZI FROM KARIBA TO KANYEMBA

!)Kariba – Chirundu

1st night : Namomba

2nd night: Twin Log Island, then

3rd night: Chirundu

2)Chirundu _ Manapools

1st night : Kakomomarara from Chirundu, or Long Island from Chirundu.

2nd night: Vundu Island

3rd night: Trichlia Island then out at Manapools.

3)Manapools – Kanyemba

Manapools

Lower G Channel

Gorge

Kanyemba (DDF)

CANOE GUIDING (EXTENDED)

Outcome of studies

1/ The canoe guide will be fully conversant with all aspects of canoe guiding.

2/ Having written and passed the canoe guides ‘learner exam’, the canoe guide candidate will be
expected to have spent 250 hrs on the river as an understudy before being eligible to do the Canoe
Guide proficiency exams.

Introduction and protocol;

Having introduced yourself to the clients, they need to;

Each client is to sign an Indemnity form provided by the company. This document covers and to a certain
degree protects the Operator from certain liabilities not covered by his liability Insurance.

Be encouraged to place passports and valuables in ‘safe keeping’ with the person in authority before
leaving for the trip.

Clients and canoes are then conveyed to the embarkation or launch place of their canoe safari by vehicle.
Before the safety talk there are the following to be covered by the guide;

NOTE ; Familiarity puts people at ease, so the more informed a person is of the days activities ahead, the
more comfortable and less likely to complain they’ll be! Therefore;

Ensure that all the clients are aware of the distance the safari will cover on a daily basis.

Introduce staff and guests to each other. Ensuring that the clients are aware of the seniority profile
within the staff. This prevents them from asking junior staff questions they cannot answer and
precluding wrong information being disseminated.

Discuss what of the clients luggage can be carried on the canoe and that which is to be transferred to
the ‘camp’ to await their arrival at the end of the canoe safari. Apart from hats, sun glasses etc. They
should have the right walking shoes and/or water shoes for the boat. Clothing should be checked –
lightweight easy drying ‘earthy toned’ dull coloured clothing is best. Make the clients aware of the sun
burn factor on water and discourage sleeveless tops and shirts. Make sure they don’t forget their
cameras and/or binoculars. Because weight is an issue in the canoes make sure they don’t bring
unnecessary luggage. Awesome photo opportunities occur whilst canoeing!
Explain the layout of camps to come briefly – this would be taught to you by the operator as it suits him.

Before embarking, ensure the clients have been to the toilet.

Describe the programme for next few days briefly.

SAFETY TALK
SUN – Talk about covering body with clothing, the danger of too much sun and sunlight reflection off the
water causing sunburn and also of dehydration. Highlight the use of sun block cream, hats

etc.

HIPPO – Discuss the dangers of hippo encounters briefly. It is important that the clients appreciate the
dangers without getting terrified. Mention the size of hippos, that they are vegetarians and only attack
aggressively occasionally. Most importantly that it is important to always have clients follow the guides
instructions and to avoid the hippo. Hippo, by virtue of their size and temperament are capable of
tipping over and damaging canoes and of course causing great injury to people too. Explain briefly to the
clients that the guide will be tapping on his canoe, but clients should not tap as well. Below is a hippo
damaged canoe in the foreground, and some stranded people on the island behind to the right of the
termitaria! There wasn’t another canoe to fetch them so they had to wait for another boat from the
closest camp!!
Hippo dentition can be very intimidating!

CROCS – Can be dangerous so no ‘dangling’ of arms and legs etc in the water and no swimming unless
the guide allows it in very shallow water. If a croc does surface near the canoe keep a paddle between
you and it and preferably paddle away from it. It is important not to dip paddles too deep in the water in
an area where crocs have slipped into water. You may hit the croc lying in shallow water, giving it a
fright and causing the upset of the canoe. Also avoid water where a large croc has submerged and areas
where there are many crocs like at a carcass or on a basking on a sandbank.

BUFFALO & ELEPHANT – Both buffalo and elephant have attacked canoes in the valley. Drinking buffalo
can panic and charge back toward the mainland and may attack the canoes if they are too close, this
also applies if one gets too close to them for pictures. Elephants are dangerous as they can charge
through shallow water faster than a canoe can paddle. It is not wise to paddle too close to them and if
they are up on a bank they could fall off down onto the canoe (has happened).

TREES, ROCKS & WIND– Trees and rocks can be seen visibly or just under the water by a ’V’ ripple. They
should be avoided as they can tip a canoe over, especially if hit at speed and sideways. They can also
puncture canoes. Don’t get caught in overhanging branches. In a bad area follow the forward canoe if it
is negotiating successfully. These obstacles should be considered well before hand as the current will be
carrying the canoes towards the obstacle. To add to this the wind can be a problem and in some cases
the guide needs to direct the clients to the bank to wait it out. Bailing may be required and the wind
might make paddling difficult. It is important to hit the waves straight on and not sideways.

SAFETY ON CANOES – No clients standing up. Canoes should not be overloaded. Netting can be used to
secure loads. Paddlers should avoid leaning over sideways too much, especially at the same time. Dry
bags will/should be provided and valuables on the canoe should be tied down well. This includes the
tying of sunglasses. Life jackets should be used at all times. Explain bailing techniques using sponges or
drink bottles used. All canoes should go in single file and the guide must specify the sequence of canoes.
The guide will also decide who canoes with who. This is important for safety reasons (weight for
instance) and for the enjoyment of clients.

NOISE – Noise just like on land should be kept to a reasonable limit and the guide may ask the clients to
be quiet for safety reasons e.g. sneaking past a hippo.

RADIO – The guide should have a phone and radio for emergencies and that there is a first aid kit. Give
the clients a brief introduction to radio and sat phone usage.

PADDLING INSTRUCTION – Explain to the clients that the canoes are Canadian canoes, they are very
stable with buoyancy tanks, and very hard to sink. This will give them some confidence. Explain that 80%
of the control is from the back and 20% control in front. A three man canoe is faster that a two man.
Explain the paddles, how to hold them by the handles, how to dip in and pull against the water to pull
the canoe forwards. The importance in working as a team whether 2 or 3 people should be emphasized.
Try and not splash water or hit the other persons paddle. Try and compensate the other persons
paddling so the canoe goes straight. A good system is to say paddle 3 strokes on the left then 3 on the
right then switch again. The person at the back should control using the rudder stroke. Push forwards on
the right and the canoe will turn to the right. Alternatively you can do the opposite on the left side.
While paddling avoid close contact with the canoe in front, especially when near hippo, as a collision can
cause a lack of control and a canoe might go towards a hippo. Don’t stay too far behind as this is
dangerous, giving hippos a chance to catch up to canoes and attack. Ensure that the clients understand
the following instructions ; that if they guide tells you to paddle fast, you must do so as it could save
your life. You may also be told to paddle slowly or by the bank. All these instructions should be followed.
If you are crossing open water, follow exactly in the guide’s tracks. Don’t drift too far down stream or
upstream as you may paddle into a danger zone and readjust by watching the current. The guide might
paddle you closer to hippos; this is safe as the water may be shallow. In danger zones and any times
while paddling, don’t get too carried away with cameras and then lose control of the boat. Try and avoid
too much speed when going towards the bank and on landing, remember there could be rocks; you
don’t want to put holes in the canoe.

RECOVERY – If the canoe does overturn do not swim away from it unless your guide tells you to. The
best thing to do is hold onto the canoe or climb back onto it. However do not climb back into a canoe
that has a passenger in and is still upright, as you may overturn it endangering the occupants. The guide
will then paddle his canoe to yours forming a raft and will help you to regain entry to the canoe by going
to the bank or pulling you back in. Do not panic and splash around as it attracts crocodiles

ANY QUESTIONS? - You will do your best to do this without instilling fear and help settle the clients
minds. Inform them that this is for their safety and to cover a worst case scenario.

FOR GUIDES ONLY

INTER OPERATOR ETIQUETTE – make sure the camping sites you stop into are the correct ones
organised with National Parks for your company. If there is any potential clash between you and other
operators on camping sites, picnic or walking sites, try and arrange with other guides so as not to clash.
This may mean a discreet visit to their camp to talk with them or a habitual use of the same site, so they
know where you are likely to be. Try to avoid being visible to other companies on the river. It makes the
area seem wilder to the clients. Some clients do not like to see other canoes. Don’t bad mouth other
companies and guides at all and most especially not in front of clients.

HIPPO AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES, NOTES ETC. –

Before leaving in the morning ensure there are ropes to tie everything down. There should be ropes at
the end of the canoe to tie up canoes when landing. The canoes should be clean. Check on leaks. Make
sure drinks and lunch are adequate. You need a table and chairs. A first aid kit. You need a radio and if
you have one, a satellite phone. You need seat cushions and enough life jackets. If you are fishing pack
your rods, tackle and bait. Your drinks need enough ice for the whole day or on long hauls for the time
period. To preserve ice try and keep the cold box well sealed and open briefly. Make sure the drinks the
clients like are in the box. Don’t pack it with beers when they only drink coke. Always have lots of water
and you can stack extra water out of the cold box, somewhere in a canoe. Restrict the consumption of
alcohol to evenings where possible. Alcohol is a diuretic and impairs judgement. So it’ll dehydrate you
and slow your reaction times. Sun stroke can soon follow this type of behaviour!

Don’t trust your clients, keep an eye on them and be aware that many of them have never paddled in
their lives. This is important to consider, especially at the beginning of the trip. They may panic and
move into danger.

Try and not scare clients in the safety talk or on the trip. You need a fine balance. If they show no
respect, they will walk off or paddle off on their own, swim where they shouldn’t, fish in a croc zone,
paddle too close to the hippos when they should be paddling where you told them. On the other hand
the nervous clients become a hazard as they are more likely to be erratic. They make mistakes like
freezing in a danger zone, or paddling into the bank or out into deeper dangerous water. They may even
paddle towards hippo in a panic. They also will not enjoy their trip and could make it unpleasant for
everyone else. The first type of client is normally a man, especially those who have always been the
‘boss’ or they may be from this region. The second type is normally a woman. However there is no hard
and fast rule to this.

Guides should always keep their eyes and main focus on the water.

Be very conscious of too much time bird or game watching and allowing your attention to wander from
watching the water.

Safety is more important than paddling up to a bird or animal. Don’t risk the clients by paddling across a
‘danger zone’ (deep still water likely to hold a bunch of hippo) to look at an elephant.

Safety is also more important than showing off. Some guides want to do the most dangerous channels
and the closest approaches to get a reaction from the guests. They feel that the more danger, the more
successful they are. It is important to consider the feelings and fears of the guests, not your own
adrenaline fix. The guide should not show off by trying to get too close to any dangerous game.

Be patient as hippos do go under water longer than 8 minutes. They may even go up to 15 or more. So if
it doesn’t come up it might still be there - watch carefully where it goes.

In some cases you may have to ‘portage’ or pull / carry canoes around or over an obstacle. When
‘portaging’ you may have to pull the clients boats. If they want to pull their own, ensure they don’t pull
it into deep water and endanger themselves with crocodiles. Ensure that clients do not injure
themselves pulling boats.

Don’t have lunches in shallow water (even though it is thought to be safe) if the clients are afraid, if they
don’t like cold water or if they want lunch in the shade. Watch them so that they do not walk off to
deeper water.
While stopping for lunch or picnics make sure the land is safe before disembarking. Watch especially for
elephants, hippo, buffalo and Lion on land.

On landing ensure the canoes are tied up properly and are out of the water.

Make sure that if you leave the canoes, clients take their valuables with them. Anything left behind
should be left in the canoes and preferably tied up in case elephants play with anything. No food should
be accessible to baboons.

If you do a walk with a full professional guide, help to ensure that there is enough water and a radio
taken on the walk.

Learner Guides, respect the walking guides by staying at the back of the group. Don’t contradict him or
have separate talks with clients.

Without a walking guide, the canoe guide should be aware of the rules of no walking and of the max
distances that should be kept from the water i.e. 50m.

Clients should be instructed to burn their toilet paper and try and bury their faeces. Give them toilet
paper and matches.
They should be warned about wandering off on their own and toilet spots should be checked carefully.
Where possible, introduce a ‘buddy buddy’ system in which one buddy doesn’t move anywhere without
the other tagging along.

The guides should have a rifle available. .375 or bigger. An additional weapon in the form of a handgun
is advisable.

Guides may also use ‘Bear bangers’ and other noisy instruments to help in defence. Fog horns have been
used successfully! Shouting – not swear words - and sometimes just loud talking can make animals
aware of your presence and keep them from walking towards you.

While resting make sure that someone is always on guard and not everyone is sleeping. Wild animals
especially elephants often wander into a resting zone and can be dangerous.

Keep your food stuffs elevated and in sealed containers where possible as ants are a problem

While resting, clients should be instructed on the best way to sleep under trees etc. – try to keep some
orderly fashion so that if something happens there isn’t a general melee. Mats can be provided and
they can use seat cushions and life jackets. Don’t sleep in the sun!

Choose lunch sites that are safe as possible and have shade.

To protect yourself you can place life jackets or seat cushions by your feet or use a double seat cover -
Don’t tell the clients that you have a double cover otherwise they’ll want one too!

You can also use this extra cushioning to elevate yourself as you paddle. This extra height enables you
to see the water ahead better. When approaching a corner it helps to stand up (guide only) to see what
is ahead.

To intimidate hippos, standing (guide only), shouting and slapping the water with the paddle all help.
You can also park the canoe and walk down the bank. Bear bangers and shooting a handgun to the side
can be used as a last resort. This is necessary to make hippos move away and get them to feel that you
are not easily scared. Large crocodiles should also be intimidated and not allowed to get too familiar.

Don’t paddle right up to large sleeping crocodiles and avoid where possible the paddling right over a
spot where a large croc has submerged. They may get a fright and upset the canoe.
Handguns or other weapons should only be used in extreme emergencies. If you do have to shoot
anything, make sure you had no other options, get written support from your clients and report as soon
as you can to Parks. Remember NP law!

Try to always move through shallow water, always checking water depth and the sand banks. These are

hippo free zones.

Be very careful of ‘drop off’ zones as these often have pods or single hippos resting there.

If you do move through deep water with a wide expanse, check well ahead and negotiate the hippos,
taking advantage of the amount of water available.

If you are confronted by a ‘wall’ of hippos stretched out, then back paddle if necessary and make sure
you choose a safe route through. If you have to go to the bank before carrying on then do so.

Don’t rush through a danger zone. Take your time to check it out thoroughly and make a firm decision
on how you will negotiate the obstacle

While moving along the bank, be patient while waiting for hippo to move out to deeper water. If the
water is deep close to the bank and the hippos stubbornly refuse to move, then try and back paddle and
move to the other side of the channel if possible.

If you do creep along the bank, watch that your clients don’t panic and lose control, drifting away from
the bank. You can use your paddle stuck in the water to stabilize the canoe or the T grip to hold onto a
root or grass.

If a canoe does lose control moving away from a bank where it needs to be, get them to back paddle out
of the danger zone or do a semi-circle using the current to get back to the bank.

When possible, try to always have a guide steering a canoe. For those canoes without a guide, choose
strong and mature people, especially those with canoeing experience to steer canoes.

Tapping of the canoe to get hippos to come up is a necessity, but does not have to be overdone. Make
sure the clients don’t join in.

In some cases you may try and quietly move past a hippo in a narrow channel. You only saw it at the last
moment. These are often injured hippos, immobile and like to hide in weeds. This is an important time
to ensure everyone is quiet until you exit the area. Avoid narrow deep channels with lots of weed.
Don’t paddle up to what seems to be a dead hippo. Often old bulls can have terrible wounds and still be
just alive. If they are dead the water may be boiling with crocodiles and should be avoided.

Don’t trust any water. The river is different every day and hippos can move. It does help though to
recognise regular spots.

Lone males and females with babies are normally the most dangerous and should be especially avoided.

With steep banks, watch out that a hippo doesn’t launch itself off the bank onto your canoe.

Don’t paddle at night. Visibility is poor. Hippos are now starting to move around more and crocs are
more dangerous. You may not see under water obstructions well.

For fishing be aware of the valley heat with worms, they need a good packing and transporting to keep
them alive

While fishing make sure clients do not try and retrieve fish or tackle by entering deep water. They also
need to be aware of crocodiles. Instruct them on the dangers and try to fish in shallow or safer water.
Tell them what to look for. Try and avoid fishing from canoes as they are not stable and more risk for
crocodiles. Paddling with a line behind is also a hazard and a headache. Just don’t allow it!.

Don’t fish just because you want to. If the clients don’t like it, do something else…you are there for their
benefit not yours.

Many clients have never fished in their lives before. Choose Bream or Chessa fishing to start off with.
Make sure they are aware of the dangers of hooks, fins, teeth, of tigers running with the line. Instruct
them. Put the worms on the hook and take the fish off when required.

If you are not going to eat all the fish then ‘catch and release.’

Always make sure your camping and picnic sites are clean after leaving – NP law!.

If you make a raft with canoes, ensure that it is in a safe zone. If danger is approaching, break the raft
immediately and make sure the clients are aware of the need to do so. Don’t think hippos will avoid you
because you now look bigger with more canoes tied together

The wind can be a problem especially from mid morning to about 2 in the afternoon. Try and use these
times for walking and resting. Be aware that waves can swamp canoes and cause them to overturn. If
necessary go to the bank and bail out. You might have to move along the bank.

On returning to canoes and while on the canoeing, ensure clients get enough non alcoholic drinks.

Try and use good ‘polarised’ sun glasses. Look after yourself with creams, hats, good clothing, shoes etc.
What you tell your clients to do in the safety talk is also good for yourself. A comfortable, healthy, well
fed, wide awake guide is safer. Get good sleep and avoid alcohol.

Binoculars are not only good for bird and animal watching, but for looking ahead to see if suspicious
objects are hippos.

In some cases you will have to rush through an area that has suddenly become dangerous. Make sure all
the clients are aware of the need to paddle as fast as possible. Communication backwards to the last
canoe is often a problem, so ensure that everyone is always aware of your intentions and what they
should be doing.

Don’t let canoes hang back. If they are weak paddlers and you are ‘He Man’, don’t try and show off by
wearing them out. Take breaks, paddle slower, form rafts. HAVE FUN!

If canoes do capsize then try and get everyone first of all out of danger. In rescuing others don’t
endanger yourself and your passenger if there are two in your canoe. Make sure they are following your
instructions. Get them to the bank so as to flip the canoe back upright and to get the client to safety.
You can also form a raft which will be stable and help to get the client back in a boat. If it is a hippo
attack, normally it will hit once and leave the canoe. If the hippo does continue to attack the canoe, then
it might be the rare occasion when you tell the client to leave the canoe. In some cases the hippo might
attack a canoe against the bank. In this case you can also instruct the clients to vacate and get up the
bank. However these are rare cases and best left out the safety talk.

Make sure your radio and satellite phone are always charged and your first aid kit well stocked.

CAMP

Cover with the clients the catering, camp layout, security, cooking, rooms / tents, latrine areas etc. If
one decides to stop and camp on islands though, there are a few extra things to consider;

Make sure your canoes are pulled high up and tied securely

If you have small tents, help and instruct the clients on how to set the tents up, sort out bedding etc.

Designate toilet areas and washing areas. Make sure that males and females will not see each other
when they shouldn’t. Ensure privacy by correct set up of camp.

A canoe safari of more than one day is essentially a ‘participant activity’, therefore get the clients to help
with ‘menial chores’ such as camp set up and food preparation in such a way they look forward to doing
it! But by the same token don’t abdicate responsibility for anything to them. You as the guide are
responsible for everything. Yours is the head that will roll when anything goes wrong!!

Make sure there is a ‘washing up and cooking roster’ – let them decide who does what! Ensure that you
are involved to make sure there won’t be complaints about the food. Avoid heavy spicing on the food
and anything that may cause upset tummies.

On the long haul trips, watch your ice and make sure you have enough food until your next supply stop.

In some areas security is a concern – be cognisant of the dangers before you start and make the clients
aware to. You may have to post sentries or watches in the night. It is important to ensure that valuables
are well stacked away in the tents.

If you are sleeping ‘under paddles and mosquito nets’, then make them comfortable and do this only on
islands. Hyenas are not to be trusted.
Make sure everyone gets a good night rest. Try and keep clients off ‘the alcohol’ as much as possible.
They may make your next day a misery if they were drinking all night. Any physical tourists’ activity is
one where you should limit unhealthy behaviour.

Make sure the ‘bonfire’ / cooking fire is not going to set the island on fire.

It might help to keep the fire burning if there are wild animals around and if someone is doing sentry
duty.

Avoid camping under ‘Albida Feydherbia’ and ‘Kigelia’ trees.

When using tented camps warn clients to zip up doorways at all times!

Sitting on the waters edge is extremely dangerous…it may look romantic and all…warn clients of the
dangers!

CANADIAN type canoe is ideal with 5 buoyancy tanks and the distance between the flotilla is the
distance equivalent to the length of canoe.

The common name of an alien aquatic plant species known as Eichonia craspes is Water Hyacinth.

Riparian vegetation is vegetation found along the river banks.

Ilala, Vundu and Nkupe are designated canoe operator sites on the Manapools National Park shoreline.

CANOEING NOTES
ZAMBEZI RIVER AND VICTORIA FALLS INFORMATION

Largest 2 left hand tributaries of the middle Zambezi River are Kafue and Luangwa Rivers in Zambia.

Zambezi River is controlled and manned by Zambezi River Authority for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

For over 2 million years ago Zambezi used to flow through what is now Makgadikigadi Pan in Botswana.
However, as a result of tectonic uplift, a vast lake was formed and the river shifted eastward mbezi has
its source in Zambia at Mwinilunga District in northwest Zambia, 1500m above sea level. More
specifically the source is a marshy black wetland, known as the dambo, in the centre of the iconic
Miombo Woodland. The Zambezi River mouth is at Quelimane at the Indian Ocean

Zambezi River length is 2 574 km to 2 700 km

Zambezi River width/breadth is from as little as 2 to 8km

There are two man-made Lakes on Zambezi River, Lake Kariba and lake Cabora Bassa. However, 5 820
small dams are located on the Zambezi River basin. And this corresponds to a strorage capacity
estimated at about 4, 6 million cubic metres.

Catchment area of Zambezi River flows through countries of Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia,
Zambia, Zimbabwe.
Area covered 1 390 000 square kilometers

Width of Victoria Falls 1708 m and average height 108 m.

Victoria Falls means Mosi- oa- Tunya, the smoke that thunders.

First Zambezi bridge was completed 2 September 1905.

THE MAIN RIVERS IN AFRICA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SIZE:

NILE RIVER which is Africa’s longest river. Its length is 6 650 km. Source Blue Nile, White Nile. Mouth is
at the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Basin covers an area of 3,4 million square km

CONGO RIVER with largest discharge on the continent, is the second longest rivers in Africa. Length is 4
700 km. Source Lake Tanganyika, Chambeshi River, East African Rift, Lake Mweru. Basin size is 4, 014,
500 square km.

NIGER is the principal river of the West Africa, extending about 4 180 km. Its drainage basin is 2 117,700
square km in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands, in south eastern guinea. Its mouth is the Gulf of
Guinea, Atlantic Ocean.

ZAMBEZI

CATARACTS AND FALLS ON ZAMBEZI RIVER:

Devils Cataract,

Eastern Cataract,

Main Falls,

Horse Shoe Falls,

Rainbow Falls,

Armchair Falls,

Batoka Gorge.

INTRODUCTION AND PROTOCOL PRIOR TO CANOEING

Having introduced yourself as a Guide to the clients, they need to:

a)To sign indemnity form provided by the company. This document is important in covering and
protecting the operator from certain liabilities not covered by his liability insurance.

b)Be encouraged to place passports and valuables in safe keeping with the person in charge or authority
before living the trip.
c)Ensure that all clients are aware of the distance covered by the safari trip on daily basis.

d)Introduce staff and guests to each other and ensuring that the clients are aware of the seniority
profile within the staff as this may prevents them from asking junior staff questions they can not answer
and precluding wrong information being disseminated.

e)Make sure they bring their hats, sunglasses, sun cream, lightweight easy drying clothing and earthly
toned dull coloured is best. Discourage sleeveless tops and shirts and make sure they do not forget their
cameras, binoculars. Weight is an issue on canoe, so make sure they do not bring unnecessary luggage.

f)Explain the layout of the camp to come briefly – this would be taught by the operator as it suits him.

g)Prior to embarkation, ensure that the clients have been to a toilet.

h)Describe the programme for the next few days briefly.

CANOEING BRIEF TALK:

After conclusion of introductions with guests the following information is vital in brief:

Zambezi has 2 700 km in length from the source to the mouth,

Zambezi River originates in northwest Zambia, in Mwinilunga,

It ends in Indian Ocean, its mouth

Zambezi flows through Botswana, Zambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Angola, Zimbabwe as catchment
basin.

Zambezi is divided into 3 sections, Upper, Middle and Lower and

Zambezi water is safe to drink since the water is always flowing.

CANOEING SAFETY TALK

Swimming is not encouraged in Zambezi River waters or to deep hands on account of:

Crocodiles: Never allow clients to dangle hands or feet in water or to swim because of dangers posed by
crocodiles.

Hippopotamus: these are dangerous since they can tip over canoes and caution has to be exercised all
the time to avert dangers. The Guide has to tap the canoe accordingly to denote or convey any safety
procedures to be taken to enable hippos to come up as a necessity but clients must not the tapping.

Buffalos and Elephants: Both of these have attacked canoes in the valley. In panic, they can charge back
to the canoe or when taking pictures too close. Elephants can charge through shallow water faster than
a canoe can paddle. Don’t paddle too close to them.
Rocks, Stumps, Sand banks: These must be on the lookout for since hitting against them, moving at high
speed, may cause puncture on canoes.

Wind: may be vicious to incapacitate paddling and retards movement of canoes. It is advisable to paddle
into the wind rather than paddle or hit sideways.

Safety on Canoes: no person should be allowed standing on the canoe. Canoes should not be
overloaded. Netting should be allowed to secured loads. Paddlers should be disallowed to lean over
sideways too much, especially at the same time. Dry bags should be provided to secure or tie down
valuables on the canoe and this includes tying sunglasses as well. Life jackets must be worn all times
during canoeing. Bailing techniques must be explained using sponges or drink bottles used. All canoes
must go in single file and the Guide must specify this sequence and may determine who to canoe with
who. This is of paramount importance for safety reasons (weight for instance) and for the enjoyment of
clients.

Noise: just like on land, noise must be kept to a reasonable minimum and the Guide may ask the clients
to be quiet for safety reasons such as sneaking past a hippo.

Radio: The Guide should have phone and radio for emergencies and that there is First Aid kit. Give
clients a brief introduction of the radio and sat phone usage.

Recovery: If the canoe does overturn do not swim away from it unless your Guide tells you to. The best
thing to do is hold onto your canoe or climb back on it. However, never climb back in to a canoe that has
a passenger in and still upright as you may overturn it endangering other occupants. In such
circumstances, the Guide may paddle his canoe to yours by forming a raft and will help you to regain
entry to canoe by going to the bank or pulling you back in. Do not panic or splash water as this may
attract crocodiles.

Glare of Sun light: Talk about covering body with clothing, the danger of too much sun and sunlight
reflection off the water causing sunburn and also of dehydration. Highlight the use of sun block cream,
hats, sunglasses etc.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN CANOE AND KAYAKS

CANOEING

Canoe paddlers use single bladed paddle which are great for long and stable propulsion. They minimize
short, sharp movements. NB: Paddles are made of plastic and wood.

Great for families wanting to explore lakes in comfort.

Paddling in canoe you use alternate strokes, with one hand on the grip and the other hand on the
paddle shaft.

KAYAKING

Kayaks use double bladed paddles which are great for learning, easy to pick up the skills and get going.’

Double bladed paddle is great for monoeurability, you can zig zag and general travel faster than canoes.
Sitting position is lower in a kayak with legs extended in front than in a canoe and so a single paddle
does not provide sufficient power to propel yourself.

Kayaks have sleek design meaning better for speed but however, carry less people than canoe.

WHITEWATER CANOE is exclusively designed for the river use and suitable for rough waters since its
durable and manoeuvrable are most important element to this type of canoe. Can handle high wind
condition better and thwart choppy waters found on large water bodies.

Long Version is a type of canoe used on flat water. Are more stable, Have a greater capacity, Draw less
water, hold on course better than short version, are faster hence easier to paddle.

Short Rocketed Dip canoe can also be used on white waters.

ALL PLACES OF CANOEING STOPOVERS ALONG ZAMBEZI FROM KARIBA TO KANYEMBA

!)Kariba – Chirundu

1st night : Namomba

2nd night: Twin Log Island, then

3rd night: Chirundu

2)Chirundu _ Manapools

1st night : Kakomomarara from Chirundu, or Long Island from Chirundu.

2nd night: Vundu Island

3rd night: Trichlia Island then out at Manapools.

3)Manapools – Kanyemba

Manapools

Lower G Channel

Gorge

Kanyemba (DDF)

CANOE GUIDING (EXTENDED)

Outcome of studies

1/ The canoe guide will be fully conversant with all aspects of canoe guiding.
2/ Having written and passed the canoe guides ‘learner exam’, the canoe guide candidate will be
expected to have spent 250 hrs on the river as an understudy before being eligible to do the Canoe
Guide proficiency exams.

Introduction and protocol;

Having introduced yourself to the clients, they need to;

Each client is to sign an Indemnity form provided by the company. This document covers and to a certain
degree protects the Operator from certain liabilities not covered by his liability Insurance.

Be encouraged to place passports and valuables in ‘safe keeping’ with the person in authority before
leaving for the trip.

Clients and canoes are then conveyed to the embarkation or launch place of their canoe safari by vehicle.

Before the safety talk there are the following to be covered by the guide;

NOTE ; Familiarity puts people at ease, so the more informed a person is of the days activities ahead, the
more comfortable and less likely to complain they’ll be! Therefore;

Ensure that all the clients are aware of the distance the safari will cover on a daily basis.

Introduce staff and guests to each other. Ensuring that the clients are aware of the seniority profile
within the staff. This prevents them from asking junior staff questions they cannot answer and
precluding wrong information being disseminated.

Discuss what of the clients luggage can be carried on the canoe and that which is to be transferred to
the ‘camp’ to await their arrival at the end of the canoe safari. Apart from hats, sun glasses etc. They
should have the right walking shoes and/or water shoes for the boat. Clothing should be checked –
lightweight easy drying ‘earthy toned’ dull coloured clothing is best. Make the clients aware of the sun
burn factor on water and discourage sleeveless tops and shirts. Make sure they don’t forget their
cameras and/or binoculars. Because weight is an issue in the canoes make sure they don’t bring
unnecessary luggage. Awesome photo opportunities occur whilst canoeing!

Explain the layout of camps to come briefly – this would be taught to you by the operator as it suits him.

Before embarking, ensure the clients have been to the toilet.

Describe the programme for next few days briefly.

SAFETY TALK
SUN – Talk about covering body with clothing, the danger of too much sun and sunlight reflection off the
water causing sunburn and also of dehydration. Highlight the use of sun block cream, hats

etc.

HIPPO – Discuss the dangers of hippo encounters briefly. It is important that the clients appreciate the
dangers without getting terrified. Mention the size of hippos, that they are vegetarians and only attack
aggressively occasionally. Most importantly that it is important to always have clients follow the guides
instructions and to avoid the hippo. Hippo, by virtue of their size and temperament are capable of
tipping over and damaging canoes and of course causing great injury to people too. Explain briefly to the
clients that the guide will be tapping on his canoe, but clients should not tap as well. Below is a hippo
damaged canoe in the foreground, and some stranded people on the island behind to the right of the
termitaria! There wasn’t another canoe to fetch them so they had to wait for another boat from the
closest camp!!
Hippo dentition can be very intimidating!

CROCS – Can be dangerous so no ‘dangling’ of arms and legs etc in the water and no swimming unless
the guide allows it in very shallow water. If a croc does surface near the canoe keep a paddle between
you and it and preferably paddle away from it. It is important not to dip paddles too deep in the water in
an area where crocs have slipped into water. You may hit the croc lying in shallow water, giving it a
fright and causing the upset of the canoe. Also avoid water where a large croc has submerged and areas
where there are many crocs like at a carcass or on a basking on a sandbank.

BUFFALO & ELEPHANT – Both buffalo and elephant have attacked canoes in the valley. Drinking buffalo
can panic and charge back toward the mainland and may attack the canoes if they are too close, this
also applies if one gets too close to them for pictures. Elephants are dangerous as they can charge
through shallow water faster than a canoe can paddle. It is not wise to paddle too close to them and if
they are up on a bank they could fall off down onto the canoe (has happened).

TREES, ROCKS & WIND– Trees and rocks can be seen visibly or just under the water by a ’V’ ripple. They
should be avoided as they can tip a canoe over, especially if hit at speed and sideways. They can also
puncture canoes. Don’t get caught in overhanging branches. In a bad area follow the forward canoe if it
is negotiating successfully. These obstacles should be considered well before hand as the current will be
carrying the canoes towards the obstacle. To add to this the wind can be a problem and in some cases
the guide needs to direct the clients to the bank to wait it out. Bailing may be required and the wind
might make paddling difficult. It is important to hit the waves straight on and not sideways.

SAFETY ON CANOES – No clients standing up. Canoes should not be overloaded. Netting can be used to
secure loads. Paddlers should avoid leaning over sideways too much, especially at the same time. Dry
bags will/should be provided and valuables on the canoe should be tied down well. This includes the
tying of sunglasses. Life jackets should be used at all times. Explain bailing techniques using sponges or
drink bottles used. All canoes should go in single file and the guide must specify the sequence of canoes.
The guide will also decide who canoes with who. This is important for safety reasons (weight for
instance) and for the enjoyment of clients.

NOISE – Noise just like on land should be kept to a reasonable limit and the guide may ask the clients to
be quiet for safety reasons e.g. sneaking past a hippo.

RADIO – The guide should have a phone and radio for emergencies and that there is a first aid kit. Give
the clients a brief introduction to radio and sat phone usage.

PADDLING INSTRUCTION – Explain to the clients that the canoes are Canadian canoes, they are very
stable with buoyancy tanks, and very hard to sink. This will give them some confidence. Explain that 80%
of the control is from the back and 20% control in front. A three man canoe is faster that a two man.
Explain the paddles, how to hold them by the handles, how to dip in and pull against the water to pull
the canoe forwards. The importance in working as a team whether 2 or 3 people should be emphasized.
Try and not splash water or hit the other persons paddle. Try and compensate the other persons
paddling so the canoe goes straight. A good system is to say paddle 3 strokes on the left then 3 on the
right then switch again. The person at the back should control using the rudder stroke. Push forwards on
the right and the canoe will turn to the right. Alternatively you can do the opposite on the left side.
While paddling avoid close contact with the canoe in front, especially when near hippo, as a collision can
cause a lack of control and a canoe might go towards a hippo. Don’t stay too far behind as this is
dangerous, giving hippos a chance to catch up to canoes and attack. Ensure that the clients understand
the following instructions ; that if they guide tells you to paddle fast, you must do so as it could save
your life. You may also be told to paddle slowly or by the bank. All these instructions should be followed.
If you are crossing open water, follow exactly in the guide’s tracks. Don’t drift too far down stream or
upstream as you may paddle into a danger zone and readjust by watching the current. The guide might
paddle you closer to hippos; this is safe as the water may be shallow. In danger zones and any times
while paddling, don’t get too carried away with cameras and then lose control of the boat. Try and avoid
too much speed when going towards the bank and on landing, remember there could be rocks; you
don’t want to put holes in the canoe.

RECOVERY – If the canoe does overturn do not swim away from it unless your guide tells you to. The
best thing to do is hold onto the canoe or climb back onto it. However do not climb back into a canoe
that has a passenger in and is still upright, as you may overturn it endangering the occupants. The guide
will then paddle his canoe to yours forming a raft and will help you to regain entry to the canoe by going
to the bank or pulling you back in. Do not panic and splash around as it attracts crocodiles

ANY QUESTIONS? - You will do your best to do this without instilling fear and help settle the clients
minds. Inform them that this is for their safety and to cover a worst case scenario.

FOR GUIDES ONLY

INTER OPERATOR ETIQUETTE – make sure the camping sites you stop into are the correct ones
organised with National Parks for your company. If there is any potential clash between you and other
operators on camping sites, picnic or walking sites, try and arrange with other guides so as not to clash.
This may mean a discreet visit to their camp to talk with them or a habitual use of the same site, so they
know where you are likely to be. Try to avoid being visible to other companies on the river. It makes the
area seem wilder to the clients. Some clients do not like to see other canoes. Don’t bad mouth other
companies and guides at all and most especially not in front of clients.

HIPPO AVOIDANCE TECHNIQUES, NOTES ETC. –

Before leaving in the morning ensure there are ropes to tie everything down. There should be ropes at
the end of the canoe to tie up canoes when landing. The canoes should be clean. Check on leaks. Make
sure drinks and lunch are adequate. You need a table and chairs. A first aid kit. You need a radio and if
you have one, a satellite phone. You need seat cushions and enough life jackets. If you are fishing pack
your rods, tackle and bait. Your drinks need enough ice for the whole day or on long hauls for the time
period. To preserve ice try and keep the cold box well sealed and open briefly. Make sure the drinks the
clients like are in the box. Don’t pack it with beers when they only drink coke. Always have lots of water
and you can stack extra water out of the cold box, somewhere in a canoe. Restrict the consumption of
alcohol to evenings where possible. Alcohol is a diuretic and impairs judgement. So it’ll dehydrate you
and slow your reaction times. Sun stroke can soon follow this type of behaviour!

Don’t trust your clients, keep an eye on them and be aware that many of them have never paddled in
their lives. This is important to consider, especially at the beginning of the trip. They may panic and
move into danger.

Try and not scare clients in the safety talk or on the trip. You need a fine balance. If they show no
respect, they will walk off or paddle off on their own, swim where they shouldn’t, fish in a croc zone,
paddle too close to the hippos when they should be paddling where you told them. On the other hand
the nervous clients become a hazard as they are more likely to be erratic. They make mistakes like
freezing in a danger zone, or paddling into the bank or out into deeper dangerous water. They may even
paddle towards hippo in a panic. They also will not enjoy their trip and could make it unpleasant for
everyone else. The first type of client is normally a man, especially those who have always been the
‘boss’ or they may be from this region. The second type is normally a woman. However there is no hard
and fast rule to this.

Guides should always keep their eyes and main focus on the water.

Be very conscious of too much time bird or game watching and allowing your attention to wander from
watching the water.

Safety is more important than paddling up to a bird or animal. Don’t risk the clients by paddling across a
‘danger zone’ (deep still water likely to hold a bunch of hippo) to look at an elephant.

Safety is also more important than showing off. Some guides want to do the most dangerous channels
and the closest approaches to get a reaction from the guests. They feel that the more danger, the more
successful they are. It is important to consider the feelings and fears of the guests, not your own
adrenaline fix. The guide should not show off by trying to get too close to any dangerous game.

Be patient as hippos do go under water longer than 8 minutes. They may even go up to 15 or more. So if
it doesn’t come up it might still be there - watch carefully where it goes.

In some cases you may have to ‘portage’ or pull / carry canoes around or over an obstacle. When
‘portaging’ you may have to pull the clients boats. If they want to pull their own, ensure they don’t pull
it into deep water and endanger themselves with crocodiles. Ensure that clients do not injure
themselves pulling boats.

Don’t have lunches in shallow water (even though it is thought to be safe) if the clients are afraid, if they
don’t like cold water or if they want lunch in the shade. Watch them so that they do not walk off to
deeper water.
While stopping for lunch or picnics make sure the land is safe before disembarking. Watch especially for
elephants, hippo, buffalo and Lion on land.

On landing ensure the canoes are tied up properly and are out of the water.

Make sure that if you leave the canoes, clients take their valuables with them. Anything left behind
should be left in the canoes and preferably tied up in case elephants play with anything. No food should
be accessible to baboons.

If you do a walk with a full professional guide, help to ensure that there is enough water and a radio
taken on the walk.

Learner Guides, respect the walking guides by staying at the back of the group. Don’t contradict him or
have separate talks with clients.

Without a walking guide, the canoe guide should be aware of the rules of no walking and of the max
distances that should be kept from the water i.e. 50m.

Clients should be instructed to burn their toilet paper and try and bury their faeces. Give them toilet
paper and matches.
They should be warned about wandering off on their own and toilet spots should be checked carefully.
Where possible, introduce a ‘buddy buddy’ system in which one buddy doesn’t move anywhere without
the other tagging along.

The guides should have a rifle available. .375 or bigger. An additional weapon in the form of a handgun
is advisable.

Guides may also use ‘Bear bangers’ and other noisy instruments to help in defence. Fog horns have been
used successfully! Shouting – not swear words - and sometimes just loud talking can make animals
aware of your presence and keep them from walking towards you.

While resting make sure that someone is always on guard and not everyone is sleeping. Wild animals
especially elephants often wander into a resting zone and can be dangerous.

Keep your food stuffs elevated and in sealed containers where possible as ants are a problem

While resting, clients should be instructed on the best way to sleep under trees etc. – try to keep some
orderly fashion so that if something happens there isn’t a general melee. Mats can be provided and
they can use seat cushions and life jackets. Don’t sleep in the sun!

Choose lunch sites that are safe as possible and have shade.

To protect yourself you can place life jackets or seat cushions by your feet or use a double seat cover -
Don’t tell the clients that you have a double cover otherwise they’ll want one too!

You can also use this extra cushioning to elevate yourself as you paddle. This extra height enables you
to see the water ahead better. When approaching a corner it helps to stand up (guide only) to see what
is ahead.

To intimidate hippos, standing (guide only), shouting and slapping the water with the paddle all help.
You can also park the canoe and walk down the bank. Bear bangers and shooting a handgun to the side
can be used as a last resort. This is necessary to make hippos move away and get them to feel that you
are not easily scared. Large crocodiles should also be intimidated and not allowed to get too familiar.

Don’t paddle right up to large sleeping crocodiles and avoid where possible the paddling right over a
spot where a large croc has submerged. They may get a fright and upset the canoe.
Handguns or other weapons should only be used in extreme emergencies. If you do have to shoot
anything, make sure you had no other options, get written support from your clients and report as soon
as you can to Parks. Remember NP law!

Try to always move through shallow water, always checking water depth and the sand banks. These are

hippo free zones.

Be very careful of ‘drop off’ zones as these often have pods or single hippos resting there.

If you do move through deep water with a wide expanse, check well ahead and negotiate the hippos,
taking advantage of the amount of water available.

If you are confronted by a ‘wall’ of hippos stretched out, then back paddle if necessary and make sure
you choose a safe route through. If you have to go to the bank before carrying on then do so.

Don’t rush through a danger zone. Take your time to check it out thoroughly and make a firm decision
on how you will negotiate the obstacle

While moving along the bank, be patient while waiting for hippo to move out to deeper water. If the
water is deep close to the bank and the hippos stubbornly refuse to move, then try and back paddle and
move to the other side of the channel if possible.

If you do creep along the bank, watch that your clients don’t panic and lose control, drifting away from
the bank. You can use your paddle stuck in the water to stabilize the canoe or the T grip to hold onto a
root or grass.

If a canoe does lose control moving away from a bank where it needs to be, get them to back paddle out
of the danger zone or do a semi-circle using the current to get back to the bank.

When possible, try to always have a guide steering a canoe. For those canoes without a guide, choose
strong and mature people, especially those with canoeing experience to steer canoes.

Tapping of the canoe to get hippos to come up is a necessity, but does not have to be overdone. Make
sure the clients don’t join in.

In some cases you may try and quietly move past a hippo in a narrow channel. You only saw it at the last
moment. These are often injured hippos, immobile and like to hide in weeds. This is an important time
to ensure everyone is quiet until you exit the area. Avoid narrow deep channels with lots of weed.
Don’t paddle up to what seems to be a dead hippo. Often old bulls can have terrible wounds and still be
just alive. If they are dead the water may be boiling with crocodiles and should be avoided.

Don’t trust any water. The river is different every day and hippos can move. It does help though to
recognise regular spots.

Lone males and females with babies are normally the most dangerous and should be especially avoided.

With steep banks, watch out that a hippo doesn’t launch itself off the bank onto your canoe.

Don’t paddle at night. Visibility is poor. Hippos are now starting to move around more and crocs are
more dangerous. You may not see under water obstructions well.

For fishing be aware of the valley heat with worms, they need a good packing and transporting to keep
them alive

While fishing make sure clients do not try and retrieve fish or tackle by entering deep water. They also
need to be aware of crocodiles. Instruct them on the dangers and try to fish in shallow or safer water.
Tell them what to look for. Try and avoid fishing from canoes as they are not stable and more risk for
crocodiles. Paddling with a line behind is also a hazard and a headache. Just don’t allow it!.

Don’t fish just because you want to. If the clients don’t like it, do something else…you are there for their
benefit not yours.

Many clients have never fished in their lives before. Choose Bream or Chessa fishing to start off with.
Make sure they are aware of the dangers of hooks, fins, teeth, of tigers running with the line. Instruct
them. Put the worms on the hook and take the fish off when required.

If you are not going to eat all the fish then ‘catch and release.’

Always make sure your camping and picnic sites are clean after leaving – NP law!.

If you make a raft with canoes, ensure that it is in a safe zone. If danger is approaching, break the raft
immediately and make sure the clients are aware of the need to do so. Don’t think hippos will avoid you
because you now look bigger with more canoes tied together

The wind can be a problem especially from mid morning to about 2 in the afternoon. Try and use these
times for walking and resting. Be aware that waves can swamp canoes and cause them to overturn. If
necessary go to the bank and bail out. You might have to move along the bank.

On returning to canoes and while on the canoeing, ensure clients get enough non alcoholic drinks.

Try and use good ‘polarised’ sun glasses. Look after yourself with creams, hats, good clothing, shoes etc.
What you tell your clients to do in the safety talk is also good for yourself. A comfortable, healthy, well
fed, wide awake guide is safer. Get good sleep and avoid alcohol.

Binoculars are not only good for bird and animal watching, but for looking ahead to see if suspicious
objects are hippos.

In some cases you will have to rush through an area that has suddenly become dangerous. Make sure all
the clients are aware of the need to paddle as fast as possible. Communication backwards to the last
canoe is often a problem, so ensure that everyone is always aware of your intentions and what they
should be doing.

Don’t let canoes hang back. If they are weak paddlers and you are ‘He Man’, don’t try and show off by
wearing them out. Take breaks, paddle slower, form rafts. HAVE FUN!

If canoes do capsize then try and get everyone first of all out of danger. In rescuing others don’t
endanger yourself and your passenger if there are two in your canoe. Make sure they are following your
instructions. Get them to the bank so as to flip the canoe back upright and to get the client to safety.
You can also form a raft which will be stable and help to get the client back in a boat. If it is a hippo
attack, normally it will hit once and leave the canoe. If the hippo does continue to attack the canoe, then
it might be the rare occasion when you tell the client to leave the canoe. In some cases the hippo might
attack a canoe against the bank. In this case you can also instruct the clients to vacate and get up the
bank. However these are rare cases and best left out the safety talk.

Make sure your radio and satellite phone are always charged and your first aid kit well stocked.

CAMP

Cover with the clients the catering, camp layout, security, cooking, rooms / tents, latrine areas etc. If
one decides to stop and camp on islands though, there are a few extra things to consider;

Make sure your canoes are pulled high up and tied securely

If you have small tents, help and instruct the clients on how to set the tents up, sort out bedding etc.

Designate toilet areas and washing areas. Make sure that males and females will not see each other
when they shouldn’t. Ensure privacy by correct set up of camp.

A canoe safari of more than one day is essentially a ‘participant activity’, therefore get the clients to help
with ‘menial chores’ such as camp set up and food preparation in such a way they look forward to doing
it! But by the same token don’t abdicate responsibility for anything to them. You as the guide are
responsible for everything. Yours is the head that will roll when anything goes wrong!!

Make sure there is a ‘washing up and cooking roster’ – let them decide who does what! Ensure that you
are involved to make sure there won’t be complaints about the food. Avoid heavy spicing on the food
and anything that may cause upset tummies.

On the long haul trips, watch your ice and make sure you have enough food until your next supply stop.

In some areas security is a concern – be cognisant of the dangers before you start and make the clients
aware to. You may have to post sentries or watches in the night. It is important to ensure that valuables
are well stacked away in the tents.

If you are sleeping ‘under paddles and mosquito nets’, then make them comfortable and do this only on
islands. Hyenas are not to be trusted.
Make sure everyone gets a good night rest. Try and keep clients off ‘the alcohol’ as much as possible.
They may make your next day a misery if they were drinking all night. Any physical tourists’ activity is
one where you should limit unhealthy behaviour.

Make sure the ‘bonfire’ / cooking fire is not going to set the island on fire.

It might help to keep the fire burning if there are wild animals around and if someone is doing sentry
duty.

Avoid camping under ‘Albida Feydherbia’ and ‘Kigelia’ trees.

When using tented camps warn clients to zip up doorways at all times!

Sitting on the waters edge is extremely dangerous…it may look romantic and all…warn clients of the
dangers!

CANADIAN type canoe is ideal with 5 buoyancy tanks and the distance between the flotilla is the
distance equivalent to the length of canoe.

The common name of an alien invasive aquatic floating plant species known as Eichhornia crasspes is
Water Hyacinth. Kariba Weed (Salvinia molesta)

Riparian vegetation is vegetation found along the river banks.

Ilala, Vundu and Nkupe are designated canoe operator sites on the Manapools National Park shoreline.

Venus and Mars are 2 planets that can be visible to the naked eyes on a dark night.

Water mongoose, hyenas, baboons, water leguaan are predators of crocodile eggs.

The Southern Cross, Scorpio or Scorpion, Orion the hunter are 3 constellations that can be enjoyed
during a night camping in the Zambezi Valley.

Black Crowned night heron and White Backed night heron are some of the species of heron found
along Zambezi River.

Fish Eagle build its nest on the fork of tree branches of twigs.

Marabou stork is the largest stock found on the Zambezi River.

Kanyemba Island is located at the confluence of Zambezi and Kafue and was named after chief
Kanyemba who once resided there.

The act of putting up tents, never leave scrapes outside, camp too proximity to your clients to avail
assistance when needed, do not camp too close to water and camp on the foot paths of animals and
under the Apple Ring (Faidherbia Albida) or Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana) to ensure safety of clients
against predators.

A trainee guide is supposed to log 8 hours a day and can be signed for by his superior.
KARIBA HYDRO POWER GENERATION INFORMATION

Operation Noah started 1958 to 1964

Successful feasibility study for hydroelectric power by J Jaffares in 1941.

Richard Costain, civil engineering firm awarded contract to build settlement for 1000 engineers and
workers in 1954.

Impresit an Italian Consortium set to build dam wall in mid 1955.

Andre Coyne, French engineer and inventor, a specialist in arch dams, designed the Dam Wall

Dam Wall took 5 years to build

Dam Wall measures 128 metres

Dam Wall base 26 metres

Dam wall crest 13 metres

Dam Wall length more than half ½ kms (612 mtrs)

Deepest point on the Lake Kariba 120 mtrs.

Dam Wall contains more than 11 000 tones of steel

Dam Wall contains more than 1 million cubic meters of concrete

Length of Lake Kariba 281 kms long more than 5 000 kms coverage

Widest point on the Lake more than 40 Kms

Shoreline length 2000 kms

Lake Kariba was born on 3 December 1958

Queen Mother officially opened Kariba Dam Wall on 17 May 1960

Kariba Lake assumed its present dimension in September 1963, took 5 years to fill up.
Kapenta fish was introduced in Lake Kariba late 1960s

Minimum Retention level (MRL) is 487,8 mtrs above sea level

Surface Area at MRL is 5 580 square km (same size as Wales)

Volume of water at MRL is 185 billion cubic meters (This would be enough water to supply Greater
London for 300 years.

Mean Annual Evaporation 1, 56m (This drop will expose 236.25 square kms of land)

There are 6 flood gates each measuring 9, 0 m × 8,8 mtrs (Flow through gate at MRL is 1574 cubic
metres/sec = 136 billion /day

Plunge /spilling pool depth 81m, volume of water 335 000 cubic metres.

KARIBA HYDRO-POWER GENERATION – Zimbabwe (South Bank) and Zambia (North Bank)

South Bank there are 6 × 111 MW = 666 MW to 6 × 125MW = 750 MW

North Bank there are 4 × 150 MW = 600 MW

NB: With the recently completed additional turbines, Kariba South Bank has additional electricity
output of 2 × 150 MW (200 000 hp) = 300 MW + old existing 750 MW = 1 050 MW total electricity
output.

Kariba North Bank has completed its additional turbines with an increase of electricity output of 2 × 180
MW (240 000hp) = 360 MW + old output of 600 MW = 960 MW total electricity output.

Aggregate /combined electricity output for both Kariba North Bank = 960 MW

And Kariba South Bank = 1050 MW

Total output = 1 626 MW (2 181 000 hp)

ZAMBEZI RIVER AND VICTORIA FALLS INFORMATION

Largest 2 left hand tributaries of the middle Zambezi River are Kafue and Luangwa Rivers in Zambia.

Zambezi River is controlled and manned by Zambezi River Authority for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.

For over 2 million years ago Zambezi used to flow through what is now Makgadikigadi Pan in Botswana.
However, as a result of tectonic uplift, a vast lake was formed and the river shifted eastward mbezi has
its source in Zambia at Mwinilunga District in northwest Zambia, 1500m above sea level. More
specifically the source is a marshy black wetland, known as the dambo, in the centre of the iconic
Miombo Woodland. The Zambezi River mouth is at Quelimane at the Indian Ocean

Zambezi River length 2 574 km to 2 700 km

Zambezi River width/breadth is from as little as 2 to 8 km

There two man-made Lakes on Zambezi River, Lake Kariba and Lake Cabora Bassa. However, 5 820
small dams are located on the Zambezi River basin. And this corresponds to a storage capacity estimated
at about 4, 6 million cubic metres.

Catchment area of Zambezi River flows through countries of Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia,
Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Area covered 1 390 000 square kilometers

Width of Victoria Falls 1708 m and average height 100 m.

Victoria Falls means Mosi- oa- Tunya, the smoke that thunders.

First Zambezi Bridge was completed 2 September 1905.

THE MAIN RIVERS IN AFRICA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SIZE:

NILE RIVER which is Africa’s longest river. Its length is 6 650 km. Source Blue Nile, White Nile. Mouth is
at the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Basin covers an area of 3,4 million square km

CONGO RIVER with largest discharge on the continent, is the second longest rivers in Africa. Length is 4
700 km. Source Lake Tanganyika, Chambeshi River, East African Rift, Lake Mweru. Basin size is 4, 014,
500 square km.

NIGER is the principal river of the West Africa, extending about 4 180 km. Its drainage basin is 2
117,700 square km in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands, in south eastern guinea. Its mouth is
the Gulf of Guinea, Atlantic Ocean. AND

ZAMBEZI

CATARACTS AND FALLS ON ZAMBEZI RIVER:

Devils Cataract,

Eastern Cataract,

Main Falls,

Horse Shoe Falls,

Rainbow Falls,

Armchair Falls,

Batoka Gorge.

UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS
NEWTON (N) – Is the International Standard (SI) unit of measure for force. 1 newton is equal to 1
kilogram meter per second squared in the absence of other force producing effects. In plain English, 1
newton of force is the force required to accelerate the object with a mass of 1 kilogram 1 meter per
second per second. NB. Newton symbol (N) is the SI unit of force. It is named after Sir Isaac Newton
because of his great works on classical machines

Formula to convert kilograms to Newton: To make a change between these two units of measurements,
the formula to be used is Kg × 9,807 = Newton which is same conversion calculation. As an example, 2 kg
= 19.6 Newton and 5kgs = 49 N.

NB. Difference between mass and weight:

Mass is the measurement of the amount of matter something contains.

Weight is the measurement of the pull of gravity on an object.

PRESSSURE AND HOW IT IS MEASURED

The standard SI unit for pressure measurement is the Pascal (Pa) which is equivalent to 1 Newton per
square metre (N/m2) or the KiloPascal (kpa) where 1 kpa = 1000Pa. In the English system, pressure is
usually expressed in pounds per square inch (psi)

How do we measure pressure?

PRESSURE is typically measured in units of force per unit of surface area. Instruments used to measure
and display pressure in an integral unit are called pressure meters or pressure gauges or vacuum gauges.
A manometer is good example as it uses a column of liquid to both measure and indicate pressure.

BAROMETER is one of a common instruments used to measure pressure. Another instrument is the
Bourdon tube used to measure pressure of gases or liquids in sealed containers. Mercury is commonly
used in

Venus and Mars are 2 planets that can be visible to the naked eyes on a dark night.

Water mongoose, hyenas, baboons, water leguaan are predators of crocodile eggs.

The Southern Cross, Scorpio or Scorpion, Orion the hunter are 3 constellations that can be enjoyed
during a night camping in the Zambezi Valley.

Black Crowned night heron and White Backed night heron are some of the species of heron found
along Zambezi River.

Fish Eagle build its nest on the fork of tree branches of twigs.

Marabou stork is the largest stock found on the Zambezi River.

Kanyemba Island is located at the confluence of Zambezi and Kafue and was named after chief
Kanyemba who once resided there.
The act of putting up tents, never leave scrapes outside, camp too proximity to your clients to avail
assistance when needed, do not camp too close to water and camp on the foot paths of animals and
under the Apple Ring (Faidherbia Albida) or Sausage Tree (Kigelia Africana) to ensure safety of clients
against predators.

A trainee guide is supposed to log 8 hours a day and can be signed for by his superior.

KARIBA HYDRO POWER GENERATION INFORMATION

Operation Noah started 1958 to 1964

Successful feasibility study for hydroelectric power by J Jaffares in 1941.

Richard Costain, civil engineering firm awarded contract to build settlement for 1000 engineers and
workers in 1954.

Impresit an Italian Consortium set to build dam wall in mid 1955.

Andre Coyne, French engineer and inventor, a specialist in arch dams, designed the Dam Wall

Dam Wall took 5 years to build

Dam Wall measures 128 metres

Dam Wall base 26 metres

Dam wall crest 13 metres

Dam Wall length more than half ½ kms (612 mtrs)

Deepest point on the Lake Kariba 120 mtrs.

Dam Wall contains more than 11 000 tones of steel

Dam Wall contains more than 1 million cubic meters of concrete

Length of Lake Kariba 281 kms long more than 5 000 kms coverage

Widest point on the Lake more than 40 Kms

Shoreline length 2000 kms

Lake Kariba was born on 3 December 1958

Queen Mother officially opened Kariba Dam Wall on 17 May 1960

Kariba Lake assumed its present dimension in September 1963, took 5 years to fill up.

Kapenta fish was introduced in Lake Kariba late 1960s

Minimum Retention level (MRL) is 487,8 mtrs above sea level

Surface Area at MRL is 5 580 square km (same size as Wales)

Volume of water at MRL is 185 billion cubic meters (This would be enough water to supply Greater
London for 300 years.

Mean Annual Evaporation 1, 56m (This drop will expose 236.25 square kms of land)

There are 6 flood gates each measuring 9, 0 m × 8,8 mtrs (Flow through gate at MRL is 1574 cubic
metres/sec = 136 billion /day

Plunge /spilling pool depth 81m, volume of water 335 000 cubic metres.

KARIBA HYDRO-POWER GENERATION – Zimbabwe (South Bank) and Zambia (North Bank)

South Bank there are 6 × 111 MW = 666 MW to 6 × 125MW = 750 MW

North Bank there are 4 × 150 MW = 600 MW

NB: With the recently completed additional turbines, Kariba South Bank has additional electricity
output of 2 × 150 MW (200 000 hp) = 300 MW + old existing 750 MW = 1 050 MW total electricity
output.

Kariba North Bank has completed its additional turbines with an increase of electricity output of 2 × 180
MW (240 000hp) = 360 MW + old output of 600 MW = 960 MW total electricity output.

Aggregate /combined electricity output for both Kariba North Bank = 960 MW

And Kariba South Bank = 1050 MW

Total output = 1 626 MW (2 181 000 hp)

ZAMBEZI RIVER AND VICTORIA FALLS INFORMATION

Largest 2 left hand tributaries of the middle Zambezi River are Kafue and Luangwa Rivers in Zambia.

Zambezi River is controlled and manned by Zambezi River Authority for both Zimbabwe and Zambia.
For over 2 million years ago Zambezi used to flow through what is now Makgadikigadi Pan in Botswana.
However, as a result of tectonic uplift, a vast lake was formed and the river shifted eastward mbezi has
its source in Zambia at Mwinilunga District in northwest Zambia, 1500m above sea level. More
specifically the source is a marshy black wetland, known as the dambo, in the centre of the iconic
Miombo Woodland. The Zambezi River mouth is at Quelimane at the Indian Ocean

Zambezi River length 2 574 km to 2 700 km

Zambezi River width/breadth is from as little as 2 to 8 km

There two man-made Lakes on Zambezi River, Lake Kariba and Lake Cabora Bassa. However, 5 820
small dams are located on the Zambezi River basin. And this corresponds to a storage capacity estimated
at about 4, 6 million cubic metres.

Catchment area of Zambezi River flows through countries of Angola, Botswana, Mozambique, Namibia,
Zambia, Zimbabwe.

Area covered 1 390 000 square kilometers

Width of Victoria Falls 1708 m and average height 100 m.

Victoria Falls means Mosi- oa- Tunya, the smoke that thunders.

First Zambezi Bridge was completed 2 September 1905.

THE MAIN RIVERS IN AFRICA IN ACCORDANCE WITH SIZE:

NILE RIVER which is Africa’s longest river. Its length is 6 650 km. Source Blue Nile, White Nile. Mouth is
at the Mediterranean Sea. The Nile Basin covers an area of 3,4 million square km

CONGO RIVER with largest discharge on the continent, is the second longest rivers in Africa. Length is 4
700 km. Source Lake Tanganyika, Chambeshi River, East African Rift, Lake Mweru. Basin size is 4, 014,
500 square km.

NIGER is the principal river of the West Africa, extending about 4 180 km. Its drainage basin is 2
117,700 square km in area. Its source is in the Guinea Highlands, in south eastern guinea. Its mouth is
the Gulf of Guinea, Atlantic Ocean. AND

ZAMBEZI

CATARACTS AND FALLS ON ZAMBEZI RIVER:

Devils Cataract,

Eastern Cataract,

Main Falls,

Horse Shoe Falls,

Rainbow Falls,

Armchair Falls,

Batoka Gorge.

UNITS OF MEASUREMENTS

NEWTON (N) – Is the International Standard (SI) unit of measure for force. 1 newton is equal to 1
kilogram meter per second squared in the absence of other force producing effects. In plain English, 1
newton of force is the force required to accelerate the object with a mass of 1 kilogram 1 meter per
second per second. NB. Newton symbol (N) is the SI unit of force. It is named after Sir Isaac Newton
because of his great works on classical machines

Formula to convert kilograms to Newton: To make a change between these two units of measurements,
the formula to be used is Kg × 9,807 = Newton which is same conversion calculation. As an example, 2 kg
= 19.6 Newton and 5kgs = 49 N.

NB. Difference between mass and weight:

Mass is the measurement of the amount of matter something contains.

Weight is the measurement of the pull of gravity on an object.

PRESSSURE AND HOW IT IS MEASURED

The standard SI unit for pressure measurement is the Pascal (Pa) which is equivalent to 1 Newton per
square metre (N/m2) or the KiloPascal (kpa) where 1 kpa = 1000Pa. In the English system, pressure is
usually expressed in pounds per square inch (psi)

How do we measure pressure?

PRESSURE is typically measured in units of force per unit of surface area. Instruments used to measure
and display pressure in an integral unit are called pressure meters or pressure gauges or vacuum gauges.
A manometer is good example as it uses a column of liquid to both measure and indicate pressure.

BAROMETER is one of a common instruments used to measure pressure. Another instrument is the
Bourdon tube used to measure pressure of gases or liquids in sealed containers. Mercury is commonly
used insist of not less than 6 and not more than 12 member appointed by the Minister. The Minister
shall delegate one member of the Board as Chair and another member as vice chair. The vice shall
exercise functions and powers and perform duties of the Chair during any period when the Chair is
unable to exercise his functions.

Minister may appoint any person to the Board as an alternate to a member.

(a) Five shall be chosen for their experience or professional qualifications in the following fields or areas
of competence —

(i) Wild life conservation; and

(ii) Environmental conservation; and

(iii) Tourism; and

(iv) Human resources management;

(v) Business and financial management

(vi) One shall be a legal practitioner registered in terms of the Legal Practitioners Act [Chapter 27:07].

10) Appointment and functions of Director-General and Directors of Authority

(1) For the better exercise of the functions of the Authority, the Board shall appoint for a fixed term of
office, and on such other terms and conditions as the Board may fix, a person to be the Director-General
of the Authority and such number of persons to be Directors of the Authority as may be necessary to
assist the Director-General in the performance of his functions.

(2) Without the authority of the Minister, no person shall be appointed as Director- General or as
Director and no person shall be qualified to hold office if ¾

(Disqualification Factors For Director General’s Appointment)

(a) He is not a citizen of Zimbabwe; or

(b) He has been adjudged or otherwise declared insolvent or bankrupt in terms of a law in force in any
country, and has not been rehabilitated or discharged; or

(c) He has made an assignment to or arrangement or composition with his creditors in terms of a law in
force in any country, and the assignment, the arrangement or composition has not been rescinded or
set aside; or

(d) Within the period of five years immediately preceding his proposed appointment, he has been
sentenced ¾

(i) In Zimbabwe, in respect of an offence involving dishonesty; or

(ii) Outside Zimbabwe, in respect of conduct which, if committed in Zimbabwe, would have constituted
an offence involving dishonesty.

(Vacation Factors Of Director General’s office)

(3) A Director-General or Director shall vacate his office and his office shall become vacant ¾ (a)
One month after the date he gives notice in writing to the Board of his intention to resign his office or
after the expiry of such other period of notice as he and the Minister may agree; or (b) On the
date he begins to serve a sentence of imprisonment in Zimbabwe or in any other country,

(4) The Board may require a Director-General or Director to vacate his office if he ¾

(a) has been guilty of conduct which renders him unsuitable to continue to hold office; (b) has
failed to comply with any condition of his office;

(c) has ceased to possess any qualification by reason of which he was appointed;

(d) is mentally or physically incapable of efficiently performing his duties;

(e) or his spouse engages in any occupation, service or employment, or holds any asset, which in the
Board's opinion is inconsistent with his duties.

(5) The Director-General shall, subject to the direction of the Board, be responsible for— (a)
supervising, managing and controlling the operations of the Authority;

(b) carrying out any directions given to him by the Board; and

(c) performing such other functions as the Board may assign to him or as may be conferred or imposed
upon him by or under this Act or any other enactment.

(6) An assignment of functions in terms of paragraph (c) of subsection (5)—

(a) may be made generally or specially and subject to such conditions, restrictions, reservations and
exceptions as the Board may determine;

(b) may be revoked by the Board at any time;

(c) shall not preclude the Board itself from exercising the functions.

(7) The Director-General may, with the consent of the Board, delegate to Directors such of the powers
and duties conferred upon or delegated to him in terms of this Act as he thinks fit.

(8) All powers and duties delegated to Director by the Director-General shall be exercised subject to the
directions of the Director-General.

(9) The Board may engage persons otherwise than as employees, to perform services of a specialised,
technical or professional nature for the Authority.

(10) The Director-General shall be an ex officio member of the Board and shall act as its secretary but
he shall not have a vote on any question before the Board.

(11) Any remuneration, allowances, pensions and other benefits to which the Director-General and any
Director is entitled shall be chargeable to the funds of the Authority.

Section 11 Appointment of other staff of Authority

(1) The Director-General may, on behalf of and with the concurrence of the Authority, employ, on such
terms and conditions as he may determine, such officers, inspectors or other employees as may be
necessary for the purpose of exercising the powers and performing the duties conferred and imposed
upon officers, inspectors and employees in terms of this Act, and generally for the conduct of the affairs
of the Authority, and may suspend, discipline or discharge any such persons.

(2) An officer, inspector or employee shall be furnished with a certificate signed by

or on behalf of the chairman of the Board which shall state that the holder has been designated as an
officer, inspector or employee for the purposes of this Parks and Wildlife Act (Chapter 20:14).

(3) An officer, inspector or employee exercising any power or performing any duty conferred or
imposed upon him in terms of this Act or about to do so shall, on demand by any person concerned,
produce the certificate issued to him in terms of subsection (2).

(4) The Director-General may delegate to officers, inspectors and employees such of the powers
conferred upon him in terms of this Act as it thinks fit.

(5) Any remuneration, allowances, pensions and other benefits to which officers, inspectors or other
employees of the Authority are entitled shall be chargeable to the funds of the Authority. [substituted
by Act 19 of 2001 with effect from the 1st June, 2002.]

FINANCIAL PROVISIONS

Funds of Authority. The funds of the Authority shall consist of¾¾

(a) all fees payable in terms of this Act and the proceeds from the sale of any State trophies; and

(b) fines and amounts payable in terms of sections one hundred and three and one hundred and four;
and

(c) such moneys as may be payable to the Authority from moneys appropriated for the purpose by Act
of Parliament; and

(d) such other moneys as may vest in or accrue to the Authority, whether in the course of its
operations or otherwise.

13 Financial year of Authority The financial year of the Authority shall be the period of twelve months
ending on the 31st December in each year.

TERMS OF OFFICE OF MEMBERS (TENURE OF OFFICE)

A member shall hold office for a period not exceeding 4 years as the Minister may determine. Upon
expiration of tenure of office, a member may be eligible for reappointment.

DISQUALIFICATION FOR APPOINTMENT AS MEMBER

No member shall be qualified for appointment if:

a) Is not a citizen of Zimbabwe and permanently resident therein.

b) Has been adjudged or declared insolvent or bankrupt and has not been rehabilitated or discharged.
Or made an assignment or arrangement with his creditors which has not been rescinded or set aside.

c) Within the period of 5 years immediately preceding the date of his proposed appointment been
convicted- within Zimbabwe or outside Zimbabwe of a criminal offence.

VACATION OF OFFICE BY MEMBERS

A member may vacate his or her office and the office shall be vacant:

a) One month after the date he gives notice in writing to the Minister of his or her intention to resign.

b) 30 days after the date he is sentenced to imprisonment by Court.

c) If he becomes disqualified.

MINISTER MAY REQUIRE MEMBERS TO VACATE OFFICE OR MAY SUSPEND THEM

Vacation reasons:

The member may be required to vacate his office:

a) If guilty of improper conduct as a member.

b) Has failed to comply with the conditions of his office as determined by the Minister.

c) is mentally or physically incapable of efficiently performing his duties as a member.

Suspension reasons:

A member may be suspended from office by the Minister to whom the criminal proceedings are
instituted for an offence in respect of which a sentence of imprisonment without the option of a fine
may be imposed.

FUNCTIONS AND DUTIES OF PARKS BOARD shall be to examine and report from time to
time upon:
a) The policy which should be adopted to give effect to the objects and purpose of the Parks Act.

b) The conservation and utilization of wild life resources of Zimbabwe.

c) The conservation and utilization of fish resources of Zimbabwe.

d) The preservation and protection of natural landscapes, wild life and plants and the natural ecological
stability in national parks.
e) The preservation and protection of the rare or endangered plant communities growing naturally in
the wild in botanical reserves.

f) The propagation and cultivation of exotic and indigenous plants in botanical garden.

g) The protection of animals or particular species of animals in a sanctuary.

h) The preservation and protection of the natural habitat and wild life in safari areas and the facilities
and opportunities given to the public for camping, fishing, animals and birds watching, photographing
and hunting.

i) The preservation and protection of natural features of recreational parks.

J) Plans for the development of all park areas.

RECOMMENDATION FOR CONSTITUTION OF PARK AREAS

The President relates to land which is:

a) Forest land unless the Forestry Commission has been consulted.

b) Communal Land, unless the Minister responsible for administration of the Communal Land Act
(Chapter 20:04) has been consulted.

c) Within the area under the jurisdiction of local authority has been consulted.