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About Cecil kop Nature reserve Zimbabwe
Cecil kop Nature reserve in Zimbabwe is a wildlife sanctuary situated closer to Mutare city in about 2 kilometers away. This Natural reserve in Zimbabwe sits on approximately 1500 hectares. The Cecil kop Nature reserve was gazette in 1977 as a getaway for those who wish to step away from the usual environment and get to bond with nature. This Natural reserve is also used for education purposes.
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A the moment, the Cecil kop Nature reserve is under the management of Wildlife and Environment Zimbabwe Manicaland Branch. The Cecil kop Nature reserve is home to a number of animals like elephants, zebras, giraffes, waterbucks, bushbucks, an array of birds and much more. This being a natural reserve has varied environment zones that favor the survival of different animals that is montane grassland, forest cover, vleis, Branchystegia woodland, gullies and much more. Contact us
The undulating granite topped hillside is covered with Miombo woodland and valleys filled with dense forest that hosts a wide range of bird species. Keen birds on a rash have this destination as one of the points to start with while on Zimbabwe safari. Some of the birds you may spot in Cecil kop Nature reserve include Miombo double collared sunbird, spotted creepers and others. Contact us
Brief history of Cecil kop Nature reserve
The Cecil kop Nature reserve was set up by a couple that is Mr and Mrs Mike Hitschmann who has volunteered in this reserve in 1987. They both worked so hard to set up this Nature reserve to its glory but because of the political atmosphere in Zimbabwe by 2000, the status of the sanctuary hit rock bottom.
In this period, the management of the park was handed to other people who paid less attention. The wild animals living in Cecil kop Nature reserve then were poached, others starved while others fed. The infrastructures in the park fell and others remained in s sorrow state after Mr Hitschmann was sent to prison. After his release, he returned back to the reserve and is trying to revamp its glory. More funds are still required.
What to see and do in Cecil kop Nature reserve
Game viewing in Cecil kop Nature reserve
Game viewing inCecil kop Nature reserve is one of the amazing activities where wild animals are left to exist in an environment similar to there natural setting. During the visit in Cecil kop Nature reserve, you may spot animals like elephants, zebras, waterbucks, buffaloes, bushbucks, giraffe, samango monkeys, rare leopards, crocodiles and others.
Chances of seeing these animals is more common when the move down to drink. At the Tiger’s Kloof dam
Birding In Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
Birding inCecil kop Nature reserve is always a rewarding Zimbabwean Safari experience. During Birding in this Natura reserve, you may encounter birds like Augur buzzard high overhead, spotted creepers, Guney’s Sugar birds,Hamerkop, Miombo tits, Miombo double collared sunbird and others. An early start before the birding adventure is important for better results.
Nature walks in Cecil kop Nature reserve
Taking a guided nature walk inCecil kop Nature reserve is refreshing and a moment to get away from the chaotic city environment. Enjoy the cool breeze from the natural vegetation around the park while listening to the calls of the jungle.
Watch out for opportunities of spotting wild animals that live in Cecil kop Nature reserve. Take a guided walk in the forested area of the reserve where you mat spot some primates like olive baboons, vervet monkeys and much more.
Family outings in Cecil kop Nature reserve
Cecil kop Nature reserve is a family favorable and affordable destination that where you can take off time to relax. You may engage in camping, barbecue parties, picnics, retreats and much more. Cecil kop Nature reserve gives you a glimpse into a life of the wilderness that is normally experienced by those who can afford this life.
When is the best time to Visit Cecil kop Nature reserve
TheCecil kop Nature reserve is open all year but the dry season for those interested in outdoor activities like camping is most preferred. The dry season is normally June, July, August, September and October. This is the best time to view wild animals move down to Tiger’s Kloof Dam to quench thirst.
It is the holiday time for most people including the locals so expect to share the same space with crowds.
During the wet season that is March, April, May, you may get the chance to watch a variety of birds that grace the reserve.
In case you wish to have less disturbance from other tourists, this may be the ample time to have the Cecil kop Nature reserve to yourself and the reserve staff.
Can Children Visit Cecil kop Nature reserve
Children are very much welcome to spend time in Cecil kop Nature reserve. This natural reserve provides a safe environment for children to learn more about wildlife and importance of the ecosystems. In the larger National Parks, they are so vast for these children to understand the in-depth of there content.
Families can visit Cecil kop Nature reserve to engage in camping, do picnic, mark special days in life and much more. Give children a chance to be up close with wild animals in an environment similar to the game parks.
How Safe Is A Visit To Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
Cecil kop Nature reserve is safe for a visit any time as long as you follow the guideline of this experience. While on ground, you need to stay within the premiers of the reserve and walk ways set up so try not to move beyond the designated view points. Even though the wild animals in this nature reserve are habituated to appear before humans, they still posses wild habits.
Try not to provoke these wild animals because they can charge when agitated. When visiting Cecil kop Nature reserve with the children, ensure they are in good company so that they donot wonder into the thicker areas of the reserve.
Donot walk in Cecil kop Nature reserve without an escorting ranger guide because you may face some stray animals. In case of an emergency, shout-out for help as soon as you can so that the rescue team can act as soon as possible.
How Much Is The Cost Of Safari In Cecil Kop Nature Reserve
The cost of safari toCecil kop Nature reserve varies with the package you choose. At Encounter Africa safaris, we package our safaris according to upscale, mid-range and budget. Our tours consultants are always ready to work with you to draft a safari itinerary according to your needs and interests.
When packages our safaris to Cecil kop Nature reserve, some of the items included are based on the number of days in the reserve, activities to take part in, time of booking, number of people travelling with and much more.
The children who visit Cecil kop Nature reserve have special rates especially those on study trips. The students are given more information about the importance of wildlife conservation.
For very visitor to Cecil kop Nature reserve, you must pay some entrance fees as a compulsory cost no matter which package you choose. This is one way to contribute to the reserve maintenance fund.
Why Visit Cecil kop Nature reserve
A visit toCecil kop Nature reserve is a moment to reflect on life away from the crowds. The drive from Mutare city to Cecil kop Nature reserve is about 2 hours that about 4 kilometers but very scenic as you get away from the noise of the busy town. For children, the visit to Cecil kop Nature reserve is an opportunity to learn more about the eco systems and appreciate its importance.
Paying park fees is one of the compulsory costs in a visit to Cecil kop Nature reserve and this is one of the ways to contribute to the reserve fund. The status of Cecil kop Nature reserve deteriorated from 2006 after the arrest of Mike Hitchmann and the reserve management was handed to people who paid less attention to it. After his release, he joined hands with his friend Nyamhoka to revamp the glory of Cecil kop Nature reserve later.
More funds are still required to set up structures and rebuild Cecil kop Nature reserve to its former greatness as a wildlife reserve.
Cecil kop Nature reserve is a place where even the locals who cannot afford to pay for a safari can go to enjoy some time with wild animals like elephants, zebras, buffaloes. When you visit this natural reserve, you open more chances for these people to get to see these animals at amore subsidized cost.
We encourage tourists to tip while on safari as this is one way to encourage the caretakers of places like Cecil kop Nature reserve to love more this noble job of protecting these vulnerable wild animals. Even though tipping is not compulsory, it is a token of appreciation. Kindly tip generously to change someone’s life.
How to Get to Cecil kop Nature reserve
From Mutare city, take the road via the Herbert Chitepo Street, pass Dominic’s Girls school, carry on and turn left to Arcadia road, turn right and thenCecil kop Nature reserve. Road transport is the main means used to get to Cecil kop Nature reserve but you need a vehicle in good condition because of the nature of the roads that are dusty and bumpy.
Are animals in Cecil kop Nature reserve dangerous?
Animals living in Cecil kop Nature reserve are wild animals that still posses wild traits. They live in an environment that is similar to there life in the jungle life. The nature reserve has guidelines on how to be have while before these animals which are expected to be followed by most visitors.
It is best to use the assistance of a ranger guide while in this sanctuary so as to get the best from this adventure. Try to maintain the right distance from that separates you from the wild animals so at to avoid direct contact with them.
Try not to touch the vegetation in the reserve because there are some biting nettle that may hurt you. Wear the right clothes while in the sanctuary in wilderness friendly colors so as not to attract biting insects that may hurt you.
What to pack for a safari in Cecil kop Nature reserve
- Foldable drinking water bottle to quench thirst during the safari in Zimbabwe
- Safari wear in colors that are wilderness friendly in colors like khaki, tan and others. Try not to use colors that can attract stinging insects like blue, black and white.
- Insect repellant to keep away biting insects that may cross your way like tsetse flies. The wilderness may have some harmful insects that may make you uncomfortable with a bite.
- Rainproof proof gears especially during the wet season
- Safari hat or cap to protect your head from the dust and buzzing insects
- A pair of binoculars to capture a closer look of the surrounding of the Cecil kop Nature reserve Safari shoes especially if you have to walk as the ground is sometimes very hot and also your feet need to be protected from the rough surfaces in the wilderness.
- Flip flops to wear while relaxing at your lodge or hotel
- First aid kit in case of an emergency. It should also contain prescribed medication from a professional doctor.
- Sun glasses to protect your eyes from buzzing insects.
- Some warmers because most safari destinations in Zimbabwe experience cold conditions early morning and late afternoon.
- Some cash to use for on ground purchases as credit cards are no easy to use in Africa because of the lengthy process of collecting money from them.
- Snacks to munch on when you are on safari in case you get hungry.
- A camera to keep memorable momment while on safari in Zimbabwe there many moments that happen
- Extra batteries fully charged to exchange with in case yours one runs low.
- Duffel bag so that you can carry your belongings in case you have to help yourself.
