Tilman Schimmel

Tilman Schimmel

Meet Tilman Schimmel (pictured above), economist, soon-to-be fully fledged lawyer and thoroughly nice guy from near Stuttgart, Germany. Tilman was our guest on the 1st 2011 edition of the Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild, our Sunday night radio show that airs on Zambezi Radio 107.7 fm weekly between 20.30 and 21.30 hrs. 107.7 fm is Livingstone’s best loved local radio station with a listener radius of about 70 kms, strong enough to be heard in Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe and Kasane in Botswana.

Tilman was staying at Chanters Lodge for a week, prior to travelling to Johannesburg, South Africa, to take up a 3 month internship with LindsayKeller top attorneys – ‘solution orientated thinking’ quote/unquote! Tilman told listeners that he was very much looking forward to the challenge, though somewhat concerned about the reported dangers of life in Johannesburg. This attachment forms part of the law degree course that he has nearly completed at Eberhard-Karls University, Tubingen.

Still young, Tilman loves to travel which he’s been doing since age 16 and we were surprised to hear that he’d already visited 73 different countries! He professed to love South Africa, Nepal and Seychelles the most. Couldn’t differ with him on the last one, having spent two and a half happy years in Seychelles – ‘The Islands of Love’ – as Food and Beverage Manager, Reef Hotel back in the 70’s.

“Are you married”? Milli Jam asked Tilman. He replied he was not, but told listeners he had a girlfriend back in Stuttgart, a teacher, unable to travel to Zambia with him as she was ‘dogsitting’. A phrase, I suspect, not too easily understood by our Zambian listeners! He was very much hoping she’d be able to join him for a while during his time in Johannesburg.

The music on the show was good. After our opening theme by Aggro Santos we spun ‘Immabadboy’ a single by Mr.Vezzy featuring Mugeez from R2Bees the Ghanian outfit. Vezzy is a DJ on Qfm one of Lusaka’s hot radio stations and this single’s making waves – “brought to you by Richard Chanter via Twitter” I added! We played it back to back with Sean Kingston’s ‘Party All Night’ which Zambians were still doing as our show aired! George’s Zambian selection was ‘old and new’ – the old – Black Muntu’s ‘Chibzibe’, the new – B’flow’s ‘No More Kawilo’. I really liked that one, “what does it mean”? I enquired. ‘No more being single’ I was told, though as usual there appeared to be some debate!

Milli Jam wanted to know what activities Tilman had done or had planned while he was in Zambia. It was clear that he was very interested in the local culture and had even been playing ‘solo’, a traditional game, in Livingstone Zimbabwe Market with local characters. The following day he had a trip planned to Zimbabwe to see ‘the other side’ of Victoria Falls, and the day afterwards a visit to Botswana on the Chobe 1 day safari offered by Chanters Lodge. Tilman has a keen interest in animals and wildlife.

The music continued with ‘Fireworks’ by Alicia Keys ft Drake and the ‘still at number one in UK’ Matt Cardle’s cover of the Biffy Clyro number ‘When We Collide’ (originally ‘Many Of Horror’ – gotta be one of the weirdist pop titles ever!) We gave away the usual dinner for two – won by Lydia for rightly texting us that Tilman was from Germany and updated listeners on pop chart information from UK and USA, and this week Germany too in deference to Tilman.

“So you’re a qualified economist and soon-to-be fully fledged lawyer” Milli Jam observed to Tilman, “what sort of job would you like when your course is through”? After a pause for thought Tilman replied that he’d love to hold a post with an international company which afforded him the opportunity to travel. Great stuff – and I wouldn’t bet against this serious young man achieving his ambition.

4
JAN
0

Africa, Botswana, Chanters, Germany, guests, livingstone, music, radioshow, rsa, victoriafalls, Zambia, Zimbabwe

Airport Security Charge

Airport Security Charge

National Airports in Zambia have introduced an ‘airport security charge’ on departure for all passengers – US$5 per person international and US$3 per person domestic. Please make sure you have the cash available in either US$ or Zambian Kwacha. It is not clear at this stage whether the charge can be included in the cost of your ticket, like the regular departure tax.

The police are now checking underneath vehicles with mirrors as you approach Livingstone Airport. Presumably this irritating new charge is to pay for this service.

Happy New Year!

2
JAN
0

airlines, livingstone, Lusaka, tourism, transport, Zambia

Upside Down!

Upside Down!

So you’d like to Bungee Jump when you come to Livingstone, staying at Chanters Lodge obviously?

Great! This is how you’ll end up!

Upside down, dangling above the Zambezi on a large elastic band.

Still fancy it? Good for you!

Thanks to Di for the great photo!

30
DEC
1

activities, Africa, livingstone, victoriafalls, zambezi, Zambia

Cresta Mukuni Safari Lodge

Cresta Mukuni Safari Lodge


This from pr.com caught my eye – as you’d expect! Don’t know where it is to be situated but from the sound of it, somewhere in Chief Mukuni’s area. Now there’s a surprise! (There he is above).

Capital Corp Merchant Banking is pleased to announce that it has signed on for a $15.4 M project with Zambian corporation Playland Limited to create the Cresta Mukuni Safari Lodge Victoria Falls. The aim of the project is to build an internationally recognized 4-star Safari Lodge with modern facilities: amenities and conveniences which will cater for incentive groups from Europe and America with facilities that can also be used for local and regional markets in the European off-season. Apart from hotel accommodations, the project will offer other timeshare facilities that will cater to both local and foreign clientele.

The business concept of the project is strong, given the significant gap in the market for Safari and wilderness type high-end hotels in the Victoria Falls area where only 70 hotel rooms exist on the Zimbabwean side, and with limited conference facilities. In order to have a quick impact on the market and to enhance its position, Playland Limited has signed a management contract with Cresta Hospitality which is one of the biggest hospitality groups in southern Africa managing and operating 13 properties in 3 countries (Zimbabwe, Botswana, and Nigeria), to manage its property. This will provide the development with the key personnel, marketing strategies, and implementation strategy needed to insure a smooth and efficient development.

Cresta Mukuni will be twinned with the famous Cresta Mowana Safari Lodge situated in the Botswana National Park, which has won major international awards.

26
DEC
0

2011, accommodation, Africa, hotels, infrastructure, innovation, livingstone, tourism, victoriafalls, Zambia

Crash Landing In Dambwa

Crash Landing In Dambwa


From Lusaka Times
Monday, December 13, 2010
Zambia: Residents find naked ‘wizard’ in the compound

The Police discharged a man who was arrested on suspicion of witchcraft when he was found naked in a backyard at one of the houses in Livingstone’s Dambwa Central Compound last week. Eyewitnesses said the man who happened to be a stranger was discovered nude in the early hours of the morning at a certain House in the DB Section of the compound. Some Dambwa residents eventually started beating up the man while others demanded that he gets burnt with a tyre around his neck.

The residents claimed that the man was coming from Mulobezi using superstitious powers to fly all the way and consequently crash-landed. The uncompromising residents where positive that the man has been flying using a ‘juju’ Plane and eventually ran out of fuel commonly understood to be human blood. The elderly man, in his early sixties, was briefly manhandled by a multitude of residents before he was rushed to Dambwa Police Station.

A crew of scribes that rushed to the Police Post only found a crowd of people gathered outside the station mumbling among themselves as to why the Police released the man believed to be a wizard. Dambwa Central Police Officer-In-Charge, Gregory Sibajene could not comment whether the man was still in custody as his office was locked and his phone was off but a source close to the Police Station confirmed that the man was detained for almost an hour and released later. The source further disclosed that when questioned by Police, the man could not utter sensible words except that he stays in Mulobezi. The Police failed to figure out what his mission was in Livingstone as everything he said was incoherent.

Southern Province Commanding Officer, Lemmy Kajoba said the man was released on grounds of mental illness. Mr.Kajoba said many details could not be extracted from him since he was ill and had no case to answer.

23
DEC
0

Africa, livingstone, Zambia

RIP Crystal Shaun

RIP Crystal Shaun


George Da Soulchild, co-host of our regular Sunday night radio show – The Chanters Lodge Experience with the Milli Jam Ingredient – writes about a new album release, and sadly the untimely premature death of a young Zambian music star:

K’millian’s new album ‘Escape’ on release

Local artiste Leo Moyo aka K’Millian has released his sixth studio album, titled Escape, under Runell’s Showdown Studios. K’millian whose previous release Triumph did not fare as well as his fans expected, explained that his latest project comes together with his new resolution to embark on live performances. In an interview with The Post newspaper, K’millian said his plan was to promote his new album in a unique style and to use live performances most of the time. He also said that he’s recruited female dancers to hype up the shows and he added that his new album addresses a number of issues including love. Escape is a 13 track album produced by Runell, Jerry D, Jerry Fingaz and K’millian himself, and the album can be found in all leading music stores across the country.

Crystal Shaun put to rest

Pictured above and born Webster Katongo Chilufya on September 4th 1983, popularly known by his stage name Crystal Shaun, died in his sleep on December 14th 2010. Crystal Shaun’s style could be described as tongue twisted and poetic ragamuffin in very fluent Bemba. His command of this poetry inspired me a lot and I’m sure it greatly inspired a lot of other Zambian musicians and music fans as well. I remember how we met in November 2000 and it just seems like a month ago. We quickly got along very well and went from strangers to friends, then to best of friends, and then to brothers as time passed by. Our love for music brought us even closer.

It’s not possible at this moment to count all the things that he did and the contributions that he made musically, but his personality was his greatest charm. Crystal Shaun was a nice, humble and respectful guy who loved to tell stories and laugh with his friends and family. He was a peaceful person, a person that you could rely on when you needed him. A hard worker who relentlessly worked hard to push himself and his friends forward.

He worked with artistes including K’millian,Ty2, Runell, Exile, Leo Muntu, Jk, and Mc Wabweno just to mention a few. His burial was attended by almost all Zambian artistes both from the new school and old school while his music plays on, even as we celebrate his life and mourn his death. He leaves behind a wife and his 7 week old son, as well as family, friends and fans who feel robbed. Gone too soon Crystal Shaun you inspired us, you live on inside us, your memory’s alive with us

Rest in peace my brother and friend.

22
DEC
0

Africa, Chanters, livingstone, music, radioshow, Zambia

The Aussies Are Back!

The Aussies Are Back!


No! Even though it’s Ashes time this isn’t a cricket reference! The headline refers to the three Australian ladies pictured above left to right – Judy Smetherham, Kerry Hegney and Di Rapson, appearing (with furry friends) for the second time on our weekly Sunday night radio show, The Chanters Lodge Experience with The Milli Jam Ingredient featuring George da Soulchild, which goes out live at 20.30 hours for an hour on Zambezi Radio 107.7 fm. The ladies’ first appearance was back in April 2009 on their last visit to Zambia. What brought them back? Well, when they were asked this on air, their smart reply was “we heard rumours Richard was looking much younger”! “Quite right too!” I said, while others just sniggered…

In fact the ‘girls’ were back in Livingstone for two weeks to do some of the things they hadn’t done on their last visit, including a microlight flight over the Falls, a swim in Devil’s Pool on Livingstone Island and a two night, three day visit to the Okavango Delta in Botswana, leaving from Kasane Airport the next day. They also planned to do the cheetah encounter and as usual visit Maramba Market and Zambian friends they’d made during their last stay. In a way more importantly, the ladies had come from Australia via the Copperbelt in Zambia where they’d delivered 400 school bags, and over 200 soft toys to children at Chiwawatala, Chankuta and Mishikishi Primary Schools. They had to get special permission from the airlines they used to carry all that excess luggage in such a good cause. Oh! and they brought some beanies too. “Beanies”? I hear you ask. Don’t know your Aussie slang do ya? Woollen hats in real English. I only knew the slang as the ladies kindly brought me the ‘Australian Slang Dictionary’! Allows me to be rude to the Aussie cricketers on TV in their own language.

The only tinge of sadness was the news that Mr Billy Mulonda, head of one of the families the ladies had been helping in Ndola had been struck by lightning and killed the day they were leaving the Copperbelt. We sent our deepest condolences. After the Copperbelt the ladies had spent time at Mfue Lodge in South Luangwa National Park and had had a great time, seeing loads and loads of different animals.

The music on the show was awesome and featured numbers from Aggro Santos, Bruno Mars and Cee Lo Green to get the party started. George chose Cray J with ‘Chipe’ for the first of his local tracks, and then Brothahood Crew with ‘If It’s Loving’. George himself featured on this track – as I mentioned last week he’s a locally famous singer by the name of Kafuela as well as a great DJ and technician. George was hot from a live rock show at a venue in Livingstone on Saturday afternoon organized by 107.7 fm. ‘Were you mobbed by young girls’? I wanted to know. ‘Of course’! Was the short answer. Milli Jam chose 112 with ‘Only You’ and Aliyah with ‘Age Ain’t Nothing But A Number’ for his tracks, after which we moved on to ‘Bottoms Up’ by Trey Songz featuring Nicki Minaj, ‘Love All Over Me’ by Monica and Jay Sean’s great ‘Break Ya Back’!

“What have you ladies been up to since the last time we saw you” Milli Jam wanted to know. Well, plenty was the answer. Judy had travelled to the UK and Paris, Kerry to Egypt, Turkey and Holland and Di to Bali. Di, who’d sadly lost her dad during this period, had also been to shows by Pink and Nickelback in Perth where these ladies live. “Noticed any changes in Livingstone and at Chanters”? The DJ’s wanted to know. “Plenty”! The girls replied – mentioning new rooms and the suite at Chanters, as well as Richard and Annastasia’s new offices. They’d seen that Livingstone boasted a new shopping mall.

As usual we gave away a dinner for 2 at Chanters Lodge with drinks to the first person this week who could tell us where these lively and funny ladies came from. Australia was the first answer we received by text from Karen. Result!

8
DEC
0

accommodation, activities, Africa, Australia, charities, children, Customers, entertainment, guests, livingstone, radioshow, volunteers, wildlife, Zambia

TravelComments

TravelComments


Recently we were very happy that our guest blog featured on TravelComments.

TravelComments.com travelzine keeps travellers up to date about Southern Africa and the world of travelling. They provide you with the TravelComments.com country guides for South Africa, Namibia, Botswana, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Swaziland and Lesotho, as well as city guides for Cape Town, Durban, Johannesburg and Pretoria. There is travel planning support, route suggestions, self-drive tours and much more, such as the daily updated umhambi travel blog, the travel shop (books, dvd, music, maps), videos, webcams, wallpapers & recipes.

You can follow TravelComments on Twitter for daily tour updates, interesting news and much more from and about Southern Africa and visit us on Facebook! By the way, they say, don’t think too much about your college loan consolidation. Go travelling & enjoy the time of your life!

Bookings & more is the travellers booking platform for accommodation all over Southern Africa, tours in the Kruger National Park, Cape Town, along the Garden Route, in Johannesburg, Port Elizabeth and Durban, as well as tours in the Chobe National Park, the Okavango Delta, Victoria Falls, Etosha National Park, Sossusvlei and Swakopmund and much more!

TravelComments informs tourists & travelers with neat up to date reviews.

There you are then, and thanks again to Seb at TravelComments for posting our guest blog!

2
DEC
1

accommodation, Africa, blog, Chanters, livingstone, tourism, travel, victoriafalls, Zambia

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